From 8 - 8:25 a.m., coffee and tea was served in the John Adams Middle School Courtyard.
Graciously sponsored by SMC's Emeritus program!
Lunch was from 12 - 1:15 p.m. on the Quad and was from our caterer Greenleaf.
The theme for Fall Professional Development Day was Strengthening Student Success: Reexamining the SMC Experience.
The purpose of the theme Strengthening Student Success: Reexamining the SMC Experience is to focus on improving the student experience at SMC so that we can improve student
retention. When it comes to retention, there are so many different ways that the college
is trying to support students, but there is often poor communication across campus.
Many people are not aware of what is happening and how we can all contribute to improving
retention. At Fall PD Day, we will be learning about issues related to retention from
a variety of angles. We hope participants will leave PD Day with actionable steps
on how to support students in all of our capacities, which will help close our racial
equity gaps and improve the student experience.
Although we provided as many HyFlex options as possible to maximize accessibility,
we also wanted to encourage everyone to come to campus!We can all build better connections when we share common space together and spend
time together. To promote on-campus attendance, we offered extra time to connect with
colleagues at our Coffee in the Courtyard event, and a 75-minute lunch for time to re-connect with colleagues or meet new colleagues.
And an extra bonus for attending on campus - we will have a raffle next week that
you can only enter by attending a workshop on campus!
Six opportunity drawing prizes for attending workshops on campus: Two $50 Target gift
cards, two $50 Trader Joe’s gift cards and two gift cards for 30 minute massages at
The Massage Place on Ocean Park.
Opening Addresses and Schedule
Session Time
Title and Description
LINK/ location
8:30 - 9:55 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Addresses
Welcome by Brian Rodas, Erin ONeill, Amanda De la Torre and Abigail Orosz
Sara Nieves Lucas will give a meaningful land acknowledgment.
Jason Beardsley and Mike Tuitasi will briefly speak about strategies to improve retention.
State of the College Address by Dr. Kathryn Jeffery, Superintendent/ President
Remarks by Cindy Ordaz, Jamar London, Vicenta Arrizon & Scott Silverman
Mark Tomasic will lead us in two breathwork practices.
John Adams Middle School Auditorium on Pearl Street
This session was in-person and live-streamed.
It was not recorded.
Coffee in the Courtyard directly to follow morning session!
Breakout Sessions
Check out our breakout sessions by clicking the yellow + sign below.
Title and Description
Location/link
Education Master Plan Workshop
Presenters: Jason Beardsley and Jamar London
In this session, SMC faculty, staff, and managers will learn more about the Education
Master Plan process and the status of the plan. Participants will get a preview of
the campus-wide listening tour planned for September to better inform the plan with
community input. Your contribution is essential--please come and share it!
Tags: Good for all employee groups, SMC updates
On campus only.
UPDATED Room: HSS 204
This session was not recorded.
Scholars Program Student Success Brainstorming Session
Presenters: Dr. Erin Cue / Professor of Psychology / Faculty Leader, Scholars Program
Teresa Garcia / Counselor, Scholars Program
As more Scholars Program faculty and students return to on-ground learning, and our
program grows, we want to create space to hear from our faculty on how we can continue
to prepare and support our students, especially our first- generation and non-traditional
students from underserved communities and populations. We have reached a 90% course
success rate for our Black and LatinX students and want to continue, and improve upon,
this progress. We invite all faculty and staff to join this brainstorming session
to discuss 1) what faculty are doing inside and outside the classroom to help our
students succeed and 2) what support faculty might need to continue supporting our
Scholars Program students reach their educational goals, enhance research skills,
and prepare them for university-level study! While this session is focused on the
Scholars Program faculty and students, anyone interested in brainstorming best practices
for preparing our students for successful transfer to the colleges and universities
of their choice is welcome to attend! We hope you can join the Scholars team and our
new Scholars Faculty Leader, Dr. Erin Cue, for this community-building and brainstorming
session!
Tags: Intended for Faculty, Equity
On ground only.
UPDATED Room: HSS 255
This session was not recorded.
Navigating the SMC Experience
Presenter: Peer Navigator Program
Join a student panel on the SMC experience.
Tags: Good for all employee groups, Student experience
HyFlex.
