Spring Development Day Workshop Schedule
Welcome to the Spring Development Day Workshop Schedule page. Review the schedule below and register! For any questions, please email facdev@austincc.edu.
Workshops
All workshops are synchronous online via Zoom. The keynote will be HyFlex (in-person and online). Closed Captioning and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be provided during the Opening, Keynote, and Closing sessions and for requested workshops.
Opening Session
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM
HOW TO JOIN YOUR WORKSHOP
Go to your session and look for your workshop title. Then, click the toggle to see additional info and the connect button for your workshop. Click on the connect button to join your workshop via Zoom. Make sure to log into your Zoom with your ACC credentials.
Session 1 - 9:00AM - 10:00AM
Workshop Description: Do you want to promote your program, an event, or an achievement? Connect with us and learn the principles of cohesive branding. We’ll work together to explore how to align marketing strategies and collaborate across departments. We’ll share templates, toolkits, guidelines, and other resources to help you maintain consistency in messaging, tone, and visual identity across all platforms and communications — from video content and promotional materials to social media and InfoHub announcements. Plus, we’ll explore how and when to incorporate AI into your marketing efforts. This workshop is designed to provide faculty and staff with knowledge and strategies to ensure the College’s marketing and branding efforts are unified and effective.
Presenter(s): Jessica Vess & Alex Bryant
Workshop Description: Transform your understanding of credit in this comprehensive session. Through real-world examples and interactive demonstrations, participants will first master the fundamentals of credit building and scoring. We’ll explore healthy credit habits, bust common myths, and develop strategies to build a strong credit profile. Then, we’ll dive into powerful debt elimination strategies, introducing PowerPay – a free tool that creates customized debt payoff plans. Learn how to save hundreds or even thousands in interest by strategically redirecting payments using PowerPay’s proven approach. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of both credit building and debt elimination strategies, along with immediate action steps for implementation. To prepare for this session, pull your credit report using annualcreditreport.com, list out your debt from the lowest amount to the highest, create an account on powerpay.org, and bring your laptop.
Presenter(s): Ayeesha Green, AFC®
Workshop Description: Over the past few years, the exponential growth of AI tools like ChatGPT saturated the college experience.The prevalence of these tools inspires immediate concern regarding the role they play in education and the potential impacts on student engagement and learning. Higher education institutions are presently working to define the role of AI, considering academic integrity, workplace efficiency, and job stability. This presents an exciting opportunity for educators to examine how their courses can continue to support their students’ growth and development alongside the growing presence of AI tools in classrooms. Through thoughtful redesign, highlighting student engagement and academic resilience, we can develop courses that remain impactful and relevant for years to come, even amidst an ever-changing technological landscape. This presentation introduces five core components of course design that support resilience by redefining assignments and evaluations of student work, helping us to design courses AI cannot pass. Here, we outline simple and straightforward steps educators can take to strengthen existing courses to better withstand the inevitable saturation of tools like ChatGPT. From this perspective, we have an opportunity to drive our courses away from vulnerable multiple-choice assessments and homework assignments that are too easy to complete using AI, and instead toward engaging and meaningful coursework for students and professors alike.
Presenter(s): Paepin Starr & Abi Robins
Workshop Description: Everyone is a project manager! Use project management frameworks on boring or challenging life tasks to create predictable structures that make these tasks seem more manageable. In this session, we will: Review basic project management types and project stages. Create a project plan for a boring or challenging life task. Determine which simple tools can support progress. Learn about how to close out a project to support continuous improvement.
Presenter(s): Sara Schulz
Workshop Description: A student dominates peer group discussion. Another interrupts classroom lecture with off-topic comments. A third wonders during an advising session why a classmate won’t date them, despite repeated requests. Are these students inconsiderate, disruptive, stalking, or simply unaware? These behaviors – often related to neurodivergent thinking and issues with executive function – are associated with diagnoses like ADHD and autism. But in everyday situations, how we respond to behavior is far more important than knowing if a diagnosis is present. Join us to discuss strategies for addressing behavior, forming an appropriate response, connecting with resources, and encouraging students to develop skills that will serve them far beyond their time at ACC.
Presenter(s): Martha Dorow & Marie Trzeciak
Workshop Description: Introduction to Mantra Meditation Experience the transformative power of Mantra Meditation. This workshop will teach participants how to easily integrate this ancient practice into their daily routine, enabling them to reap its profound benefits. They will learn the fundamentals of mantra-based meditation, which can help reduce stress, improve focus, and foster inner peace. Join me to unlock your full potential and achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Presenter(s): Guadalupe Mendoza
Workshop Description: Join us for a discussion about how the new faculty evaluation process works, what faculty need to submit this year, and where to find things.
