Higher Education Innovation Fund [HEIF]
Equity Leaders & Guides 2.0 [EL&G 2.0]
2025 Praxis Equity Community of Practice [CoP]
These meetings are an opportunity for all to virtually gather and discuss equity practices. This CoP grows from the STCC HEIF 2.0 equity work. All are welcome to attend. These are currently non-stipend events. When we do not speak about sensitive material every attempt will be made to capture each session in a recording. Aall recordings will archived on this webpage.
March 18, 2025 | 5-6pm | Zoom Meeting https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/98039850065
Agenda: Valiente [Brave]: Building Strength & Authenticity
Reflect and discover how embracing authenticity and identity can empower you to overcome biases and build resilience. This session explores strategies for bringing your full self to classrooms and workspaces, fostering strength, and creating an inclusive environment that values diversity and encourages genuine connection.Resources:
I am Poem click to open, click make a copy, fill in your information, save to your Google Drive
April 29, 2025 | 5-6pm | Zoom Meeting https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/98039850065
2025 Praxis Equity CoP | Executive Functioning [EF] Skills
February 4, 2025
Guide Your Students: Teaching Key Executive Functioning (EF) Skills
Learn practical tips for managing time, data, and information to support your students’ executive functioning skills. This session provides strategies you can share with students to boost their academic success, while also giving you tools to refine your own organization and productivity.
Fall 2024 Opportunities! Between now and December 10, 2024
Praxis Equity Community of Practice [CoP]
This is a CoP growing out of the HEIF EL&G 2.0 equity grant work.
Tuesday December 10, 2024 | 5-6:30 pm | Zoom Meeting https://collaborative.zoom.us/j/81189431600 | Attendance will be taken.
Resources: Cult of Pedogogy podcast interviewing Peter Johnston on How Teacher Language Can Build a More Democratic Classroom
Agenda: Safire & Sabine Denise from The Collaborative for Educational Services will be presenting and continuing our courageous conversations.
EL&G'ers will:
Rediscover and be refreshed on the courageous conversations learned on Sept 5, 2024. Faculty & staff have now had a few months working in these 'sticky' conversations. Participants will create actual language/scripts to use when engaging with students and colleagues.
Spend time, in the workshop, actually drafting language/scripts to consider when engaging with students.
Leave this workshop with at least 1-2 scripts of language for specific courageous conversations.
AND as a group we will populate a shared Padlet for the archive of our Courageous Conversations.
Slide Deck and podcast How to Survive the End of the World with Norma Wong
Executive Functioning Skills:
Attendees at this workshop will learn skills of information, time and date management for yourself and your students.
Presented by Amanda Landi, Mathematics Faculty at Bard Academy and College at Simon's Rock.
Tuesday November 19, 2024 | 5-6pm | Zoom Meeting https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/93179269929 | Attendance will be taken.
Agenda: Presented by Amanda Landi, Mathematics Faculty at Bard Academy and College at Simon's Rock. Amanda will share her strategies for working with students to hone their executive functioning skills for improving organization, time management, and self-regulation, which are critical for students' academic success. This workshop has a particular focus on our Early College students and faculty. However, all can learn excellent executive functioning skills!
Presented by Amanda Landi, Mathematics Faculty at Bard Academy and College at Simon's Rock.
Praxis Equity Community of Practice [CoP]
A New Way to Deal with Challenges in the Workplace. Join us to learn the H.E.A.R.T Hear, Empathize, Apologize, Respond, and Thank. process for communicating with students, faculty or colleagues.
Tuesday November 12, 2024 | 5-6 pm | Zoom Meeting https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/97736856173 | Attendance will be taken.
A New Way to Deal with Challenges in the Workplace. Presenter, Ann Polen is a retired nurse and Patient Experience Manager at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH. Ann uses the H.E.A.R.T. process when communicating with patients and their families.
Objectives:
Describe three strategies to provide consistently positive customer interactions.
Explain the steps to communicating with heart.
Resources: A New Way to Deal With Challenges in the Workplace
2023-24 HEIF EL&G 2.0 Partner Project
Equity champions are cultivated by strengthening relationships and continuously refining our communications. We aim to humanize our processes and procedures, fostering deeper connections. Working with our Western Massachusetts Partners; Berkshire and Holyoke Community Colleges, Springfield College and Westfield State University we strive to exchange ideas and learn with and from each other as we gain more knowledge, enhance our skills and advance the equity agenda across all our campuses.
Scroll down to view our 2024 HEIF EL&G 2.0 Programming
Press releases:
Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $1.3 Million to Advance Equity in Higher Education: Projects include increasing Latino student enrollment, enhancing professional development opportunities, and promoting internships.
2023-24 HEIF EL&G 2.0 Presentation Schedule
Click upper right corner to enlarge the 2024 HEIF EL&G 2.0 Presentation Schedule. Mark your calendars & scroll down this webpage for more details & links to Zooms & surveys.
How this page funtions.
Learn how this webpage functions.
Resources:
If you have not yet received your book, connect with your campuses Project Director.
Relationship Rich Education by Peter Felten & Leo Lambert
Reframing Assessment to Center Equity by Henning, Baker & et al.
Transforming HSIs for Equity & Justice: A Practitioner's Workbook Paperback by Garcia et al
This article speaks to TILTing in computer science courses, with a focus on underserved students' belonging and self-efficacy (including Black, Hispanic, and disabled students).
Ojha, V., Watkins, A., Perdriau, C., Isenegger, K., & Lewis, C. M. (2024, August). Instructional Transparency: Just to Be Clear, It's a Good Thing. In Proceedings of the 2024 ACM Conference on International Computing Education Research-Volume 1 (pp. 192-205).
Full text:
2023-24 HEIF EL&G 2.0 Individual Action Plans: due by 4pm [EST] on Monday, September 16, 2024
Watch this 3 minute video to learn how to complete your Action Plan.
Purpose: The purpose of an Action Plan is to give you a framework for thinking about how you will complete your equity goals efficiently. Your Action Plan will also serve as a deliverable and support you in your eligibility for your HEIF EL&G 2.0 stipend.
Tasks: After reflecting upon the equity work you have been engaged in, determine three (3) changes that you would like to make in your practices. Your action plan should include goals that stem from each of the three major focus areas in our workshops: humanizing, relationship building, and TILTing. The knowledge building and introspective work we did in our CES Implicit Bias workshops should guide you in choosing goals that are important to you.
Review the Individual Action Plan: Example
Choose either to complete
Submit your Action Plan to your campus' Project Director
The Collaborative for Educational Services| Courageous Conversations | Thursday, September 5, 2024 | 5-7 pm [EST]
Link to a reflective document to record your thoughts. You will need to Make a Copy for yourself.
Facilitating Conflict Hot Moments. Padlet Resource
Zoom: https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/91038747249 | Thursday, September 5, 2024 | 5-7 pm [EST]
If you would like to add your examples of When you didn't know how to react. Sabine & Safire would appreciate your share.
