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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251020T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251020T103000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20250917T212002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T212002Z
UID:10468-1760952600-1760956200@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Preparing Your Course and Yourself for Difficult Classroom Discussions and Situations
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Rachel Yoho\nDo you have strategies to prepare yourself and your students to handle difficult conversations? This could be when you are having difficult conversations about topics like race\, sexuality\, religion\, politics\, or similar. These situations also could result from a discussion comment that makes a student or group uncomfortable or might even be about grades. In this workshop\, we will discuss how to design (or redesign) your course and prepare yourself to facilitate important or “hot topic” conversations in the classroom.  Background information on how to design the course and prepare for facilitating important conversations in the classroom will be provided.  This workshop is applicable to instructors across all disciplines for facilitating important conversations\, whether or not their designed course topics include socially pressing issues. This workshop is part of a four-part series for Mason faculty to engage in broadly inclusive education across all disciplines.  \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-preparing-your-course-and-yourself-for-difficult-classroom-discussions-and-situations/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Yoho":MAILTO:ryoho@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251020T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251020T160000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20250922T204241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T204300Z
UID:10484-1760970600-1760976000@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Inclusive Teaching for STEM Graduate Students Mini-Course: Session 2
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Rachel Yoho\nJoin the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning and build community with other STEM graduate students as we discuss how to create teaching and learning spaces that support all students\, instructors\, and TAs/graders.  All students\, whether current TAs or hoping to have a future grader\, TA\, or instructor of record position\, are welcome! 
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/inclusive-teaching-for-stem-graduate-students-mini-course-session-2/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Graduate Student Session
ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Yoho":MAILTO:ryoho@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251022T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251022T153000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20250917T212904Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T212904Z
UID:10469-1761143400-1761147000@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: ChatGPT\, AI Text Generator Tools\, and...Inclusive Teaching?
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Rachel Yoho\nAccess to artificial intelligence (AI) text generators has upended education – and many other sectors – as much or more than past technology advancements and innovations. Join us in this workshop as we discuss how we continue teaching with impact and to support all students in this new reality. We explore instructional approaches\, considerations\, and methods to help us teach with less stress and more strategy.  \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-chatgpt-ai-text-generator-tools-and-inclusive-teaching/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Yoho":MAILTO:ryoho@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251023T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251023T110000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20250911T134935Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250911T135131Z
UID:10440-1761213600-1761217200@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Fundamentals of Effective Teaching
DESCRIPTION:Register Here| Facilitator: Thomas Polk\nDo you want to be an effective teacher? Do you want to know how to measure your teaching effectiveness? In this workshop\, you will learn about elements of effective teaching\, including engagement\, multiple modalities\, inclusive teaching and assignment design. You will also learn how to set achievable teaching goals and measure them. This workshop is required for the Level 1 Teaching Essentials Credential for the Continuing Professional Development Program. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/fundamentals-of-effective-teaching/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251023T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251023T120000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20250925T163244Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T163310Z
UID:10488-1761217200-1761220800@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Solving the Puzzle: Engaging Non-Majors in Mason Core Courses
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Laura Poms (Mason Core)\nHow could teaching a Mason Core course possibly be any different from teaching a major course? There are an array of reasons\, resulting in some interesting instructional challenges. By definition\, the majority of students in Mason Core courses are non-majors. What does this mean for student engagement\, course content coverage\, scaffolding\, assignment design and even student support? This workshop focuses on the differences between teaching a major course and one with the broader learning outcomes associated with a Mason Core course. Whether this is your first time teaching a Mason Core course or you are a seasoned veteran\, this workshop will help you develop new strategies for increasing student engagement and success while better managing the additional workload that often comes with teaching a general education course. By completing this workshop in addition to other faculty development programming from the Stearns Center\, you can earn the Level 1: Certified Mason Core Instructor Certification. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-solving-the-puzzle-engaging-non-majors-in-mason-core-courses/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Laura Poms":MAILTO:lpoms@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251027T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251027T103000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20250917T213532Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T213532Z