Workshop Description: “Your playing small does not serve the world… as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” – Marianne Williamson This interactive and inspiring session will explore how owning your strengths not only elevates us personally but also empowers those around us. Join us to reflect on your own strengths, share insights with colleagues, and gain practical strategies for applying them in both your personal and professional life.
Presenter(s): Charity Benford & LaKisha Barrett & Marla Kincaid, & Vijay Jacob
Session 2 - 10:15AM - 11:15AM
Workshop Description: This 60-minute panel discussion moderated by Christopher Rzigalinski, Service-Learning and Volunteer Engagement Specialist, will feature three students discussing their unique perspectives on the value of community engagement and service-minded leadership. These experiences will be augmented by research linking volunteerism to strong academic performance, transfer and career readiness, and positive mental health. Moreover, the conversation will foreground a collective student voice that articulates concerns to which curriculum and programming can respond.
Presenter(s): Christopher Rzigalinski
Workshop Description: A hands on approach to creating a universal design classroom with accessibility.Workshop Description: Transform your understanding of credit in this comprehensive session. Through real-world examples and interactive demonstrations, participants will first master the fundamentals of credit building and scoring. We’ll explore healthy credit habits, bust common myths, and develop strategies to build a strong credit profile. Then, we’ll dive into powerful debt elimination strategies, introducing PowerPay – a free tool that creates customized debt payoff plans. Learn how to save hundreds or even thousands in interest by strategically redirecting payments using PowerPay’s proven approach. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of both credit building and debt elimination strategies, along with immediate action steps for implementation. To prepare for this session, pull your credit report using annualcreditreport.com, list out your debt from the lowest amount to the highest, create an account on powerpay.org, and bring your laptop.
Presenter(s):Ayeesha Green, AFC®
Workshop Description: Tips, Tricks, and How-Tos of interacting with ACC data through Domo.
Workshop Description: In this session, we will describe the history and current state of ACC’s Embedded Tutoring Program. Our program uses professional tutors to provide online academic support services to students taking asynchronous online, DLS, hybrid, and Hyflex courses. Come and learn about increasing student success rates with Embedded Tutoring!
Presenter(s): Catherine Wadbrook & Ellie Connell
Workshop Description: I have developed and incorporated specific materials and techniques related to my professional experiences into my course to add real world experiences that facilitate my students’ understanding of course content and success as a college student and as a life-long learner. These materials include participatory activities and group activities in the lectures and labs related to the courses I teach. There are multiple ways of learning and the students learn on an individual basis. I try to instill confidence in the students so they are able to find the ways they learn most effectively. These ideas facilitate engagement and student success in our classrooms. Some of the materials and techniques that will be discussed in the workshop are: partnership with supplemental instructors, collaborative cohorts, group assessments and project based assignments.
Presenter(s): Felix Villarreal
Workshop Description: Softskills for the workplace can include social settings, particularly meals or events. This session is focused on the unspoken rules of etiquette when sharing meals. Perhaps it is a lunch interview with the hiring manager, or the holiday party for the division. Good etiquette skills can create a comfortable environment so that the focus is on the business at hand. The slide deck will be shared for use in classes if desired.
Presenter(s): Liz Hundly
Workshop Description: A student dominates peer group discussion. Another interrupts classroom lecture with off-topic comments. A third wonders during an advising session why a classmate won’t date them, despite repeated requests. Are these students inconsiderate, disruptive, stalking, or simply unaware? These behaviors – often related to neurodivergent thinking and issues with executive function – are associated with diagnoses like ADHD and autism. But in everyday situations, how we respond to behavior is far more important than knowing if a diagnosis is present. Join us to discuss strategies for addressing behavior, forming an appropriate response, connecting with resources, and encouraging students to develop skills that will serve them far beyond their time at ACC.
Presenter(s): Martha Dorow & Marie Trzeciak
Spring Development Day Keynote - 12:00PM- 1:00PM
The Chancellor’s Leadership Institute (CLI) Preview: Inspiring Leadership at ACC
In this session, you’ll be given an introduction to the experience of our Chancellor’s Leadership Institute. You’ll hear from Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart and Dr. Missi Patterson, who are leading this program, and you’ll get to participate in some of our favorite activities.
The keynote is hyflex with in-person and online options. The in-person Keynote Watch Party will be at the Highland Campus (HLC), Bldg 2000, Presentation Hall 2.1550.