Please complete the Post Workshop Survey by Monday September 9, 2024 [or sooner]
Click the link to complete the Post Workshop Survey
Or copy and paste into a Chrome browser https://forms.gle/F7m338sogXXEM1Ew8
Recording of The Collaborative for Educational Services Courageous Conversations
Humanizing Online Teaching to Equitize Higher Education | Part B | Tuesday, August 27, 2024 | 6-7:30pm [EST]
Please offer your thoughts by August 26, 2024 @ 4pm by completing this brief form. Michelle is looking for volunteers to share your examples of humanizing your student facing documents.
Zoom: https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/92636674932| Tuesday, August 27, 2024 | 6-7:30 pm [EST]
Please complete the Post Workshop Survey by Friday, August 30, 2024 [or sooner]
Click the link to complete the Post Workshop Survey
Or copy and paste into a Chrome browser https://forms.gle/Aehf72dth5gFq4359
August 27, 2024 Resources:
EL&G'ers Reflections on the August 27, 2024 Workshop
Find ways for open and inclusive sharing of ideas
Humanize students' feeling agency in learning about services that are impactful to them. Be imperfect, share your struggles
We’re exploring creating a ‘bumper video’ with members of the BCC community narrating the College’s Philosophy of Inclusion to humanize this values-based document that sometimes comes across as “too academic” for lack of a better term. This will also heighten the visibility and approach-ability of these values that otherwise go unseen.
I’d also like to create liquid syllabi for our student affinity-groups – Multicultural Student Support Services (MSSO) and Queer Student Association (QSA) – (this is something I’ve done at my previous institution of higher ed and while working in a HS; both were highly successful and engaging). It will also work to meet students where they are (on their mobile devices and screens).
Work toward centering difference as an asset (from the ideas of what is helpful to students) and utilize more affirming and growth mindset language as the norm (increase what's already done more intentionally).
Building relationships from the very beginning- even before they start- with a liquid syllabus and kicking off the first week with fun, get to know you class activities, including learning surveys, Mentimeter Tool to create questions and polls.
Increase focus on expectations and outcomes. Meet with students one-on-one.
Continue to work with students and support them where they are as well as continue to help guide them when they need a little extra TLC.
Make sure languageI use is inclusive and welcoming. Be clear on the methods that we will use for teaching and learning. Connect how the skills they are learing will be used in real world application. Ask for feedback and students to point out barriers to learning.
Empathy, accessible, humanizing documents.
I am going to begin humanizing my course materials so that students in my courses feel welcome, accepted, and hopeful about their future in college.
Give students a chance to give feedback. When giving a demonstrations point out where I made a mistake and tell students how I choose to fix the issue.
TILTing Student Facing Documents | Facilitated by Mary Ann Winkelmes Workshop | Part B | Friday, August 23, 2024 |
9-10:30 am [EST] Virtual
9-10:30 am [EST] Virtual

Handout from August 23, 2024 Workshop
EL&G ers' Reflections on the August 23, 2024 Workshop
We talked about using the purpose to show students how the work relates to the world and also how it relates to their future life.
I would like to start off assignments with an explicit purpose, and including it in my announcements.
I want to breaking things down to their smallest parts.
I will explain to my students how understanding economic data has a direct impact on their personal lives when making decisions.
I want to have more conversations about the "big picture" when starting the class and when giving assignments.
I don't want to make assumptions about what they know. Use language that is clear and easy to understand.
In classroom context, I want to provide greater initial transparency in everyday language (non-academic jargon, no acronyms, etc.) for the purpose of the course and how individual assignments/assignment types feed that greater goal. I also want to use video as a supplement to written instructions - video highlighting key tasks/steps/criteria.
I will ask students to explain how the knowledge and skills they acquired can be used in real world applications.
I intend to let students know what to expect from a coaching session ahead of time, what knowledge they will gain, and skills they will practice.
I will extend the accessibility of any tutorials or guides to allow students without laptops or phones access.
I will be objectively looking at my assignments to assess overall clarity & purpose.
I want to provide additional scaffolding for assignments; to provide clearer purpose to assignments.
I want to work on improving the Accessibility, of my course materials, for ADA Compliance.
For every project I plan to create a handouts that has a Purpose, Task and Criteria at the top.
Recording from August 23, workshops Parts 1 & 2
Zoom: https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/96956449152 Friday, August 23, 2024 | 9-10:30am | Virtual
Please fill out this PRE Workshop Survey by Thursday August 22, 2024 a 2-question survey URL: https://tilthighered.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Ch5hctpGt1IUKi
Please complete the Post Workshop Survey by Monday, August 26, 2024 [or sooner]
Click the link to complete the Post Workshop Survey
Or copy and paste into a Chrome browser: https://forms.gle/jzxiBVdGopD2Gqid8
TILTing Student Facing Documents | Facilitated by Mary Ann Winkelmes Workshop| Part A | Tuesday, June 18, 2024 |
6-7:30pm [EST] Virtual
6-7:30pm [EST] Virtual
TILT Workshop June 18, 2024 with Mary Ann Winklemes

Slides from TILT Workshop June 18, 2024 with Mary Ann Winklmes
EL&Gers' Reflections on TILTing and Mary Ann Winklemes' June 18, 2024 Workshop
Explaining to students why they are doing certain assignments
The more specific breakdown for the task portion of Purpose Task Criteria [PTC] - making my processes more manageable and bite sized.
Making sure the purpose, task, and criteria for the clinical research assignment are well defined and I discuss the assignment with students to ensure proper understanding.
The more specific breakdown for the task portion of Purpose Task Criteria [PTC] - making my processes more manageable and bite sized.
Start providing students with links via email to resources, provide examples, get feedback from students.
Zoom: https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/99085232716 Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | 6-7:30pm Virtual
Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) involves direct communication among teachers and students about the methods of teaching and learning. TILT highlights the value and life-long applicability of skills that students gain in college. It also enhances students’ awareness of how they learn and employ those skills. Data from a national study by the Association of American Colleges & Universities identified transparent instruction as a small and simple equitable teaching intervention that significantly enhances students' success and persistence, with greater gains for historically underserved students, including those who are the first in their families to attend college or from low-income or underrepresented racial or ethnic groups. [Winkelmes et al, Peer Review, Spring 2016; Gianoutsos & Winkelmes 2016; Winkelmes et al. 2019].
This highly interactive workshop introduces participants to TILT and the data that demonstrates how a small change to existing teaching will increase student success equitably. Participants will collaborate to analyze an example student assignment from one of the TILT research studies, (before and after it was revised to be more transparent). Faculty and staff will leave with a concise set of strategies for incorporating small changes for greater transparency and equity in their teaching or collaborative work.
The Collaborative for Educational Services [CES] Workshop Monday June 17, 2024 | In Person | 8 am to Noon [EST]
Monday June 17, 2024 | 8am - Noon
In person, Building 2 -7th floor STCC Campus Map & Directions
Park in Parking Lot C near Building 15 [runs parallel to State Street.