UID:10470-1761557400-1761561000@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: How to Handle Difficult Classroom Discussions and Situations in the Moment
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Rachel Yoho\nAre you prepared to handle difficult discussions and charged situations in the classroom in the moment? Do you usually think of things later that you wish you would have said or done?  In this workshop\, we will prepare and practice how to handle important and potentially tense classroom conversations in the moment.  Our focus will be on how to support everyone in the classroom – including yourself – during tense times.  We will discuss and practice several teaching approaches.  This workshop is applicable to instructors across all disciplines for facilitating important conversations\, whether or not their designed course topics include socially pressing issues (like race\, gender\, religion\, politics).  Please note\, this is the second in a two-part workshop series on important conversations.  However\, participants are welcome and encouraged to attend this session even if they were not able to attend part one.  \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-how-to-handle-difficult-classroom-discussions-and-situations-in-the-moment/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Yoho":MAILTO:ryoho@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251027T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251027T160000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20250922T204328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T204328Z
UID:10485-1761575400-1761580800@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Inclusive Teaching for STEM Graduate Students Mini-Course: Session 3
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Rachel Yoho\nJoin the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning and build community with other STEM graduate students as we discuss how to create teaching and learning spaces that support all students\, instructors\, and TAs/graders.  All students\, whether current TAs or hoping to have a future grader\, TA\, or instructor of record position\, are welcome! 
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/inclusive-teaching-for-stem-graduate-students-mini-course-session-3/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Graduate Student Session
ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Yoho":MAILTO:ryoho@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251029T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251029T100000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20251003T183350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T183930Z
UID:10504-1761728400-1761732000@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Interest Session for Stearns Center Education Journal
DESCRIPTION:Register Here | Facilitator: Laina Lockett\nIf you are interested in publishing about your teaching practices please come to this interest session. We will answer questions you may have as well as discuss potential timelines and the submission & review process. This journal will aim to identify and recognize quality in teaching and foster research into and sharing of evidence-based pedagogies that occur in Mason classrooms. If you’d like to contribute an article\, please attend the session. If you are interested\, but can’t make this session\, please still complete the registration form so we can follow up with additional information. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/interest-session-for-stearns-center-education-journal/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
ORGANIZER;CN="Laina Lockett":MAILTO:llocket@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251102T000000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251102T235900
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20250812T155800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T160955Z
UID:10307-1762041600-1762127940@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Deadline: 2026 ATEA/OTEA Nominations
DESCRIPTION:Submit your nomination.\nStudents\, faculty members\, or administrators may nominate a faculty member for a 2026 Adjunct (ATEA) or Online Teaching Excellence Award (OTEA) (no self-nominations). Learn about these awards on our website.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/deadline-2026-atea-otea-nominations/
CATEGORIES:Deadline,Teaching Excellence Awards
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/TEA-Logo-Thumbnail-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T143000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20250917T215122Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T215122Z
UID:10473-1762349400-1762353000@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Feel Better\, Teach Better:  Strategies for Supporting Faculty Mental Health
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Rachel Yoho\nTeaching is difficult and often an isolating experience.  There are many mental health issues in academia\, particularly related to the situation and the work.  Yet\, only student mental health is well studied and discussed.  In this workshop\, we explore faculty mental health\, strategies for improving the environment\, and address barriers to addressing concerns.  Please note that this is not a self-help or “yoga your way out of stress” workshop and does have discussions of mental health issues and self-harm.  While university resources are shared\, this is an academic and professional development workshop\, not medical or mental health advice.  Join us to create community and talk about one of the most prevalent\, but under-discussed\, issues in academia! \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-feel-better-teach-better-strategies-for-supporting-faculty-mental-health/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Yoho":MAILTO:ryoho@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251110T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251110T103000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20250917T215700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T215700Z
