Student Success Symposium
The newly reimagined Center for Teaching and Learning is proud to support you with the same high-quality professional development you’ve come to expect, now with some exciting updates.
This fall, we’re expanding what’s possible with professional learning at Montgomery College:
- Sessions across the entire week to give you more flexibility.
- In-person options on every campus, with snacks! Because nourishment fuels learning.
- More late-night virtual sessions to give you greater agency, voice, and choice in your development journey.
Every session is intentionally aligned with the Academic Affairs Master Plan and the MC Strategic Plan goals, ensuring that your participation contributes to our shared vision for teaching, learning, and student success.
Whether you’re joining us to sharpen your skills, explore new tools, or connect with colleagues, we’re here to support your growth, wherever and however you learn best.
Let’s move learning forward, together.
Navigating Difficult Dialogues in the Classroom
4:30-5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Paul Miller & Richard Forrest
Faculty will learn approaches to facilitate respectful conversations about complex or controversial topics. The session includes sample language, ground rules, and examples of how to respond in the moment.
Register for Workshopnew window
AI + UDL: Creating Adaptive Course Materials
6:00-7:00 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Paul Miller
This workshop guides faculty through using AI tools combined with Universal Design for Learning principles to create flexible, inclusive course materials. Participants will explore examples, test tools, and draft adaptive resources they can use immediately.
Register for Workshopnew window
Finding and Adapting OER Quickly
6:00-7:00 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Angela Lanier
Faculty will learn practical steps to find, evaluate, and adapt open educational resources efficiently. The session includes guided searches, examples of customization, and strategies to integrate OER into your course design.
Register for Workshopnew window
Creating a Trauma-Informed First Week
6:00-7:00 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Megan Calvert
This session equips faculty with trauma-informed practices to create a safe, supportive start to the semester. Participants will draft syllabus language and design early activities that foster trust and psychological safety.
Register for Workshopnew window
Blackboard Ultra Data Analytics
6:00-7:00 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Paul Miller
This session introduces Blackboard Ultra’s analytics tools for tracking student engagement, assignment submissions, and participation patterns. Faculty will learn to access dashboards, interpret data, and plan early interventions to improve student outcomes.
Register for Workshopnew window
Empowering Neurodivergent Learners
6:00-7:00 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Philip Bonner
Faculty will learn strategies to create inclusive learning environments for neurodiverse students. The session covers Universal Design for Learning, examples of course adaptations, and practical tools to improve access and engagement.
Register for Workshopnew window
Building a Sense of Belonging from the Start
6:00-7:00 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Laurent Ndeze
This workshop shows faculty how to build a strong sense of belonging from the first week of class. Participants will explore inclusive language, welcoming activities, and strategies to maintain connection throughout the semester.
Register for Workshopnew window
Design Thinking Activities that Inspire Curiosity
6:00-7:00 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Gloria Barron
This session introduces design thinking as a strategy to engage students in creative exploration and problem-solving. Faculty will participate in a sample exercise and draft an adapted version for their discipline.
Register for Workshopnew window
AI Open Lab
2:30–3:30 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Paul Miller
Faculty will explore hands-on demonstrations of AI tools that can assist with content development, grading, and feedback. This session emphasizes responsible and ethical use of AI in teaching.
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Inclusive Syllabus
3:30–4:30 PM, Rockville Campus, SW 318 | Germantown Campus, BE 114 | Takoma Park/Silver
Spring Campus, CM 220
Facilitator(s): Gloria Barron (RV) | Laurent Ndeze (GT) | Megan Calvert (TPSS)
This session guides faculty in revising their syllabi to reflect inclusion and belonging. Participants will review examples of inclusive language and leave with a draft syllabus statement and action plan.
Register for Rockville Workshopnew window | Register for Germantown Workshopnew window | Register for Takoma Park Workshopnew window
Emotional Intelligence for Teaching Presence
3:30–4:30 PM, Rockville Campus, SW 316 | Germantown Campus, BE 148 | Takoma Park/Silver
spring, ST 302
Facilitator(s): Angela Lanier (RV) | Ketsia Masse (GT) | Philip Bonner (TPSS)
This workshop helps faculty develop emotional intelligence skills to strengthen teaching presence and connection with students. Participants will explore strategies for reflection, regulation, and rapport-building.