From 8am - Noon
Breakfast will be provided. While we try to accommodate all, those with severe allergies should plan ahead and bring alternative food.
Please bring your laptops, as they will be needed for the day's activities.
Wear your lapel pins!
U of Michigan handout: Useful Questions for Dialogue Facilitation
Be Plucky Website
Before arriving to the workshop EL&G 2.0’ers will:
Make notes of thoughts, ideas & questions.
EL&Gers' Reflections on the June 17, 2024 Workshop
EL&Gers were most engaged when:
For today (06/17), the breakout sessions were more engaging - hearing others' examples and challenges and being able to exchange where we struggle (and sharing in possible approaches to those struggles form our collective experience/practice).
I enjoyed the entire day, but my favorite aspect was the break out moments when we heard people's personal stories and challenges.
Sabine Denise and Safire were sharing stories from their experiences.
Discussing bridging with colleagues.
When we spoke in groups at our table about ways that we were fostering EL&G initiatives within our classrooms.
With the action plan items - the video and infographic of steps to take in order to have the difficult or uncomfortable conversations.
When the facilitators shared questions that they typically use to bridge.
I found most helpful when Safire stepped in to a conversation we were having on our table regarding gender identity and pronouns. I was struggling to find ways to bridge with a participant that had questions and Safire engaged with us and gave us helpful tips.
June 17, 2024 Courageous Conversations Workshop
June 17, 2024 Courageous Conversations Workshop
Relationship Rich Education: How Human Connections Drive Success in College: Part 2 |
June 11, 2024 | 6-7:30 pm [EST]
June 11, 2024 | 6-7:30 pm [EST]
Peter Felten's June 11, 2024 workshop and slides
EL&Gers' Reflections on Peter Felten's June 11, 2024 Workshop
Acknowledging that the larger culture needs to change to truly support them.
Great ideas/examples of things being done at other places as well as why the work matters beyond individuals.
The articles / books (links) posted in the chat were great. Can’t wait to look through them more deeply.
I love the Connection Challenge idea - It is so simple, yet seems like it would be a great start to building new relationships.
The idea of building a culture within our school, department & programs is the root of trusting relationships. It helped me understand why it's important for students to have a set of relationships not just with one individual.
For me, he reinforced, that it is our practices that build relationships with students and a culture in our classrooms.
Make a point to meet with my students one on one.
I liked the breakout rooms where I was able to get ideas from other people on how they build relationships.
I think the data he presented about how much of a difference relationships make with students was compelling. I do not directly interact with students but I got several ideas about how to incorporate connectedness into several initiatives I'm working on in supporting faculty who will.
There are many solid approaches already taking place on our campus but those strategies need to be deployed more comprehensively.
The simple change of "office hours" to "drop-in hours" is a subtle yet meaningful difference that may better facilitate its purpose.
Zoom: https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/94007726075 Tuesday, June 11, 2024 | 6-7:30pm Virtual
Objectives for Peter's Part 2 Workshop
What’s one thing you will do to build significant relationships with or among your students?
What’s one thing you will do (or this group could do) to build significant relationships with or among your colleagues?
Continue work from Part 1 workshop.
Resources
Review & bookmark Connections Are Everything: A College Student's Guide to Relationship-Rich Education, by Peter Felten, Leo M. Lambert, Isis Artze-Vega , and Oscar R. Miranda Tapia. This is the free student-focused-text Peter complementing Peter's text Relationship Rich Education.
Peter's Slides June 11, 2024 Connections are Everything Fostering Cultures of Learning, Equity, and Belonging Peter Felten, Center for Engaged Learning, Elon University
Graphic Novel for New Students: Navigating the College Maze. Shared by Sarah Gilleman, HCC
Additional Resources Featuring Relationship Building:
Curated by our STCC EL&G colleague Aimee Racicot,
Headagogy, with Steve Pearlman - Relationship Rich Education with Peter Felten and Leo Lambert
Office Hours with John Gardner Episode 13 - Peter Felten The Value of Higher Education
Office Hours with John Gardner Episode 15 - Leo Lambert Creating a Sense of Belonging
Beronda L. Montgomery: Living my purpose in multiple domains and cherishing every moment. Here's a 45 minute video from Beronda.
Parker J. Palmer, Center for Courage & Renewal Parker’s work has touched the lives of millions of people around the world seeking to live more courageously and authentically while serving the human possibility.
Rendon, L. I. (1994). Validating culturally diverse students: Toward a new model of learning and student development. Innovative higher education, 19, 33-51. This study demonstrated that nontraditional students, no matter how fragile, can be transformed into full members of the college academic and social community.
Remind: A platform that supports communication and learning wherever it happens.
Equity Skills Training Workshops with The Collaborative for Educational Services [CES]
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 | 8am to 3pm | In Person on the STCC Campus
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 | 8am to 3pm | In Person on the STCC Campus
Tuesday June 4, 2024 | 8am - 3pm
In person, Building 2 -7th floor STCC Campus Map & Directions
Park in Parking Lot C near Building 15 [runs parallel to State Street.
From 8am - 3pm
Breakfast & lunch will be provided. While we try to accommodate all, those with severe allergies should plan ahead and bring alternative food.
STCC EL&G 2.0 Handout printouts will be available.
Please bring your laptops, as they will be needed for the day's activities.
Books and lapel pins will be provided. Plan accordingly to take these materials with you.
Before arriving to the workshop EL&G 2.0’ers will:
Make notes of thoughts, ideas & questions.
Slide Deck
Select the following link to view the slides for our session, Brave, Courageous, & Generative Conversation
Select the following link to complete the Tic-Tac-Toe Course Activity
During the CES Workshop EL&G 2.0’ers will:
Develop self-awareness practices and skills that support more Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Explore facilitation practices that support courageous, generative conversations in the classroom and with stakeholders across campus.
Discover facilitation skills that surface our shared humanity, helping us to move groups toward “bridging” rather than “breaking”
Explore barriers to generative conversations and develop a set of tools and skills that can be used when those barriers are present
Outline of the Day:
Welcome / Opening
Morning Segment:
What are brave, courageous, and generative conversations?
Who am I in the classroom and how do my identities show up?
On identity and bridging difference
Lunch- provided
Afternoon Segment:
What are we afraid of when facilitating brave, courageous, and generative conversations?
Skills and practices for managing emotions (both my own and others)
Goals for your own practice
Close
Wheel of Privilege and Power view an enlarged image of the wheel.
Resources:
Mehl, C. & Haidt, J. (2022, November 30). How to defuse a classroom conflict: Make it more complex. The Chronicles of Higher Education.
Five practices to help students break through all the binary thinking. There’s a powerful way to reduce fear and get people talking in a constructive way: Increase the complexity.
Constructive Dialogue Institute Free for faculty members to use with their students, the five-year-old program weaves together psychological concepts with interactive scenarios and aims to teach practical skills for navigating difficult conversations.
