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Flex Day

CSM Flex Day Schedule

Theme: Looking Within and Working Together to Empower Students

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Registration Instructions

We ask that you register for each session you plan to attend so we can accurately anticipate numbers. To RSVP for a session, click on the "Register" button that follows that session. Once in the Vision Resource Center, click on the blue button in the bottom right corner that says "Request" (see image below). You should receive an email confirmation (with calendar invite) for each session.

Request Button

If you are denied access to the registration system, it means one of two things:

  1. You are not signed in with your employee single sign-on. Please sign in with OneLogin and try again.
  2. You are one of a small number of employees whose "active employee" record has not been updated in the District's HR database, preventing you from accessing the Vision Resource Center. Follow up with your division assistant to ensure your hiring paperwork has been filed; if you are still unable to access, contact Susan Khan with your G number.

Faculty Flex Day Obligations

See Faculty Flex Day Obligations for updated details about faculty flex obligations and compensation for hourly (adjunct and retired) faculty.

Modality Options: In Person in person Onlineonline In PersonOnlineboth in person and online

Early Morning Session

Time Title Modality

8:30-9:20

1 flex credit hour

Breakfast & Welcome

Location: Bayview Dining Room, Building 10, Second Floor (map)

Join us for a hot buffet breakfast, as well as updates from Acting President Richard Storti.

Feedback

In Person

Mid Morning Sessions

Time Title Modality

9:30-11:00

1.5 flex credit hours

Addressing Conflict and Fostering Dialogue: Interactive Skill-Building for an Inclusive Campus

Facilitators: Dr. Raja Gopal Bhattar, Diversity, Equity & Belonging Consultant; Alex Guiriba, Interim VP of Student Services; Susan Khan, Faculty Professional Development Coordinator

Location: Bayview Dining Room, Building 10, Second Floor (map)

Following up with our session in January on campus resources to support students in crisis or of concern, this interactive workshop invites participants to develop and enhance strategies for addressing conflict and fostering dialogue within classrooms and student services spaces on campus. Participants will apply frameworks to think through case studies and reflection exercises designed to enhance their de-escalation and problem solving abilities. By developing a community of equity-minded colleagues, participants will be empowered to cultivate safe yet uncomfortable learning environments, primed for student-centered and equity-minded practices.

This session is open to all employees.

Post-Session Materials:

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In Person 

9:30-11:00

1.5 flex credit hours

Pedagogy of Courage: Courage to Question Systemic Oppression

Presenters: Colin Ehara, Dean of Students and Ethnic Studies Instructor at Aspire Public Schools; David Galvez, Director of Equity

Location: Building 10, Room 194 (map

Utilizing the research of legal scholar Angelo Ancheta and Dr. Cornel West’s definitions of courage, this workshop aims to support Educators in re/identifying and re/questioning un/articulated assumptions that create or reproduce inequitable racialized outcomes (i.e. microaggressions, macroagressions, etc.) in our learning communities. 

This session is open to all employees.

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In Person

Asynchronous 

1-2 flex credit hours

Complete an SMCCCD Microcourse

Have you ever wanted to learn more about a specific topic related to teaching and learning but have limited time to commit? Are you looking for opportunities to learn in small doses on your own time?

We invite you to take advantage of the SMCCCD microcourses. These are self-paced, asynchronous learning experiences that focus on specific topics of interest. Each microcourse takes 1-2 hours to complete, and you can self-enroll at any time. Upon completion, you will receive constructive feedback and a digital badge. Microcourses may be counted toward Flex credits. Complete one during Flex Day for automatic flex credit.

Current microcourses available:

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Online

Late Morning Sessions

Time Title Modality

11:10-12:10

1 flex credit hour

Student Services Division Meeting

Facilitator: Alex Guiriba, Interim VP of Student Services

Location: Bayview Dining Room, Building 10, Second Floor (map)

Student Services staff, faculty, and administrators are invited to join for team building and vision planning for the division.

This session is open to all student services employees.

