Breakout Session Descriptions

In-Service Breakout Session Descriptions

Affinity Grouping – Workshop 

Presenter: Kathy Gamble, Department Chair, Academic Affairs 

Affinity Grouping supports active learning by providing a structure that encourages all group members to contribute and participate. It can be used to unpack a complicated issue, work toward consensus if a decision is needed, or review main concepts from a unit. Attendees will participate in an Affinity Grouping activity before taking time to brainstorm opportunities to implement this strategy in their individual disciplines. 

Teaching Excellence 

Apprenticeship Pathways: Building Tomorrow's Workforce with the Community College – Presentation/Panel 

Presenters: Chris Heuston, Director of Apprenticeships; Sheena Martin, Apprenticeship Program Manager 

Come learn the basics of the Apprenticeship program, including how apprenticeship pathways differ from traditional training models, how FRCC has adopted these pathways, and how it can benefit the college, students and community alike. The session will feature a brief presentation, then a panel discussion from faculty, employers, and apprentices. 

Community Impact 

ASL, Deafness, and the LGBTQ+ Intersectionality – Workshop 

Presenter: Elizabeth Brison, American Sign Language Instructor 

Explore the intricate dynamics and shared experiences of individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and are part of the Deaf community, emphasizing the importance of considering intersectionality. I firmly believe that intersectionality is the key to gaining a comprehensive understanding of diverse identities and experiences. By shedding light on the challenges, triumphs, and cultural nuances within the LGBTQ+ and Deaf communities, we can foster a more inclusive and empathetic society. 

Inclusive Excellence 

Beginning Allyship Skills: We've Done the Reading...Now What? – Roundtable 

Presenter: Harris Armstrong, Coordinator, Equity & Inclusion 

If you have ever participated in a DEI book read and asked yourself ‘now what?’ this session will discuss some first steps into putting reading toward action. Four skills will start to bridge your learning and enthusiasm toward a more equitable and accessible workplace: 1. Continued Learning, 2. Holistic Accountability, 3. Humility, and 4. Relationship Building. Even if you are familiar with these skills, this session will dive deep into what each looks like in a DEI mindset and how to take steps to apply them on a day-to-day basis. This session seeks to explore these skills in a welcoming and effective manner, so folks in all manner of equity and inclusion awareness are warmly encouraged to join. 

Inclusive Excellence 

Building Collegewide Collaboration toward Successful Concurrent Enrollment Courses at High School Sites – Presentation 

Presenters: Stewart Erlich, Chair, School of Writing and Literature; Caitlin Evans, Director, Concurrent Enrollment; Courtney Graeff, Director, Concurrent Enrollment; Liz Jackson, CE Lead, School of Writing and Literature; Kathy Mennen, CE Lead, School of Writing and Literature; Jennifer Piper, Director, Concurrent Enrollment; Julie Voss, CE Lead, School of Writing and Literature 

Concurrent Enrollment (CE) students are on our campus and at our high school sites. In our classrooms, we are asked to treat them like all other students, and we do. But what about at the high school site? Who are the instructors? Are they offering the courses with the same rigor and competencies as we do on our campus? Who are these students? Why are they taking college classes? Why do we need the students and instructors and why do they need FRCC? Come and learn the data behind our CE instructors and students at high school sites. Come and hear from the School of Writing and Literature faculty about their best practices for working with off-site instructors and the CE population. They will share what has worked and what hasn't as they support numerous instructors at many different high school sites. 

Teaching Excellence, Organizational Excellence, Community Impact

Changing Your Legal Name: A Colorado Perspective – Presentation (20 minutes) 

Presenter: Miori Jackson Gidley, Associate Registrar 

Have you ever wondered what students may be required to do in order to change their legal name? It’s more complicated than you would think. Based on personal experience, learn about the process in Colorado, along with the hurdles and associate expenses. You’ll also learn about local resources available to help in the process. We'll also touch on the options at FRCC for students to declare their preferred name and update their legal name. 

Inclusive Excellence 

Collaborative Connections: Fostering Student Support across FRCC – Panel 

Presenter: Beryl Durazo 

Join us as we explore the invaluable connections forged between FRCC's academic programs, counseling services, career development initiatives, financial aid resources, and more. Through inspiring stories and practical insights, panelists will showcase the diverse ways in which these collaborations have activated partners, leading to remarkable student success stories. Participants in this panel discussion will gain a deeper understanding of the strategies, best practices, and innovative approaches employed by FRCC and its Foundation team to create a supportive and empowering environment for students. From scholarship programs to mentorship initiatives, attendees will learn about the myriad ways in which collaborative efforts have played a pivotal role in ensuring student success. 