The STCC Library has compiled the Systemic Racism and Injustice libguide includes information and resources such as key terms defined. The libguide also provides links to anti-racism eBooks, books, films and videos, articles, data and statistics, civic action and how to help.
Images from the June 4, 2024 workshop. EL&Gers convening on the Springfield Technical Community College campus.
Relationship Rich Education: How Human Connections Drive Success in College: Part 1
| May 28, 2024 | 6-7:30 pm [EST]
| May 28, 2024 | 6-7:30 pm [EST]
May 28, 2024 Peter Felten.


Above: Mentimeter results in different formats

May 28, 2024 Peter Felten's slide deck
May 28, 2024 | Relationship Rich Education | Author Peter Felten Workshop Part 1 | This workshop will be recorded
Zoom: https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/91376009060 | Tuesday, May 28, 2024 | 6-7:30 pm [EST]
On June 4th, at our workshop, you will receive your copy of Peter's text: Relationship Rich Education.
Review & bookmark Connections Are Everything: A College Student's Guide to Relationship-Rich Education, by Peter Felten, Leo M. Lambert, Isis Artze-Vega , and Oscar R. Miranda Tapia. This is the free student-focused-text Peter complementing Peter's text Relationship Rich Education.
It was very useful to learn how helpful it is for students to engage in peer tutoring and peer mentoring. I knew it was helpful for the students receiving such mentorship, but I didn't know it was also so good for the students giving it.
The idea that just one meaningful relationship can have a large impact.
Breaking the ice among students may help to break walls between students.
Discussion of the importance of students building relationships with each other, not just with us.
Really liked the ideas shared both by Peter and in the small groups.
The three things to help students--understand, learn strategies, act in building relationships.
I think he made it clear that what works for one students or one group of students may not always work for everything student or group.
The validation theory, student need more than just encouragement- they also need info and knowledge too.
Emphasis on the ways that small interactions can have a big difference in a student's life. It only takes one person to light a fire within a student to make a difference. It was affirming. The examples of student stories of success were inspiring.
I am really interested in asking my colleagues questions about their experiences. I think having curiosity about our colleagues' lives will go a really long way toward strengthening those relationships.
Idea from the breakout room of building "side-by-side" relationships, not just face-to-face.
- EL&G Participants
Humanizing Online Teaching to Equitize Higher Education | Part B | May 21, 2024 | 6-7:30pm [EST]
A technical glitch did not allow us to capture a recording of Michelle's 2024 workshop. This is Michelle from 2023 and her May 21, 2024 Workshop Slides. Check out Michelle's Website.
The general principles covered in Michelle's workshop can be applied to almost anything, even in the staff realm. For example, just the idea of making documents more equitable using Michelle's creative approaches will be impactful.
Many student facing offices can use Michelle's ideas to revamp student facing informational documents and web content. Michelle's presentation encourages people to think outside of the box in a very unique way. Staff and faculty can walk away with useful ideas and insights.
Consider having conversations amongst the EL&G 2.0 guides on each of your campuses, to discuss how you might incorporate Michelle's concepts.
-Ashley Pease, STCC EL&G 2.0 Faculty Fellow
This was a great training. Very informative. I am really not sure I am qualified to "mitigate trauma" but I always try to be kind and inviting. I smile and go in with a positive outlook. I try to be encouraging, and present learning tools with various styles to accommodate the different people in my trainings.
Michelle's presentation was excellent. I love the idea of a liquid syllabus and adding bumper videos to the course materials.
-EL&G Participants
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 | 6-7:30 pm [EST] Virtual Zoom Workshop | This workshop will be recorded
Humanizing Online Teaching to Equitize Higher Education- Facilitated by Michelle Pacansky Brock
Zoom: https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/96499354957 | May 21, 2024 | 6-7:30 pm [EST]
Relationships are the connective tissue between students and academic success regardless of where or how learning occurs. Human connections mitigate trauma, foster agency, and encourage students to lean in and achieve their full potential. They are key to closing equity gaps in higher education. This presentation will showcase a digital learning model, humanizing, that centers high expectations and care to support the social psychological aspects of learning in person and at a distance.
Books Michelle mentioned during her workshop:
Bandwidth Recovery: Helping Students Reclaim Cognitive Resources Lost to Poverty, Racism, and Social Marginalization by Cia Verschelden, 2017
Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students by Zaretta Hammond. 2014
Pause for 2024 Summer Break from June 19 - August 23, 2024
Monday, April 22, 2024 HEIF EL&G 2.0 Grant | Partners Initial Meeting
Partners Meeting for April 22, from 4-5pm via Zoom. Next week I would like to share our presenters' scheduling for presenters and answer any questions.
Feel free to start recruiting your equity leaders. Here is some recruiting language you might want to review, edit and/or use. I highly recommend including a Google Form for those interested. It will also help your organization. You may recruit 20-25 equity leaders & guides per campus [or more, if you have the interest].
Recording from our April 22, 2024 HEIF EL&G 2.0 Partners Meeting
Below this point is
content from the original STCC 2022-23 HEIF Equity Leaders & Guides [EL&G] |Scroll Back Up
content from the original STCC 2022-23 HEIF Equity Leaders & Guides [EL&G] |Scroll Back Up
Statement of Need:
The Massachusetts Higher Education Innovation Fund [HEIF] has granted STCC A $75,000 grant to create the Equity Leaders & Guides (EL&G). This project is designed to promote cross collaboration amongst faculty by offering opportunities for the exchange of equity-minded ideas, practices for integration and broadening the pool of trained campus equity champions.
STCC Spring 2022 FT Faculty Survey results pointed to faculty’s desire to:
● engage in implicit bias training and promising practices in retaining black/brown, underserved students,
● strengthen skills-building by exploring culturally relevant teaching practices,
● design equitable syllabi and course policies to promote student belonging,
● expand holistic advising practices, and
● use data to support this equity work.
EL&G Project Outcomes:
● draw upon existing campus-wide equity work of the AIA and its subcommittees, driving equity minded practices and institutional transformation,
● unify what has been disparate training in culturally relevant practices
● increase academic and co-curricular opportunities to engage students in experiences that demonstrate civic mindedness.
EL&G Syllabus
The syllabus [below] is dynamic. You are invited to add comments by clicking into the document.
When asked what participants found useful from the EL&G Process overall-to date:
"I feel that most faculty are on the same page when it comes to wanting to build relationships and to share information. We are not always given the right platform, this project has certainly allowed for it."
"I am generally quite timid and a little fearful to speak up especially in a group of new peers. I have been pleasantly surprised to find that this experience has been so positive and has made me feel comfortable to speak at times."
- EL&G Participants
HEIF Grant & Equity Leaders Guides' [EL&G] Information
EL&G-It's a practice. The journey is the destination
What & Why Thought Partners?
Thought partners meet and share ideas, experiences and reflections with one another to help each of you in your learning and teaching practices.
