Tuesday, November 3, 2:30pm - 3:30pm - Webinar

In preparation for upcoming course surveys, this session will introduce Explorance Blue, our new course survey tool. We’ll walk through the entire process—from selecting your two personalized questions to encouraging student participation. We’ll also review the instructor report, including what it looks like and when you can expect to receive it after the survey period concludes. Register

Wednesday, November 4, 12:00pm - 1:00pm - Webinar

Career Champions Lunch ‘N Learns are professional development sessions designed specifically for faculty and staff. These interactive gatherings provide updates on Career Center Technology, career readiness trends, employer expectations, and internship and workforce opportunities. Through this partnership with faculty and staff, these sessions help expand the Career Ecosystem and equip students for career success. Register

Wednesday, November 4, 3:30pm - 4:20pm - Webinar

Do you have a desire to help your learners become more motivated to do well and persist through challenges? Join us to learn how to leverage motivation and emotion to create positive, engaging learning environments. You will analyze motivational theories and strategies to determine what might be able to best help your learners in your context.

This is a required session for a certificate of completion in Active Learning.   Register

Thursday, November 5, 9:00am - 10:00am - Webinar

Join us for a focused Blue Coordinator training session where we’ll walk through the Course Download Tool, FileSub upload process, key dates, and the updated Coordinator Guide. This is a great opportunity to get ready for the upcoming Filesub deadline and connect with fellow coordinators. Register

Thursday, November 5, 10:05am - 11:20am - Webinar

Engaging in conflict is challenging whether you are an experienced instructor or new to your role. A common strategy is to ignore the behavior due to our own discomfort, concern over retaliation or fear that our intervention may cause more harm or disruption. We will identify what our fears are about classroom disruption and use case study examples to practice strategies to stretch participants' comfort zones. This workshop will also explore Gerald Amada's research from Coping with Misconduct in the College Classroom and provide participants with tangible strategies to prevent and respectfully address disruptive behavior.

This is a required session for a certificate of completion in Fostering Proactive Learning Environments.  Register

Thursday, November 5, 1:15pm - 2:30pm - In-Person

Over 20% of USC students identify as first-generation (first-gen). With the launch of the First-Generation Center and First-Generation Living and Learning Community in fall 2024, a heightened emphasis has been placed on first-generation student success. This interactive session will present both national and USC-specific data, along with effective strategies and best practices for supporting first-generation students.

Enjoy a lively discussion with colleagues and students.

This is an elective session for a certificate of completion in Understanding USC Student Populations and Experiences.  Register

Tuesday, November 10, 10:05am - 11:20am - In-Person

Through Recovery Ally workshops, Gamecock Recovery strives to empower students, faculty and staff to make campus more supportive of students in recovery from substance use disorder. Learn to: confront myths and stigma about substance use disorder; use and model acts of allyship in everyday interactions; and identify, access, and direct people to recovery resources at USC.

The Recovery Ally workshop is presented in a flipped-classroom model that includes a self-paced video module as prework (estimated 20 minutes) and an in-person session. Please review the recorded content prior to your workshop session.

This is a required session for a certificate of completion in Mental Health and Well-being Competency.  Register

Tuesday, November 10, 11:40am - 12:55pm - Webinar

A teaching philosophy statement provides a concise description of an instructor’s teaching approach, methods, and experience. Colleges and universities request a teaching philosophy statement from applicants for faculty positions, and this document is an important part of your application package.

What is your teaching philosophy? What should you write or include? What if you have limited teaching experience? This webinar will help you begin to articulate your teaching and learning philosophy through reflecting on your own values and experiences in different instructional settings. We will discuss the statement’s purpose, different aspects of your teaching experiences that should be included, and best practices and strategies for composing the statement.

This is a working webinar, requiring that you do some reflective writing in advance, so that the webinar itself can include individual writing, group discussion, and feedback. Participants will leave with an outline of their statement, written components, and guidance to continue crafting it.  Register

Tuesday, November 10, 1:15pm - 2:30pm - In-Person

In this introductory workshop, participants will learn how publishing models affect students’ abilities to access affordable course materials and how libraries can acquire learning resources for the classroom. Workshop facilitators will demonstrate how to use the library to provide affordable and equitable access to course materials through e-reserves, purchasing, video streaming, and open educational resources.

This is a required session for a certificate of completion in Teaching with the Library. Register

Wednesday, November 11, 10:00am - 11:30am - In-Person

Level 2 (Part I & II) 

Experiential Learning Foundations (Part I)
• Build a strong understanding of experiential education, including types of experiences and their benefits. 
• Become familiar with the Career Center and external experiential learning opportunities (internships, co-ops, research, service learning). 
• Help students identify their interests, skills, and goals to find and access the right opportunities. 
• Support students during their experiences through check-ins, guidance, and engagement. 
• Learn how to encourage reflection before, during, and after experiences to connect learning to career goals. 
• Recognize and respond to challenges, providing support or connecting students to appropriate resources.

Career Competencies & Student Growth Featuring Suitable (Part II)
In Part 2 of Level 2 of Career Champions, participants will develop a deeper understanding of the career competencies that employers seek in students and learn strategies to intentionally integrate these competencies into their professional practice, including classroom instruction, student employment, internships, and other experiential learning environments. The module also examines methods to support students in identifying these competencies within themselves and in articulating their strengths, experiences, and development with greater confidence.

Additionally, this module introduces the Suitable Career Readiness Assessment as a resource to enhance learning. Participants will learn to use Suitable to help students understand their competency development, identify areas for improvement, and take concrete steps to strengthen their skills across various experiences. Register

Wednesday, November 11, 12:00pm - 12:50pm - Webinar

The Active Learning & Technology Community of Practice (AL&T CoP) welcomes faculty, staff, and graduate students interested in engaging tools and technological innovation for more interactive teaching and learning. The community explores the integration of software and hardware for both in-person and online classrooms, focusing on new platforms, best practices, and effective student engagement. 

The AL&T CoP provides opportunities to:

• Attend presentations on innovative experiences and share your own projects and research.
• Brainstorm with peers who are effectively integrating new hardware and software to increase student engagement.
• Collaborate with members from diverse departments.
• Get involved in active learning events on campus through learning and volunteer opportunities.  Register

Wednesday, November 11, 2:20pm - 3:10pm - In-Person

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) community of practice provides an intentional space for discussion regarding accessibility in teaching and learning at the university. Faculty, staff, and students are invited to join. Register

Thursday, November 12, 10:30am - 11:30am - Webinar

Learn how to confidently set up and manage your Blackboard Ultra Gradebook. We'll cover creating and organizing gradable items, configuring categories and calculations, and better understanding recent updates to Gradebook that will streamline your workflow. Register

Thursday, November 12, 11:45am - 1:00pm - In-Person

Join us for a Mutual Expectations Discussion on exploring the topic “Experiential Learning at Carolina” in our November session. This discussion will explore what participants think about how to intentionally find the bridge between academic studies and activities beyond the classroom. What exactly is experiential learning and what can it look like for you? How can a faculty member help you find these connections? Join this fun discussion with fellow students and faculty! Free lunch is provided and RSVP required!

This is FREE and lunch is included! Sponsored by the Carolina Experience, the Center for Teaching Excellence, and the Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning. 

This an elective session for a certificate of completion in Understanding USC Student Populations and Experiences. RSVP

Thursday, November 12, 11:40am - 12:55pm - Webinar

A teaching philosophy statement provides a concise description of an instructor's perspective on teaching, student learning, methodologies, and implementation, and institutions typically request a teaching philosophy statement from applicants for faculty positions and as part of the tenure and promotion process.

What, then, is your teaching philosophy? What aspects should you reflect upon, write, or include? And importantly, how has the writing of this document changed as a result of ChatGPT, both in your perspective on this fundamental shift in higher education as well as document construction assistance? This will be a working webinar, where we will discuss strategies for composing the statement, incorporating time for personalized theme development, and tips for using ChatGPT prompts in writing it. Participants will leave with a thematic outline and components of their statement, and guidelines to continue crafting it.

NOTE: For you and other participants to benefit the most in the time available, this webinar requires that you do some reflective writing in advance of the session.

This is a required session for the Teaching and Learning with GenAI digital badge. Register

Thursday, November 12, 3:00pm - 4:00pm - In-Person

Join USC colleagues for an in-person conversation about teaching first-generation students. In a World Café format, we’ll share ideas, discuss challenges, and help shape a faculty community of practice. Register

Friday, November 13, 11:00am - 11:30am - Webinar

Learn how the Quality Standards for Online Courses (QSOC) guide the Provost’s Online Course Quality Review Initiative and support student success in online learning environments. This webinar provides an overview of the standards and highlights practical considerations for course development, communication, engagement, accessibility, and online course delivery.   Register

Monday, November 16, 12:00pm - 12:50pm - In-Person

Supporting Neurodivergent Students at USC explores practical, evidence-informed strategies for creating more inclusive and accessible learning environments in higher education. Drawing on focus groups with neurodivergent USC students, this interactive session will examine barriers to belonging, communication, sensory experiences, and academic success, while introducing simple, actionable approaches that faculty can implement to better support student learning and flourishing. Register

Tuesday, November 17, 1:00pm - 2:30pm - Virtual

As Generative AI becomes more integrated into higher education, it raises important questions about how thinking, learning, and work are changing. This session explores how AI may reshape cognitive effort, reasoning, and independence across teaching, research, and student support. Register

Wednesday, November 18, 10:30am - 12:00pm - In-Person

In Level 3 of Career Champions, faculty and staff expand their foundational understanding of career development, their strategic role within the campus career ecosystem, and best practices for aligning students with high-impact experiential learning opportunities and preparing students for career success through intentional career integration. Participants will deepen their knowledge of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies—including communication, teamwork, critical thinking, professionalism, leadership, technology, global awareness, and career and self-development while exploring practical strategies for embedding these competencies into academic curricula, advising, student employment, internships, research, service-learning, and other high-impact experiential learning opportunities.

This module emphasizes helping students recognize, develop, and articulate the competencies they gain through both curricular and co-curricular experiences. Participants will learn techniques for facilitating career conversations, incorporating reflection into learning experiences, and guiding students in connecting their academic experiences with career goals.

By the conclusion of Level 3, participants will be equipped to intentionally integrate career development into their daily practice, foster career, and self-development among students, and empower learners to confidently communicate their skills, experiences, and professional value while successfully navigating the transition from college to career in an increasingly competitive global workforce. Register

Wednesday, November 18, 11:00am - 12:15pm - In-Person

This session is a reflective and interactive workshop designed for leaders who seek to ground their work in values while empowering others to soar. Through a blend of storytelling, dialogue, and practical exercises, this session explores how intentional, inclusive leadership can create environments where people feel deeply rooted in belonging and boldly supported in their growth.

Participants will examine the foundations — or “roots” — of effective leadership: self-awareness, trust, equity, and shared purpose. At the same time, they’ll explore the “wings” — practices that promote collaboration, innovation, and the freedom for every team member to contribute fully. Whether you're leading a team, a learning space, or a community initiative, this session will offer tools and inspiration to lead with clarity, compassion, and collective strength.

This is an elective session for a certificate of completion in Teaching Towards Inclusive Excellence.  Register

Thursday, November 19, 9:00am - 10:00am - Webinar

Thursday, November 19, 2:50pm - 4:05pm - Webinar

Many educators think of games in the classroom as busy work or merely fun activities to catch students' attention, but game-based learning is a researched and valuable aspect of active learning that can expand students' abilities to engage in critical thinking about your course content. In this workshop, we will discuss various gaming strategies to understand how, when used thoughtfully, serious play can increase student retention of materials.

This is an elective session for a certificate of completion in Active Learning.  Register

• JUL 7 — Take Your Blackboard Ultra Course from Drab to Fab: Add Some Pizzazz! 
• JUL 22 — Blackboard Learn Ultra Course View 101 

• JUN 11 — Blackboard Learn Ultra Course View 101
• JUN 23 — Create, Connect & Engage: Using Panopto & Zoom in Blackboard