Events and Opportunities
WMU Center for Teaching, Learning, and Development (CTLD) and the Office of Faculty Development host a variety of events and communities for faculty and instructors, graduate assistants, and anyone involved in creating learning experiences or seeking teaching, learning, and development opportunities. Many OFD programs are faculty- and instructor-led and designed to provide peer-based professional development and connection across the academic career.
Our team is also available to join a department or group meeting to facilitate specific or targeted workshops. These can be single meetings or extended engagements depending on your goals. Contact the CTLD Team to discuss your needs.
Back-to-Campus Faculty & Instructor Workshops
Back-to-Campus Faculty & Instructor Virtual Workshops accordions
Happy Fall semester, faculty, instructors, and GTAs!
Join us virtually on August 24 and 25 for Back-to-Campus workshops designed to help faculty, instructors, and GTAs prepare for the fall semester. Choose from more than 15 practical sessions on teaching strategies, course design, accessibility, instructional technologies, and more. Attend one session or several based on your interests and schedule. All sessions meet via Webex.
Visit the full CTLD Back-to-Campus Faculty and Instructor Workshop Schedule of Events, or select each session below to learn more and register!
Monday, August 24
Presented by Megan Hess, CTLD, and Kristin Hrynczuk, CTLD
Teaching Your First Semester at WMU? Been here before, but redesigning a new or existing course? In this session, CTLD instructional support will share their Semester Start Checklist, highlighting key resources for managing the semester from start to finish, answering your questions, and getting you connected with the resources you need to feel ready for fall.
Presented by Dr. Ramona Lewis, OFD, and Cara Junghans, CTLD
In this 30-minute mini-session, we will take you on a tour of the accessible, ready to customize WMU syllabus template and also help you think about developing a course plan that results in a reasonable workload for you and your students.
Presented by Gwen Bostic, OIT
This 30-minute session is designed to help instructors start the semester accessibility-ready. We'll cover the most common accessibility gaps in course materials, quick fixes you can make, and what to check in your syllabus, Elearning course shell, and week-one content. You will leave with a simple checklist and a clear next step — no prior accessibility experience required.
Presented by Anders Christensen, CTLD, and Kristin Hrynczuk, CTLD
Whether you teach fully online, in a hybrid format, or face-to-face, Elearning can help keep students organized and engaged. This session covers three easy wins to add to any course shell: a welcome message to set the tone, an uploaded syllabus/schedule students can access anytime, and the gradebook to help students track their progress all semester. Join CTLD instructional support as they talk through the pedagogy behind these tools and how small, intentional design choices support student success.
Presented by Tracey Corbett, Instructor, and Wendy Swalla, CTLD
Today's students bring unique strengths, challenges, and expectations to the classroom. This 30-minute interactive introduction will explore current research on Generation Z and the evolving higher education landscape. You'll gain practical, evidence-based strategies to enhance student engagement, communication, belonging, and success, while learning more about this new faculty learning community. Discover how participating in the learning community can provide ongoing opportunities to collaborate with colleagues, share effective teaching practices, and develop ideas you can immediately apply to support today's students.
Presented by Cara Junghans, CTLD, and Lin Omichinski, CTLD
This session focuses on three key EdTech tools to support connection and collaboration: Mediasite for recording and publishing lectures, Webex for hosting virtual meetings and webinars, and Microsoft Teams for chat, video calls, and collaboration. We will share core features of each platform and how to choose the right tool for your needs.
Presented by Disability Services for Students (DSS)
We'll discuss what "reasonable" means when it comes to "reasonable accommodations", what to do after receiving an accommodation letter, how to have a conversation with a student about their accommodations, and starting with accessibility. We'll also hold space to ask the “awkward questions” at the end of the session.
Presented by Dr. L. Lusike Mukhongo, Associate Director, OFD, and Megan Hess, CTLD
Join us for a 30-minute session to discuss design considerations for courses in the age of AI. We will begin by examining both faculty and student perspectives on generative AI tools, then discuss practical approaches for developing clear course policies that distinguish between appropriate AI use and academic dishonesty. Rather than focusing solely on detection or restriction, we will explore how to redesign assignments by incorporating strategies such as reflections, peer-review activities, and scaffolded assignments. There will be time to ask questions after the 30-minute time block.
Presented by Kat DeKam, PIO Faculty Fellow, OFD
Microsoft Suite provided by WMU is a resource to faculty, staff, and students that offers a variety of tools to create interactive learning opportunities for our students in the digital space. In this demonstration-driven workshop, we’ll cover the uses of Microsoft Teams, ClipChamp, and OneNote in digital classrooms to facilitate engaging teaching and student learning.