Room: HSS 251
This session was not recorded.
Global Citizenship and Sustainability at SMC
Presenters: Denise Kinsella, Ferris Kawar, Alex Schwartz & Delphine Broccard
The workshop will focus on global citizenship & sustainability at SMC and the ways
it enriches the student experience. During the workshop, we'll cover the tangible
ways these tenets are currently implemented, the benefits they provide students and
how faculty/staff can get involved.
Tags: Good for all employee groups, SMC updates, Sustainability
Come learn techniques and strategies to embed career exploration into your class.
When students are able to connect a subject to a career it helps them gain valuable
insight and make decisions.
Tags: Intended for Faculty, Pedagogy
Hyflex.
Room: BUS 144
This session was not recorded.
Efficient and Equitable Grading with Gradescope
Presenter: Adam D. Richardson, Ph.D.
Gradescope is an assessment and feedback software platform that streamlines the logistics
of grading and providing meaningful feedback to students. This software is already
available to all SMC faculty and is fully integrated with Canvas. Gradescope will
make your grading more efficient and equitable through its versatility, flexibility,
and transparency options. In this workshop, we’ll learn the basics of the software
and see concrete examples of how it can be implemented in your course. If you bring
your laptop, we can set up your first assignment in Gradescope live during the workshop.
This workshop will pull back the curtain on the Program Review process, demonstrate
Precision Campus, and address any questions you have. We hope you'll leave the workshop
with a clear understanding of the new process and confidence in using Precision Campus
for Program Review reports.
This session was recorded. Check back for the Zoom recording link after Professional
Development Day!
Turnitin Grading Grapple: Speed Grader vs. the “New Integration” – Which Should You
Choose?
Presenter: Leann McArthur, our Customer Success Manager from Turnitin
Recently Santa Monica College implemented the 1.3 integration with Turnitin. Many
of our faculty would like to know more about the differences between using Turnitin
with Speedgrader (Canvas Plagiarism Framework) or via 1.3. This session will include
a reminder of how both Turnitin integrations work, and when one or the other might
be best used. Questions are encouraged. Note: “New Integration” could be swapped with
“LTI 1.3” if enough faculty understand what that means.
Tags: Intended for Faculty, Technology
Online Only.
This session was recorded.
Bringing Visibility to Invisible Disabilities
Presenter: Russell Lehmann
Join Russell as he takes your hand and walks you through the world of autism, mental
health, and disabilities. Using his hindsight and insight from his lived experience
to generate foresight for others, Russell will unpack these vital aspects of the human
condition in a relatable fashion and lay out pragmatic approaches on how best we can
support those with invisible disabilities. Sometimes, what we do not see is more important
than what we do see. Attendees will learn: How to better interact, support, and accommodate
individuals with invisible disabilities. How to broaden their perspective on the human
condition.
Tags: Good for all employee groups, Equity, Student experience
In this session, Cohort 4 participants will meet their team and equity coach in this
informative and community building workshop.
This workshop is reserved for EGC cohort 4 participants and equity coaches.
Tags: Faculty EGC Cohort 4 participants, Equity
On campus only.
Room: HSS 256
This session was not recorded.
Learn Salsa for Your Health & Wellbeing
Presenter: Laura Canellias, SMC adjunct dance faculty member since 1999
The physical benefits of dance are many, which include improved muscle tone and strength,
weight management,
better balance, coordination, agility, flexibility, stronger bones, and reduced risk
of osteoporosis and mental decline.
There are social benefits as well which could include overcoming shyness, meeting
& developing a new community of friends while learning something new. Salsa is a lively, spirited Cuban dance whereby
you can receive all of these benefits while expanding your cultural awareness. With over 40 years of teaching experience
Laura will easily break down the basic steps & turns of this dance. No partner necessary. She also has been
teaching her Cardio Salsaclass since 1995 so, this workshop can be done with or without partners. Please join us
for an hour of fun, right-brained activity!
Tags: Wellness, Good for all employee groups.
On campus only.
Room: CPC 310
This session was not recorded.
Lunch and Recognition Event in the Quad!
Lunch was provided from 12 - 1:15 p.m.
Everyone joined us in person on the quad for a delicious lunch from Greenleaf.
