Spring 2026 CTL Programming

Spring 2026 CTL Programming

Center for Teaching & Learning Friday January 9, 2026

Welcome back to a new and exciting semester! As we embark on this journey together, let's celebrate the strength and vibrancy of our liberal arts community. This is a time to reconnect, share our experiences and support one another in our collective mission to inspire and educate our students.

Our community thrives on collaboration, creativity and the exchange of ideas. Let's continue to foster an environment where every voice is heard and valued. As we prepare for the semester ahead, let's embrace the opportunities to innovate in our teaching, engage with our students and make a lasting impact on their lives.

Below is the spring 2026 programming lineup. You can register for these workshops by visiting our registration link.

-The CTL Crew

Faculty Workshop: Assessment in the Age of AI

Jan. 9, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Kilpatrick 132

Generative AI is rapidly transforming how students learn, create and demonstrate understanding in higher education. Rather than treating these tools as a threat to academic integrity and students' intellectual development, this structured, practical workshop explores how Georgia College & State University instructors can integrate them thoughtfully into their teaching. The goal is to help students use AI judiciously, effectively and ethically. More specifically, we'll examine how AI can support knowledge acquisition outside the classroom, deepen application and collaboration during class and enhance the assessment of student learning using the flipped classroom model. This workshop is facilitated by Dr. Cynthia Alby, Dr. Steve Elliott-Gower and Dr. Cara Smith.

Academic Affairs Small Grants Workshop (two occurrences)

Jan. 28, noon, in Library 376

Jan. 29, 2 p.m. [virtual]

Are you interested in applying for one of the grants offered by Academic Affairs? Are you wanting support and guidance for preparing and submitting your Academic Affairs Small Grant? Join Jim Berger to learn steps for completing the application, and receive guidance on what can be included and what to leave out. Even if you are not sure you want to apply to the programs, this session can help you think about the process and potential projects. Each section will be discussed, rubrics for the different types of grants will be provided, and tips on how to create a more successful application will be covered. These grant programs are open to all full-time faculty (Instructors, lecturers, tenure, tenure-track, non-tenure). Handouts will be provided, and resources will be shared.

The Engagement Reset: What Today's Students Actually Need

Jan. 30, 3:30 p.m.

Library 376

Today's college students, shaped by high-stakes testing, pandemic disruption and economic uncertainty, expect higher education to offer flexible, meaningful learning experiences that demonstrate clear value and foster authentic connection rather than prioritizing compliance and credential collection. Join the Center for Teaching & Learning for an interactive workshop that transforms how you think about student engagement and course design. Drawing on cutting-edge research about what truly motivates 18-to-25 year-olds, we'll explore how autonomy, competence and connection drive learning - and how traditional grading and compliance-based approaches often work against these fundamental needs. Through hands-on activities, you'll learn about using Dee Fink's integrated course design framework to create "significant learning experiences" that go beyond content mastery to foster deep, lasting change in how students think and act. We'll examine practical strategies for building what Paul Hanstedt calls "wicked competence" - preparing students to tackle complex, real-world problems that don't have single right answers. Leave with concrete tools, ready-to-use handouts and a reimagined approach to course design that positions students as capable, autonomous learners rather than passive recipients of information. Whether you're redesigning an entire course or refreshing a single unit, you'll gain actionable insights for creating the conditions where students don't just learn - they thrive.

Five-Minute Strategies to Boost Student Wellbeing in Class

Feb. 6, 11 a.m.

[Virtual]

Do you want to support your students' well-being without sacrificing instructional time? Join us for a hands-on session where you'll experience quick, impactful activities to reduce stress, increase engagement and create a supportive learning environment. You'll learn simple strategies and practice them firsthand, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to integrate these techniques into your teaching. In just one session, you'll walk away with practical, time-efficient tools to help students - and yourself - thrive. Come, ready to engage, recharge and take away classroom-ready, well-being strategies that work!

Active Learning 101

May 15, 9 a.m. to noon

Library 376

In this certificated training, discover how to transform your teaching with Active Learning 101, a foundational course designed to create engaging, student-centered learning environments. Learn to develop dynamic course content, effectively use GeorgiaVIEW/D2L and other technologies and craft interactive materials that promote hands-on learning. Ideal for instructors at all levels, this course blends online lectures, interactive modules and practical assignments to invigorate your teaching practice. Join us, and empower your students to actively participate and excel in their learning journey. Enroll today, and turn your classroom into hubs of energy and discovery.

Quality Matters: Improving Your Online Course

May 18 and 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

[virtual]

Teaching online this summer? There's still time to make your course more engaging and effective with the Quality Matters Improving Your Online Course workshop!

• Walk away with an actionable course improvement plan.
• Learn proven strategies to enhance student engagement.
• Get expert guidance to strengthen course design.

Join other GCSU instructors already set to learn more about improving their online courses and earn their QM certificate credentials.

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