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Division NewsLetter
Division NewsLetter
Innovation Connections is a monthly newsletter that features Instructional Innovation Division updates and college-wide innovation and collaboration. Contact Luann Crosby, Interim Director of Library Services, if you wish to contribute to the content.
Message FROM THE DEAN
Message FROM THE DEAN
Happy 2023! Welcome to our first newsletter of the new year, in which you will find the latest developments and initiatives within our division.
First, there are a few updates on the staff positions. I am pleased to welcome Catherine (Kate) Buckhorn to join our Office of Accessibility and Inclusion as the new OAI Assistant. Her knowledge and skills in the field make her a great asset to the college...
meet our staff
meet our staff
Catherine (Kate) Buckhorn, Assistant, Office of Accessibility and Inclusion
Catherine (Kate) Buckhorn, Assistant, Office of Accessibility and Inclusion
Where are you from, originally, and/or currently?
Most recently I have been living in Colorado Springs, CO for the past 23 years, prior to that I lived in Cheyenne, WY. I grew up an Air Force kid, so we lived in a number of different places when I was growing up. But if you asked me prior to today, Colorado Springs was my home. I am very excited about my new home here in Snowflake, AZ and look forward to getting to know the area!
What is your educational background and what makes you great at your job?
I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. Over the years I have also attended a number of workshops to strengthen my knowledge to better support student success, from Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Prevention, and Student Success Coaching Skills to mention a few.
I would have to say that education has become a passion for me. Helping others to believe in themselves and to reach their educational goals/dreams is what really shines bright in my life. The work I do with students feeds my soul, which makes it more than just a job to me. I strive to grow and increase my knowledge so that I am always able to give the students what they need.
What do you love about your job?
The students, they are what gets me here each day. I have been working with students in higher education for 7 years, I have found so much joy in supporting students to reach their dreams, those moments when they were ready to throw in the towel and with the right support they kept going and the wonder when they finally finished. Those are the moments that hold my heart.
What areas in this job are your strong points and how will this make you a great resource?
Well, as I mentioned I have 7 years of experience supporting students when they seek to get academic accommodations for their college classes. Over the years I have gained a great deal of knowledge about the laws that mandate these accommodations, I have learned and respect the value in working with a team of folks so that students receive the support they need to be successful, and I am also very open to learning and growing still.
I believe that the knowledge, passion and willingness to work and grow with other departments is what will make a great resource here at NPC. I invite conversation whenever needed.
What are your favorite things to do/eat/read?
When I am not working, I enjoy gardening, raising chickens, and connecting with my family. I love food of all kinds, but I would have to say the ones I enjoy the most are the ones that I grew in my garden. I like to crochet when the lighting at home allows. As for reading, I enjoy reading about learning new skills, my current passion here is herbal medicine.
What goal are you dreaming about completing?
I have a few in the works at this moment, but the most important to me is getting my new home created. I am learning to live off grid. So, there is lots to learn, build, and do.
Instructional Technology and Curriculum Support
Instructional Technology and Curriculum Support
Click below to read about the 2023 Innovation of the Year Award, OpenEd Conference, Instructional Design Inside Wire: Designing for Academic Integrity, and more on the ITCS February newsletter.
EARLY COLLEGE
EARLY COLLEGE
The Early College Team has resumed monthly full team meetings for SP 23, which include various internal stakeholders who are focused on increasing communication, transparency, and consistency within the college community related to the department and the college's strategic plan. The team also looks forward to engaging in productive conversations and actionable work that will enhance the vitality and sustainability of NPC's Early College Programs. So far, this effort and other related discussions have increased communication and collaboration among internal college departments who work closely the Early College Team on various initiatives, tasks, etc.
Currently, the Early College Team is finalizing plans for the HS Partners’ Convocation Day scheduled for 3/1/23 from 11 am to 2 pm at SCC. The Early College Team plans to host a morning session with various college department updates, lunch, and several concurrent breakout sessions in the afternoon for NAVIT, Dual, and TALON colleagues to attend. The final agenda and invitations for invited participants will be sent out shortly.
The team is also working on course scheduling for next academic year with the various high schools and college academic divisions. More to come.
Here are some upcoming meetings, activities, and/or events for February that the Early College Team plans to participate in:
Special Early College Full Team Meeting (via Zoom on 2/1 from 3 to 4:30 pm)
SkillsUSA Welding Contest (in-person at PDC on 2/17 from 8 am to 2:30 pm)
Various high school visits in college service areas (on-going) including DualEnroll Demo, where possible
If you haven’t already done so, please check out the newly updated Early College webpage:
https://www.npc.edu/college-credit-high-school
We appreciate the Marketing/Communications Team for helping with the webpage updates!
Thank you and have a great spring semester!
LIBRARY SERVICES
LIBRARY SERVICES
You can join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society by checking out some titles newly published and recently purchased by the NPC Library. Also, check out the Library and Tech Hub FAQ page to see if your frequently asked library or technology question is answered there. Click below to visit our February newsletter:
Office of accessibility and inclusion
Office of accessibility and inclusion
New Team Member – Kate Buckhorn
Kate joined NPC on January 3rd as the OAI Assistant. She has experience providing services to students with disabilities in both higher education and K-12 settings. Most recently, she worked at Pikes Peak State College in Colorado.
Temporary Office of Accessibility and Inclusion – Learning Center 128 (Inside CCP area)
While the damage from the flooding is being repaired, the OAI is located inside the Learning Center, inside the CCP area. The phone number is the same: 928-536-6246. Kate or Sandy will be in the office Monday through Thursday from 9am to 4pm.
Who we are and what we do
If a student struggles with taking tests, taking notes, recalling information read or discussed, or feeling secure in class – chances are they may benefit from receiving accommodations. If a student mentions they had an IEP or 504 plan in high school, are working with a therapist or vocational rehabilitation or VA counselor they may benefit from receiving accommodations. The 3 step process begins with completing an online application for services at www.npc.edu/oai followed by providing disability documentation, and last, requesting accommodations after enrolling in classes at www.npc.edu/oai
The function of the OAI is to authorize student accommodations. It is the student’s responsibility to self-identify and follow the 3 step process to receive accommodations.
Another benefit for anyone that has an NPC email is free software, ReadWrite. This converts text to audio format. Start by visiting www.npc.edu/oai and go to the tabs and click on the ReadWrite link. Download the trial version and it will upgrade to the premium version once to activate it with your NPC email. ReadWrite is also the only exception to the Respondus lock down browser. A helpful study tip is to use the highlighter while reading, using different colors for different topic areas and then extract by colors to help with studying and retaining information.
ODds and Ends
ODds and Ends
February is Black History Month. Visit BlackHistoryMonth.gov for information and 2023 event highlights.
Also, NPR recently shared 3 things to know about the annual celebration.
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