Presenter(s): Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart and Dr. Missi Patterson
Session 3 - 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Workshop Description: Join us for an interactive workshop designed to foster understanding and collaboration between neurodivergent ACC students, faculty, and staff. In this session, ACC’s own neurodivergent college students will openly share their insights on effective and ineffective strategies when working with neurodivergent college learners. Participants will engage in discussions about challenges and opportunities for creating a more inclusive academic environment. A panel of students will also answer questions from attendees, offering real-time feedback and open dialogue aimed at enhancing the support system for neurodivergent college students. This is a unique opportunity to gain direct perspectives and build stronger, more supportive relationships with neurodivergent college students by offering a safe and welcoming space for attendees to openly ask hard questions they may have regarding how to best support neurodivergent college students.
Presenter(s): Samantha Thompson & Aaron Moeller & Andrew Lyon & Brenton Kent & Danielle Moak & Sinjin Clark
Workshop Description: We will cover the Center of Government and Civic Service (CGCS) and our approach to designing an executing initiatives and events designed to prepare and empower students to be civic leaders and public servants. We’ll set up a Google Sheet for participants to register.
Presenter(s): Bryan Port
Workshop Description: Looking for a way to engage students at the start of the semester? To build connections in the classroom, allow students to get a glimpse of their classmates and professor, while encouraging participation? This presentation describes just such an assignment! Join Azzurra Crispino to learn how you can incorporate a meme assignment into your first week of class!
Presenter(s): Azzurra Crispino
Workshop Description: Are you ready to say “yes” to transforming your teaching with AI? Join us for “Harnessing AI Tools for Faculty and Student Success,” where we’ll explore how AI can help you create a more compassionate, inclusive, and effective classroom. Aligned with ACC’s theory of change, this workshop will equip you with tools that support students to start strong—using Perplexity for critical thinking and research skills, and Goblin Tools to help students organize and manage their time, addressing basic needs for academic success. We’ll also dive into Eduaide, which offers practical features to help you build connection and belonging into your course design, whether through personalized learning pathways, inclusive assessments, or student engagement strategies. Finally, Google Gemini will simplify creating rubrics that promote fair and transparent assessment, helping students feel supported and understood. Embracing AI in your teaching is a courageous step towards creating a classroom where both you and your students thrive—with more joy, more compassion, and a commitment to saying yes to innovation and success!
Please have a learning objective or assignment ready that you would like to improve during this workshop. Throughout the workshop, we will use your learning objective or assignment as a foundation to explore and apply each AI tool, enhancing its clarity, organization, inclusivity, and assessment strategies.
Presenter(s): Stephanie Bogdanich
Workshop Description: In this workshop, I will demo a number of extensions, tips, and tricks for Google apps and Mac OS that improve efficiency and increase productivity in the routine tasks that are the professor’s daily work (like email, grading, etc.) Basic to Intermediate computer skills recommended; no coding required.
Presenter(s): Matthew Daude
Workshop Description: This workshop, Purposeful Design: Creating Accessible Content, emphasizes that accessibility is a shared responsibility and a crucial element in fostering a supportive, inclusive environment. We’ll explore how accessible content directly contributes to students’ sense of purpose and belonging, ensuring that all individuals—including those with disabilities—can fully engage with course materials, assignments, and other digital resources. By making content accessible, we do more than meet compliance standards; we create an environment where everyone benefits, increasing clarity and usability for all students. This session will outline the recent DOJ ADA Title II ruling, which mandates that all public institutions meet WCAG 2.1 AA compliance by April 2026. We’ll discuss how this ruling impacts ACC and the role each of us plays in meeting these standards by improving the accessibility of the content we create.
Presenter(s): Sean Loraas & Meg Kareithi & Marcia Kelley
Workshop Description: Join us for an essential session on Emergency Response Procedures at Austin Community College. We’ll explore the College’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and share details about how ACC communicates and responds in the event of an emergency in our community. Participants will receive detailed procedures for each SRP action and visual guides that clarify their execution. These resources will help solidify understanding and provide quick reference points for real-time decision-making. By attending, you’ll gain practical tools and comprehensive knowledge to respond confidently and cohesively in emergencies. Whether you’re a new member of the ACC community or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session equips you with the skills and confidence to respond effectively when it matters most.
Presenter(s): Dr. Michael D. Garcia
Workshop Description: In this session, participants will gain a understanding of the CARES (Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation for Students) team and its role in fostering a safe and supportive college environment. We will start by exploring the primary mission and functions of CARES. The presentation will cover the CARES process from the referral to implementing appropriate support strategies.