Register for Rockville Workshopnew window | Register for Germantown Workshopnew window | Register for Takoma Park Workshopnew window
Blackboard Ultra Open Lab
6:00-7:00 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Ketsia Masse
This lab provides faculty with individualized support to set up or update Blackboard Ultra courses. Participants will configure navigation, grading tools, and accessibility features to ensure courses are ready for the start of the semester.
Register for Workshopnew window
Blackboard Ally Open Lab
6:00-7:00 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Philip Bonner
Faculty will learn how Blackboard Ally can improve the accessibility of course materials. This session includes demonstrations of Ally’s scoring tools, remediation tips, and downloadable guides.
Register for Workshopnew window
Design Thinking Activities that Inspire Curiosity
6:00-7:00 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Gloria Barron
This session introduces design thinking as a strategy to engage students in creative exploration and problem-solving. Faculty will participate in a sample exercise and draft an adapted version for their discipline.
Register for Workshopnew window
Blackboard Ultra Data Analytics
6:00-7:00 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Tom Cantu
This session introduces Blackboard Ultra’s analytics tools for tracking student engagement, assignment submissions, and participation patterns. Faculty will learn to access dashboards, interpret data, and plan early interventions to improve student outcomes.
Register for Workshopnew window
Navigating Difficult Dialogues in the Classroom
6:00-7:00 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Richard Forrest
Faculty will learn approaches to facilitate respectful conversations about complex or controversial topics. The session includes sample language, ground rules, and examples of how to respond in the moment.
Register for Workshop
Service Learning for Any Discipline
2:30–3:30 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Angela Lanier
Faculty will learn how to incorporate service learning into courses to connect academic content with community needs. The session includes examples, partnership ideas, and planning tools.
Register for Workshopnew window
Blackboard Ultra Open Lab
3:30–4:30 PM, Germantown Campus, BE 147 | Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, ST 328
| Rockville Campus, SW 317A/B
Facilitator (s): Ketsia Masse (GT) | Philip Bonner (TPSS) | Anna Donohoe & Paul Miller (RV)
This lab provides faculty with individualized support to set up or update Blackboard Ultra courses. Participants will configure navigation, grading tools, and accessibility features to ensure courses are ready for the start of the semester.
Register for Germantown Workshopnew window | Register for Takoma Park Workshopnew window | Register for Rockville Workshopnew window
AI + UDL: Creating Adaptive Course Materials
3:30–4:30 PM, Rockville Campus, SW 316 | Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, LB 220
| Germantown Campus, BE 148
Facilitator (s): Angela Lanier (RV) | Gloria Barron (TPSS) | Tom Cantu (GT)
This workshop guides faculty through using AI tools combined with Universal Design for Learning principles to create flexible, inclusive course materials. Participants will explore examples, test tools, and draft adaptive resources they can use immediately.
Register for Rockville Workshopnew window | Register for Takoma Park Workshopnew window | Register for Germantown Workshopnew window
Empowering Neurodivergent Learners
6:00-7:00 PM, Rockville Campus, SW 302 | Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, ST 302
| Germantown Campus, BE 148
Facilitator(s): Paul Miller (RV) | Philip Bonner (TPSS) | Tom Cantu (GT)
Faculty will learn strategies to create inclusive learning environments for neurodiverse students. The session covers Universal Design for Learning, examples of course adaptations, and practical tools to improve access and engagement.
Register for Rockville Workshopnew window | Register for Takoma Park Workshopnew window | Register for Germantown Workshopnew window
Creating a Trauma-Informed First Week
3:30-4:30 PM, Rockville Campus, SW 318| Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, CM 220 |
Germantown Campus, BE 114
Facilitator(s): Richard Forrest (RV) | Megan Calvert (TPSS) | Laurent Ndeze (GT)
This session equips faculty with trauma-informed practices to create a safe, supportive start to the semester. Participants will draft syllabus language and design early activities that foster trust and psychological safety.
Register for Rockville Workshopnew window | Register for Takoma Park Workshopnew window | Register for Germantown Workshopnew window
Inclusive Syllabus
6:00-7:00 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Megan Calvert
This session guides faculty in revising their syllabi to reflect inclusion and belonging. Participants will review examples of inclusive language and leave with a draft syllabus statement and action plan.