We also had an in-person event in the quad to honor our retirement class of 2023- 24, along with celebrating outstanding achievements
within our college community.
The plethora of afternoon workshops and activities started at 1:30! See more below.
Breakout Sessions
Check out our breakout sessions by clicking the yellow + signs below.
Title and Description
Location/link
Experiments In Reflection: Becoming Bold Shapers of the Future
Presenter: Leticia Britos Cavagnaro, PhD
At the Stanford d.school we believe that everyone has the capacity to be creative.
Drawing on methods from the field of design, d.school learning experiences help people
unlock their creative potential and apply it to the world. Its latest book series
brings these methods to a broader audience. Leticia Britos Cavagnaro, PhD, is the
author of one of the books in this series –Experiments in Reflection.
While we often think of reflection as a way to consider what was, it can also be a
powerful tool for imagining and shaping what could be. Attendees of the webinar will
build concrete skills, learn how to shift their mindsets, and strengthen their ability
to reflect with purpose.
Reflection is an essential skill for students. The practical exercises included in
Experiments in Reflection can be adapted to the classroom to help create transformative
learning experiences that empower students to become bold shapers of the future.
Tags: Good for all employee groups
Online only.
This session was not recorded. Check back after Professional Development Day for the
Zoom recording link!
The EpiCenter has copies of this book to loan to SMC employees. If you are interested, please drop by the EpiCenter (Media 104) and pick up a book!
Faculty member Luke Johnson will have a book club meeting related to this book on
September 26th from 12:45 - 2:00 pm at the EpiCenter. Everyone is welcome to join!
Optimizing Your Resume for the Modern World
Presenter: Joan Kang, Senior Career Services Advisor, Career Services Center
Over time, everything changes . . . including best practices for resumes. Learn how
to create a professional resume that applies to modern tools and employment applications.
Find out what aspects of your old resume are still needed and what you might need
to re-structure.
Tags: Good for all employee groups
HyFlex.
Room: HSS 104
This session was not recorded.
Panel Discussion on Teaching and Learning in the Age of AI
Moderator: Steven Sedky, Associate Dean, Career Education (Interim) Panelists: Dogac Agirtici, President, Student AI Club; Lynn Dickinson, Professor,
Communication & Media Studies; Gary Huff, Chair, Education/ECE; and Vicky Seno, Professor,
Computer Science.
Come hear a variety of perspectives on AI from leaders in the SMC community. The discussion
will focus on integrating AI in teaching and learning.
Tags: Intended for Faculty, Pedagogy and AI
Hyflex.
UPDATED Room: Business 144
This session was not recorded.
Raise the Roof: It's a 90's Themed Dance Party!
Presenters: Jermaine A. Junius, Ph.D., President of the Pan African Alliance; Kristin
Ross, Vice President of the Pan African Alliance; and Jocelyn Winn, Secretary/Treasurer
of the Pan African Alliance
The Executive Leadership of the Pan African Alliance will host a space that celebrates
the joy of movement and dance while embracing the theme of the Pan African Alliance
for 2024 "Leaning Into Black Joy".
Research shows that dance and movement has many positive impacts; including mental,
physical, and social benefits. The purpose of this affirmation space is to create
an interactive and engaging experience to build community, in addition to providing
supportive tools to manage stress, anxiety, and develop agency for creative self-expression
as we begin the 24' - 25' academic year.
The Executive Leadership of the Pan African Alliance will host a 90's themed dance
celebration to meet the aims of this wellness and well-being affirmation space. DJ
Space Jams will be spinnin’ all the hottest jams from the 90’s. There will be a 90’s
dance competition and grand prize will be awarded for “Best 90’s Outfit”.
This space has been intentionally designed to center and celebrate Black Joy for SMC
employees of African ancestry. Please approach this cultural engagement space with
sensitivity and respect, honoring its intended purpose and the community it is designed
to serve. Pan African Alliance members are encouraged to attend.
Tags: Wellness
On campus only.
Room: Business Building, Room 111
This session was not recorded.
Fighting Through Fear to Achieve the Impossible- Goal Setting, and Steps to Get There
Presenter: Dr. Kyle Elliott, Career Coach
Why is it so difficult to set and consistently take action toward your career goals?
