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CTL Events

The Center for Teaching and Learning develops and facilitates professional development offerings every semester. Here are our offerings.

December Offerings

 

Introduction to CanvasDecember 19, 1:00 - 2:30 PM or December 22, 12:00-1:30 PM

Location: https://mu.webex.com/meet/bide

Starting the semester off on the right foot when it comes to MU's Learning Management System, Canvas, is critical.  These sessions are meant to introduce you to the MU instance of Canvas.  If you are new to Canvas or have limited experience, please consider joining one of these sessions led by Blake Ide, Lead Instructional Technologist of the Educational Technology team.  In addition to providing an overview of Canvas, he can answer any specific questions you might have. Register Here

January Offerings

 

MU Onboarding for Faculty Spring Starts - January 8, 3:00 - 4:30 PM 

Location: Library, room 106

This onboarding welcome is specially designed to support faculty who are beginning their roles outside of our traditional start times. Onboarding welcomes are conducted at the start of the summer and spring semesters. We understand that starting at a different time of year can come with unique challenges - and we’re here to help new faculty navigate those with ease. By the end of the welcome, new faculty will have:

  • Essential information and resources to support their teaching and integration into the university
  • Introductions to key offices and individuals who are here to support them
  • Connections with fellow faculty and staff to help them build their campus network

More Information Here.

 

Before the ADA: A Conversation on Accessibility - January 30th, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

Location: Norman Center, Room 222

Join us for a special session launching this spring’s digital accessibility series. CTL Director Mona Kheiry will interview her husband, Jon McMath, about his lived experience navigating college in the years before the ADA was implemented.

Two weeks after graduating high school in 1988, Jon survived a car accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury. Determined to continue his education, he enrolled in classes soon after, but college campuses of that era were not built for wheelchair users. Buildings lacked ramps and elevators, doorways and pathways were inaccessible, and faculty had no formal expectations to provide accommodations. Although Jon had the motivation to succeed, the systemic barriers forced him to leave school.

Jon eventually returned to Marian University decades later and earned his degree in 2023. His story offers a powerful lens on how far accessibility has come and why our digital accessibility practices matter today. This event will include Q and A and a catered lunch. Register Here

February Offerings

 

Book Discussion: Inclusive Teaching - Wednesdays Starting February 4th Through March 25, Noon to 1:00 PM

Location: Library, Room 106

Join us this spring for a campuswide book discussion of Inclusive Teaching: Strategies for Promoting Equity in the College Classroom by Kelly A. Hogan and Viji Sathy. The book offers practical, research-informed strategies for creating equitable learning environments and includes helpful end-of-chapter checklists that faculty can immediately apply to their own courses. Our group will meet on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. from February 4 through March 25 (come and go as your schedule allows), with a catered lunch at the final session. This is a great opportunity to reflect with colleagues, share ideas, and explore inclusive practices that support student success. Register Here.

 

Digital Accessibility: Hands-On Practice - February 17, Noon to 1:00 PM or February 18, 10:00-11:00 AM

Location: TBD

Join us for a practical, hands-on session where you will learn how to create or convert a Word document so that it meets current digital accessibility guidelines. Bring your laptop and a document you would like to improve. We will walk you through the key steps for making content accessible, including headings, alt text, readable structure, contrast, and use of the built-in accessibility checker. This session is designed for both beginners and those looking to strengthen their accessibility skills. You will have time to ask questions, try the tools, and leave with a fully accessible document you can use in your course or department. All faculty and staff are welcome. Please plan to bring a laptop and a Word document to work on. Register Here.

March Offerings

 

Franciscan Values in Action: Responsible Stewardship - March 13, Noon to 12:50 PM

Location: https://mu.webex.com/meet/sjustice

Join us for the next session in our Franciscan Values in Action series, where faculty and staff share how they bring Marian’s mission to life through their teaching and student interactions. This session focuses on responsible stewardship and highlights practical examples of how colleagues integrate this value into their courses, mentorship, and daily work with students. Participants will hear real stories, gather new ideas, and deepen their understanding of what responsible stewardship can look like across disciplines and roles. Register Here.

 

Book Discussion & Author Q&A: The Opposite of Cheating - March 27, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Location: Dining Commons, Reading Room

Join us as we explore The Opposite of Cheating: Teaching for Integrity in the Age of AI, a timely guide that shifts the focus from policing academic misconduct to fostering learning, trust, and meaningful assessment design. The book offers practical, research-informed strategies that help faculty create learning environments where integrity thrives. Co-Author, David Rettinger, will be joining the book discussion lunch for a Q&A style interaction to answer your questions. Register Here.

April Offerings

 

Franciscan Values in Action: Reconciliation - April 10, Noon to 12:50 PM

Location: https://mu.webex.com/meet/sjustice

Join us for the next session in our Franciscan Values in Action series, where faculty and staff share how they bring Marian’s mission to life through their teaching and student interactions. This session focuses on reconciliation and highlights practical examples of how colleagues integrate this value into their courses, mentorship, and daily work with students. Participants will hear real stories, gather new ideas, and deepen their understanding of what responsible stewardship can look like across disciplines and roles. Register Here.

May Offerings

 

Celebration of Teaching and Assessment - May 1, 11:30 - 1:45 PM

Location: Alumni Hall

Held biannually at the end of the academic year, the Celebration of Teaching and Assessment is an event dedicated to showcasing faculty and staff excellence in teaching, learning, assessment, and SoTL. During the event, faculty and staff share their successful strategies, classroom innovations, and research-based practices while colleagues from across campus engage in discussions, exchange ideas, and explore new approaches to enhance student learning. Catered lunch served. Register Here.