2024-2025 Calendar of Events

We will continue to schedule faculty development events for the 2024-25 academic year. Please bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates. Events and details listed are subject to change.

Events marked with a asterisk star symbol (*) are designated as part of the New Faculty Enrichment Series, but all faculty are welcome to attend any of the opportunities advertised below.

* Course Planning Workshop
Various dates/times, Jordan Hall 236
For anyone interested in getting to work on course development for the fall semester, Shelly Furuness will be offering a completely optional, pre-orientation workshop aimed at helping faculty think about and develop their course syllabi and calendars. The format of the workshop will include 1-hour of interactive, guided instruction on curriculum mapping and results-driven instructional planning with Butler syllabus templates. The second hour will be used for individual planning time and 1-on-1 support.
To best accommodate summer schedules, the same workshop will be offered at four different dates and times:

• Monday, July 15, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
• Tuesday, July 16, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
• Monday, July 29, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
• Tuesday, July 30, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

RSVP to facultyexcellence@xfmlsp.com with the date of the workshop you would like to attend and any questions you may like assistance with during the workshop.

Orientation and Onboarding for UCC members and College Curriculum Committee Chairs
Tuesday, August 20, 11:00-12:00 p.m., Gallahue Hall 110
In an effort to provide a smooth path forward based on lessons learned during year one with Curriculog, and to be mindful about on-boarding all curriculum committee members of the University Curriculum Committee, Shelly Furuness, a former co-chair of UCC, is leading this UCC orientation effort , with an opportunity to share a meal at Atherton following the workshop. Joining Shelly for this onboarding session will be Carol Baker and Shonda Cheever to answer Curriculog and Bulletin questions. Members of college curriculum committees are encouraged to attend – especially the (co)chairs of college committees in hopes of developing consistent, clear communication and constructive relationships between college and university curriculum committees.

Student Disability Services Testing Center Open House
Thursday, August 22 and Friday, August 23, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Jordan Hall 136
Faculty and staff are invited to stop by the SDS office during open house hours to take a formal tour of the new testing center, learn more about how SDS staff manage exams and proctoring, ask questions related to test requests and proctoring, and to learn about Butler’s new accommodation letter system rolling out this fall: Accommodate.

Fundamentals of Effective University Teaching Workshop Series
Tuesdays from 3:00-4:30, August 27 through December 3
This fall a 16-session series of workshops in on the fundamentals of effective university teaching will be available for all faculty. The series will meet in-person in Gallahue Hall 150 every Tuesday from 3:00-4:30 beginning August 27^th and will utilize Canvas for additional resources and support. Each session will provide approximately 60-minutes of content and 30-minutes of individual instruction and course development. Each session will be a stand-alone topic within the larger context of the interconnected framework of the planning, instruction, and assessment cycle.

All faculty new to Butler University are invited to participate and the series will be paced to meet the needs of that primary audience. Participation across the entire series is encouraged, though perfect attendance isn’t mandatory. Upon completion of the fundamentals of effective teaching workshop series, faculty will be able to:

1. Apply results-driven instructional planning techniques to design an effective course at Butler University
2. Implement appropriate active learning strategies that align with stated learning objectives.
3. Design formative and summative assessments that effectively measure student achievement of learning outcomes and inform instruction.

Session topics by date:

• September (four sessions) – Instructional strategies for building community and supporting students in engaging with each other and with course materials, including strategies for getting students to talk to one another and about the course texts and materials.
• October (five sessions) – Assignments, assessments, and grading. Sessions will focus on writing strong assignment descriptions aligned to SLOs, rubric writing, and strategies for managing grading load and giving meaningful feedback.
• November (three sessions) – Ensuring course outcomes are on track, preparing for final projects, and self-evaluation of the course.
• December (one session) – Faculty-directed course revision/tweaking prior to course evaluations, and discussion on best practices for the syllabus revisions.