Presenter(s): Eriko Tyner
Session 4 - 2:15PM - 3:15PM
Workshop Description: Join us for an interactive workshop designed to foster understanding and collaboration between neurodivergent ACC students, faculty, and staff. In this session, ACC’s own neurodivergent college students will openly share their insights on effective and ineffective strategies when working with neurodivergent college learners. Participants will engage in discussions about challenges and opportunities for creating a more inclusive academic environment. A panel of students will also answer questions from attendees, offering real-time feedback and open dialogue aimed at enhancing the support system for neurodivergent college students. This is a unique opportunity to gain direct perspectives and build stronger, more supportive relationships with neurodivergent college students by offering a safe and welcoming space for attendees to openly ask hard questions they may have regarding how to best support neurodivergent college students.
Presenter(s): Samantha Thompson & Aaron Moeller & Andrew Lyon & Brenton Kent & Danielle Moak & Sinjin Clark
Workshop Description: In our journeys, we all encounter unexpected challenges that can disrupt our paths. Our students face similar obstacles, often resulting in barriers to their academic success. This session will explore how Student Rights and Responsibilities, Equal Opportunity Compliance, and Mental Health Counseling collaborate to meet students with Courage, Compassion, Joy, and a “Yes” attitude, empowering them to persevere. Participants will gain practical skills to support students navigating behavioral concerns or sexual misconduct, including responding to disclosures and determining next steps with integrity. The session also highlights the student experience after a report, equipping attendees to create a supportive environment.
Presenter(s): Cassandra Martinez, Rosa Rodriguez-Alvarez, & Patty Zuniga
Workshop Description: Are you ready to say “yes” to transforming your teaching with AI? Join us for “Harnessing AI Tools for Faculty and Student Success,” where we’ll explore how AI can help you create a more compassionate, inclusive, and effective classroom. Aligned with ACC’s theory of change, this workshop will equip you with tools that support students to start strong—using Perplexity for critical thinking and research skills, and Goblin Tools to help students organize and manage their time, addressing basic needs for academic success. We’ll also dive into Eduaide, which offers practical features to help you build connection and belonging into your course design, whether through personalized learning pathways, inclusive assessments, or student engagement strategies. Finally, Google Gemini will simplify creating rubrics that promote fair and transparent assessment, helping students feel supported and understood. Embracing AI in your teaching is a courageous step towards creating a classroom where both you and your students thrive—with more joy, more compassion, and a commitment to saying yes to innovation and success!
Please have a learning objective or assignment ready that you would like to improve during this workshop. Throughout the workshop, we will use your learning objective or assignment as a foundation to explore and apply each AI tool, enhancing its clarity, organization, inclusivity, and assessment strategies.
Presenter(s): Stephanie Bogdanich
Workshop Description: In the fast-paced world of higher education, where faculty and staff juggle schedules of endless meetings and tasks, entertaining that busy schedule can often feel overwhelming. Enter time boxing—a powerful productivity technique that helps us reclaim our hours and regain control over our to-do lists. In this engaging session, we will explore the art of time boxing, integrating it with Kanban and calendar management to help you successfully entertain a busy schedule.
Presenter(s): Stephanie Long
Workshop Description: Are you tired of feeling like a mere dispenser of information, rather than an inspirer of minds? By shifting from a conventional, instructor-directed approach to a student-centered, facilitative model, you will empower your students to become active participants in their own learning journey. We will explore practical strategies for designing engaging learning experiences, facilitating meaningful discussions, and providing effective feedback.
Presenter(s): Lani Dame & Lisa Yates
Workshop Description: Workshop will provide a step by step overview of how to construct and administer a valid and reliable survey. Specific topics that will be covered will include timing of the survey, sampling, question development, administration and analysis.
Presenter(s): Richard Griffiths & Jeffrey Martin-Moreno
Workshop Description:
ACC’s Theory of Change goals, including meeting basic needs, student support, and fostering purpose and belonging, are goals that are inherently intertwined with the core concepts of sustainability as outlined by the United Nations framework of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). — Join this session to get connected to free resources and training from the Office of Energy & Sustainability, learn more about how sustainability supports our shared goals as a college, and be connected with a community of sustainability-minded faculty from disciplines across the college.
Presenter(s): Andy Kim & Amber Orr & Susan Engelking
Workshop Description: As the workforce landscape rapidly evolves, educational institutions must adapt their curricula to equip students with the skills needed for real-world success. Micro-credentials have emerged as a dynamic solution, offering targeted learning opportunities that align with industry demands and enhance traditional academic programs. In this presentation, we will share our experience in embedding micro-credentials within curriculum design, highlighting how these short, skills-focused learning pathways can empower students and provide them with tangible benefits in their career journey. We will explore specific examples of how micro-credentials have been incorporated into credit courses across multiple divisions in the college, creating a seamless blend of academic rigor and practical skills development.
Presenter(s): Manuel Duran & Karina Hernandez