In the spirit of cross collaboration, in most instances, you have been paired with someone across your department and division. Both of you will need to make an effort to build an intentional relationship with your partner.
Strive to get to know your Thought Partner. Stretch your partner's thinking, practice some of the concepts & skills you will be learning, and practice your listening skills with your partner.
Throughout this process you will be asked to meet [virtually or in person outside our normal working day 8-4pm] and create some artifacts of your meetings [i.e. a document, video, summary etc].
EL&G Participants & Thought Partners
Open and add a document for notes
Note: all folders are open to public for editing, sharing and reflection
More details are forthcoming.
Relationship Rich Education: How Human Connections Drive Success in College
February 15, 2023 | Relationship Rich Education | Author Peter Felten Workshop Part 1 | This workshop will be recorded | 5-7pm
Read the text.
Read the Group Guide, below, with emphasis on prompts #7 & #8.
By February 13, 2023 complete & submit the 2023 Pre Workshop Survey.
On February 15, 2023 5pm Join us for a discussion/workshop with Peter Felten. You have a Zoom link and invitation in your Google Calendar.
After February 15, 2023 Homework
Feel free to review the Peter Felten #1 Workshop Feb 15, 2023 recording & chat.
Open this survey and offer your feedback by Feb, 24, 2023 [or sooner].
If you have not yet, accept the invitation to the March 22, 2023 Relationship Rich Education #2 Workshop, with Peter. Check your Google Calendar and/or email me.
Between now and March 20, 2023 email your thought partner, make a date to meet on the phone, [in person or virtually] and within your Thought Partner Folders/Documents-answer Peter’s prompts.
What’s one thing you will do to build significant relationships with or among your students?
What’s one thing you will do (or this group could do) to build significant relationships with or among your colleagues?
Review & bookmark Connections Are Everything: A College Student's Guide to Relationship-Rich Education, by Peter Felten, Leo M. Lambert, Isis Artze-Vega , and Oscar R. Miranda Tapia. This is the free student focused text Peter referred to in his presentation.
EL&Gers' Reflections on Peter Felten's February 15 Workshop
When asked what participants found useful from the workshop:
"Although our small breakout rooms were people from all over campus, it was so reaffirming that we share many of the same issues and also that we think similarly."
"I thought the plant analogy was powerful. Though I'm sure I've heard it before, it was a reminder to think carefully about the environment we're creating for students. There's so much that goes into a classroom setting, but it's also something that we can easily modify so that students can grow."
"It was during the first breakout session. I really resonated with the other participants. For the first time, I felt like I wasn't alone in how I engage with students. I was hearing from others who have been doing this much longer than me, and they sounded enthusiastic and excited about this project and their work with students."
"Another powerful moment was the reference to one of the conversations from the book. The professor tells the students something along the lines of, "One of you is going to feel overwhelmed and anxious at the end of the semester and consider dropping the course. Please don't...." and then encouraged students to reach out. I connected with that dialogue and may steal it entirely or personalize it. I find that when I give real life examples and I'm honest with students (sometimes brutally honest), they engage, are more willing to participate and ask for help, and put more effort into assignments and participation."
- EL&G Participants

Peter Felten's Reading Group Guide to acoompany his Relationship Rich Education text.
Peter Felten # Workshop Recording. Zoom Link to February 15, 2023 Recording of Peter Felten's Workshop Part 1.

Peter Felten #1 Workshop Slides
March 22, 2023 | Relationship Rich Education | Author Peter Felten Workshop Part 2 | This workshop will be recorded | 5-7pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/91428143130
Objectives are to Review Homework from February 15, 2023 Workshop
What’s one thing you will do to build significant relationships with or among your students?
What’s one thing you will do (or this group could do) to build significant relationships with or among your colleagues?
Continue work from Part 1 workshop.
Collaborate on this Google Doc during our workshop.
Please be aware this document is open to all for editing, take care when working here.
Peter mentioned the text: Connecting in the online classroom: Building rapport between teachers and students
Glazier, R. A. (2021). Connecting in the online classroom: Building rapport between teachers and students. JHU Press.
Post March 22, 2023 Workshop
Feel free to review the Peter Felten #2 Workshop March 22, 2023 recording & chat.
Review our Google Doc used during our workshop.
Open this survey and offer your feedback by March 24, 2023 [or sooner]
EL&Gers' Reflections on Peter Felten's March 22 Workshop
When asked what participants found useful from the workshop:
"I found the dialogue amongst the participants very helpful. It was helpful to learn what others are doing already to build relationships with the students. One participant mentioned taking a few minutes at the end of each class to walk around the classroom and talk with students while they worked on a short activity. The goal was to meet each student throughout the semester. I also found the discussion about what students should call us very interesting. Lots of food for thought and many great ideas."
"I found that taking even 5-10 minutes during class to form and build relationships with students will go a long way to fostering a supportive learning environment. Small changes can make a huge difference."
"Hearing how others create relationships always generates new ideas for me to incorporate in my own classroom."
"Brainstorming different ways to build on these efforts."
"I feel that most faculty are on the same page when it comes to wanting to build relationships and to share information. We are not always given the right platform, this project has certainly allowed for it."
- EL&G Participants
Equity Skills Training Workshops with The Collaborative for Educational Services
Saturday, March 25, 2023
In person, building 2 -7th floor
From 9am - 3pm
Before arriving to the workshop EL&G’ers will:
Make notes of thoughts, ideas & questions.
During the March 25 CES Workshop EL&G’ers will:
Develop self-awareness practices and skills that support more Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Explore facilitation practices that support courageous, generative conversations in the classroom and with stakeholders across campus.
Discover facilitation skills that surface our shared humanity, helping us to move groups toward “bridging” rather than “breaking”
Explore barriers to generative conversations and develop a set of tools and skills that can be used when those barriers are present
Outline of the Day:
Welcome / Opening
Morning Segment:
What are brave, courageous, and generative conversations?
Who am I in the classroom and how do my identities show up?
On identity and bridging difference
Lunch- provided
Afternoon Segment:
What are we afraid of when facilitating brave, courageous, and generative conversations?
Skills and practices for managing emotions (both my own and others)
Goals for your own practice
Close
EL&Gers' Reflections on Equity Skills March 25 Workshop
When asked what participants found most affirming from the workshop:
"Sabine [workshop facilitator] made me feel like it was okay to have my best mistake."
An attendee sitting next to me offered supportive comments and squeezed my hand in a very supportive way when I was discussing about how unsure I am of what I'm doing most days as new faculty."
"The way the facilitators engaged with the attendees and gave real life, real world experience and examples was great."
"I can't think of a specific action, but I thought the "power wheel" visual was fascinating and an accurate tool to teach and reflect on one's privilege and how groups are marginalized (or vice versa). Just to visually place myself and see how close to the "power center" I was in many categories was a real eye-opener." [Note the Power Wheel is embedded, below, under Resources.]
- EL&G Participants
March 25, 2023 EL&G participants attended a day-long workshop.
