CSM Flex Day Schedule
Theme: Building a Culture of Assessment
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
For security purposes, we require that Zoom participants be signed in to their SMCCCD Zoom account. You can test your Zoom access in advance here, and submit an ITS helpdesk request if you have trouble.
Registration Instructions
We ask that you register for each session you plan to attend so we can accurately anticipate numbers and message participants if needed. 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.
If you are denied access to the registration system, it means one of two things:
- You are not signed in with your employee single sign-on. Please sign in with OneLogin and try again.
- 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, and please feel free to attend sessions in the meantime.
Faculty Flex Day Obligations
See Faculty Flex Day Obligations for the latest details about faculty flex obligations and compensation for hourly (adjunct and retired) faculty.
Modality Options: in person
online
both in person and online
Campus Closure Information
Breakfast & Welcome
Time | Title | Modality |
---|---|---|
8:30-9:20
|
Continental Breakfast & WelcomeLocation: Courtyard outside Bayview Dining Room, Building 10 (map)
Join us for a welcome from our campus leadership to kickstart the day! We’re keeping things fresh - join us outside Bayview Dining Room in the courtyard around the fountain. Welcoming remarks will begin at 9:00.
|
![]() |
Morning Concurrent Sessions
Time (lengths vary) | Title | Modality |
---|---|---|
9:30-10:50 1.5 flex credit hours |
Know Your Advocacy: Best Practices and Services Offered by the UCC and IIBALocation: Building 10, Room 194 (map) Presenters: Martín Márquez, Program Services Coordinator for the Undocumented Community Center; Veronica Guinto, Immigration Institute of the Bay Area
This session invites faculty and classified professionals to engage in collaborative conversations, practical strategies, and explore opportunities for direct engagement in uplifting and advocating undocumented students on our campus. Participants will also gain information from our legal service partners, Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA), and the guidance they provide students and the college community.
This session is open to all employees.
|
![]() |
9:30-10:50 1.5 flex credit hours |
Rethinking Assessment in the Age of AILocation: Zoom; Watch Room in Building 10, Room 195 (map) Facilitator: Kelly Spoon, Math Faculty at San Diego Mesa College and Co-Founder of the College Acceleration Project
How can we design assessments that reflect students’ authentic thinking in a time when AI tools are only a click away? In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore practical strategies for making assessments more meaningful for both faculty and students across disciplines. Together, we’ll try out examples ranging from low-effort tweaks to bigger redesigns, including authentic and renewable assessments, discussion prompts, and worked examples. Participants will leave with concrete ideas they can put into practice this semester to create assessments that are aligned, engaging, and supportive of student learning.
This session is open to all employees.
|
![]() |
9:30-10:50 1.5 flex credit hours |
Perfecting Your PitchLocation: Building 10, Room 193 Presenter: Elizabeth Smith, Director of Community Relations and Marketing
This session will help you craft a clear, compelling message about your program, accomplishments, or yourself — and learn how to deliver it with confidence in any setting. We’ll focus on developing key messages, crafting an “elevator” speech, and steering conversations toward the content that matters most. Participants will leave with strategies to promote their programs, highlight academic accomplishments, and authentically share their own stories.
This session is open to all employees.
|
![]() |
Late Morning Concurrent Sessions
Time | Title | Modality |
---|---|---|
11:00-12:00 1 flex credit hour |
Updated SMCCCD Protocols for Federal Immigration EnforcementLocation: Zoom Webinar and Watch Room in Building 10, Room 195 (map) Facilitator: Dr. Aaron McVean, Vice Chancellor of Educational Services & Planning
Recent immigration enforcement actions have raised real concerns for our employees,
students, and communities. This session will provide clarity on the San Mateo County
Community College District’s protocols for responding to federal immigration enforcement
activities on our campuses.
Participants will leave with practical knowledge and strategies to help foster a safe, supportive campus environment.