UID:10474-1762767000-1762770600@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Supporting Student Learning through Self-Awareness and Reflection to Navigate a Complex\, Global Society
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Rachel Yoho\nAre you interested in incorporating techniques to help students develop their own self-awareness and navigate a complex\, global society in your field\, discipline\, and course?  Or are you (re-)developing a course for one of the new Mason Core designations of Just Societies or Global Contexts?  This workshop is designed to support your teaching around helping students develop their self-awareness\, particularly related to your discipline.  This workshop includes the concepts of positionality and intersectionality broadly\, but particularly for the new Core areas. At the end of the workshop\, we will have explored the concepts and applied them to potential activities and assignments in our courses.  \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-supporting-student-learning-through-self-awareness-and-reflection-to-navigate-a-complex-global-society-2/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Yoho":MAILTO:ryoho@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251111T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251111T110000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20250723T152430Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250822T132558Z
UID:10107-1762851600-1762858800@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Introduction to AI Inspired Pedagogies 
DESCRIPTION:Tuesdays\, November 11-December 9 | Register here| Facilitator: Laina Lockett\nBy now you’ve probably heard of ChatGPT or one of the other various new large language models (LLMs) that have taken the world by storm. But do you know how to deal with the ever-evolving artificial intelligence technology as it relates to your teaching? In this mini course you will be exposed to the basics of redesigning your course as it relates to learning outcomes and instructional activities. We will also explore how to get feedback from students regarding the changes that you make. This is a five session program and successful completion will earn participants a level 2 CPD credential. Registration closes on November 4th or once the course reaches 40 participants.\n\nDates of Sessions:\nNovember 11\, 2025 9-11AM\nNovember 18\, 2025 9-11AM\nNovember 25\, 2025 9-11AM\nDecember 02\, 2025 9-11AM\nDecember 09\, 2025 9-11AM \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/mini-course-introduction-to-ai-inspired-pedagogies-3/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Mini Course
ORGANIZER;CN="Laina Lockett":MAILTO:llocket@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251114T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251114T110000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20250723T151325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T130549Z
UID:10106-1763114400-1763118000@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:SkillCraft: Grading and Feedback Workshop
DESCRIPTION: Register here| Facilitators: Crystal Anderson and Stephanie Bluth\nAre you a graduate student looking for grading strategies that help to balance your workload? Join this workshop offered through a partnership between the Graduate Division and the Stearns Center! This workshop focuses on the application of grading rubrics and how to handle grading questions from students. This workshop counts toward the SkillCraft Level 1 Essentials Credential and is open to all graduate students. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-grading-and-feedback/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Crystal Anderson":MAILTO:cander8@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251205T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251205T110000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20250723T154701Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T203055Z
UID:10108-1764928800-1764932400@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:SkillCraft: Classroom Climate Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Register here | SkillCraft Level 1 | Facilitators: Crystal Anderson and Stephanie Bluth\nAre you a graduate student looking to build your confidence in managing meetings? Join this workshop offered through a partnership between the Graduate Division and the Stearns Center! This workshop focuses on creating an engaging classroom environment and best practices around managing attendance\, late work and AI policies. This workshop counts toward the SkillCraft Level 1 Essentials Credential and is open to all graduate students.\n\n  \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-classroom-climate/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Crystal Anderson":MAILTO:cander8@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251205T235900
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251205T235900
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20251104T190820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T211705Z
UID:10572-1764979140-1764979140@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:CTL Funds: Extended Projects Application Deadline
DESCRIPTION:Apply here | Learn more here\nWe are thrilled to offer faculty funding opportunities for teaching-related extended projects in Spring and/or Summer 2026! We invite teams from all departments\, programs\, colleges\, and schools at George Mason University\, including full-time and part-time faculty\, to submit a proposal for our Curriculum and Teaching Leadership Funds (CTL Funds): Extended Projects. We solicit proposals from teams of faculty involved in a high-impact teaching and learning project. Faculty may not apply for multiple Stearns Center funding opportunities in the same academic term. 