In this highly engaging and interactive workshop, career coach Dr. Elliott will teach
you how to set and tackle your biggest professional development goals once and for
all.
Presenters: Cristina Garcia, Jeremy Lange, Pressian Nicolov, Lindsay Poland
Staff and students from the International Education Center will present on F-1 visa
international student experiences at SMC. Students will share some of their successes
and challenges as international students and presenters will give an overview of the
this vital and diverse student population at SMC and answer questions about international
student requirements.
Tags: Good for all employee groups, Student Experience
The Basic Needs Department at Santa Monica College is committed to increasing equity
on campus for students experiencing poverty, housing insecurity, food insecurity,
and other socio-economic hardships. Find out how these barriers to student success
impacts these vulnerable student populations, and learn about mindful practices you
can use to connect these students with on and off-campus resources.
Tags: Good for all employee groups, Student experience, Equity, Basic Needs
Learning to lead through seasons of change requires a strength based approach that
recognizes the talents and sacrifices our team members make for the organization and
organizational mission. Learn about the science, and the art, of change and transition
that prepares us for growth in new and diverse leadership.
An Introduction to Equitizing Gateway Courses: SMC's Racial Equity Professional Development
for the Classroom.
Presenters: Marisol Moreno and Chanté DeLoach
Equitizing Gateway Courses (EGC) is SMC's professional development for cultivating
and deepening racial equity-centered practices in the classroom. Join us in this informational
session to learn more about EGC's curriculum and impact within the college's student
equity plan. This workshop is open to all instructional faculty interested in applying to EGC.
Tags: Faculty, Equity
On campus only.
Room HSS 256
This session was not recorded.
Title and Description
Location/link
Empowering Success: Communication Strategies for Supporting English Language Learners
at Santa Monica College
Presenters: Keith Graziadei, Paul Dykman, and Ben Goldberg
Join us for an engaging and informative workshop designed to provide staff and faculty
with effective strategies to support English language learners in their academic journey
at Santa Monica College. Participants will gain valuable insights and practical communication
approaches to enhance understanding and interactions with ELL students.
Tags: Good for all employee groups.
On campus only.
Room: HSS 253
This session was not recorded.
Build Slow to Grow Strong: Increasing Collaborative Strength through Team Building
Strategies
Presenter: Arianne Jacobs Toves, MPA, MHC
Human connection is essential for strong teams. What are the building blocks of connection
that equip and empower team members to partner towards organizational goals and outcomes?
Learn about the underlying motivations and team building strategies that create safe,
trusting connections to grow teams towards organizational progress and success.
Tags: Good for all employee groups
HyFlex.
Room SCI 159
This session was not recorded.
Optimizing Your Resume for the Modern World
Presenter: Joan Kang, Senior Career Services Advisor, Career Services Center
Over time, everything changes . . . including best practices for resumes. Learn how
to create a professional resume that applies to modern tools and employment applications.
Find out what aspects of your old resume are still needed and what you might need
to re-structure.
Tags: Good for all employee groups
HyFlex.
Room: HSS 104
This session was not recorded.
Financial Survival Skills for Adjunct Faculty
Presenter: Wendy Holmes, Adjunct Instructor, ESL
Adjunct faculty have unique financial challenges from budgeting for variable income,
understanding benefits and pay, ensuring correct tax withholdings at multiple campuses,
applying for Public Student Loan Forgiveness, planning for retirement, and considering
the pros and cons of collecting unemployment. This workshop will provide an overview
of some of these challenges as well as strategies and resources to help overcome them
and find financial stability in your chosen profession.
Tags: Faculty
Online only.
This session was not recorded.
New Faculty Institute Meet & Greet: Shaping Students Success Through Sharing Strategies
for Navigating the New Faculty Journey
Presenters: New Faculty Committee and past New Faculty Institute participants (joined
by the EpiCenter Faculty Leads).
This workshop is an opportunity for new faculty to engage in discussions with existing
faculty members (including past New Faculty Institute participants) about how they
overcame common challenges during their first year at SMC. Please come to simply say
hello, or bring any questions and course materials (such as current syllabi). This
interactive workshop is a chance to ask questions, gather answers, receive feedback,
and learn more about how the New Faculty Institute, hosted by the Academic Senate's
New Faculty Committee, can support you throughout the year. Research has shown a strong
connection between faculty involvement and student success. Faculty members who actively
participate in helping students learn, create engaging curriculum, and promote a sense
of belonging and community in their classrooms can directly impact student success.