EL&G participants really did rock as they explored skills in learning to have generative conversations with their students and colleagues.
Paul Hernandez says "small steps lead to big victories," and describes important moments in his life. He notes that there are times when immediate needs outweigh the benefits of education, and that real talk helps individuals. "Part of being free is asking questions." Listen as Paul describes his unique story.
Wheel of Privilege and Power view an enlarged image of the wheel.
Resources:
Mehl, C. & Haidt, J. (2022, November 30). How to defuse a classroom conflict: Make it more complex. The Chronicles of Higher Education.
Five practices to help students break through all the binary thinking. There’s a powerful way to reduce fear and get people talking in a constructive way: Increase the complexity.
Constructive Dialogue Institute Free for faculty members to use with their students, the five-year-old program weaves together psychological concepts with interactive scenarios and aims to teach practical skills for navigating difficult conversations.
The STCC Library has compiled the Systemic Racism and Injustice libguide includes information and resources such as key terms defined. The libguide also provides links to anti-racism eBooks, books, films and videos, articles, data and statistics, civic action and how to help.
TILTing Assignments. Facilitated by Mary Ann Winkelmes
Tuesday, April 4, 2023| 5-6:30pm |Virtual Zoom Workshop -EL&G Invitation & Stipend Event
TILTing Assignments. Facilitated by Mary Ann Winkelmes
Zoom https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/96245434194 | April 4, 2023 5-6:30pm
Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) involves direct communication among teachers and students about the methods of teaching and learning. TILT highlights the value and life-long applicability of skills that students gain in college. It also enhances students’ awareness of how they learn and employ those skills. Data from a national study by the Association of American Colleges & Universities identified transparent instruction as a small and simple equitable teaching intervention that significantly enhances students' success and persistence, with greater gains for historically underserved students, including those who are the first in their families to attend college or from low-income or underrepresented racial or ethnic groups. [Winkelmes et al, Peer Review, Spring 2016; Gianoutsos & Winkelmes 2016; Winkelmes et al. 2019].
This highly interactive workshop introduces participants to TILT and the data that demonstrates how a small change to existing teaching will increase student success equitably. Participants will collaborate to analyze an example student assignment from one of the TILT research studies, (before and after it was revised to be more transparent). Faculty and staff will leave with a concise set of strategies for incorporating small changes for greater transparency and equity in their teaching or collaborative work.

Slides shared at the April 4, 2023 TILTin Assignments Workshop. Link to handout: tinyurl.com/STCC1
The recording of our April 4, 2023 STCC session with Mary Ann Winkelmes focusing on TILTing assignments.
Overview and results of 2014-2016 Association of American Colleges & Universities study, funded by TG Philanthropy
Humanizing Online Teaching to Equitize Higher Education
Thursday, April 27, 2023 | 4-6pm | Virtual Zoom Workshop -EL&G Invitation & Stipend Event
Humanizing Online Teaching to Equitize Higher Education- Facilitated by Michelle Pacansky Brock
Zoom: https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/94103989582 | April 27, 2023 4-5:30 pm
Relationships are the connective tissue between students and academic success regardless of where or how learning occurs. Human connections mitigate trauma, foster agency, and encourage students to lean in and achieve their full potential. They are key to closing equity gaps in higher education. This presentation will showcase a digital learning model, humanizing, that centers high expectations and care to support the social psychological aspects of learning in person and at a distance.
Books Michelle mentioned during her workshop:
Bandwidth Recovery: Helping Students Reclaim Cognitive Resources Lost to Poverty, Racism, and Social Marginalization by Cia Verschelden, 2017
Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students by Zaretta Hammond. 2014
Michelle Pacansky Brock facilitating her Humanizing Online Teaching to Equitize Higher Education workshop.
EL&Gers' Reflections on the Humanizing Online Teaching to Equitize Higher Education:
"I was so inspired by Michelle's workshop, I went home and re-designed my syllabus to be 'fluid' and in a Google Site format. It was so much fun. I think my students will like it too."
"I just want to say thank you for this opportunity to be exposed to the information presented in this workshop. I look forward to having some time over the summer to learn more on my own."
- EL&G Participants
Putting Courageous Conversations into Practice
Wednesday May 3 & 8, 2023 | 4-6pm | Virtual -EL&G Invitation & Stipend Event
May 3, 2023 Join Zoom Meeting https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/96005023822
May 8, 2023 Join Zoom Meeting https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/92253028808
Putting Courageous Conversations into Practice
Continue our work, started on March 25th, with courageous conversations and our colleagues from The Collaborative for Educational Services.
During this workshop EL&Gers will:
Review lessons learned at the March 25th workshop.
Learn [or revisit] language to use during courageous conversations.
Practice implementing courageous conversations skills.
Begin building an internal framework-for each individual EL&Ger and with other EL&Gers.
EL&G In Person Gathering at the STCC Carberry Art Gallery
Thursday, May 4, 2023 4-5pm | STCC Carberry Art Gallery | In Person Gathering - EL&G Invitation & Stipend Event
Gather, in person at the Carberry Art Gallery, with our cohort to view STCC student artwork and enjoy each others' company & light refreshments.
Recently, the Equity Leaders and Guides (EL&G) faculty from Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) gathered at the Carberry Art Gallery to celebrate their semester-long equity work and to appreciate the creative expressions of STCC students. The Fine Arts Exhibition, on display through May 10th, showcases the talent and diversity of the college's student body.
Mary Wiseman, Director of Instructional Innovation and Faculty Investment, emphasized the importance of this event by saying, "Celebrating equity work amongst the student artwork helps us all raise cultural awareness and view our students from another perspective." The art exhibition served as an opportunity for the faculty to connect their equity work with the unique artistic expressions of STCC students.
The STCC student fine arts exhibition showcases various forms of art, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and digital media. Each piece highlights the diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of the student artists, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of STCC's student body.
By visiting the art exhibition, the EL&G faculty underscored the importance of providing an inclusive environment where students can express themselves freely and creatively. The semester-long equity work conducted by the EL&G faculty has been instrumental in promoting cultural awareness, understanding, and acceptance across the campus. sondra peron, Coordinator of The Amy H. Carberry Art Gallery, expressed her thanks, "Your invaluable time and perceptive appreciation for the creative work of our STCC students enrolled in fine arts courses is truly cherished. The sun peaked out from behind the clouds JUST long enough for us to enjoy the wonders of the camera obscura room, which is celebrating its ten-year anniversary [see image below].
In conclusion, the visit to the Carberry Art Gallery by the EL&G faculty not only celebrated their equity work but also demonstrated the importance of appreciating and valuing the diverse artistic expressions of STCC's student body. As Mary Wiseman noted, it offers a new perspective on cultural awareness, helping to create an inclusive and equitable environment that supports the academic and artistic growth of all students.
EL&Gers' Reflections on the gathering:
"I want to thank everyone who was able to make it to today’s EL&G gathering at the Carberry Gallery!"
"Your invaluable time and perceptive appreciation for the creative work of our STCC students enrolled in fine arts courses is truly cherished. the sun peaked out from behind the clouds JUST long enough for us to enjoy the wonders of the camera obscura room, which is celebrating is ten-year anniversary [see image below]."
"So happy we were able to see the camera obscura and taste the Wicked Good Treats."
"This was so much fun! Such a lovely venue to meet, and enjoy camaraderie. And, it was so nice to enjoy the visuals - so much talent in our students!"
"Thank you Sondra & your entire staff at the gallery; it was great to see everyone in person and enjoy all of the wonderful exhibits!"
Overheard in the gallery: "Hey, here is one of my student's artwork!"
- EL&G Participants
STCCy Notes
Check out the STCCy Notes blog post from our May 4th afternoon in the STCC Carberry Art Gallery.
Back row, left to right:sondra peron, Marisha Marks, and Steven Nelson.
Middle row, left to right: Sharon Sheng, Melissa Pereira, Lineisha Dominicci-Rosario, and Mary Wiseman. Front row, left to right: Emilie Clucas Leaderman, Eileen Cusick, Diane Sabato, and Anthony Rondinelli. Also attending, not pictured, Joelle Connor.
EL&G participants chatted, in the lobby outside the Carberry Art Gallery. From left to right: Eileen Cusick, Emilie Clucas Leaderman, Anthony Rondinelli, Steven Nelson, Sharon Sheng and Diane Sabato.
Wicked Good Treats created a table of refreshments. Penny, who was on site throughout the reception, baked and prepared this fully gluten free reception for us.
Diane Sabato and Sharon Sheng discuss the art while Anthony Rondinelli ponders students' work.
The moody weather outside is reflected inside the camera obscura room at STCC, 5:17pm on 5/4/23.
TILTing with Mary Ann Winkelmes
TILTing with Mary Ann Winkelmes
Monday, May 15, 2023 | noon-1pm | Virtual Zoom Workshop- for all STCC staff & faculty
This highly interactive workshop introduces participants to TILT and the data that demonstrates how a small change to existing teaching will increase student success equitably. Participants will collaborate to analyze an example student assignment from one of the TILT research studies, (before and after it was revised to be more transparent).
Recording from May 15, 2023 TILTing workshop with Mary Ann Winkelmes

Slides from May 15, 2023 TILTing Student Documents

Handout from May 15, 2023 TILTing with Mary Ann Winklemes
EL&G In Person Meet & Greet
Monday, June 5, 2023 |4-5pm |In Person Building 19 Conference Room Near Welcome Desk |Stipend Event
Bring your charming selves and any questions, ideas or thoughts as we all get to know each other.
We will be discussing our challenges to better inform our direction of training.
Wicked Good Treats created a table of gluten free refreshments to sustain our energy
TILTing Student Facing Documents & Instructions. Facilitated by Mary Ann Winkelmes
Wednesday June 7, 2023 | 5-6:30pm | Virtual EL&G Invitation |Stipend Event
TILTing Student Facing Documents & Instructions. Facilitated by Mary Ann Winkelmes
Zoom https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/93001996694 | Wednesday June 7, 2023 5-6:30pm
Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) involves direct communication among teachers and students about the methods of teaching and learning. TILT highlights the value and life-long applicability of skills that students gain in college. It also enhances students’ awareness of how they learn and employ those skills. Data from a national study by the Association of American Colleges & Universities identified transparent instruction as a small and simple equitable teaching intervention that significantly enhances students' success and persistence, with greater gains for historically underserved students, including those who are the first in their families to attend college or from low-income or underrepresented racial or ethnic groups. [Winkelmes et al, Peer Review, Spring 2016; Gianoutsos & Winkelmes 2016; Winkelmes et al. 2019].
This highly interactive workshop introduces participants to TILT and the data that demonstrates how a small change to existing teaching will increase student success equitably. Participants will collaborate to analyze an example of student facing documents from one of the TILT research studies, (before and after it was revised to be more transparent). Participants will leave with a concise set of strategies for incorporating small changes for greater transparency and equity in their student facing documents or collaborative work.
Recording from June 5, 2023 TILTing student facing documents workshop with Mary Ann Winkelmes

Transparent Equitible Collaboration Framework for Staff

Slides from June 7, 2023 Workshop

Transparent Learning Framework for Students & Staff
Relationship Rich Education with a Student Focus
June 15, 2023 Recording of Peter Felten's Workshop

June 15, 2023 Peter Felten's Slide Deck
June 15, 2023 | 4-5:30 pm | Relationship Rich Education | Author Peter Felten Workshop | For those invited and attending, this is a stipend event | This workshop will be recorded
Read the Relationship Rich Education text.
Read the student focused companion to Relationship Rich Education, entitled Connections Are Everything: A College Student's Guide to Relationship-Rich Education. This is an open access link provided by Johns Hopkins U Press.
https://muse.jhu.edu/book/111986
Between now and June 15, please reflect upon these questions:
What’s one thing you will do to build significant relationships with or among your students?
What’s one thing you will do (or this group could do) to build significant relationships with or among your colleagues?
On June 15, 2023 at 4pm
Join Zoom Meeting: https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/98246943079Meeting ID: 982 4694 3079
One tap mobile +19292056099,,98246943079# US (New York)
In Peter's June 15, 2023 Workshop he mentioned a couple of resources:
The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness . By by Robert Waldinger M.D. and Marc Schulz Ph.D
The Norton Guide to Equity Minded Teaching. By Isis Artze-Vega, Flower Darby, Bryan Dewsbury and Mays Imad.
The Norton Guide is free for signing up.
EL&Gers' Reflections on Peter's Workshop:
I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated our meeting with Peter Felton last night. So encouraging and uplifting - I think lots of people were starting to run on empty and it really helped us to put things in perspective, see the value we all bring, and find joy in what we can do together. Thank you for making it possible!
- EL&G Participant
Courageous Conversations Facilitated by the Collaborative for Educational Services
June 22, 2023 | 4-6pm | Courageous Conversations Part 1 | For those invited and attending, this is a stipend event | This workshop will be recorded
Before the workshop:
Open the Brave, Courageous, & Generative Conversations Pre-work Tic Tac Toe
Click and engage with the second row, #4, 5 & 6. Plan approximately 10-15 minutes for this review.
WATCH: Bridging: Towards a Society Built on Belonging
WATCH: Disrupting Polarization
WATCH: Archeology of the Self
Note: feel free to click & engage with any of the squares on this Tic Tac Toe.
By reviewing these materials you will be better informed to engage in the workshop activities.
Handouts:
Social Identity Wheel & Social Identity Open and make a copy to download
KASP EL&G SELF ASSESSMENT TOOL Open and make a copy to download
Hot Button Topics Open and make a copy to download
During the CES Workshop EL&G’ers will:
Develop self-awareness practices and skills that support more Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Explore facilitation practices that support courageous, generative conversations working with students and stakeholders across campus.