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/ctl-funds-extended-projects-application-deadline/
CATEGORIES:Deadline
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/Funding-Logo-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260105T235900
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260105T235900
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20251117T191222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T202435Z
UID:10640-1767657540-1767657540@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Deadline: STEM Education Faculty Fellow
DESCRIPTION:Apply here | Learn more here| POC: Laina Lockett\nWe are excited to once again hire a faculty fellow to support STEM Education in 2026! We invite any faculty who teach STEM curriculum & who will be teaching in the spring semester (from any relevant department\, program\, college\, or school) at George Mason University\, including full-time and part-time faculty\, to submit an application for the STEM Education Faculty Fellow position. Please note that faculty may not receive funding for multiple Stearns Center funding opportunities in the same academic term\, which includes the Curriculum and Teaching Leadership Funds (CTL Funds).
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/deadline-stem-education-faculty-fellow/
CATEGORIES:Deadline
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/Funding-Logo-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T160000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20251121T155843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251121T160448Z
UID:10650-1767774600-1767801600@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Faculty Writing Retreat: Day 1
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Faculty Affairs & Development + Tom Polk\nHoping to start the semester off with some writing momentum? Sign up for the Faculty Writing Retreat running Wednesday\, January 7th & Thursday\, January 8th\, 2026. The retreat will run from 8:30am-4:00pm both days. It will be hosted both in-person and online. For those who participate in-person\, free lunch\, coffee\, and snacks will be provided both days. \nThis two-day event—co-sponsored by the Office of Faculty Affairs and Development and Writing Across the Curriculum—offers an active approach to uninterrupted writing time\, a chance to learn from our panelists\, and a supportive and collegial community of peers to boost your writing productivity. Participants work on a variety of research and creative projects at all stages of completion. Post-docs and graduate students are welcome! Please share this event with any colleagues who might be interested in attending. Visit the Faculty Affairs website to learn more! \nThe event will take place on Zoom and in-person in Horizon Hall rooms 2008 & 2009. Please come with your laptops fully charged. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/faculty-writing-retreat-day-1/
LOCATION:Horizon Hall\, 4475 Aquia Creek Lane\, VA\, 22030\, United States
CATEGORIES:Faculty Writing Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/Faculty-Affairs-and-Development-UL_4c-H2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260108T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260108T160000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20251121T160402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251121T160402Z
UID:10654-1767861000-1767888000@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Faculty Writing Retreat: Day 2
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Faculty Affairs & Development + Tom Polk\nHoping to start the semester off with some writing momentum? Sign up for the Faculty Writing Retreat running Wednesday\, January 7th & Thursday\, January 8th\, 2026. The retreat will run from 8:30am-4:00pm both days. It will be hosted both in-person and online. For those who participate in-person\, free lunch\, coffee\, and snacks will be provided both days. \nThis two-day event—co-sponsored by the Office of Faculty Affairs and Development and Writing Across the Curriculum—offers an active approach to uninterrupted writing time\, a chance to learn from our panelists\, and a supportive and collegial community of peers to boost your writing productivity. Participants work on a variety of research and creative projects at all stages of completion. Post-docs and graduate students are welcome! Please share this event with any colleagues who might be interested in attending. Visit the Faculty Affairs website to learn more! \nThe event will take place on Zoom and in-person in Horizon Hall rooms 2008 & 2009. Please come with your laptops fully charged. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/faculty-writing-retreat-day-2/
LOCATION:Horizon Hall\, 4475 Aquia Creek Lane\, VA\, 22030\, United States
CATEGORIES:Faculty Writing Retreat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/Faculty-Affairs-and-Development-UL_4c-H2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260114T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260114T123000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20251125T170058Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T170153Z
UID:10664-1768388400-1768393800@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: An Introduction to the Writing-intensive Course
DESCRIPTION:Register Here| Facilitator: Tom Polk\nAre you new to teaching a WI course or want a refresher on some of the basics? This workshop will focus on writing-intensive course design and help faculty prepare for the semester ahead. Join WAC staff to learn more about the new learning outcomes and begin drafting your WI course materials. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above. \n 