Our committee and the New Faculty Institute was created to assist new faculty in navigating
the journey of being new faculty members, with the hope of improving retention and
shaping student success. Here are a few topics that faculty members will be prepared
to address: Work-Life Balance, Teaching/Creating a New Course, Managing Multiple Courses,
Tenure Track Process/Materials, Transitioning from Part-Time to Full-Time, Building
a Classroom Community, Getting to Know Your Students, Cultivating a Classroom Culture
that Fosters Equity and Promotes Student Success (Starting with Your Syllabi).
Tags: Faculty
On Campus only.
Room: EpiCenter
This session was not recorded.
Breathwork for Focus and Relaxation
Presenter: Mark Tomasic, MFA, XPT Certified Breath Coach
Enhance your well-being through simple breathing techniques that engage the parasympathetic
and sympathetic nervous systems. The goal of this session is for you to deeply relax,
reduce anxiety, increase energy, and boost mental focus. Techniques learned are transferable
to your classroom, office, and personal life.
Tags: Good for all employee groups
On campus only.
Room: HSS 105
This session was not recorded.
Retention and Me- Individual Strategies for Retaining SMC Students
Presenters: Jason Beardsley, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Teresita Rodriguez, Vice President
of Enrollment Development, and Michael Tuitasi, Vice President of Student Affairs
This workshop will provide a brief overview of the student retention goals and strategies
outlined in the College’s Strategic Enrollment Plan. Additionally, we will discuss
activities, tips, and techniques that each college employee can individually implement
to increase student retention.
Engaging Your Students with the Upcoming Black Lunch Table residency and new SMC student
curated show of Black Artists at the Barrett Gallery
Presenters: Emily Silver, Walter Meyer, Briana Simmons
Come learn about the year-long Black Lunch Table (BLT) residency at SMC. BLT is a non-profit that is creating a digital archive of Black
history and culture. Find out how they are going to activate SMC and how our students
and community can be involved. Also, we have a new show of local Black artists opening
in September 2024 at the Barrett Art gallery. We will present ideas for engaging with
the show and ways you can incorporate it into your pedagogy.
Join the Movement: Building Community Through Arts, Media, and Entertainment (AME)
Area of Interest (AOI) and Student Success Teams (SST) – Small Steps, Big Impacts
Join us for an interactive and informative breakout session where we will delve into
the Area of Interest (AOI) and Student Success Teams (SST) initiatives within Arts,
Media and Entertainment programs. Focusing on fostering organic community building
within our institution, this session will provide an overview of what AOI: AME and
SST entails and how these frameworks contribute to a supportive and collaborative
campus environment.
We will review last year’s events and activities and highlight: marketing efforts,
student participation, survey data, and discuss how intentions led to results. There
will also be an interactive survey throughout the session to brainstorm ways to better
engage with these efforts. Mobile phone/computer with internet access needed for participation.
AI Lab: Exploring AI in Teaching and Learning (1 ½ hours, goes until 4:15 p.m.)
Presenters: Matt Larcin, Instructional and Univseral Designer; Gary Huff, Chair, Education/ECE
Discover the potential of generative AI in enhancing your teaching and learning experiences.
This hands-on workshop will introduce you to a variety of AI tools, demonstrating
their practical applications across diverse disciplines. Join us in the computer lab
for an interactive session where you can explore and experiment with these innovative
technologies with support from the facilitators.
Tags: Intended for faculty
On campus only.
Room: SSC Success and Engagement Lab
This session was not recorded.
Title: SB 1343 – Mandated Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Non-Supervisors
(1 ½ hours, goes until 4:15 p.m.)
Presenters: Vina Chin and Karen Monzón, Human Resources Analysts, Employee & Labor
Relations/ Confidential
This session is for non-supervisors: faculty, department chairs, classified staff,
seasonal and temporary employees, and student workers. Completing this session successfully
complies with training mandated by CA State Law. Please note this training occurs
everyone two years. If you have completed this training in 2023 you have met your
obligations for the 2023/2024 cycle.