Discover facilitation skills that surface our shared humanity, helping us to move groups toward “bridging” rather than “breaking”
Explore barriers to generative conversations and develop a set of tools and skills that can be used when those barriers are present
On June 22, 2023 at 4pm
Join https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/99278400033
June 23, 2023 | 4-6pm Courageous Conversations Part 1 | For those invited and attending, this is a stipend event | This workshop will be recorded
During the CES Workshop EL&G’ers will:
Review lessons learned at the June 22, 2023 workshop.
Learn [or revisit] language to use during courageous conversations.
Practice implementing courageous conversations skills.
Begin building an internal framework-for each individual EL&Ger and with other EL&Gers.
Handouts:
Hot Button Worksheet Make a copy
Constructive Conversation Worksheet the worksheet will download
The neurobiology of threat, and what facilitators need to understand about our biology
On June 23, 2023 at 4pm
Join https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/98194471289
EL&Gers' Reflections on the Courageous Conversations Workshops:
I am so excited to take what we learned yesterday and put it into practice.
I really resonated with the words from the Yolanda Sealy-Ruiz video when she said, 'Education is Hope'. It gives me pause & helps direct me.
- EL&G Participants
Take 12 minutes to watch this TED Talk on leadership and think about how we [EL&Gers] can tap into everyone's knowledgeand lead change on campus.
You ARE a Leader!
You have engaged in Equity Leaders & Guides work that is leadership!
Not in the hierarchical sense, but in the sense of taking lead for solving a problem by listing questions and involving people.
Leadership is not about giving answers.
It is asking the questions.
It is daring to show vulnerability.
Our Next EL&G steps are to tap into everyone's knowledge and creativity & create change-together.
More information will arrive in your inbox before Fall semester begins.
Upcoming Dates & Activities: Mark Your Calendars
September 2023 EL&G Opportunities
September 11, 2023 | Monday | 4-5pm | For those invited and attending, this is a stipend event | Zoom link is forthcoming
Join Zoom Meeting: https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/96163428251 This is an invitation event, check your Google Calendar for invite.
During this workshop invitees will work with Mary Ann Winkelmes and learn how to:
prepare to be a TILT Community of Practice leader and/or facilitator.
lead and facilitate the 2023-24 TILT Community of Practice monthly discussions beginning October - December 2023.
A summary of the September 12, 2023 meeting. View and add ideas to our Jamboard mentioned in the video. Or feel free to email me your ideas, as inspiration hits. mwiseman@stcc.edu
September 12, 2023 | Tuesday | 4-5pm | All EL&G participants are invited to this is a stipend event | Meeting information is forthcoming.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://stcc-edu.zoom.us/j/94315978126 All EL&Gers are welcomed!
How will you continue your equity journey and keep honing your skills?
During this workshopEL&Gers will:
meet each other to discuss general next steps as EL&Gers and
begin developing how each of us can create [or continue to develop] own EL&G Action Plans.
add your Action Plans to your Thought Partner Folders
Ideas for your action plan could be to develop an equity-minded syllabus design, develop culturally responsive pedagogy, analyze departmental, course or grading policy and TILT them, re-design an assignment rubric to be more equitable, edit student facing materials with more student friendly language. Our work is never ending. Arrive with questions and ideas and leave with an Action Plan.
September 19, 2023 | Tuesday | 4-5pm | All EL&G participants are invited to this is a stipend event |
Meet in the Carberry Fine Arts Gallery | STCC Fine Arts Bld 28
All EL&Gers are welcomed!
In the interest of expanding our EL&Gers, please ask a colleague to come along with you to learn more about EL&G!
During this workshop invitees will:
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and our EL&G work while enjoying the art created by Oaxacan-born artist Pável Acevedo.
Envision our upcoming semester. Such as the Kitchen of Joy [previously known as The Soup Kitchen] and other initiatives we want to lead.
EL&Gers mingle in the STCC Carberry Fine Arts Gallery.
STCC Communities of Practice | TILT with Mary Ann Winkelmes
Starting in October 2023, Mary Ann Winklemes will moderate the STCC CoP | TILT workshops on a monthly basis. 'TILT', which stands for Transparency in Learning and Teaching, involves making minor adjustments to teaching practices. These adjustments are based on an evidence-backed framework that showcases how such changes can equitably enhance student success. Plan to attend to learn how to TILT your student facing documents and practices. Faculty & staff are welcomed.
Consult the Workshops Schedule for dates/times of 2023-24 meetings.
Celebration of Student Work / Guest Talk:
Tuesday Nov 28th, Gym, 10 am- Noon Followed by Free Lunch
Tuesday Nov 28th, Gym, 10 am- Noon Followed by Free Lunch
Date: Tuesday, November 28th Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Auditorium and Gym). Followed by free lunch.
Guest Speaker: TBD (a neutral universal topic like Renewable Energy)
Students will exhibit examples of works in progress and receive formative feedback. Projects might include: developmentally appropriate curriculum design, inclusive education ideas, classroom redesign, children's literacy promotion, community needs assessment, program evaluation or social policy analysis. Business action plan developments, consulting projects, market entry strategy, marketing plans, App creations, Game developments, Internet of Things solutions, blockchain applications, cybersecurity projects, AI projects, augmented/virtual reality projects, robotic arms, humanoid robots, mathematical modelings, cryptocurrency analysis, geometry in design, risk analysis, game theory analysis, designs, artworks, architecture projects, landscape designs, videography, poetry, essays, creative writing, scripts, storytelling, research posters, essays, sales pitches, mobile apps, prototypes, optics, holographs, optic illusions, fiber optics, drones, robotic creations, models, demos, market analysis, case studies, crafts, brand identity, short films, animation, gaming, concept models, 3D printing, advertisements, energy transformations, bridge, pendulums, projectiles, roller coasters, solar ovens etc.
Forward any questions to: Reena Randhir rrandhir@stcc.edu
Student presenters at last year's celebration.
Strategic Plan for TILTing STCC
Resources on Leadership etc.
Who’s In Your Inner Circle?
In this episode of Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam talks with economists Luigi Pistaferri and Matthew Jackson about why we often surround ourselves with people who are just like us — and how we can transform our lives by pushing back against this phenomenon. Our colleague Elzabeth Swain reports, the whole episode is great, but gets relevant from about 20:20-29 minutes in, Matt Jackson’s story.
Creating Company Culture for Remote Teams
Leaders don't just build company culture, they are company culture. Company culture is part of every employee's experience whether they work remotely or in an office. But the remote and in-office playing fields aren't the same, and leaders have to know the difference. With no opportunity to physically absorb remote office culture — one perk of the in-person setup — remote leaders must provide their people with new avenues to build trust with their managers and teams as well as opportunities to prove themselves to stakeholders.
If you have any resources, comments, or ideas to share or questions about this process & your contribution to it OR do not see a Google Calendar invites for any workshops please email Mary Wiseman mwiseman@stcc.edu
- "A rising tide lifts all boats"