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-an-introduction-to-the-writing-intensive-course/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T110000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20251120T220154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T222002Z
UID:10645-1768471200-1768474800@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: (Re)Designing Syllabi for Inclusive Classrooms that Support Learners & Instructors
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Rachel Yoho\nAre you ready to align your courses with university commitments to inclusive teaching? Or are you developing a new course or submitting an existing one for the new university-wide tags (like Mason Core)? In this workshop\, we will work to advance our understanding of inclusive course design and how to improve syllabi to be more inclusive for everyone in the space (including instructors!). During the session\, we will have specific discussion time to focus on connecting these ideas with your course and your discipline. At the end of the workshop\, participants will leave with a greater understanding of the potential considerations for designing and redesigning inclusive course syllabi and aligning with broader institutional initiatives and expectations. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-redesigning-syllabi-for-inclusive-classrooms-that-support-learners-instructors/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Yoho":MAILTO:ryoho@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T235900
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T235900
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20251124T164232Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T200236Z
UID:10656-1769212740-1769212740@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Deadline: Faculty Learning Community: Alternative Grading
DESCRIPTION:Register here by Friday\, January 23 | Facilitator: Breana Bayraktar\nFLC #1 Wednesdays @ 7:00-8:15pm on Jan 28\, Feb 11\, Feb. 25\, March 18\, April 8\, April 22\, May 6\nFLC #2 Thursdays @ 2:00-3:15pm on Jan 29\, Feb 12\, Feb. 26\, March 19\, April 9\, April 23\, May 7 \nInterested in exploring alternative grading in a supportive and collaborative space? Join one of the Alternative Grading Learning Communities! Over the semester we will engage in a learning community\, participate in a design workshop\, and then share & get feedback on our re-designed grading systems at a charrette. Participants could be eligible for up to $100 in gift cards! \nLearning Community Meetings: We will meet via Zoom to discuss Grading for Growth (David Clark and Robert Talbert). You can choose to register for either learning community.\nFLC #1 Wednesdays @ 7:00-8:15pm on Jan 28\, Feb 11\, Feb. 25\, March 18\, April 8\, April 22\, May 6\nFLC #2 Thursdays @ 2:00-3:15pm on Jan 29\, Feb 12\, Feb. 26\, March 19\, April 9\, April 23\, May 7\n*If these dates do not work for you\, join the NVCC-hosted FLC on alternate Tuesdays\, 4-5pm\, starting Feb 3 \nDesign Workshop: We will work through Chapter 11 of the Grading for Growth book – this is an opportunity to put into practice what we have read and talked about\, by re-designing a course grading scheme. Participants from all FLCs will gather via Zoom on Wednesday\, May 20\, 10am-2pm. \nNOVA-GMU Charrette: A charrette is an opportunity to collaboratively design and get feedback from peers – bring in-progress grading scheme drafts to share in this full-day workshop on Friday\, June 5 (in-person at the NOVA Annandale Campus). \nResearch Participation: You are invited to participate in a research study exploring your experience in these learning communities. Participants who complete a brief post-meeting reflection (5-7 minutes) after each meeting will receive a $50 gift card\, and participants who attend the design workshop and charrette are eligible for another $50 gift card. \nQuestions? Email Breana Bayraktar (bbayrakt@gmu.edu). \nFLC open to GMU and non-GMU faculty/instructors \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/deadline-faculty-learning-community-alternative-grading/
LOCATION:Hybrid
CATEGORIES:Deadline,Faculty Learning Community
ORGANIZER;CN="Breana Bayraktar":MAILTO:bbayrakt@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260128T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260128T103000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20251117T194531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T211440Z
UID:10641-1769590800-1769596200@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Mini-course: Introduction to AI-Enhanced Teaching Practices
DESCRIPTION:Wednesdays\, January 28 – April 22\nFull – Registration Closed| Facilitator: Laina Lockett\n*Note: this workshop was formerly titled Intermediate Artificial Intelligence Inspired Pedagogies\nAre you interested in learning about how the best teaching practices are impacted by generative AI? If so\, this is the mini course for you! In this mini-course you will cover a wide variety of topics and have time to explore new AI applications. Topics will include large language model (LLM) impacts on academic integrity\, universal design\, inclusive teaching\, assessment\, as well as explore applications of other types of generative AI such as image and video tools. How to turn these classroom changes into research will also be covered. There are no prerequisites for this course. \nDates of Sessions: [No session the week of spring break] \nJanuary 28\, 2026 9-10:30AM\nFebruary 11\, 2026 9-10:30AM\nFebruary 25\, 2026 9-10:30AM\nMarch 25\, 2026 9-10:30AM\nApril 08\, 2026 9-10:30AM\nApril 22\, 2026 9-10:30AM \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/mini-course-introduction-to-ai-enhanced-teaching-practices-formerly-intermediate-artificial-intelligence-inspired-pedagogies/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Mini Course