This interactive session will cover sexual harassment, unlawful discrimination, abusive
conduct, and Title IX. It also addresses emerging issues, and your rights in the workplace!
This is a great time to use this is opportunity to fulfill your legal obligation and
to ask questions.
You must be present for the whole time to meet your obligation at SMC.
A certificate of completion will be sent to you after completing the course.
Tags: Training, Classified Professionals, Faculty
On campus only.
Room: HSS 251
This session was not recorded.
Title and Description
Location/link
Faculty's Role in Student Success
Speakers: Vicenta Arrizon, EdD from the Counseling Department
View an insightful discussion on faculty’s role in student success. Learn action
steps you can take to increase students' sense of belonging and retention in your
classes. Familiarize yourself with the wealth of student support resources and programs
offered at SMC. This session will be a conversation and dialogue where faculty can
gather to share experiences and learn from each other.
Fall Professional Development Day was Thursday, August 22, 2024.
Fall Professional Development Day began at 8 a.m.
Coffee and tea was from 8 - 8:25 a.m.
Lunch was from 12 - 1:15 p.m.
Afternoon workshops were from 1:30 - 3:45 p.m.
We understand that not all employees can always participate during the scheduled times.
We encourge you to attend sessions that fit your schedule OR view recorded sessions
listed on this webpage two weeks after the event.
Yes, Fall Professional Development Day was required for all FULL-TIME college personnel including all faculty, classified professionals, and administrators.
All classified professionals, faculty and administrators are required to attend Fall Professional Development Day. Only services critical to the health
and safety of our campus community will remain open. The community is encouraged to
attend in-person. All employee groups have the option to attend the many sessions
either in-person or online.
Fall Professional Development Day includes on-campus, HyFlex and Zoom options. Some
sessions will only be offered in one modality, but whenever possible we will have
on-campus and HyFlex options. The community is encouraged to attend in-person. All
employee groups have the option to attend the many sessions either in-person or online.
If you normally work remotely on the day that Professional Development Day falls on,
please work with your supervisor to see if you can change your schedule to attend
Professional Development Day in person.
If you are unable to attend, you must submit a report of absence (ROA) slip to your
supervisor using either vacation or sick time.
There are multiple computer labs that can accommodate you!
They are:
SSC 150 computer lab (can accommodate up to 100) - PCs
Cayton Center 201 (can accommodate up to 65) - PCs
If possible, please bring your own headphones. We will have a limited supply to lend
for the day, and you will need to return them at the end of your Professional Development
Day sessions. If you need a headset, please send us a message and we will arrange
a time for you to check them out at the EpiCenter: EpiCenter@smc.edu.
Classified Professional FAQ
Supervisors, managers and administrators are aware Professional Development Day is
required for all college personnel. Supervisors should be aware that attendance is
required. But it is encouraged that Classified Professionals will continue to work
with their supervisors to ensure work and attendance is communicated ahead of time.
Faculty FAQ
Faculty (full-time) are required to complete 6 hours of flex by attending sessions
that fits your schedule OR by viewing recorded sessions listed on this webpage two
weeks after the event. Additionally there are some prerecorded workshops (Faculty
Forum and other sessions) at the end of the schedule that you can view to fulfill
your flex credit. Participating in Professional Development Day will give you the
full 6 hours required.
Please report your attendance through mProfessor or through your supervisor/department chair.
You can attend and participate in any session to help fulfill your flex credit obligations.
You may also complete your flex credit obligations by viewing the recorded videos
which will be up on this webpage shortly after Professional Development Day. Some
sessions will be recorded for future viewing.
Yes, you can complete your required Professional Development Day flex credit obligation
by attending live or recorded sessions.
Part-time faculty members may attend sessions during Professional Development Day
to fulfill flex credit obligations.
Flex credit obligations for part-time faculty members vary depending on your current
teaching assignment.
One hour per semester for each weekly hour of teaching assignment.
i.e., Teaching 9 hours per week in a semester requires 9 hours of flex that semester.
Faculty have until June 30, 2024 to report their Professional Development Day flex
hour obligations.
If you have any questions about Professional Development Day, contact profdevelopment@smc.edu.