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In Person

11:10-12:10

1 flex credit hour

Program Review "Great Read" Info & Work Session

Facilitators: Members of the Program Review Working Group

Location: Zoom

CSM has an innovative approach to continuous improvement called the "Great Read."  Every program review cycle, the campus community is invited to read through their colleagues' program reviews and identify common themes to inform professional development planning, institutional planning, and improvement of the program review process itself.  If you are a member of the Committee on Teaching and Learning or Institutional Planning Committee, you may have been assigned a certain number of program reviews to read this month; but all members of the campus community are encouraged to take part and learn about the great work taking place within our programs.  Join this session to get the work done in a supportive space and celebrate the innovative and meaningful accomplishments of our programs!

This session is open to all employees.

Post-Session Materials:

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Online

11:10-12:10

1 flex credit hour

Do you manage time, or does time manage you? An Overview of the Bullet Journal Method

Facilitator: Jennifer Howze-Owens, Instructional Design Faculty

Location: Zoom

To Do lists just don’t work for everyone. Electronic calendars can only take you so far. Time management strategy needs can change, based on different stages of your career and life. Have you heard about #bujo? The Bullet Journal Method (by Ryder Carroll) mixes minimalism and reflection to plan days, months, and your entire year. Come and spend time learning about this effective system.

This session is open to all employees.

Post-Session Materials:

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Online

11:00-12:10

CalPERS: Benefits Basics

This class provides a general overview of your CalPERS benefits and the choices you have to maximize your retirement security.

Special Registration & Zoom Instructions:

Attendees will need to register by logging into their My|CalPERS to receive a zoom link via email. Instructions: Log into My|CalPERS. Click on “Education Resources Tab." Click on “View Classes." In the “Find Instructor-Led Classes at our Regional Office” – select from the dropdown box “CalPERS San Jose Regional Office.” Click on “Go.” Click on the “Planning Your Retirement” link. Find your Employers Class (Specifically for your Employer). Click on “Enroll” link. Fill out information. Click on “Next Button." Check over Summary.Scroll down to bottom and click on “Submit." Print out page for your records.

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Online

Lunch

Time Title Modality

12:10-1:00

Lunch Buffet

Location: Bayview Dining Room, Building 10, Second Floor (map)

Join us for the chance to connect with colleagues and enjoy a delicious lunch.  Please register so that we can anticipate numbers and reduce food waste.

In Person 

Early Afternoon Sessions 

Time Title Modality

1:00-2:30

1.5 flex credit hours

Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative (IEPI) Project Launch Session

Facilitators: Andrea Vizenor, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives & Economic Partnerships; Carla Grandy, VP of Instruction; Fauzi Hamadeh, President of Classified Senate; Susan Khan, Professional Development Faculty Coordinator

Location: Bayview Dining Room, Building 10, Second Floor (map)

CSM has been awarded a grant from the Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative (IEPI) to develop a professional development plan that strategically focuses on equity and justice. This plan will integrate essential skills needed to offer exceptional service, equity focused practices and engage in solution-centered, student-first interactions across the campus. The target audience includes faculty, staff, student employees and managers. Join this interactive session to learn more and to contribute to the planning process!

This session is open to all employees.

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In Person

1:00-2:30

1.5 flex credit hours

Local GE Pattern Changes in Response to Title V Updates 

Facilitators: Jessica Hurless, District Curriculum Committee Chair; Arielle Smith, District Academic Senate

Location: Zoom

Please join us for a session focused on the changes to Title 5 regulations and the implications on local GE patterns and courses across the district, specifically as related to our Self Development GE area. The options are to eliminate the Self-Development area entirely; add the area as its own GE area; or to create a Self-Development graduation requirement.

 We invite faculty, staff, and administrators with disciplines in the “Self-Development” area (Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Understanding, Self-Development, Career Development, and Kinesiology) as well as Library faculty to discuss any implications for Information Competency/Literacy and anyone interested to come give their feedback on which option would be best, as agreement on this decision, across the district, is important for meeting student needs.  The feedback from this session will be directly shared with the District Curriculum Committee and enable them to make a formal recommendation.

This session is open to all employees.

Post-Session Materials:

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Online

1:00-2:30

1.5 flex credit hours

Opening the Feedback Loop: Leveraging Student Feedback & Canvas Analytics

Facilitator: Julieth Diaz Benitez, Instructional Design Faculty; Erica Reynolds, Instructional Technologist

Location: Zoom

Wondering how students are experiencing the course or specific aspects of it? Would you benefit from students' insights before the end of the semester? Join us for a conversation about different ways to gather and integrate student feedback throughout the semester. We'll discuss approaches that draw from instructional design and instructional technology perspectives. You can expect demonstration, time for individual reflection, and optional small group brainstorming. Come ready to engage as you prefer. 