This session is open to all employees.
|
![]() |
11:00-12:00 1 flex credit hour |
AI Community of Practice LaunchLocation: Zoom Presenter: Jennifer Howze-Owens, Instructional Designer and Co-Chair, District Teaching and Learning Committee
Did you know that, according to the My Robot Teacher Podcast, AI is the new sex education? In the official launch event of the AI CoP, attendees will get a high-level overview of the SMCCD's AI CoP, its goals, and what we hope to gain from joining together to explore, critique, and share the District's ideas on AI in our work.
This session is open to all employees.
|
![]() |
11:00-12:00 1 flex credit hour |
IEPI Grant Progress: Advancing Equity-Focused Professional Development.Facilitators: David Galvez, Director of Equity; Fauzi Hamadeh, Classified Senate President; Marisol Quevedo, Instructional Technologist Location: Building 10, Room 194 (map)
Join us for an update on College of San Mateo’s Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative (IEPI) grant, which is dedicated to advancing equity-focused professional development for classified professionals. This workshop will share highlights from the recent IEPI Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the collaborative process used to identify equity-centered training opportunities, and partnerships with external consultants supporting this work. Participants will also learn about upcoming professional development opportunities and ways to get involved in shaping future equity initiatives at CSM.
This session is open to all employees.
|
Lunch & Community Spotlight Performance
Time |
Title | Modality |
---|---|---|
12:10-1:00
|
Buffet LunchLocation: Bayview Dining Room, Building 10 (map)
Join us for a delicious buffet-style lunch! Please be sure to register so we can anticipate
numbers.
|
![]() |
1:00-1:30 .5 flex credit hours |
Community Spotlight: Performance from Ensamble Folclórico ColibríLocation: Bayview Dining Room, Building 10 (map)
Enjoy lunch and a performance by Ensamble Folclórico Colibrí, an LGBTQ+ Mexican folklórico dance troupe. Though lunch will continue to be available, we'll be asking that attendees give their full attention to the performance. This is the first in a series of performances to further enrich our shared in-person experiences during Flex Days and to spotlight different facets of our community.
This session is open to all employees.
|
![]() |
Early Afternoon Concurrent Sessions
Time (lengths vary) | Title | Modality |
---|---|---|
1:40-3:10 1.5 flex credit hours |
Program Review & Resource Requests: Getting Started with NuventiveFacilitators: Natalie Alizaga, Research Inquiry and Institutional Effectiveness Manager Location: Building 10, Room 195 (map) and Zoom
This session will include an overview of the review timeline and process for both instructional and student services programs, as well as a demonstration of the Nuventive software and discussion of how to make our assessments meaningful, actionable, and equity-oriented. After a brief review and demonstration of the Nuventive program. the facilitators will answer questions and help attendees get started on their review process. We can also help you understand things like mid-cycle reviews and annual updates. Bring your laptop and we will help you get started!
This session is open to all employees.
|
![]() ![]() |
1:40-3:10 1.5 flex credit hours |
Encouraging Visual Thinking and Oral Assessment in the Age of AIPresenters: Mohsen Janatpour, Astronomy Faculty; Darryl Stanford, Astronomy Faculty; Justin Stevick, Astronomy Faculty Location: CSM Planetarium, Building 36 (map)
After a brief introduction to the Conjunctive Theory of Mental Imagery in the Arts and Sciences, the workshop demonstrates several already tested methodology for visual learning and oral assessment.
This session is open to all employees.
|
![]() |
1:40-2:40 1 flex credit hour |
Bulldog 101Location: Building 10, Room 468 (map) Presenters: Manuel Alejandro Pérez, President; Fauzi Hamadeh, Classified Senate President
Join us for the second session in the Bulldog 101 series for 2025-26. This year-long adventure is designed to onboard and build community for all our new CSM employees. Each Flex Day, we’ll take this special time to build connections, share insider tips, and discover how we can help you shine in your new role. Missed the first session? No problem! All are welcome.
