From 8 - 8:25 a.m., coffee and tea will be served in the John Adams Middle School
Courtyard.
Lunch is from 12 - 1:15 p.m. in the cafeteria and will be from our caterer, Mendocino Farms. Though the deadline to RSVP for lunch has passed, remaining meals will be available
on a first- come, first- served basis.
The theme for Spring Professional Development Day is Learning from Within: Sharing Our Why.
Throughout our professional development day workshops, we'll explore the essence of
our purpose, knowledge, and motivations. This introspective journey aligns seamlessly
with the initiatives of Caring Campus.
What is Caring Campus? The Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC) created Caring
Campus based on research that shows students who feel more connected to their college
are more likely to be retained, persist from semester to semester, and complete their
academic goals. We've observed similar positive outcomes among staff members through
the implementation of Caring Campus initiatives like Campus Coffee Connections.
Members of the Caring Campus team will be highlighting the initiative, and ways to
get involved, during our Professional Development Day sessions.
Join us to learn more about the RISING Program at Santa Monica College, meet our team,
and discover the support, resources, and campus community that will propel formerly
incarcerated students towards academic success and personal growth. Together, we can
help students rise above challenges and reach new heights of achievement.
Tags: Student experience, Good for all employee groups.
Presenters: Bren Antrim and Roxana Cruz, Librarians, OER Committee
This presentation is for anyone interested in Open Education Resources and Zero Textbook
Cost information. OER/ZTC are a way to address equity gaps for our students. If you're
new to the idea, or would like a refresher, this is for you.
Tags: Pedagogy, Potentially Interesting to all Employee Groups.
Check back here for the zoom recording in the following weeks!
Breathwork for focus & relaxation.
Presenter: Mark Tomasic, MFA, Certified XPT Breath Coach
Enhance your well-being through simple breathing techniques that engage the parasympathetic
and sympathetic nervous systems. The goal of this session is for you to deeply relax,
reduce anxiety, increase energy, and boost mental focus. Techniques learned are transferable
to your classroom, office, and personal life.
Tags: Wellness, Good for all employee groups.
On campus only. HSS 105.
This session will not be recorded.
Equitable Grading Practices
Presenters:
Kristin Lui-Martinez (Math) - featuring Ian Colmer (English), Tram Dang (Physical
Sciences/Engineering), and Jessica Krug (English).
In this presentation, I will discuss the history of grading and the ways in which
traditional grading can miss the mark in assessing student learning and understanding.
For participants, I will highlight examples of equitable grading practices, explain
my own journey of changing my practices, and provide resources for those who want
to learn more. Lastly, SMC colleagues will briefly showcase their equitable grading
practices.
As classified employees, we are afforded many basic rights by law or through collective
bargaining. Learn about your rights on the job and what you can do to protect yourself
if your rights are violated. The emphasis of CSEA’s Know Your Rights training workshop
is to assist members in detecting violations of the law and their collective bargaining
agreements.
Tags: SMC updates, Intended for Classified Professionals.
Check back here for the zoom recording in the following weeks!
Lunch Event in the Cafeteria
Lunch will be provided from 12 - 1:15 p.m.
Please join us in person in the cafeteria for a delicious lunch from Mendicino Farms.
If you didn't RSVP for lunch from our Caterer, Mendocino Farms, any remaining meals
will be available on a first- come, first- served basis.
Grab your lunch and then head over to the Pavilion to play table tennis, basketball,
pickleball, and more! If you have your own paddles, please bring them. Supplies are
first come, first served and limited. All levels are welcome!
Enjoy the plethora of afternoon workshops and activities, including our very own Professional Development Fair in the SMC Cafeteria starting at 2 pm! See more below.
Breakout Sessions
Check out our breakout sessions
Title and Description
Location/link
Invisible Disabilities: Understanding and Accepting What We Can't See
Presenter: Russell Lehmann: Speaker, Poet, Advocate
Join Russell as he takes your hand and walks you through the world of autism. Using
his hindsight and insight from his lived experience to generate foresight for others,
Russell will unpack the vital aspects of the human condition in a relatable fashion
and lay out pragmatic approaches on how best we can support those with invisible disabilities.
Sometimes, what we do not see is more important that what we do see. Attendees will
learn:
How to better interact, support, and accommodate individuals with invisible disabilities.
How to broaden their perspective on the human condition.
Tags: Student experience, Good for all employee groups.