ORGANIZER;CN="Laina Lockett":MAILTO:llocket@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260204T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260204T110000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20251120T205227Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T205422Z
UID:10644-1770199200-1770202800@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Fundamentals of Effective Teaching
DESCRIPTION:Register Here | Facilitator: Crystal Anderson\nDo you want to be an effective teacher? Do you want to know how to measure your teaching effectiveness? In this workshop\, you will learn about elements of effective teaching\, including engagement\, multiple modalities\, inclusive teaching and assignment design. You will also learn how to set achievable teaching goals and measure them. This workshop is required for the Level 1 Teaching Essentials Credential for the Continuing Professional Development Program. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-fundamentals-of-effective-teaching-2/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Crystal Anderson":MAILTO:cander8@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260204T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260204T120000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20260110T201646Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260110T201646Z
UID:10923-1770202800-1770206400@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:WAC Primer: Teaching Writing across the Curriculum
DESCRIPTION:Wednesdays\, Feb 4 – 25 | Register Here | Facilitator: Thomas Polk\nAre you new to teaching a Writing Intensive course or looking for fresh ways to engage students through writing? WAC Primer is an engaging four session series designed to help faculty build practical\, research informed strategies for teaching with writing and designing assignments that advance meaningful student learning. Participants will explore effective assignment design\, feedback and assessment practices\, and active learning strategies for teaching writing in any discipline. WAC Primer offers a supportive\, collaborative space to discover new approaches\, reflect on your course design\, and connect with colleagues across campus who share a commitment to student learning. \nDates of Sessions:\nFebruary 4\, 2026 11am-12pm\nFebruary 11\, 2026 11am-12pm\nFebruary 18\, 2026 11am-12pm\nFebruary 25\, 2026 11am-12pm \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/wac-primer-teaching-writing-across-the-curriculum/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260206T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260206T110000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20260112T172422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T172422Z
UID:10926-1770372000-1770375600@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Fundamentals of Student Engagement for Graduate Instructors
DESCRIPTION:Register Here | Facilitators: Crystal Anderson and Stephanie Bluth\nDo you wonder about the students you will encounter in a college classroom and how best to engage with them as a graduate instructor or teaching assistant? In this workshop\, graduate instructors will learn about the characteristics of today’s students. You will also learn about the different types of student engagement and how to address common issues that may arise in class. You will also apply your newly acquired knowledge to a case study on how to engage an unmotivated student. Open to all graduate students\, this workshop is required for the SkillCraft Level 1 Essentials Credential. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-fundamentals-of-student-engagement-for-graduate-instructors/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Crystal Anderson":MAILTO:cander8@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T140000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20251124T204009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T204028Z
UID:10658-1770901200-1770904800@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: Supporting First Generation College Students
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Rachel Yoho\nDid you know that 20-30% of Mason students are considered first generation college students?  These students come from a variety of backgrounds\, identities\, and experiences.  Supporting first generation college students in the classroom is a way to create more inclusive learning spaces and broaden participation – and retention – in higher education.  Integrating these strategies is also an impactful way to support all students\, even if they are not the specific audience of being the first generation to college.  In this workshop\, we will define what it means to be “first gen\,” discuss some common obstacles to success in higher education\, explore approaches that can be used in the classroom and overall course design\, and identify one or more applicable strategies that we might apply in our own teaching. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-supporting-first-generation-college-students-2/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Yoho":MAILTO:ryoho@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260213T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260213T103000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20251124T204648Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T204648Z