If you are a returning faculty member who would like to participate in any of the workshops, please RSVP to facultyexcellence@xfmlsp.com so you can be added to the course in Canvas. RSVPs for participation in the full series is encouraged, but drop-in attendance by topic for is also welcome without RSVP.

* Closing the Gaps – Maximizing Student Success for the First-Year and Beyond
Friday, September 20, 11:00 a.m.-noon, Atherton Union 326
Presented by Nii Abrahams (Director, First Year Experience) and Julie Greger (Retention Specialist)
All faculty are invited to this session to learn more about efforts made through the Office of the First-Year Experience to close gaps, leverage data to maximize retention, cultivate belonging, and collaborate across campus to create a seamless student experience.
Guests will receive a Market Place voucher to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the session.
Space is limited. RSVP to facultyexcellence@xfmlsp.com is required.

A Student’s Perspective: How Building a Sense of Community Can Help Your Teacher Well-Being
Monday, September 23, 11:00 a.m.-noon, Atherton Union 326It is easy to think that as instructors we know what is best when it comes to teaching, but perhaps we don’t. Perhaps the answer to what makes for good teaching isn’t found in a textbook or journal article, but instead it is uncovered via a small group conversation with students.
Join us as we hear directly from students about pedagogical practices that help them feel a sense of community and belonging in the classroom. In addition, learn how small pedagogical changes can help foster a more engaging and supportive classroom for students as well as instructors while simultaneously reducing stress for students and burnout for instructors.
Guests will receive a Market Place voucher to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the session. Space is limited. RSVP to facultyexcellence@xfmlsp.com is required.

“Using AI for Your Well-Being”
Tuesday, October 15, lunch (provided): noon-12:30 p.m., presentation: 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Johnson Room, Robertson Hall
Presented by Kristen Palmer, Online Education and Educational Technology
Join us for this interactive workshop designed to help faculty and staff explore how AI tools can enhance personal and professional well-being. This session will cover practical ways to use AI for stress management, time management, and maintaining work-life balance. Participants can learn how AI can assist in simplifying daily tasks, fostering creativity, and supporting mental health. The workshop is structured as an open session, allowing you to drop in at any time to engage with the content and discover how AI can contribute to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Catered lunch provided.
Space is limited. RSVP to facultyexcellence@xfmlsp.com is required.

* Butler’s Core Curriculum
Wednesday, October 30, 11:00 a.m.-noon, Atherton Union 326
Presented by Chad Bauman, Faculty Director of the Core Curriculum
Are you a new faculty or staff member wanting to learn about Butler’s Core curriculum?
Are you an advisor needing a refresher on cure curriculum requirements?
All faculty are invited to join us at this session to learn the nature and history of
Butler’s Core curriculum, why we have one, and what’s distinctive about it.
Guests will receive a Market Place voucher to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the session.
Space is limited. RSVP to facultyexcellence@xfmlsp.com is required.

Cybersecurity Awareness and Best Practices – Faculty/Staff Lunch and Learn Opportunity
Presented by Wade Javorsky and Melanie Perez (Information Technology)
CANCELLED
Please check back for updates on potential rescheduling of this event.

Yoga by Candlelight
led by Anni Hine, HRC yoga instructor
Thursday, December 12, 5:00-6:00 p.m., HRC 050 (group fitness room)
Feeling the stress of classes, deadlines, or work? Escape the end-of-semester hustle and enjoy an hour of relaxation by participating in this special (free!) yoga by candlelight class led by HRC instructor Anni Hine. All are welcome!

Why you’ll love it:

• Calm your mind with gentle stretches and soothing poses.
• Recharge in a peaceful, candlelit atmosphere.
• Connect with friends and colleagues while finding your balance.

Whether you’re a beginner or a yoga pro, this session is a perfect way to de-stress, improve flexibility, and enhance your mental clarity. Find your center. Shine your light.