Student Access & Momentum, Community Impact 

Combined Faculty Senates: All Faculty and Instructors Welcome – Guided Presentation  

Presenters: John Kinsey, Incoming Faculty Senate President, WC; Cory Reinking, Faculty Senate President, LC; Anthony Riley, Faculty Senate President, BCC; Chelsea Stow, Outgoing Faculty Senate President, WC 

All FRCC faculty and instructors are invited to attend this session, where the Faculty Senates from each campus will be meeting together to collaboratively discuss important issues on the horizon for the coming year. We welcome your thoughts on relevant topics, points of concern, areas of celebration, etc. If you have any questions about this session, please email Chelsea Stow (chelsea.stow@frontrange.edu), Anthony Riley (anthony.riley@frontrange.edu), and Cory Reinking (cory.reinking@frontrange.edu). See you there! 

Organizational Excellence 

Coordinated Care: Building Support Between Faculty and Staff to Ensure Student Success – Presentation 

Presenter: Christina Hubbard, Senior Director, Research Advisory Services, EAB 

We know that students who receive coordinated care are far more likely to succeed than those who are left to navigate college on their own, but longstanding siloes can prevent building processes that improve support across the college. Join this session to learn how other colleges have created coordinated care networks that ensure students feel supported and thrive on campus.  

Inclusive Excellence, Teaching Excellence, Student Access & Momentum 

Data is More than a Character in Star Trek, and Goonies, and… – Presentation 

Presenters: Ryan Lambert, Director of Data Science and Institutional Research; Andria Simons, Director, Strategic Planning & College Initiatives 

Come explore how data can help inform all of us at the college, regardless of our responsibilities to students. We'll be discussing what constitutes data and how our acknowledgement of its source can help us in interpreting it. You will hopefully experience some enlightening conversation with colleagues from other areas of the college along with a few dated pop culture references! 

Inclusive Excellence, Teaching Excellence, Student Access & Momentum, Organizational Excellence  

Emotional Intelligence in the Midst of Change – Workshop 

Presenters: Sherry Bahnsen, HR Training Coordinator; Heather Frost, Director, Academic Success Center 

National Soft Skills Association defines Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in educational settings as social/emotional learning. EQ is the umbrella skill to soft skills such as self-discovery, communication, relationship and team building. Given that EQ is a learned skill, understanding where you are today is a stepping stone to increasing awareness and creating a path to build resilience in the midst of change. 

Organizational Excellence 

Faculty and Career Connections through NACE Competencies – Workshop 

Presenters: Grace Lyon, Career Counselor; Andrea Wieland, Career Coordinator 

Participants will walk away with a working knowledge of National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) top 8 Career Competencies, why they are important to student success, and how your roles support career development. Whether you are curious about adding career competencies or already include career development to your curriculum; we'd love to build on that moment and develop faculty champions who want to join us in supporting career development for all students. 

Student Access & Momentum, Organizational Excellence, Community Impact 

From Form to Action – What Happens After a Student of Concern Form is Submitted? – Presentation 

Presenters: Brandon Fox, Sr. Director, Student Support and Conduct; Ken Lee, Director, Student Support and Conduct 

When a student report form is submitted, it triggers a series of critical steps and interventions aimed at addressing the well-being and success of the student. This session aims to shed light on the process that takes place behind the scenes after the submission of each form. We will explore the key stages of the process, starting with the initial review and evaluation of the form's contents, how the information provided on the form is carefully analyzed to determine the level of concern, and the necessary level of intervention. 

Student Access & Momentum 

Helping Students Find Jobs, Internships & Experience through College Tools – Presentation 

Presenters: Grace Lyon, Career Counselor; Eileen Walsh, Career Counselor; Andrea Wieland, Coordinator, Career and Transfer; Michelle Yestrepsky, Career and Transfer Counselor 

Learn how to help students use Handshake and Parker Dewey to gain access to internships and jobs. 

Student Access & Momentum 

How it Started. How It’s Going: Designing FRCC’s New Teaching Excellence Center – Presentation 

Presenters: Liz Griswold, Teaching Excellence Center Coordinator; Catlyn Keenan, Teaching Excellence Center Assistant Director; April Lewandowski, Teaching Excellence Center Director 

How it Started: In some creative and interactive ways, we'll share our story of getting FRCC's new Teaching Excellence Center up and running. How it’s going: You’ll hear about our goals for fall, preview professional learning opportunities, and have a chance to co-design with us as we continue cultivating the vision of the Center together. 

Teaching Excellence 

How the Office of the Registrar Prepares You for the Semester – Workshop 

Presenters: Peggy Abdow, Associate Registrar; Christin Asevedo-Smith, Associate Registrar; Sonia Gonzales, Registrar; Miori Jackson Gidley, Associate Registrar; Renee Seidel, Associate Registrar 

This session will provide you with pertinent information that you need to know for the semester and/or academic year to support students. We will also provide you with how to access this information and contacts for any questions you or students may have. We also want to provide you with an opportunity to ask questions you may have for our department. 