Navigating Work-Life Balance: The Grind Culture Detox
Presenter:Heather Archer. Workshop Co-Hosted by the New Faculty Committee (NFC) &
Pan African Alliance (PAA)
The New Faculty Committee and the Pan African Alliance are delighted to invite you
to this upcoming workshop on navigating work-life balance, featuring Heather Archer
as our special guest. Heather is an accomplished author, educator, and executive coach
on a mission to promote a culture of wellness across individuals, communities, and
institutions. This workshop will focus on detoxing from the grind culture, which is
rooted in the belief that to be considered valuable, one must constantly work hard,
improve, and produce to prove their worth. This public health issue negatively impacts
our society, especially marginalized populations, leading to greater instances of
trauma, stress, and anxiety at work and at home.
Heather will lead a 1-hour interactive virtual workshop that will unpack the historical
and sociological implications of grind culture in the U.S. and how this dynamic manifests
on college campuses. The workshop will also provide SMC faculty and staff with practical
tools for cultivating a culture of wellness in meetings, as well as in the classroom.
As a participant, you will receive a copy of Heather's book, "The Grind Culture Detox,"
which serves as a reference and a study guide for implementing these tools. We hope
you can join us for this insightful and informative workshop, which is sponsored by
Human Resources and the EEO Grant Funding.
Tags: Wellness, Intended for Faculty, especially new faculty.
Understanding Racial Microaggressions and Racial Microaffirmations as Tools for Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion. (Part 1 of 2)
Presenter: Dr. Lindsay Pérez Huber, California State University, Long Beach
Hosted by EPICenter, Equity Steering Committee, and Ethnic Studies Program.
This workshop is limited to 65 workshop participants and is FULL based on folks who
have already registered in advance. This workshop goes from 1:30-4pm.
In this interactive workshop, participants will gain an understanding of the systemic
forms of subtle everyday racism that emerge within and beyond educational spaces.
In addition, participants will gain an understanding of the everyday verbal and non-verbal
strategies People of Color engage that affirm each other's dignity, integrity, and
shared humanity. Recommendations will be offered for using the tools of racial microaggressions
and microaffirmations to increase equity and inclusion within classrooms and among
the broader campus community.
In part one, we'll delve into the fundamentals of diversity, equity, and inclusion
(DEI) and syllabus design. Backed by current data, we'll examine the evolving landscape
of higher education and discuss why an equity-minded approach is essential. Discover
the potential impact your syllabus can have on student success. We'll bridge the gap
between the traditional syllabus and what it can become—a powerful tool for fostering
inclusivity, belonging, and student achievement. This session is for faculty at all
experience levels, providing a space to explore the intersection of DEI principles
and syllabus creation.
Tags: Equity, Intended for Faculty.
On campus only.
Room HSS 256.
This session will not be recorded.
The International Student Experience at SMC
Presenters: Lindsay Poland and Jeremy Lange, International Student Services Specialists;
Pressian Nicolov, Dean of International Education
In this workshop, faculty and classified staff are invited to join us for an overview
of SMC’s diverse international student population. International students will share
about their own experiences applying to and studying at SMC, and IEC staff will discuss
the basic F-1 visa requirements and the many ways in which SMC benefits from having
this dynamic group of students at our school.
Check back here for the zoom recording in the following weeks!
Professionalism 101: Practices for a Better Work Experience
Presenter:
Arianne Toves, MPA, MHC, Educational Trainer
Today’s workforce has the unique makeup of interconnecting diverse populations that
span four Generations. Working with such a diverse cultural landscape can be a recipe
for conflict without understanding the differences, and shared goals each generation
brings to the workplace. In this presentation we’ll learn how to better understand
ourselves and those we work with to minimize conflict and build collaborative connections.
Check back here for the zoom recording in the following weeks!
Software SMC IT uses to support the SMC Community
Presenter:
Matthew Kiaman: Director, Network Services; Mark Engfer, IT Infrastructure Manager;
Miguel Reyes, IT User Support Manager
This is an overview of some of the tools SMC IT uses to support employees and students.
This includes our customer support system Team Dynamix, system monitoring tools and
tools such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint used for internal communication and collaboration.
In this session, members of the Strategic Education Plan Workgroup will offer a brief
overview of the process now underway to develop SMC's next strategic plan for education.
Audience members will learn more about the workgroup members, our charge and timeline,
recent consultancy reports contributing to the emerging plan, and opportunities to
get involved in the planning process.