Register for Workshopnew window
Emotional Intelligence for Teaching Presence
6:00-7:00 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator(s): Anna Donohoe & Paul Miller
This workshop helps faculty develop emotional intelligence skills to strengthen teaching presence and connection with students. Participants will explore strategies for reflection, regulation, and rapport-building.
Register for Workshopnew window
Finding and Adapting OER Quickly
6:00-7:00 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Angela Lanier
Faculty will learn practical steps to find, evaluate, and adapt open educational resources efficiently. The session includes guided searches, examples of customization, and strategies to integrate OER into your course design.
Register for Workshopnew window
Blackboard Ultra Open Lab
10:00-11:00 AM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Ketsia Masse
This lab provides faculty with individualized support to set up or update Blackboard Ultra courses. Participants will configure navigation, grading tools, and accessibility features to ensure courses are ready for the start of the semester.
Register for Workshopnew window
Blackboard Ally Open Lab
10:00-11:00 AM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Gloria Barron
Faculty will learn how Blackboard Ally can improve the accessibility of course materials. This session includes demonstrations of Ally’s scoring tools, remediation tips, and downloadable guides.
Register for Workshopnew window
Prompt Crafting AI Bootcamp
10:00-11:00 AM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Tom Cantu
This interactive bootcamp will guide faculty through writing effective prompts for AI tools to generate content, quiz questions, or summaries. Participants will leave with a resource bank of tested prompts.
Register for Workshopnew window
Starfish Showcase for Student Success: See What’s Possible
3:30-4:30 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator(s): Julie Levinson and Dr. Michael Mills
Curious how your colleagues are using Starfish to support students? Join us for this showcase session highlighting creative, practical ways faculty and staff are putting Starfish to work. You’ll see examples of how Starfish can be used and hear success stories to spark ideas for your own courses or area. Come get inspired by what’s possible!
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MC CARES Network: Holistic Advising
1:30-2:30 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator(s): Julie Levinson and Dr. Michael Mills
Join us for an engaging panel discussion that brings the MC CARES Network to life through the voices of those focusing on holistic advising—a Counseling Faculty member, a Program Advisor, and an ATPA Success Coach. This trio will share how a holistic advising team can transform the student experience through a coordinated, relationship-driven approach to advising and support.
Caring, Advising, Relationships, Engagement, and Support aren't just words, but a call to action. Panelists will highlight how cross-functional teamwork and shared tools like Starfish are breaking down silos, strengthening student connections, and building a culture of proactive, personalized care.
Register for Workshopnew window
Experiential Learning for Student Engagement
1:30-2:30 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Dr. Michael Mills
Join us for an engaging panel discussion on using experiential learning to increase student engagement as we explore how hands-on, real-world learning opportunities transform the student experience. This dynamic conversation will delve into innovative practices that deepen understanding, increase motivation, and foster lasting connections between classroom learning and life beyond campus. This panel will offer practical insights and inspiring examples of how experiential learning can spark curiosity, promote equity, and improve outcomes for all students.
Register for Workshopnew window
Starfish Open Lab: Drop-in Support and Collaboration
4:30-5:30 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Julie Levinson
Whether you’re brand new to Starfish or have been using it for a while, this open lab is for you. Drop in any time to explore, ask questions, troubleshoot, or share ideas. There’s no set agenda — come to play, learn, and connect with colleagues. Support from experienced Starfish users will be on hand to answer questions, share tips, and help you make the most of Starfish to support students.
Register for Workshopnew window
Starfish Open Lab: Drop-in Support and Collaboration
3:30-4:30 PM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Julie Levinson
Whether you’re brand new to Starfish or have been using it for a while, this open lab is for you. Drop in any time to explore, ask questions, troubleshoot, or share ideas. There’s no set agenda — come to play, learn, and connect with colleagues. Support from experienced Starfish users will be on hand to answer questions, share tips, and help you make the most of Starfish to support students.
Register for Workshop
Starfish Open Lab: Drop-in Support and Collaboration
10:00-11:00 AM, Remote via Zoom
Facilitator: Julie Levinson
Whether you’re brand new to Starfish or have been using it for a while, this open lab is for you. Drop in any time to explore, ask questions, troubleshoot, or share ideas. There’s no set agenda — come to play, learn, and connect with colleagues. Support from experienced Starfish users will be on hand to answer questions, share tips, and help you make the most of Starfish to support students.
Register for Workshopnew window
Last Updated: August 11, 2025