Tuesday, August 25
Presented by Dr. L. Lusike Mukhongo, Associate Director, OFD
Join us as we invite faculty to an interactive workshop exploring the opportunities, challenges, and emerging practices of AI in higher education. This session will examine how AI is transforming teaching, learning, and research in higher education. Participants will explore various AI scenarios in teaching and research, identify practical applications, and discuss strategies for responsible AI use. The workshop will include interactive activities, such as a "Red Light, Yellow Light, Green Light" activity in which participants will classify AI use scenarios by level of concern and discuss risks, affected parties, and potential solutions. The workshop is designed to help faculty explore a wide range of challenges, opportunities, and emerging practices in AI in higher education.
Presented by Anders Christensen, CTLD, and Kristin Hrynczuk, CTLD
In this session, we will explore two resources to ensure your course is ready for the fall semester. First, we will share the Functional Course Review Checklist to examine the course from a learner’s perspective and identify potential challenges in navigation, alignment, interaction, and accessibility. Then, we will introduce the Elearning Course Check-up Service and explain how it can help you identify and address potential technical challenges that may arise from semester to semester, including changes to schedules and content.
Presented by Anders Christensen, CTLD, and Lin Omichinski, CTLD
Join us for an introductory session on Elearning fundamentals. This crash course will cover key features including homepages, discussion boards, the gradebook, quizzes, and dropboxes.
Presented by Katie Holland, Faculty Fellow, OFD, and Dr. Tara Lepore, Assistant Professor, Mallinson Institute for Science Education
This session will generate conversation on our various identities and how to champion them to build community in your classroom. We’ll focus on individual identities, lived experiences, and intersectionality, and how those translate to community building and culturally relevant teaching in the classroom for students and instructors alike. We will explore neurodivergent-affirming learning spaces backed by student and instructor voices. After this session, participants will leave with an enhanced perspective on incorporating identity into classroom communities to build belonging for all learners.
Presented by Gabrielle Tarrow, CTLD
Ally is built into Elearning, but if you're not sure how to make the most of this tool, you're not alone. This session walks you through Ally step by step, showing how it identifies common accessibility concerns in online course materials and guides fixes. By the end, you'll know how to use Ally to strengthen your content and support learning.
Presented by Cara Junghans, CTLD, and Lin Omichinski, CTLD
This session walks instructors through the essentials of recording, editing, and captioning in Mediasite. CTLD instructional support will share a few best practices for using video to support access, engagement, and interaction through a Universal Design for Learning lens.
Presented by Nathan Nguyễn, Director, Office of LBGT Student Services
This mini-session explores how to create an inclusive classroom that fosters awareness, diversity, and cognitive empathy, encouraging students to engage in dialogue, discussion, and critical thinking. Learn how an inclusive learning environment encourages student participation. This mini-session introduces how to create brave spaces, gently stretch boundaries, and re-conceptualize inclusion. Participants will walk away with resources, strategies for classroom inclusion, and references for practices. Hosted by the Office of Diversity & Inclusion with LBGT Student Services & Multicultural Affairs for Students.
Presented by Alyssa Moon, Senior Director, CTLD, and Wendy Swalla, CTLD
In this session, we will discuss the basic components of Experience-Driven Learning (EDL) at WMU and consider some small ways to incorporate experiential learning and reflection into your current practice, challenging students to make deeper connections between what they are doing in the context of a course and what they aspire to do after graduation.
Presented by Paul Gallagher, Associate Dean, University Libraries, and Harold Watkins, CTLD
In this session, learn about ReadReady, WMU's new campus solution for improving PDF accessibility. Developed by the University Libraries, ReadReady can convert more than 90% of PDFs into fully compliant, accessible documents — and for files that need human intervention, it provides detailed guidance on how to fix the remaining problems. The system is simple to use, and this session will cover the basics of getting started, ReadReady's limitations, and where to go for extra help.
Office of Faculty Development Opportunities
Upcoming Programming
Find the opportunity that fits you. The Office of Faculty Development (OFD) offers peer-led programs and opportunities that support teaching, writing, and scholarship; leadership and career development; and connection across the academic community. Explore one-time sessions, cohorts, and year-long programs.
The Functional Course Design Endorsement is a semester-long program open to any WMU board-appointed faculty member or instructor of record who is teaching, or plans to teach, a course within the next year. Come work alongside instructional designers and faculty peers in a collaborative setting where you will focus on designing or redesigning a course using a human-centered, concept-focused approach that prioritizes accessibility, alignment, and learner flexibility across any modality.
