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Inclusive Practices and Belonging

These archived presentations explore strategies to foster inclusive practices, and cultivate a sense of belonging among students and faculty.

Hub LocationTitleDate
CentralUnpacking the International Experience
Led by Karin Abell, ESL Director at Durham Tech, this session guides participants in understanding some of the personal and logistical issues that international students can face to help us better assist, instruct, and advise them.
2022-10-19
CentralAdvising is Teaching - How to Craft an Advising Syllabus as a Faculty Advisor - Part I
If you are a faculty advisor who wants to streamline your advising process, or, if you are an instructor and faculty advisor who desires a more consistent approach to advising students, then this session is for you.
2022-10-27
CentralChallenges and Opportunities for DACA and Undocumented Students at NC Community Colleges
Undocumented students in North Carolina face a variety of barriers to entering and persisting in higher education including the community colleges. This workshop will provide an opportunity to discuss issues, trends, and responses to the undocumented population.
2022-11-01
CentralDual Enrollment As A Bridge to Higher Education: Understanding College Career Promise Students Through A Different Lens
In 2021-2022 there were approximately 60k public high school students enrolled in at least 1 College Career Promise (CCP) course. Join the presenters from Durham Tech as they lead a review of System data and best practices for working with CCP students.
2022-11-16
CentralEquitizing the Syllabus
2022-12-02
CentralStarting the Semester Right
This presentation presented key steps for and effective start for a semester. The presentation also focused on improving student learning outcomes and alignment with the core initiatives of the college's strategic plan.
2023-01-09
CentralEquitizing the Syllabus Part 1
Dr. Tanya Scott of Achieving the Dream and formerly a dean at Wake Tech discusses equitable differences and justice while designing learning spaces with inclusion in mind. This session is 1 of 2.
2023-01-10
CentralEquitizing the Syllabus Part 2
Dr. Tanya Scott of Achieving the Dream presents part 2 of the session on designing learning spaces with inclusion in mind.
2023-01-12
CentralPersonally Connected Pedagogy Series: Part 3 of 4
Dr. Sonny Kelly from Fayetteville Tech delivered a 4-part series on relevant and poignant practices for enhancing teacher and student performance and interaction in face-to-face, online, and hybrid classrooms. This is the third session of the series.
2023-01-13
CentralCulturally Responsive Practices
Facilitated by Dr. Stephanie Whalen from Harper College and Achieving the Dream this session unpacks how instruction can build on a student’s prior knowledge and cultural experiences to develop skills and increase engagement.
2023-01-26
CentralPersonally Connected Pedagogy Series: Part 4 of 4
Dr. Sonny Kelly from Fayetteville Tech delivered a 4-part series on relevant and poignant practices for enhancing teacher and student performance and interaction in face-to-face, online, and hybrid classrooms. This is the fourth and final session of the series.
2023-02-10
PiedmontBuilding An Empathetic Classroom
Multiple things can be true: we live in a hyper-polarized society; students may bring bias and baggage and are not afraid to share them. This session was devoted to teaching students the value of empathy.
2023-02-13
WestWest Café Universal Design Learning (UDL)
The Café model features colleagues from different community colleges. This session featured Gaston College and McDowell Tech faculty and staff as they explored Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and practices.
2023-03-01
CentralExploring the Dimensions of Wellness
Led by Dr. Leticia Johnson-Arnold this session defined multiple dimensions of wellness and provided participants with tools to assess potential strengths and areas of improvement within each dimension.
2023-03-01
PiedmontBecoming Trauma Informed
Led by Dr. Kara Finch this session discussed the impact of trauma. Faculty and staff who are aware of trauma’s effects can better recognize it among their students and create a safer environment.
2023-03-02
CentralReaching Out, Reaching Students - Introverts, Extroverts, and In-Between
This session is a facilitation discussion about the challenges of online and in-person teaching both pre- and post-pandemic. Several student profiles are discussed with consideration of personality types and ways to successfully reach them for their learning success.
2023-03-06
CentralApplying The Loss/Momentum Framework To The Classroom
The loss/momentum framework (connection, entry, progress & completion/advancement) is a great structure for thinking about and supporting the way students progress through college. Led by Ed Bowling, in this workshop you will think about the stages a student experiences going through a course, from connection to completion.
2023-03-14
PiedmontControversial Topics in the Classroom - Critical Pedagogy for Deep Engagement
This workshop explored best practices in crafting and implementing engaging discussions, as well as how to lead and moderate controversial and hot discussion topics through a belonging-minded and trauma-informed lens.
2023-03-21
CentralUniversal Design For Learning
Facilitated by Dr. Tanya Scott of Achieving the Dream this workshop provided an overview of Universal Design for Learning (UDL, how it can be utilized to create engaging and responsive learning environments for all students, as well as principles and guidelines to help design new courses or revise existing ones.
2023-04-05
PiedmontHolistic Student Support - With Greater Needs Comes Greater Responsibility
In this session key student development theories were connected to practice to help faculty and staff embrace collaborative partnerships.
2023-04-12
WestWest Café Providing Culturally Responsive Artifacts with ICC
Faculty from Isothermal Community College and Blue Ridge Community College discuss three different practices: providing culturally responsive artifacts, using rubrics to increase transparency in assignment expectations, and collaborating with colleagues to create assignments.
2023-09-21
WestResponding to Generational Differences in the Classroom
Presented by Dr. Sarah Parlier from Blue Ridge Community College in this session you will identify key characteristics of the different generations in your classes and hear recommendations for engagement.
2023-09-26
EastTeaching Autistic Students
Dr. Louise Southern of the Autism Society of North Carolina presents on supporting post-secondary students.
2023-10-10
CentralDismantling Deficit Thinking
This session unpacked the definition of deficit thinking, identified alternative strategies to change the students' outcomes, and illuminated communication's role in dismantling deficit thinking to asset-based pedagogical thinking.
2023-10-10
EastEquitizing the Syllabus Part 1
Dr. Tanya Scott of Achieving the Dream and former dean at Wake Tech presents part 1 of the session on culturally responsive teaching. She includes 6 belonging minded concepts to include in a syllabus.
2023-10-27
EastEquitizing the Syllabus Part 2
Dr. Tanya Scott presents part 2 of the session on culturally responsive teaching. You are encouraged to have a copy of one of your syllabi available for this session.
2023-11-03
WestWhen the Talking Gets Tough, the Tough Must Talk - Understanding and Preparing for Challenging Conversations
In this session Claudia Gresham Learn unpacks how to plan for tough conversations, how emotions can inform conflict, and the impact of our identities in conflict.
2023-11-06
PiedmontMinimizing Course Design - How a Half Really is a Whole
Many colleges have made the decision to move towards half-term courses so that students can focus on fewer classes at a time and can complete courses even if “life happens” midway through a semester. This session highlights one college’s transition and the method that the faculty used to condense the courses; this session is beneficial for faculty wanting to streamline their full-term courses.
2023-11-09
WestEquitizing the Syllabus with Julie Dixon
In this session industry partner Julie Dillon explored instructional design. Julie formerly worked in the NCCCS at Davidson-Davie Community College and transitioned to instructional design in health care.
2023-11-29
Piedmont15,925,248 Million Ways to Improve Grading Schemes
Colleagues from UVA’s Center for Teaching Excellence led this session providing background on alternative grading schemes and actionable steps to increase your course’s equitable grading practices.
2023-12-05
CentralExploring Corequisite Models
Facilitated by Dr. Hollie Daniels this session unpacked her work with Corequisite Education in her time at Florida State University’s Center for Postsecondary Success. Dr. Daniles used unpacked examples in Texas to identify how instruction can build on a student’s prior knowledge and cultural experiences to develop skills and increase engagement.
2023-12-06
CentralCultuvating Classrooms & Supporting Students of Color
Led by Dr. Devon Graves this session provides pedagogical approaches to building effective relationship-building and teaching practices for students of color.
2024-01-24
Piedmont10 Ways to Help Alternative Learners Succeed in Your Class
Kirk Martin of Celebrate Calm presents on supporting neurodiverse post-secondary students.
2024-01-30
EastActive Teaching Strategies AM Session
Led by Susan Adams from Achieving the Dream this AM session was designed to empower participants with practical skills for integrating active learning techniques into their teaching, adaptable to various classroom modalities, including seated, hybrid, online, hy-flex, and flipped formats.
2024-01-30
EastActive Teaching Strategies PM Session
Led by Susan Adams from Achieving the Dream this PM session was designed to empower participants with practical skills for integrating active learning techniques into their teaching, adaptable to various classroom modalities, including seated, hybrid, online, hy-flex, and flipped formats.
2024-01-31
CentralCultivating Belonging to Enhance Student Motivation and Success
This interactive workshop is designed to delve into the transformative power of belonging in the academic environment. Belonging plays a pivotal role in shaping students' motivation, academic achievement, wellness, self-perception, and social influence. Participants will explore the "Opportunities to Belong" framework, a pivotal concept in fostering acceptance, respect, inclusion, and support within college settings. By integrating insights from various disciplines, this workshop offers practical strategies to recognize and utilize students' strengths, support their growth as leaders and scholars, and nurture a motivating and enriching educational environment. Special emphasis will be placed on the application of these strategies within classroom contexts and in mentor-mentee relationships to maximize their impact.
2024-02-09
EastEquitable Teaching Practices - Authentic Assessments
In this workshop, we challenge conventional assessment norms and empower you to create assessment practices that prioritize student growth, engagement, and reflection over traditional grades.
2024-03-13
PiedmontHacking Gen Z - Who is Gen Z and How Do We Respond?
Who is Gen Z? What defines them? What can we do to effectively reach, teach, and communicate with these students online? Join us as we take a look at the student population that represents the majority of curriculum FTE for some community colleges. We will review relevant data, discuss Gen Z realities, and explore
2024-08-28
WestBeing Human in Tech-Dominated Spaces
This session is for online instructors seeking strategies to create an online classroom that centers on what you bring to the table, regardless of the disciplines or courses you teach. This is a session where technology will be discussed only in the ways it can enhance or facilitate human-to-human interaction in a course.
2024-09-23
PiedmontSíSe Puede - Building Trust and Belonging with Latinx Students
In the session, Dr. Sarah Wright led attendees in examination of some obstacles that often impact Latinx students and how those challenges can be overcome with support from educators. Leave the session with greater understanding and some actual techniques to build trust and relationships with Latinx students.
2024-10-04
WestUniversal Design for Learning and the Myth of the Average Student
Universal Design for Learning is a set of guidelines that help instructors develop courses to include all learners, ensuring no one is left behind. UDL empowers both instructors and students to achieve more than they thought possible. Come to this interactive session on UDL to learn simple but impactful ways to make learning accessible to all students regardless of background and experiences.
2024-10-22
EastUnlocking Potential - Supporting First-Generation Students Through a Growth Mindset
Dr. Kelley Evans interactive presentation explored the unique challenges faced by first-generation college students and the transformative power of a growth mindset. Participants learned practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset in their students, creating a supportive learning environment, and providing the necessary resources to help first-generation students succeed.
2024-10-24
EastDifferentiated Advising Model for Adult Learners
Andrea Dance & Derek Meredith of College of the Albemarle, led this session on Differentiated Advising Model for Adult Learners. The differentiated advising model was designed to ensure new students receive comprehensive support and to build meaningful relationships between advisors and students. Working with their advisor, adult learners are able to identify potential barriers whether academic, financial or personal during their initial advising appointments allowing for early referrals to appropriate wraparound services.
2024-11-13
WestZ, X, P, Y - Understanding the Generation Alphabet Soup and How Generational Differences Impact Teaching and Learning
Sociological research tells us that our generational identity can have a significant impact on our perspectives, preferences, and behaviors, and new post-pandemic research provides insights about the students in our courses this semester. Learn some key characteristics about our students and engage in discussion focused on sustainable and effective teaching practices that meet students where they are and help move them toward their goals.
2024-11-18
CentralSupporting Adult Learners - Getting to Know Your Adult Learners Better
Drawing from the Adult Learner Guidebook Second Edition by the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at NC State University, this session highlights common characteristics and challenges faced by adult learners in the North Carolina Community College System.
2025-01-28
EastSupporting Adult Learners - Getting to Know Your Adult Learners Better
Drawing from the Adult Learner Guidebook Second Edition by the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at NC State University, this session highlights common characteristics and challenges faced by adult learners in the North Carolina Community College System.
2025-01-28
PiedmontSupporting Adult Learners - Getting to Know Your Adult Learners Better
Drawing from the Adult Learner Guidebook Second Edition by the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at NC State University, this session highlights common characteristics and challenges faced by adult learners in the North Carolina Community College System.
2025-01-28
WestSupporting Adult Learners - Getting to Know Your Adult Learners Better
Drawing from the Adult Learner Guidebook Second Edition by the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at NC State University, this session highlights common characteristics and challenges faced by adult learners in the North Carolina Community College System.
2025-01-28
WestHow to Make Freshman Seminar (ACA) Course the Most Popular Course on Campus
Discover how to transform freshman seminar into the most sought-after course on campus. We integrate the principles of positive psychology and CliftonStrengths to empower students from day one. Learn practical strategies to enhance engagement, foster resilience, and cultivate a supportive learning environment. This session will emphasize strengths-based approaches to student development, equipping instructors with tools to inspire confidence and purpose among first-year students.
2025-01-29
CentralBeyond the Syllabus - Using Instructor Videos to Build Connection in Online Courses
Participants will learn best practices for creating effective welcome videos, weekly check-ins, feedback responses, and other personalized video messages. The session will include practical tips on video length, tone, accessibility, and tools to use—whether you're a seasoned video creator or just getting started. By the end of this 60-minute session, instructors will have a clear strategy for incorporating instructor videos into their online courses to enhance student engagement and success.
2025-02-12
EastBeyond the Syllabus - Using Instructor Videos to Build Connection in Online Courses
Participants will learn best practices for creating effective welcome videos, weekly check-ins, feedback responses, and other personalized video messages. The session will include practical tips on video length, tone, accessibility, and tools to use—whether you're a seasoned video creator or just getting started. By the end of this 60-minute session, instructors will have a clear strategy for incorporating instructor videos into their online courses to enhance student engagement and success.
2025-02-12
PiedmontBeyond the Syllabus - Using Instructor Videos to Build Connection in Online Courses
Participants will learn best practices for creating effective welcome videos, weekly check-ins, feedback responses, and other personalized video messages. The session will include practical tips on video length, tone, accessibility, and tools to use—whether you're a seasoned video creator or just getting started. By the end of this 60-minute session, instructors will have a clear strategy for incorporating instructor videos into their online courses to enhance student engagement and success.
2025-02-12
WestBeyond the Syllabus - Using Instructor Videos to Build Connection in Online Courses
Participants will learn best practices for creating effective welcome videos, weekly check-ins, feedback responses, and other personalized video messages. The session will include practical tips on video length, tone, accessibility, and tools to use—whether you're a seasoned video creator or just getting started. By the end of this 60-minute session, instructors will have a clear strategy for incorporating instructor videos into their online courses to enhance student engagement and success.
2025-02-12
CentralBuilding Connections in Online Courses - Practical Solutions for Promoting Community in Asynchronous Learning Environments
In this session we explore effective strategies to develop meaningful peer-to-peer connections in online courses. Using the Community of Inquiry as a framework, we will explore a variety of engagement techniques designed to promote active participation and building a sense of community among students. Participants will learn how to utilize discussion boards, group projects, virtual meetups, and other interactive tools to create a positive, dynamic and supportive online learning environment that promotes social and cognitive presence. By the end of this session, instructors will be equipped with practical approaches to enhance student engagement and build lasting connections within their virtual classrooms.
2025-03-12
EastBuilding Connections in Online Courses - Practical Solutions for Promoting Community in Asynchronous Learning Environments
In this session we explore effective strategies to develop meaningful peer-to-peer connections in online courses. Using the Community of Inquiry as a framework, we will explore a variety of engagement techniques designed to promote active participation and building a sense of community among students. Participants will learn how to utilize discussion boards, group projects, virtual meetups, and other interactive tools to create a positive, dynamic and supportive online learning environment that promotes social and cognitive presence. By the end of this session, instructors will be equipped with practical approaches to enhance student engagement and build lasting connections within their virtual classrooms.
2025-03-12
PiedmontBuilding Connections in Online Courses - Practical Solutions for Promoting Community in Asynchronous Learning Environments
In this session we explore effective strategies to develop meaningful peer-to-peer connections in online courses. Using the Community of Inquiry as a framework, we will explore a variety of engagement techniques designed to promote active participation and building a sense of community among students. Participants will learn how to utilize discussion boards, group projects, virtual meetups, and other interactive tools to create a positive, dynamic and supportive online learning environment that promotes social and cognitive presence. By the end of this session, instructors will be equipped with practical approaches to enhance student engagement and build lasting connections within their virtual classrooms.
2025-03-12
WestBuilding Connections in Online Courses - Practical Solutions for Promoting Community in Asynchronous Learning Environments
In this session we explore effective strategies to develop meaningful peer-to-peer connections in online courses. Using the Community of Inquiry as a framework, we will explore a variety of engagement techniques designed to promote active participation and building a sense of community among students. Participants will learn how to utilize discussion boards, group projects, virtual meetups, and other interactive tools to create a positive, dynamic and supportive online learning environment that promotes social and cognitive presence. By the end of this session, instructors will be equipped with practical approaches to enhance student engagement and build lasting connections within their virtual classrooms.
2025-03-12