This session is open to all employees.
|
![]() |
1:40-3:40 |
Understanding CalPERS for CSEA MembersLocation:Zoom Facilitator:Debb Jachens, CSEA Member Benefits Coordinator
It is never too early to learn how CalPERS pays you later for a lifetime. Learn all about what benefits are available to you now and in the future, the importance of the CalPERS Power of Attorney form, how to purchase substitute time toward your pension, and what information CalPERS uses to calculate your retirement. There will also be time to get your questions answered.
This session is open to CSEA Members.
|
![]() |
Mid Afternoon Concurrent Sessions (Lengths vary)
Time | Title | Modality |
---|---|---|
3:20-4:20 1 flex credit hour |
Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) Drop-in SessionFacilitators: Julieth Diaz Benitez, Instructional Designer; Jennifer Howze-Owens, Instructional Designer; Marisol Quevedo, Instructional Technologist; Erica Reynolds, Instructional Technologist Location: Zoom
Come with your questions and join us for RSI focused support. This will be an informal “drop-in” setting with the Distance Education team.
This session is open to all employees.
|
![]() |
3:20-4:20 1 flex credit hour |
Adaptive Technology Use for Note-TakingPresenter: Alexis Delevitt, Adapted Technology Specialist; Kevin Sinarle, Interim Program Director, Disability Resource Center Location: Disability Resource Center (DRC), Building 10, Room 120 (map)
Students in the DRC may have approved accommodations to use adapted technologies in the classroom to address disability-related obstacles around note-taking. While each student's individual needs vary, the use of these technologies can be a game changer for them to better learn from your lectures. Share your best practices for supporting note-taking with your colleagues. Spend some time with DRC staff to learn about the different technologies, how they are used by students to access learning, and address concerns you may have about technology use in the classroom.
This session is open to all employees.
|
![]() |
3:20-4:20 1 flex credit hour |
Final Flex Day Reflections with CabinetFacilitators: Manuel Alejandro Pérez, President; Chris Walker, Acting Interim Vice President of Instruction; Alex Guiriba, Vice President of Student Services; Gerardo Ramirez, Vice President of Administrative Services; Elizabeth Smith, Director of Community Relations & Marketing; David Galvez, Director of Equity Location: Building 10, Room 468 (map) and Zoom
Join the executive leadership team for an opportunity to ask questions and reflect on the day. Coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be served.
This session is open to all employees.
|
![]() ![]() |
Asynchronous 1-2 flex credit hours |
Complete an SMCCCD MicrocourseHave 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:
|
![]() |
Elsewhere in the District
The following session is shared as an FYI. It is not part of CSM's official Flex Day schedule and not eligible for flex credit.
Time |
Title | Modality |
---|---|---|
1:30-3:30
|
Screening Committee Training: The Benefits of Diversity and Understanding Unconscious BiasThe San Mateo County Community College District is committed to hiring a diverse workforce that reflects our student body and our community. To achieve this goal, the District will be providing increased training related to the benefits of diversity and the elimination of bias in the screening process. This training is also required by Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations and the District’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan.
Beginning in Fall 2017, completion of the new “Screening Committee Training: The Benefits of Diversity and Understanding Unconscious Bias” will be required for you to serve in any capacity on a screening committee, and the training will be valid for three years from the date of your training. If you anticipate participating on a screening committee in any capacity, you are encouraged to attend this training. If you are the chairperson of a screening committee in the near future, you will need to ensure that your committee members have received this training before their service on your committee. Your efforts will help avoid unnecessary delay to your committee since screening and interviewing cannot proceed until all committee members have completed this training.
To prepare for the upcoming Unconscious Bias Training via zoom, please have the following:
This session is open to all employees.
|
![]() |
Questions or recommendations? Email Faculty Professional Development Coordinator Susan Khan.
October 8, 2025
November 10, 2025
November 27-28, 2025