The program meets in person seven times throughout the semester, from 9 a.m. to noon, on Fridays: September 25, October 2, 9, and 16, October 30, November 6, and November 20. Upon successful completion, participants receive a WMU Endorsement Certificate in Functional Course Design. Registration closes September 18. Seats are limited!
Complete the Functional Course Design Endorsement Registration Form to sign up!
Each fall, the Office of Faculty Development offers a New Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Training (GTA) session as part of the required Graduate College GA Orientation. The training supports new GTAs in planning initial interactions in their classrooms or other learning spaces, engaging effectively with their lead faculty instructors, and connecting with experienced teachers and graduate students on campus. The virtual session is held on Monday, Aug. 31, from 9 a.m. to noon. Contact the Graduate College for more information.
Community-focused | Scholarly Productivity | Virtual | Launches Sept. 9
Join the virtual Weekly Write program, designed to foster a supportive writing environment and community for scholars at any stage in their careers working on publications and projects. These are accountability groups, not peer-review sessions, focused on supporting individuals’ writing processes, goals, and productivity. Participants meet weekly, via Webex for uninterrupted writing time. Each session includes a brief check-in, two hours of focused work, and a closing reflection. Facilitators provide structure, referrals to resources, and the occasional pep talk. Faculty, instructors, and staff welcome.
Meeting virtually via Webex in the fall from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, runs Sept. 9 through Dec. 9. Commit to as many sessions as you can! Community launches on Sept. 9, but writers are welcome to join later. For questions, contact Dr. LaSonja Roberts, Associate Professor, and host of the Weekly Write.
Submit your interest for the OFD Weekly Write by Monday, Sept. 7
Series | Virtual via Teams | Student learning| Ethical Practice | Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 6
You are invited to explore purposeful integration and managing AI use, student learning, and ethical practice by participating in the Fall 2026 AI Book Club, featuring The Science of Learning Meets AI: A Practical Faculty Guide to Purposeful Integration, Student Engagement, and Ethical Practice by Lewis D. Ludwig and Todd D. Zakrajsek (1st Edition, 2026). Participants will engage in three virtual book club meetings (Sept.-Nov.) with faculty from Illinois State University and Western Michigan University. The series closes with a panel discussion. The first 10 to register will get a complimentary copy of the book. The Science of Learning Meets AI is available as an eBook from WMU Library. Book club meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams.
Fridays, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, and Nov. 6, 11 a.m. to noon
- Final Faculty panel: Friday, Nov. 6, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
AI Book Club information and sign-up
For questions, contact Katie Holland, OFD STEM Faculty Fellow
Cohort program | Six in-person sessions from Sept. to April | Leadership development
Open to tenured faculty and full-time administrative or advanced professional staff with demonstrated leadership potential to explore leadership potential, gain insight into WMU’s culture and systems, and build a supportive cross-campus network. Six sessions meet across the year.
Explore more information about the Academic Leadership Academy and submit your application by Sept. 11.
Cohort program | Fall & Spring sessions| Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
New and pre-tenure faculty are encouraged to apply for the 2026–27 Early Career Faculty Seminar (ECFS), a year-long, thematic program designed to support early-career faculty in building a strong foundation for success. Through monthly sessions featuring faculty colleagues and university leaders, participants will gain clarity on promotion and tenure expectations, develop strategies for teaching excellence and scholarly productivity, and build a supportive cross-disciplinary peer network. Fall sessions will be held in person on the WMU main campus, and Spring sessions will be held virtually.
- Fall 2026 sessions held in person on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 16, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, and Dec. 9, 2026.
- Spring 2027 sessions held virtually via Webex on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 20, Feb. 17, March 17, and April 14, 2027.
For questions, contact Dr. L. Lusike Mukhongo, OFD Associate Director.
Session | Fall 2026 | Virtual via Webex | Thursday, Sept. 24, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Preparing for the Oct. 15 tenure and promotion portfolio deadline? Join the Office of Faculty Development and session facilitator Dr. Lofty Durham, Professor of Theatre, for a 90-minute session focused on developing the personal narrative portion of your portfolio. This session is designed to provide motivation and practical strategies for telling the story of your work across teaching, scholarship/creative activity, and service. Participants will have time to reflect on their own materials, consider ways to highlight accomplishments and impact, and connect with colleagues.
For questions, contact the Office of Faculty Development
Sign up for the Crafting Your Personal Narrative T & P session
*This session focuses on narrative development. Questions about tenure and promotion policies, contractual requirements, or formal review processes should be directed to the appropriate AAUP or academic resources.