UID:10659-1770975000-1770978600@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: How to Handle Difficult Classroom Discussions and Situations in the Moment
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Rachel Yoho\nAre you prepared to handle difficult discussions and charged situations in the classroom in the moment? Do you usually think of things later that you wish you would have said or done?  In this workshop\, we will prepare and practice how to handle important and potentially tense classroom conversations in the moment.  Our focus will be on how to support everyone in the classroom – including yourself – during tense times.  We will discuss and practice several teaching approaches.  This workshop is applicable to instructors across all disciplines for facilitating important conversations\, whether or not their designed course topics include socially pressing issues (like race\, gender\, religion\, politics).  Please note\, this is the second in a two-part workshop series on important conversations.  However\, participants are welcome and encouraged to attend this session even if they were not able to attend part one.  \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-how-to-handle-difficult-classroom-discussions-and-situations-in-the-moment-2/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Yoho":MAILTO:ryoho@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260213T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260213T130000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20260115T192149Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T192149Z
UID:10956-1770984000-1770987600@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Workshop: To AI or not to AI?: Key Considerations for Your Classroom
DESCRIPTION:Register Here | Facilitator: Laina Lockett\n\nIn this session\, we will review the Stearns Center’s AI Quick Start Guide. Topics include discussing the most common questions asked by GMU faculty about AI\, reviewing recommended resources including the GMU Guidelines for Faculty and Students\, demonstrate some of the tools that are available to use\, and consider ethical considerations for tool usage as instructors. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/workshop-to-ai-or-not-to-ai-key-considerations-for-your-classroom/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="Laina Lockett":MAILTO:llocket@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260217T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260217T120000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20260115T200911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T201308Z
UID:10960-1771322400-1771329600@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Cluster: High Impact Practices Part 1
DESCRIPTION:Register here | Facilitator: Crystal Anderson\n\nAre you interested in developing learning experiences where students can apply their skills and competencies in and beyond the classrooms? In Part 1 of this thematic faculty development cluster consisting of 2 one-hour workshops\, you will learn about the critical elements of teaching today’s students (Fundamentals of Effective Teaching (Required) workshop) and how to use transparent assignment design for courses with internships\, undergraduate research and project-based learning (High-Impact Practices and Applied Learning (Design) workshop). \nBy completing Part 1 and Part 2\, you can earn a CPD Level 1 Teaching Essentials Credential as part of Stearns Center’s Continuing Professional Development program. If you complete the Mason Core Enhancement with Part 2\, you can earn the Level 1: Certified Mason Core Instructor Certification. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/cluster-high-impact-practices-part-1/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Cluster
ORGANIZER;CN="Crystal Anderson":MAILTO:cander8@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260219T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260219T120000
DTSTAMP:20260603T194444
CREATED:20260115T202340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T202656Z
UID:10961-1771495200-1771502400@stearnscenter.gmu.edu
SUMMARY:Cluster: High Impact Practices Part 2
DESCRIPTION:Register Here | Facilitator: Crystal Anderson \nAre you interested in developing learning experiences where students can apply their skills and competencies in and beyond the classrooms? In Part 2 of this thematic faculty development cluster consisting of 2 one-hour workshops\, you will learn how to get students involved in their own learning (Implementing High Impact Practices (Engage) workshop) and how to assess nonstandard cumulative assignments\, like research\, projects\, or internships (Grading High-Impact Practices (Assess) workshop). \nBy completing Part 1 and Part 2\, you can earn a CPD Level 1 Teaching Essentials Credential as part of Stearns Center’s Continuing Professional Development program. If you complete the Mason Core Enhancement with Part 2\, you can earn the Level 1: Certified Mason Core Instructor Certification. \n*Adding to your calendar will not register you for the event; please register using the link above.
URL:https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/event/cluster-high-impact-practices-part-2/
LOCATION:Zoom\, You will be able to view the Zoom link upon registering.
CATEGORIES:Cluster
ORGANIZER;CN="Crystal Anderson":MAILTO:cander8@gmu.edu
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR