Summer institute 2024

Presenter: Dr. Heidi Leming (TBR Vice Chancellor for Student Success)

The Tennessee Board of Regents made a commitment to the implementation and expansion of HIPs across the System in 2014. Since the launch of the HIPs Initiative, the TBR System has received national recognition on not only scaling efforts, but also data collection on student outcomes from participating in HIPs. As the final bookend piece to the HIP scaling work, TBR is leading the nation in the development and scaling of a learner record to be launched in Fall 2024. This session will recap the history and momentum leading up to the launch of the learner record and the future possibilities for its use with students, employers, and for assessment. 

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Teams

Presenter: Dr. Jamia Stokes and Dr. Tracy Hall

During this session, President Tracy D. Hall of Southwest Tennessee Community College will engage in a conversation with Dr. Jamia Stokes, from Tennessee SCORE to discuss how the college’s priorities align with Tennessee SCORE’s vision for ensuring all Tennessee Students have access for a quality education that all students earn a credential or postsecondary degree that leads to economic independence. Tennessee SCORE’s key priorities include expanding student opportunities through policy enhancements, building effective pathways between education and careers, and embracing educational equity and social justice. 

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Teams

Presenters: Raquel Adams and Selena Grimes

In this session, participants will learn about SACSCOC Accreditation and the QEP. We will cover preparation for Soutwest’s on-site visit and the progress of the Quality Enhancement Plan. Participants will gain insights into how faculty, staff, and students can become engaged in this institutional campaign that will impact student success and retention and an understanding of how this work will affect our SACSCOC visit. 

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Teams

Presenter: Joshua Nave and Tameka Perry

Members of the Spring 2024 Equity and Inclusion Practitioner Program will present how STCC can better serve members of our community with limited English proficiency. Discussion will include closing access and achievement gaps for individuals with limited English proficiency by improving support, increasing retention, and making relevant, data-driven decisions. 

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Teams

Presenter: Dr. Thomas Tobin

This interactive talk will introduce you to Universal Design for Learning, especially as newly revised for higher education (CAST, 2024). You will discover how to implement UDL in the design of your course and service interactions across the technology-mediated spectrum, creating spaces for best teaching and support practices to take place—in the classroom and beyond. This is best accomplished through an incremental approach, using a “next 20” series of milestones—achievements that can be attained in the next 20 minutes, 20 days, and 20 months (Tobin & Behling, 2018).

You’ll also find out where to look for help at your institution and in your LMS and other systems: recent research from CAST and the Center for Universal Design in Education suggests that institutions whose faculty-support staff members use UDL, too, see better adoption rates and deeper penetration of UDL principles across all courses (CAST, 2014; DO-IT, 2015).

In this interactive keynote session, you will: 

• Identify the core needs of under-resourced learners along the vectors of safety, time, and belonging.

• Select, predict, or draft a specific expression of expanded access in the work that you do with learners.

• Create and implement a classroom or interaction design (e.g., a rubric, activity parameters, a welcome message) that addresses barriers for under-served learner populations through the use of adaptable curriculum, engagement/access techniques, or learner collaboration with peers, instructors, or the community.

• Analyze a single learner interaction through the lens of the universal design for learning (UDL) framework.

You will learn how to incorporate instructional methodologies for broader access in your courses and learner interactions, foster students’ sense of belonging, and create learning and support environments across campus that welcome learners across the ability and access spectrums.

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Teams

Presenter: Ryan Stembridge

Delve into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI) writing and become a modern-day Blade Runner in this interactive session. As AI technology advances, distinguishing between human and machine-generated content becomes increasingly challenging. Join us as we explore the nuances and characteristics of AI-generated writing, equipping you with the skills to spot its telltale signs. Through real-world examples and hands-on exercises, you'll learn to discern the subtle differences in language, style, and coherence between human and AI-generated text. Discover the underlying algorithms and techniques powering AI writing systems, empowering you to critically evaluate and verify the authenticity of written content. 

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Presenter: Dr. Derrick Wheatley

In this session, we will address the significant shift in the role of developing relationships with students. In the past, it was not necessary to establish deep connections with students. However, building meaningful relationships with students today is a central aspect of effective teaching, regardless of the modality. This session will encourage teachers to connect with students on a personal level by sharing themselves and their experiences. Doing so can radically transform the dynamics of the student-teacher relationship. By sharing aspects of our challenges and experiences, we shatter the myth that we are just instructors, not regular people. The perception that teachers are not regular people hinders effective communication and establishes a disconnect between teachers and students. Sharing our stories demonstrates empathy and can bridge the gap, thus fostering a positive and supportive environment. Students are permitted to see us as allies and not just educators. 

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Presenter: Ingrid Mitchell

Session conversations will provoke collaborative talks around challenging college level students and promoting consistent engagement strategies around the instructional work, whether classes are online or in-person. 

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Presenter: Dr. Chase Machen

This session will highlight the path Grayson College took to becoming an Eight Week College.  Broad overview of the work involved will be shared as well as “Lessons Learned” along the way. 

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Dr. Machen's Zoom Link

Presenters:  Dr. Shontale Bryant and Melony Smith

Transactional Distance Theory primes us to strategically meet the needs of learners through intentional course design, strategic use of dialogue, and by diving into the dual-sided responsibilities of autonomy.  In this session, we'll explore how institutions, instructors, and learners alike can leverage this learning theory as a foundation to support personalized educational needs, affect course satisfaction and persistence, and increase conferment of degrees and credentials especially to underrepresented populations. 

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Bryant/Smith Teams Link 

Presenters: Julie Lester and Doug Branch 

This session is for faculty who would like to teach for the Honors Program at Southwest. Interested faculty would be desirous of expanding their creativity in the classroom with themed courses, innovative lessons and activities, and smaller, more intimate classes. 

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Presenter: Dennis (DJ) Jeeb

Many students who enter college are overwhelmed by research and writing requirements. Instructors across disciplines can assist students by taking the time to explain and break down the steps of the research and writing process. How do propose a research topic?  How do you formulate good research questions?  How do you compile an outline?  What constitutes an effective thesis statement? What are citations and when must these be used in writing?  How do you compile a bibliography? This session will explain proven strategies for assisting students in navigating college-level research and writing practices, with an emphasis on the social sciences.

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Presenter: Lisa Eccles

Undergraduate research is the high impact practice shown to have the most positive effects on student engagement, the most critical factor for retention.  Explore why you should consider incorporating undergraduate research in your classes and how your students could benefit. 

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Presenter: Dr. Bobbie Shaw-Hunter

Many of our students have experienced trauma or are currently experiencing it. Trauma-informed teaching considers how trauma impacts their Learning and behavior. Trauma can slow down or completely stop our ability to learn. Students experiencing trauma are more likely to fall behind in class or drop out.  

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ZOOM

Presenter: Kenneth Croft

There are techniques to use in the classroom to deal with discipline issues in a positive way. We can handle classroom interruptions in ways that correct student behavior in a "sneaky" way where the student doesn't feel "disciplined." These techniques are easy to use and can increase student focus and maximize use of classroom time for instruction. 

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Presenters: Joshua Nave and E&I Practitioners

Members of the Spring 2024 Equity and Inclusion Data Practitioner Program will present a round-table discussion on how they have accessed and utilized institutional data to make data-driven decisions or suggestions.  

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Presenter: Dr. Kim Martin, Teresa Calloway, and Kendall Gloster 
Are you interested in learning how to use the copy/export/import tool in D2L/PAWS?

This session will discuss and demonstrate the standard operating procedures for copying learning material from one D2L shell to a different D2L shell using the “Import/Export/Copy Component” tool. Participants will understand how to copy material utilizing the Master Copy (MC) model and confirming components to copy.  Attendees will become skilled at how to copy selected components course-to-course during a current semester. Best practices on how to verify content has been successfully copied into a D2L shell will be explained and the enrolling/unrolling participants steps will be illustrated. Additional college practices will be covered to ensure content is available in all courses on the first day of classes.

Faculty teaching during the Summer 2024 term, the Digital Learning team recommends that you attend this session as a pilot participant.

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Presenter: Selena Grimes and Haasaan Anjum

This hands on, interactive session will help units to review and close the loop on their current IE plans and begin planning for the 24-25 cycle. Using data, units will be able to create meaningful IE plans as well as use the assessment of those plans for continuous improvement. 

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Presenter: John Murrell 

When presented with data, the question is often, what does it mean to me as an instructor? This session will help to answer how to interpret the data provided and translate that into meaningful change in the classroom. 

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Presenters: Erica Hughes and Dr. Resche Hines 

In the competitive landscape of education, institutions constantly seek strategies for sustainable enrollment growth.  Dashboards offer a powerful toolset to analyze data, identify trends, and optimize admissions/recruitment strategies.  Leveraging tools like the Admissions funnel and tapping into resources such as the National Student Clearinghouse StudentTracker data, Southwest can harness data-driven insights to fine-tune recruitment and admissions methodologies, thereby paving the way for sustainable expansion in student enrollment. 

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Presenters: Thomas King

The session will open up additional tools for you to use in PAWS including Intelligent Agents and Manage Dates among other tips and tricks. Especially important to those who maintain course or department-level master copies. 

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TK's Teams Link

Presenters: Dr. Resche Hines

Dr. Resche Hines will host a walk-in data clinic where you can come in and ask anything data! Computers will be available to use. 

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Presenter: Jerrick Boun

In this remote session, the Yuja representative will demonstrate how to create YuJa video quizzes and how instructors can embed them into their D2L course. 

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Zoom Link

Presenter: Miya Cleveland

The Academic Fresh Start program offers students the opportunity to start clean upon returning to Southwest to complete their degree. It removes failing grades from their GPA calculation so that they aren't penalized for their past educational experience. 

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Presenter: Dr. Thomas Cole

Learn what the Academic Support Center can offer for your classes and students; we are also seeking feedback on how best to support your classroom and students. 

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Presenter: Kristina Krau Waymire, TBR Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Support

Creating accessible content is important to inclusive design. In this session, we will discuss common barriers to accessibility and learn the principles of SCULPT, a useful tool in addressing barriers to accessibility. Attendees should bring a laptop and MS Word document to practice the principles learned. 

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Presenter: Paula Talley (ATD) 

Explore a transformative approach to student success through implementing shortened academic terms. Delve into the resources to begin to explore the critical mix of structural adaptations, process enhancements, and shifts in mindset essential for the fruitful adoption of compressed schedules. Join us to pioneer educational strategies that promise equity and achievement in every classroom and corner of your campus. 

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Zoom Link

Presenter: Anjelica Hopkins 

During our session, we will present about the services provided by the Center for Access. 

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Presenter: Emma Huelskotter and Erica Pepper (TBR)

Students often leave each course with transferrable skills and knowledge that will support them in their careers and life, but they don’t always know how to articulate these skills to future employers or to themselves. This workshop will introduce the ways in which the High Impact Practices (HIPs) initiative and the Learning Mindset initiative can support student development and help students connect course content to real-world value. Through experiential learning opportunities, HIPs also allow students to engage meaningfully with their community to foster a sense of purpose and relevance for their coursework. Session attendees will have an opportunity to draw connections between their own course content and the skills students take with them to their communities and future careers, and they will leave with research-backed activities to support students in making these same connections. 

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Presenter: Dr. Thomas Cole

Learn about what the Perkins grant can offer to your program in any career and technical education program such as equipment, subscriptions, certifications, and professional development. 

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Presenter: Jeremy Shirley

You are the program expert! You know what's happening in your industry and the key factors that could influence a student's enrollment.  Together, we'll harness your knowledge and use it to help you grow your enrollment by applying some simple promotion tactics. This session will empower you to drive your program enrollment! 

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Presenters: Dr. Paula Talley and Dr. Laurie Fladd (Achieving the Dream)

Link to Bridge (coming soon!)

Zoom Link (coming soon!)

Presenter: Dr. Teresa (Jenkins) Handy

Supporting students who may be formerly justice-involved students in the classroom and students who may be connected to someone formerly or currently justice-involved is a definite possibility for faculty. This workshop aims to help faculty become more conscious of possible impacted students and achieve a comfort level in supporting these students. The presenter will share resources gathered from a workgroup focused on this effort. In addition, the presenter will share open education resources that can help faculty support students who were formerly justice involved and their families. Participants should leave the workshop with a deeper understanding of these students' experiences as well as a more robust awareness of resources and strategies  available to support these students. 

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Presenter: Dr. Liz Norell 

Neurodivergent students (and colleagues) surround us on campus, but we rarely get concrete tips on how to create classroom spaces to ensure these students can succeed. Estimates range from 11% to 30% of students who have some sort of neurodivergence–from autism and ADHD to dyslexia to dyspraxia. This workshop will equip attendees with actionable strategies to create spaces that allow all neurodivergent students (and colleagues) the opportunity to succeed. 

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Presenter: Raquel Adams

** Repeat Session ** 

In this session, participants will learn about SACSCOC Accreditation and the QEP. We will cover preparation for Southwest’s on-site visit and the progress of the Quality Enhancement Plan. Participants will gain insights into how faculty, staff, and students can become engaged in this institutional campaign that will impact student success and retention and an understanding of how this work will affect our SACSCOC visit. 

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Presenters: Suzanne Gibson and Lorrean Lim

In this session, we will discuss the various aspects of grants including research, the application process, the award and management once an award is granted. 

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Presenter: Sherita Robinson

Discuss the importance of the 14 day window to update attendance for federal and state aid for all parts of term. 

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Presenter: Luther Sweeney

Attendees will receive practical training on creating and updating Excel worksheets, functions, formulas and commands such as search, sort, filter, format, copy and delete. 

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Presenter: Rachel Tines 

This workshop is designed to develop the skills necessary to create a usable plan for managing and resolving conflict in a positive manner. This will be an expanded version of the conflict resolution session that was conducted last year and will include a presentation as well as in-depth discussion and role-playing scenarios.

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Presenter: Heather Stewart

My goal is to help Southwest faculty and staff better understand divisive concepts regulations, as well as to inform them about the recent Students for Fair Admission court ruling and the resulting directives by the Tennessee Board of Regents to its institutions. 

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Presenter: Whitney Marie

Ever read something online and thought, "That can't be true!" As media consumers, we all need ways to navigate the world of news and viral information.

This "Evaluating Information in the News" seminar provides tips and tools for determining the credibility of information in the news and on the internet. In this digital age, it's important to understand how to identify misinformation/disinformation in various types of media, and this webinar equips media consumers to be able to do so with confidence.

This seminar includes a presentation showing various types of misinformation, several tools for spotting fake news, and the chance to practice evaluating sample headlines for credibility.

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Presenter: Lorrean Lim, Sandra Wallace, and Missy Street 

Presentation on how to navigate Banner Finance systems to procure goods and services. What forms to complete to contract with vendors, process to get invoices paid, approval to travel, file travel reimbursements, and determine budget availability. 

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ZOOM Link

Presenter: Bobbie Banks-Reid 

Helpful Tips on How to Interview, Hire and Retain the Right Candidate for the Position 

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Presenter: LaVetta Hudson (VP Of People and Culture) and Heather Stewart (TBR Legal)

This training session is designed to provide supervisors and managers with the essential knowledge and skills needed to ensure the college meets its legal and policy obligations to its employees. LeVetta Hudson, VP of People & Culture, and Heather Stewart from TBR Legal will provide a general overview of HR policies, focusing on key legal aspects that supervisors need to be aware of in their roles.  

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Presenters: Diana Fedinic and Lynn Maples 

Parrish Library, Farris Auditorium, Union, Southwest...These have become standard terms around our college. We know what they mean, but would a new student?

Join us to learn the proper names of our college, when you should use them, and when you can use their informal counterparts.

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Presenters: MarCom Team 

A lot happens at Southwest, and you can help promote everything happening at the institution! This interactive session will help you understand shot composition, framing and awareness of photo/video content. Bring your phone, and we'll help you unlock your hidden photographer and videographer within! 

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Presenter: Andrea Thomas

During this interactive session, participants will delve into the following key areas:

1. Understanding FMLA Eligibility: Learn who qualifies for FMLA leave, including the criteria for eligibility based on employer size, employee tenure, and specific qualifying events.

2. Exploring Qualifying Reasons for FMLA Leave: Explore the circumstances that qualify for FMLA leave, such as the birth or adoption of a child, caring for a family member with a severe health condition, or dealing with one's serious health condition.

3. Navigating the FMLA Leave Process: Gain insight into the FMLA leave request and approval process, including notification requirements, documentation, and timing considerations.

4. Rights and Protections Under FMLA: Understand the protections afforded to employees, including job restoration rights upon return from leave and continuation of health benefits.

5. Addressing Challenges and Compliance Issues: Identify common challenges and compliance pitfalls related to FMLA and learn strategies for addressing them effectively while staying compliant with the law.

6.  Best Practices for Employers and Employees: Explore best practices for employers and employees to ensure smooth implementation of FMLA policies and procedures while promoting a supportive work environment.

By the end of this workshop, participants will clearly understand their rights and obligations under FMLA, empowering them to navigate FMLA leave confidently and effectively. Whether you're an employer looking to ensure compliance or an employee seeking to understand your entitlements, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate FMLA successfully. Join us to unlock the mysteries of FMLA and promote a healthy work-life balance for all.

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Presenter: Sherri Thomas

Overview to define Retire Ready TN:  Retirement Education, Maximizing Your Retirement Benefits and overview of the TRCS Pension. 

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Tuesday's Teams Link

Thursday's Teams Link

Meet with TBR Retirement Specialist, Sherri Thomas, for individualized meetings. Stop by to see your state rep to ask questions about retirement planning. 

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• Pickleball!

• Yoga and mindfulness practices for stress relief and relaxation

• Creative painting workshops for self-expression and artistic exploration

• Group fitness activities and wellness challenges to promote physical health and well-being

Presenter: Cheryl Green

"Desk Yoga and Stretch" is an opportunity to discover and practice stress-reducing yogic breathing techniques, yoga poses, and stretches that can be done while sitting in a chair! Furthermore, you do not have to change out of your professional attire and you do not need a yoga mat to do the techniques and postures that will be demonstrated during "Desk Yoga and Stretch." Participants will leave "Desk Yoga and Stretch" with stress-relieving, and energy boosting chair-based yoga poses  that can be done in their workspace(s) during office breaks!      

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Presenter: Hannah Province

Grow SALUQI has wrapped up year 1. In this session, we will discuss 'What we Accomplished,' 'What we Learned,' and 'What is Next'. Food insecurity affects students' health, ability to perform academically, and stay in school. Grow SALUQI works to reduce student food insecurity by providing the Union and Macon food pantries with fresh produce for our students. 

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Presenter: Jennifer Stevens 

The 90-minute presentation is educational regarding the bariatric/obese person. I discuss obesity, what it is, incidence & prevalence, etiology, common comorbidities, challenges, body types and mobility, general exercise considerations, goals of exercise, frequency and duration, impact of exercise program on quality of life, multidisciplinary approach, and role of exercise professional. 

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Instructor: Lisa Jones

Monday, May 13th 10:00-11:30 

Nabors Gym

Let's Play Pickleball will be a fun-filled hour of playing the game we have all heard about but may have never tried.  Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America.  It is a cross between ping-pong, badminton, and tennis.  It is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes.  Pickleball is easy to learn and is enjoyed by all ages and skill levels.  Paddles and balls will be supplied, but you are welcome to bring your own.  This course is designed to introduce you to the basic rules of pickleball with the emphasis on having fun on the court.  If you have been wanting to try pickleball, here is your chance! Limited to 16 participants per class.  Please wear loose clothing and the closest thing to court-type tennis shoes that you own.

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Presenters: Lake Newton and Tad Lauritzen Wright

SWTCC Fine Art Faculty lead a guided creative session where participants reexamine what they see and create art works based on new observations, accepting change and transformative success as part of the process of creation.

Participants will engage a still life first through photography, exploring compositional arrangement and cropping to create unexpected and interesting visual results, followed by participants creating a painting based on the compositions discovered in the photographs.

Composition, mark making, color mixing, and most importantly creative thought are the focus of this session.

All supplies are provided for the participants. Participants will need to have a cell phone with a working camera. No previous experience necessary. This will be a 90 minute session. 

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Presenter: Ernest Greenleaf

This session will teach awareness and survival skills for surviving an active shooter or active threat situation.     

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