Opportunity open to staff, faculty, and students. To ensure your spot, RSVP to facultyexcellence@xfmlsp.com is strongly encouraged.

“Incorporating Vocational Exploration in Your Teaching”
Presented by Daniel Meyers (Compass Center), Nii Abrahams (First-Year Experience), and Karina Hamamouche (Psychology)
Thursday, January 16, 12:00-12:30 lunch (Market Place vouchers provided), 12:30-1:30 presentation
Atherton Union 326
This session will provide new strategies and resources for faculty to facilitate vocational reflection opportunities for students within your courses. Drawing from national best practices shared in the “Teaching Vocational Exploration Faculty Seminar” offered by the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education, Dr. Karina Hamamouche (Assistant Professor of Psychology) will present on various pedagogical resources for helping students explore meaning and purpose in the classroom. Additionally, utilizing lessons learned from the first year of the “FYE Faculty Fellowship: Meaning, Vocation, and Uncertainty,” Daniel Meyers (Director of The Compass Center) and Nii Kpakpo Abrahams (Director of First-Year Experience) will offer key themes from the year-long Fellowship and share exemplars of pedagogical tools for teaching vocational exploration developed by Butler faculty in the past year. This focus on vocational reflection is crucial for student wellness, as it supports students in navigating their academic and personal lives with greater clarity, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
Space is limited. RSVP to facultyexcellence@xfmlsp.com is required.

“Burnout: How to prevent it. How to heal from it.“
Presented by Brenda Johnston, Associate Professor of Arts Administration
Thursday, January 30
Lunch (provided): noon-12:30 p.m., presentation: 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Johnson Room, Robertson Hall
Join us for a lunch and learn workshop focused on faculty and staff wellness, where we will explore expert tips and tools for preventing and healing from burnout. Participants will have the opportunity to develop their own mini-plans for wellness and recovery. Catered lunch provided. Space is limited. RSVP to facultyexcellence@xfmlsp.com is required.

Promoting Student Wellness – Faculty/Staff Lunch and Learn Opportunity
Presented by staff from Butler’s Counseling and Consultation Services
Wednesday, February 5
Lunch (provided): noon-12:30 p.m., presentation: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Ford Salon, Robertson Hall
This presentation will explore how to create an environment in which students can thrive, how to communicate care and compassion to students, and when to seek professional guidance. Attendees will also reflect on how fostering student wellness not only facilitates their professional growth but also enhances their own well-being. By supporting students effectively, faculty and staff can contribute to a healthier, more balanced campus environment for everyone.
Catered lunch provided. Space is limited. RSVP to facultyexcellence@xfmlsp.com is required.

* Advising Tips from the Pros
Thursday, March 20, 11:00 a.m.-noon, Atherton Union 326
This conversation will provide an overview of best practices for student advising. Experienced Butler faculty will offer insight and strategies to best support and advise your students.
Guests will receive a Market Place voucher to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the session.
Space is limited. RSVP to facultyexcellence@xfmlsp.com is required.

* Preparing Your Faculty Activity Report Using Faculty180
Wednesday, April 9, 11:00-noon, Atherton Union 326
Travis Ryan, Associate Provost will provide advice for completing the Faculty 180. Faculty 180 is the software platform for submitting annual Faculty Activity Reports (FARs), which all full-time returning faculty are required to submit each year by August 31. Currently only full-time faculty are required to submit FARs, however all full-time and part-time faculty are encouraged to join us for this important session to learn more about the evaluation process.
Guests will receive a Market Place voucher to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the session.
Space is limited. RSVP to facultyexcellence@xfmlsp.com is required.

_

Faculty Development events flagged with the Inclusion Advocate (IA) logo are IA designated events which may be used for IA certification. For more information on the IA program, contact Su-Mei Ooi, Director of Academic Affairs for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

If you have any questions about faculty development opportunities, please contact facultyexccellence@xfmlsp.com.