Winter 2026 TLDE Non-Classroom Faculty Learning Summit
Non-classroom faculty areas have seen significant change over the last few years, through reorganizations, new team compositions and colleagues and much uncertainty around federal policy change. The Winter Summit will offer an opportunity for connection, collaboration and conversation around the issues that we see impacting our students, as well as ourselves. This week of professional development will offer opportunities for sharing strategies for wellness, learning from colleagues and spending some time discussing and collaborating about experiences in and out of the classroom, over coffee, tea and hot chocolate.
Schedule at a Glance:
Monday, Feb. 16
Session 1: Easing into It!
- Time: 8:30-10:00 a.m.
- Location: 315 RJF
- Facilitator: Melissa Ware, LMSW
- Description: Start the week off in community with colleagues over coffee and donuts. Overview of the week’s schedule.
Session 2: More than what they tell us: Seeing the Whole Student
- Time: Noon-1 p.m.
- Location: 315 RJF
- Facilitator: Kaelee Steffens, M.Ed
- Description: Join us for a guided group session exploring students’ whole stories, including the parts that often go unspoken. Through conversation and reflection, we’ll consider how to gently invite students to share more when they feel ready.
Session 3: AI: Outside of the Classroom, Inside the Learning Space
- Time: 3-4 p.m.
- Location: 315 RJF
- Facilitator: Dr. Andre Fields, Ph.D., LP
- Description: This session will explore the evolving role that AI plays in non-classroom faculty work, benefits and drawbacks. Bring your lunch and join us for an engaging discussion.
Tuesday, Feb. 17
Session 1: Culture Matters: Using Cultural Intelligence (CQ) to Enhance Intercultural Interactions
- Registration required. Please visit the session registration page for details.
Session 2: Crucial Conversations: How I’ve Implemented It in My Work
- Time: Noon-1 p.m.
- Location: 315 RJF
- Facilitator: Victoria Hewer (Powers), M.Ed, MA, LLPC
- Description: Crucial conversations—those moments when stakes are high, emotions are strong, and perspectives differ—are a common part of work for non-classroom faculty supporting students and collaborating across departments. In this one-hour session, Victoria Powers (Program Director, TRIO Student Support Services) will provide a practical overview of key concepts from Crucial Conversations and share examples of how these strategies have been applied in conversations with colleagues, supervisors, and students. Participants will learn how to recognize when conversations become “crucial,” maintain psychological safety, and communicate clearly and respectfully in challenging situations. The session will demonstrate practical application and reflection, allowing participants an intimate view on how a fellow colleague uses the learned strategies.
Session 3: Featured Presentation: The Essential Role of Non-Classroom Faculty
- Time: 3:30-5 p.m.
- Location: The Piazza
- Facilitator: Dr. Amy Lyn
- Description: Join us for a panel discussion on the valuable role of non-classroom faculty in ASA, joined by Faculty Association President Mike Light and Provost Sheila Jones. The panel will be moderated by Amy Lyn and feature representatives from the various non-classroom faculty programs. Light refreshments will be provided.
Wednesday, Feb. 18
Session 1: Intersectionality: Critical Reflection for Inclusive Student Practices
- Time: 11 a.m.-noon
- Location: 315 RJF
- Facilitator: Deborah Ronk, LMSW
- Description: To genuinely promote inclusive practices, we must first understand ourselves and our impact. This workshop will utilize a social identity wheel to guide participants in a critical examination of their own intersecting identities. We will explore how these identities shape interactions with students from diverse backgrounds, fostering an understanding of potential biases and points of connection. Participants will discuss how to leverage these personal insights to build empathy and cultivate a truly inclusive learning environment in their role as non-classroom faculty, ensuring every student feels welcome and empowered to participate.
Thursday, Feb. 19
Session 1: Building Trust between Students and Educators
- Time: 11 a.m.-noon
- Location: 315 RJF
- Facilitator: Travis Steffens, MBA and Megan Downey-Gates, MS
- Description: Round table discussion around coaching principles and lessons gleaned from non-classroom faculty student success work. This session will review and discuss approaches to building trust and developing transformative relationships that promote student success.
Session 2: Connect & Create!
- Time: 2-3 p.m.
- Location: 315 RJF
- Facilitator: Becca Lovell, LMSW
- Description: Take a break from the busy rhythm of the semester and join fellow faculty for an informal, relaxed space to connect, unwind, and recharge. Enjoy light refreshments and simple hands-on activities designed to help you decompress - no artistic experience needed. Come as you are and enjoy time together in community.