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Fall 2026 Convocation Agenda and Professional Development

August 13 - August 14

Fall 2026 Convocation Agenda and Professional Development

Thursday, August 13
Nissan Auditorium
Convocation begins at 8:30 a.m.

 

Convocation Dr. Jianwen Crump: Faculty Senate Welcome Jordan Taylor: Staff Council Welcome Dr. Kim Whitehead: Academic Affairs Carla Lowery: Facilities and Budget Jess Harpole: Student Affairs Anika Perkins: University Relations Elise Wilson: Development & Alumni Interim President Scott Tollison: University Update Courtney Youngblood: Faculty/Staff Giving Campaign Updates Panel after a short break Dr. Clear Moore, Director of the Student Success Center Dr. Malia Schimminger, Director of the Career Services and Professional Development Center Christina Chunn, Title IX Campus Coordinator Rodney Godfrey, Director of Systems & Networks Chief Randy Vibrock, University Police Chief Door Prizes

 

Fall 2026 Development Panels and Workshops
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Culinary Arts Building

Making Teams Work for You 1:15-2 p.m., Tiered Classroom, Room 100: Presenter: Aaron Brooks This session will discuss Teams as a video conferencing tool, departmental organizational tool, and cross-functional team sharing tool, as well as course collaboration and incorporating Teams into Canvas. Why You Should Participate in a Circle 2:15-2:45 p.m., Tiered Classroom Room 100, Presenters: Dr. Melissa Smith, director of the Kossen Center for Teaching and Learning and Dr. Kristen L. Figgins This session will discuss several aspects of Teaching Circles at The W, including stipends and potential topics. It will also feature a recap of last year’s Teaching Circle and its findings which was titled: Scaffolding Assignments to Empower Students and Discourage Plagiarism. UdoIt Software as ADA tool for Canvas 3-3:45 p.m., Tiered Classroom Room 100, Presenter: Dr. Sheila Morgan In this session, Dr. Morgan will introduce our new UdoIt software that is now available in Canvas. This software allows faculty to check their courses for ADA compliance. Canvas Walk-in Training sessions 4-5 p.m., KCTL office, Presenter: Dr. Sheila Morgan Feel free to walk in at the KCTL office for help designing your Canvas course or to ask questions about other aspects of Canvas course management.

Friday, August 14, 2026
Culinary Arts Building

9-9:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions, Culinary Arts Building Enlight Core for Advising and Assessment Tiered Classroom, Room 100, Presenters: Dr. Kristi DiClemente, Dr. Marty Brock This session will explore the University’s new Strategic Priority Goals (SPGs) and how they connect SACSCOC accreditation requirements to the skills students gain in their Enlight Core Curriculum (ECC) coursework. It will also cover ways we can use the ECC’s Student Learning Outcomes in our assessments to better understand the value of this coursework to students. Academic Resources through the Student Success Center Demonstration Kitchen, Room 101, Presenters: SSC Staff This session will feature a discussion of SSC academic resources that are available to faculty and students, such as navigator advising, peer mentoring, accessibility services, and testing proctoring. If you’re unfamiliar with any of these, you might want to check out this session. 10-10:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions, Culinary Arts Building Making Your Social Media Accessible for Everyone Tiered Classroom, Room 100, Presenter: Tyler Wheat This session is a conversational overview of ADA compliance in social media, focusing on practical strategies for creating accessible digital content. It covers key accessibility considerations such as alt text, captions, color contrast, hashtags, and accessible design to help ensure social media content is inclusive and usable by everyone. Tools to Integrate QEP Competencies Demonstration Kitchen, Room 101, Presenter: Dr. Hope Durst A hands-on, exploratory session designed to expose faculty to useful tools and resources to seamlessly embed QEP and NACE competencies into instructional activities. To get the most out of this session, a laptop or other device is recommended, although not required. 11 a.m.- noon, Concurrent Sessions, Culinary Arts Building Finding Funding: Grant Research Navigation Starter Kit Tiered Classroom, Room 100, Presenters: Trish Caston, Ross Whitwam, Travis Hagey, Melissa Buxton If you are interested in applying for research grants, this is a good session for you to attend. Speakers will address different aspects of the grant application process and give tips on how to make your application more effective. International 101 Demonstration Kitchen, Room 101, Presenter: Jessi Jobe This session will discuss the ins and outs of the international student visa and enrollment process. Topics that will be discussed will include International student application requirements, visa process, required enrollment hours, new federal regulations for F-1 students, and work authorization. KCTL Faculty Resources and Canvas Best Practices for MUW Adjuncts ONLINE ZOOM SESSION, Presenter: Dr. Sheila Morgan This is an online session for adjuncts that will discuss ADA compliance in Canvas, the new UdoIT software and more. 1-3 p.m. Canvas Walk-in Training sessions KCTL office: Dr. Sheila Morgan

 

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