Check back here for the zoom recording in the following weeks!
Title and Description
Location/link
Professional Development Fair
Join us in the SMC Cafeteria for resume and interview tips, professional development
funding opportunities, open recruitments, staff development information, and more!
On campus only. Located in the SMC Cafeteria.
This session will not be recorded.
Title and Description
Location/link
Understanding Racial Microaggressions and Racial Microaffirmations as Tools for Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion. (Part 2 of 2)
Presenter: Dr. Lindsay Pérez Huber, California State University, Long Beach
Hosted by EPICenter, Equity Steering Committee, and Ethnic Studies Program.
This workshop is limited to 65 workshop participants and is FULL based on folks who
have already registered in advance. This workshop goes from 1:30-4pm. You must have attended the first part of the workshop to attend this second part.
In this interactive workshop, participants will gain an understanding of the systemic
forms of subtle everyday racism that emerge within and beyond educational spaces.
In addition, participants will gain an understanding of the everyday verbal and non-verbal
strategies People of Color engage that affirm each other's dignity, integrity, and
shared humanity. Recommendations will be offered for using the tools of racial microaggressions
and microaffirmations to increase equity and inclusion within classrooms and among
the broader campus community.
Tags: Equity, Good for all employee groups.
On campus only.
Room: SSC Orientation Hall.
This session will not be recorded.
Assisting Distressed and Distressing Students: How to Support and Manage Situations
of Concern
Presenters: SMC Care and Prevention Team: Johnnie Adams, Alison Brown, Susan Fila,
Dione Hodges, Tracie Hunter, Denise Kinsella, Lina Ladyzhenskaya, Nathalie Laille,
Sharlyne Massillon, Robert Myers, Sara Nievas Lucas, Yvonne Ortega, Matthew Williamson,
Lisa Winter
Discuss emerging areas of concern for faculty, staff, and the overall campus community
on assisting students in need and events of concern. Learn about these events and
discuss practical tips and tools for the individual in the moment as well as campus
supports for the student and yourself. Presented by the SMC Care and Prevention Team.
Check back here for the zoom recording in the following weeks!
Learn Salsa for Your Health & Wellbeing
Presenter: Laura Canellias, SMC adjunct dance faculty member since 1999
The physical benefits of dance are many, which include improved muscle tone and strength,
weight management,
better balance, coordination, agility, flexibility, stronger bones, and reduced risk
of osteoporosis and mental decline.
There are social benefits as well which could include overcoming shyness, meeting
& developing a new community of friends while learning something new. Salsa is a lively, spirited Cuban dance whereby
you can receive all of these benefits while expanding your cultural awareness. With over 40 years of teaching experience
Laura will easily break down the basic steps & turns of this dance. No partner necessary. She also has been
teaching her Cardio Salsaclass since 1995 so, this workshop can be done with or without partners. Please join us
for an hour of fun, right-brained activity!
Tags: Wellness, Good for all employee groups.
On campus only.
Room CPC 310.
This session will not be recorded.
Syllabus Evaluation: Practical Strategies for All Faculty (Part 2 of 2)
In part two, participants, regardless of their teaching experience, can actively assess
and enhance their syllabi. Learn practical strategies to infuse warm language, establish
a welcoming tone, and ensure your syllabus reflects a commitment to equity and inclusion.
This interactive session encourages collaboration, peer feedback, and personalized
guidance. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting, this session empowers
faculty to reflect on their own practices and develop a syllabus that has a positive
impact on the educational experience for all students. Optional: Bring a copy of your syllabus, so you can review it.
Tags: Equity, Intended for Faculty.
On campus only.
Room HSS 256.
This session will not be recorded.
Cybersecurity Awareness
Presenter:
Dan Rojas - Information Systems Security Officer
This workshop is to enhance your cybersecurity knowledge and provide information to
protect yourself online. Learn about phishing scams, password best practices, and
securing your devices. Arm yourself with practical skills to stay safe in the digital
world!
Coffee and snacks will be available for those who attend. Bring your own mug!
This is replicating the monthly opportunities for faculty, staff, and managers to
come together to build community over a cup of coffee, as well as learn something
new about other departments on campus.
The goals of this initiative are as follows:
Help people get to know one another better in a fun, informal setting.
Help them learn about other departments so they can continue to learn more and serve
as a resource for students.
Check back here for the zoom recording in the following weeks!