Session | Thursday, Sept. 24 | 12:30 to 1 p.m. | Virtual via Webex
You are invited to explore practical applications of AI for large-lecture courses. While AI offers new opportunities and possibilities for teaching, effective implementation requires thoughtful planning and realistic expectations. In this session, we’ll explore strategies, challenges, and resources to help faculty who are either integrating AI into large lectures as well as those currently managing a large-lecture class in the AI era, while keeping both instructors and students at the center of the learning experience. Hosted by the Office of Faculty Development AI Desk.
Calling all graduate students who have teaching experience and are ready to take their instructional skills to the next level! The OLLI Graduate Teaching Fellowship program is an incredible opportunity to develop a course of your own, present your research to an enthusiastic group of lifelong learners, enhance your CV, and earn a $300 scholarship! Ready to apply?
Visit the OLLI Graduate Teaching Fellowship Program Information Sheet to learn more and apply by Sept. 25.
Cohort recognition opportunity | 2026–27 | Apply by Monday, Sept. 28
The Office of Faculty Development (OFD) invites faculty and instructors to apply for the 2026–27 AI Faculty Scholars Program, a year-long faculty development opportunity that explores evidence-based, ethical, and innovative AI adoption in teaching and research. The program includes two cohorts: Teaching Innovation Scholars (implement and evaluate innovative AI teaching and learning practices) and AI Research Scholars (conduct research and produce scholarly work on AI and the science of learning). Selected scholars will participate in a faculty learning community and present to the campus community. Eight awards available (four per cohort).
For questions, contact Dr. L. Lusike Mukhongo, Associate Director, OFD
Explore information and apply for the AI Faculty Scholars program by Sept.28
Session | Thursday, Oct. 29 | 12:30 to 1 p.m. | Virtual via Webex
An interactive workshop exploring the opportunities, challenges, and emerging practices of AI in higher education. This session will examine how AI is transforming teaching, learning, and research in higher education. Participants will explore various AI scenarios in teaching and research, identify practical applications, and discuss strategies for responsible AI use. The workshop will include interactive activities, such as a "Red Light, Yellow Light, Green Light" activity in which participants will classify AI use scenarios by level of concern and discuss risks, affected parties, and potential solutions. The workshop is designed to help faculty explore a wide range of challenges, opportunities, and emerging practices in AI in higher education. Hosted by the Office of Faculty Development AI Desk.
For questions, contact Dr. L. Lusike Mukhongo, Associate Director, OFD
NCFDD
NCFDD
NCFDD webinars/events are available for free to all WMU faculty, academic staff, and graduate students—to access NCFDD webinars, activate your NCFDD institutional membership account.
Thursday, September 10
2 to 3 p.m.
Virtual
In this webinar, perfectionists will unite to get clear about:
- The causes and consequences of excessive perfectionism.
- The features of academic life that intensify perfectionism
- Strategies to identify when your perfectionism is at work, assess whether it is useful or debilitating, and adjust your standards and behavior accordingly
- The secret to finding real satisfaction in every step of the writing process
Thursday, October 1
1 to 2 p.m.
Virtual
In this webinar, NCFDD invites faculty to rethink difficult classroom moments as opportunities for learning, reflection, and connection.
Thursday, October 8
2 to 3 p.m.
Virtual
In this webinar, you will learn:
- How conflict-management is an essential part of thriving in the Academy.
- How to decide when to push back and when to pull back in the face of conflict.
- The difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict.
- How to get clear about the role that power plays in resolving departmental conflicts.
- Ten tips for engaging in healthy conflict
The Office of Faculty Development is partnering with NCFDD to host a private 14-Day Writing Challenge! This challenge is open to WMU faculty, instructors, and graduate teaching assistants looking to experiment with daily writing and find joy in the process.
Commit to writing for at least 30 minutes a day for two weeks Login to our online community, start the timer, complete your writing, and post your progress at the end.
Take 5 minutes to support other writers in your group by commenting on their progress
“Writing” refers to any scholarly activity ranging from the spark of a new idea to polishing a near-complete project (article, grant proposal, exhibit, book chapter, etc.).
The average participant writes for 350 minutes over the two weeks and 98% of recent participants agreed that “the 14-Day Writing Challenge was helpful in making progress on your scholarly work.”
Challenge runs: Monday, Nov. 2 - Sunday, Nov.15, 2026
Registration closes on Sun. Oct. 25
Friday, November 6
1 to 2 p.m.
Virtual
This webinar unpacks the difference between impostor syndrome and impostorization and offers strategies to counter each.
Thursday, November 12
2 to 3 p.m.
Virtual
Join NCFDD to learn:
- The impact that stress and negativity can have if they are not managed
- Identify the most common areas of stress in academic life
- Concrete strategies for managing the physical, emotional, and attitudinal effects of stress