Student Access & Momentum

HSI: Who? What? Why? And How? – Workshop

Presenters: Beth Coppock, Biology Faculty; Chico Garcia, Dean, Student Development; Kathleen Hefley, Chair, School of Writing and Literature; Andria Simons, Director, Strategic Planning & College Initiatives 

This workshop will examine race and ethnic data on our students, our faculty and staff, and the people in the counties we serve. These will lead into our discussion of what it means for FRCC to be working toward HSI designation, how it fits into the state's CDHE Strategic Plan, and how the HSI Task Force's "Why Statement" informs our work. Participants will be able to share their identities and efforts related to this information. 

Inclusive Excellence 

 

Inclusively Designed Academic Materials: 16 Questions to Help Comply with H.B 21-1110 Laws for People with Disabilities – Presentation 

Presenters: Peggy Copeland, Accessibility and Assistive Technology Director; Shea McCowen, Coordinator, Disability Support Services; Catherine Stager, Accessibility and Assistive Technology Specialist 

Anyone who is creating digital content should be aware of accessibility challenges and/or the Inclusive Design principles that can help eliminate these challenges. Whether the content is an email, a Posting or LMS content, the principles of Inclusive design can help ensure that everyone who interacts with that content will find it usable. No one intends to create barriers. Inclusive Design can help anyone create information that is more usable by everyone. Whether this is an introduction for you, or you have some finer points you might like clarified, this session is offered to help anyone understand how to make sure your message is delivered - without barriers! The principles in our checklist cover the concepts that will allow you to comply with the W3c Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and House Bill 21-1110 Colorado Laws for Persons with Disabilities. 

Inclusive Excellence, Teaching Excellence, Organizational Excellence  

Library Resources & Information Access – Presentation 

Presenters: Levi Fischer, Lead Instructional Librarian; Che Gant, Librarian 

Learn all about the amazing support and services your campus Library has to offer! From books and databases to textbooks and anatomical models, we have it all. Come see what we can do for you! 

Teaching Excellence 

Marketing at the Front: Unifying Campus Branding through Collaboration - Workshop  

Presenter: Lilian Clemente, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications 

Join us for an engaging marketing workshop where we reveal our visionary plans to establish a robust and cohesive brand presence across campus. Discover how our new marketing team will collaborate with departments from all corners of the institution, forming strong alliances and leveraging collective expertise to amplify our brand's impact. Gain valuable insights into innovative strategies and collaborative initiatives that will foster a unified campus brand, reinforcing our identity and reaching new heights of success. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how you can be a part of the transformational journey towards a powerful and cohesive campus brand experience. 

Organizational Excellence 

New Employees Don’t Come with Operating Instructions—or Do They? – Presentation 

Presenters: Kate Bailey, HR Recruiter; Janice Ilacqua, Senior HR Recruiter; Annette Morales, HR Manager, Recruitment & Job Classification 

Could you use some operating instructions for your new employee? A way to strategically impact their success and integration into your team? In this session, you will have the opportunity to create a coaching plan for your new hire to help guide the first day, weeks, months, and beyond with your great new team member. And it all starts with outside information before you even make the offer. Your recruitment team will offer an approach that could give you early and valuable information to facilitate a faster, more effective connection with a new team member. 

Organizational Excellence 

New Faculty Load Forms - Information & Support – Workshop (20 minutes) 

Presenters: Sara Calabrese, FLAC & Scheduler Manager; Jared Gray, Data Specialist-FLAC 

Join our FLAC specialists to learn about the new load form. A simpler form and process for completing and submitting load forms goes into effect for Fall 2023. This workshop provides faculty and chairs with the opportunity to learn about the new form and get assistance in filling it out. 

Organizational Excellence 

Radical Flexibility: Adapting to the Needs of Adult and Post-Traditional Learners – Presentation  

Presenter: Christina Hubbard, Senior Director, Research Advisory Services, EAB 

Today’s community college students juggle a precarious balance of work, family, and academic commitments that can prevent timely completion, but colleges can anticipate the number of these learners to grow long into the future. Join this session to learn more about how the college can adapt to the needs of these learners through innovative approaches to scheduling and student support. 

Inclusive Excellence, Teaching Excellence, Student Access & Momentum 

SLO Assessment: What We learned So Far – Presentation 

Presenters: Marty Church, Assessment Fellow; Amy Holly, Assessment Fellow; Aaron Leff, Assessment Fellow; Eric Salahub, Assessment Fellow 

In May 2023 we completed our first three-year Student Learning Outcome (SLO) assessment cycle. In this session we will review takeaways gleaned from the data, consider next steps, and invite you to help us close the loop by brainstorming ways you can use what we’ve learned so far to improve student success in and out of the classroom. 