Title and Description
Location/link
Title: SB 1343 – Mandated Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Non-Supervisors
(1 ½ hours, goes until 4:30 p.m.)
Presenters: Michael Hudson, HR Analyst, Employee and Labor Relations (Temporary).
This session is for non-supervisors: faculty, department chairs, classified staff,
seasonal and temporary employees, and student workers. Completing this session successfully
complies with training mandated by CA State Law. Please note this training occurs
everyone two years. If you have completed this training in 2023 you have met your
obligations for the 2023/2024 cycle.
This interactive session will cover sexual harassment, unlawful discrimination, abusive
conduct, and Title IX. It also addresses emerging issues, and your rights in the workplace!
This is a great time to use this is opportunity to fulfill your legal obligation and
to ask questions.
You must be present for the whole time to meet your obligation at SMC.
A certificate of completion will be sent to you after completing the course.
Please join Academic Senate President Jamar London for our First Friday Academic Senate
- Call to Action, workshop. During this meeting they discussed the role and responsibilities
of Academic Senate, highlighted some of our committees, discussed some hot topics,
and finally informed faculty on how to get involved.
Spring Professional Development Day is Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
Spring Professional Development Day will begin at 8 a.m.
Coffee and tea is from 8 - 8:25 a.m.
Lunch is from 12 - 1:15 p.m.
Afternoon workshops are from 1:30 - 4:15 p.m.
Yes, Spring Professional Development Day is required for all FULL-TIME college personnel including all faculty, classified professionals and administrators.
All classified professionals, faculty and administrators are required to attend Spring Professional Development Day. Only services critical to the health
and safety of our campus community will remain open. The community is encouraged
to attend in-person. All employee groups have the option to attend the many sessions
either in-person or online.
Spring Professional Development Day includes on-campus, HyFlex and Zoom options. Some
sessions will only be offered in one modality, but whenever possible we will have
on-campus and HyFlex options. The community is encouraged to attend in-person. All
employee groups have the option to attend the many sessions either in-person or online.
If you normally work remotely on the day that Professional Development Day falls on,
please work with your supervisor to see if you can change your schedule to attend
Professional Development Day in person.
If you are unable to attend, you must submit a report of absence (ROA) slip to your
supervisor using either vacation or sick time.
There are multiple computer labs that can accommodate you!
They are:
SSC 150 computer lab (can accommodate up to 100) - PCs
Cayton Center 201 (can accommodate up to 65) - PCs
If possible, please bring your own headphones. We will have a limited supply to lend
for the day, and you will need to return them at the end of your Professional Development
Day sessions. If you need a headset, please send us a message and we will arrange
a time for you to check them out at the EpiCenter: EpiCenter@smc.edu.
Classified Professional FAQ
Supervisors, managers and administrators are aware Professional Development Day is
required for all college personnel. Supervisors should be aware that attendance is
required. But it is encouraged that Classified Professionals will continue to work
with their supervisors to ensure work and attendance is communicated ahead of time.
Faculty FAQ
Faculty (full-time) are required to complete 6 hours of flex by attending sessions
that fits your schedule OR by viewing recorded sessions listed on this webpage two
weeks after the event. Additionally there are some prerecorded workshops (First Fridays
and other sessions) at the end of the schedule that you can view to fulfill your flex
credit. Unfortunately the PDC learned right before the event that MProfessor does
not allow workshops that last 75 minutes (only 60 or 90 minutes), but at that time
it was too late to change the timing of the workshops. On MProfessor all workshops
will show up as 60 minutes, but participating in PD Day will give you the full 6 hours
required.
Please report your attendance through mProfessor or through your supervisor/department chair.
You can attend and participate in any session to help fulfill your flex credit obligations.
You may also complete your flex credit obligations by viewing the recorded videos
which will be up on this webpage shortly after Professional Development Day. Some
sessions will be recorded for future viewing.
Yes, you can complete your required professional development day flex credit obligation
by attending live or recorded sessions.
Part-time faculty members may attend sessions during Professional Development Day
to fulfill flex credit obligations.
Flex credit obligations for part-time faculty members vary depending on your current
teaching assignment.
One hour per semester for each weekly hour of teaching assignment.
i.e., Teaching 9 hours per week in a semester requires 9 hours of flex that semester.
Faculty have until June 30, 2024 to report their professional development day flex
hour obligations.
If you have any questions about Professional Development Day, contact profdevelopment@smc.edu.