All are welcome: Although the emphasis will be on course design and facilitation, we welcome classified professionals. Strategies might be relevant for non-instructional projects/programs that benefit from continued student input and/or involve Canvas facilitation.  

This session is open to all employees.

Post-Session Materials:

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Online

1:00-2:30

1.5 flex credit hour

Empowering Students with Disabilities to Success: Addressing Challenging Behaviors, Improving Engagement and Participation

Presenters: Anya Ashouri, Assistive Technology Faculty in the Disability Resource Center (DRC); Kevin Sinarle, Counseling Faculty, DRC; Carol Newkirk, Director of the DRC.

Location: Zoom

Discover ways to build more inclusive classroom environments through the accessibility lens, and acquire effective communication techniques for working with students with disabilities who present with challenging behaviors and struggle with engagement and participation. This will empower you to foster inclusivity and support students for varying needs. 

This session is open to all employees.

Post-Session Materials:

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Online

Mid Afternoon Sessions (Lengths may vary)

Time Title Modality

2:40-4:10

1.5 flex credit hours

Leading with Values (II): Aligning your Values with Institutional Values

Facilitators: Christopher J. Smith, Biology Faculty; Heidi Pereira, Assistant Project Director, Developing Hispanic Institutions, Title V Grant

Location: Bayview Dining Room, Building 10, Second Floor (map)

This session is designed to promote awareness of differences, equity, and racial justice. Through this session, we will start with an exercise to reflect on our personal values and their purpose followed by exploring effective ways to communicate them to others. Most of this session is intended to investigate the alignment of our personal values with our Institutional values.

This session is open to all employees.

Post-Session Materials:

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In Person

2:30-4:00

1.5 flex credit hour

Adjunct Faculty: All about Getting Paid! (AFT)

Facilitators: Jennifer Van Sijll, Film Faculty; Jessica Silver-Sharp, Library Faculty; Tamara Perkins, AFT CSM Co-Chapter Chair; Mays Danfoura, AFT Skyline Part-time Rep; Vera Quijano, AFT Cañada Part-time Rep; Monica Malamud, AFT President; Marianne Kaletzky, AFT Executive Director

Location: Zoom

In this virtual session for adjunct faculty members, representatives from AFT1493 (or your fellow adjuncts representing AFT)  will review all aspects of pay – from understanding your pay stub to breaking down step and column pay to opportunities to engaging in Professional Development or getting more involved in paid work. Do you have questions about claiming unemployment or District health insurance reimbursements? This session will also include tips for self-advocacy, getting support from your union, etc., and substantial time for Q&A. So bring your questions.

This session is open to adjunct faculty.

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Online

2:40-4:40

2 flex credit hours

FULL (Waitlist Only): Forest Therapy Guided Walk at CSM

*Limited slots available; advanced registration required.  This session is geared towards first-time participants of Forest Therapy.*

Facilitator: Tammy Wong, Instructional Support Specialist

Seeking to feel more settled and to deepen your relationship with nature? The practice of Forest Therapy (also known as Forest Bathing or Shinrin-Yoku) invites participants to slow down and reconnect with the natural world by awakening the senses and quieting the mind. The practice has been scientifically proven to boost immune strength, reduce stress, and improve cognitive functioning. Think of this walk like a gallery walk in an art museum, with nature as our works of art. On this gentle 2-hour slow wander, we will move through a series of sensory and open invitations to support you in finding your own authentic way of interacting with the natural environment while building community with your fellow participants. There's no right or wrong way to participate - just come and be yourself. This walk is suitable for all fitness levels. I recommend wearing layered, comfortable clothing.

Location: Meet outside the bookstore in Building 10

This session is open to all employees who have registered in advance (limited slots available).

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In Person 

Questions or recommendations?  Email Faculty Professional Development Coordinator Susan Khan.

Veterans Day Weekend
November 9-11, 2024
Open Enrollment Begins
November 13, 2024
Thanksgiving Weekend
November 28 - December 1
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