Teaching Excellence 

Supporting Neurodiverse Experiences in the Classroom – Presentation  

Presenters: Maya Rayner Fried, student; Taylor Steele, student; Katie Wilson, student 

This session will be hosted by Neurodiverse and Autistic students, who will share their personal learning experiences and offer valuable insights into creating an inclusive student experience for all. Gain a deeper understanding of neurodiverse learning and the accommodations that can support diverse learners. Discover various strategies to promote accessibility and inclusivity in educational settings, benefiting students with accommodations and beyond. Through firsthand accounts, attendees will develop empathy and a heightened awareness of the challenges faced by neurodiverse learners. This session empowers participants to implement effective accommodations and support mechanisms in their educational environments. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from the voices of students with lived experiences and make a positive impact in education. Attendees will gain real-world knowledge of ways to help build a more inclusive, successful learning environment for neurodiverse students. 

Inclusive Excellence, Student Access & Momentum 

Teaching in the Age of AI: Challenges and Opportunities – Workshop 

Presenter: Peter Beal, Lead Faculty in Art and Humanities; Levi Fischer, Lead Instructional Librarian 

A short presentation on the issues that FRCC faculty could face with AI. 

Teaching Excellence, Student Access & Momentum 

The Rights of Your Student – Understanding What We Promise Students in the Classroom – Presentation 

Presenters: Brandon Fox, Sr. Director of Student Support and Conduct; Angie Peach, Academic Dean 

When we think of Student Conduct we typically think about what a student is not allowed to do and not as much about the rights students have been guaranteed by FRCC and the CCC System. As employees, we can be more proactive in supporting these rights from being denied by other students and at times ourselves as faculty and staff. From a student's right to be addressed by their preferred pronouns, the way they express themselves in their dress, to their right to disagree with the instructors while accessing learning without disruption from other students, there are many rights students have been promised that we may not be aware of. In this session, we will have an open discussion about what these student rights mean in the classroom and how they can be protected by instructors and the college as a whole to assure a student's access to quality education. 

Inclusive Excellence, Teaching Excellence, Student Access & Momentum 

To Accommodations... And Beyond! - Presentation

Presenters: Jessa Anderson, Coordinator, Disability Support Services; Gabriel Gates, Coordinator, Disability Support Services; Megan Wolff, Sr. Director, Disability Support Services

 Attendees will learn how students engage with the Disability Support Services department, including the process to receive accommodations, additional services and supports that DSS provides, and important changes regarding DSS and accommodations for the upcoming year. This presentation will also provide insight into the experience that students with disabilities have in higher education through managing a disability in college. Attendees will have the opportunity to begin to strategize about how to remove barriers in the classroom through implementing principles of Universal Design for Higher Education to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. 

Student Access & Momentum 

Tools for Equitable Instruction

Presenters: Taylor Couillard-Rodak, Administrative Assistant III; Chris McGilvray, Academic Dean; Cath Stager, Assistive Technology Specialist; Stephanie Wickman, Director of Learning Design & Technology

This is a presentation from the Equity and Inclusion Council's subcommittee for Instructional Support and Resources. We will be focusing specifically on the Healthy Courses Checklist and the Inclusive Design Checklist for instructors and faculty to understand how to use them, where to find them, and why it's best practice to use these tools. 

Inclusive Excellence, Teaching Excellence, Student Access & Momentum

Using a Trauma-Informed Approach to Create Empowering Student Experiences - Workshop

Presenter: Priscila Rodriguez, Bilingual Academic Advisor 

Many other people-serving sectors, including healthcare, social services, and K-12 public education, engage in practices that are guided by trauma-informed approaches specific to their sector. Using a trauma-informed approach can be critical when working with people who have experienced trauma, and also can be quite supportive in working with people who do not have significant history with trauma. In higher education, since we get to work with so many different student populations, there are many opportunities across different departments and roles to also use trauma-informed approaches to help facilitate positive and inclusive student experiences. In this workshop, we will discuss the principles and pillars of using a trauma-informed approach, explore ways to use that approach within your specific role, and learn other restorative practices and strategies that can create more student engagement and empowerment. 

Inclusive Excellence, Student Access & Momentum 

Workforce Solutions:  Opening Non-traditional Pathways for Adult Learners – Workshop  

Presenters: Janel Highfill, Associate Vice President, Workforce Development & Strategic Partnerships; Claudia Ossola, Director, Corporate Solutions; Katie Schwind, Director, Professional & Continuing Education; Erin Smith, Director, Corporate Solutions 

Did you know that FRCC's Workforce Solutions team serves over 5,000 adult learners annually through customized training, continuing education and small business development services? Join this session to learn more about what Workforce Solutions means for FRCC's future. Explore ways FRCC might expand credential pathways and strengthen lifelong learning relationships with our students. 

Community Impact