Spring 2024 Webinar Series
TA Roles: What to Expect and What is Expected
Friday, January 19, 2024, 12:00-1:00 pm
Host: Dr. M. Gloria González-Morales, CAFE Director
Co-Host: Shelby D. Lamar, CAFE Associate Director
Watch the Recording
The session aims to equip TAs with practical tools and insights to navigate their responsibilities with competence, fostering a positive and enriching learning experience for the learning community. Attendees will gain insights into the responsibilities and expectations associated with being a TA. We will discuss common challenges faced by TAs and provide tips for overcoming them; importance of clear and efficient interaction with both students and faculty; strategies for managing the grading process effectively; the talk emphasizes the significance of professionalism and ethics.
CAFE Certificates Overview
Monday, January 22, 2024, 12:00-1:00 pm
Host: Shelby D. Lamar, CAFE Associate Director
Co-Host: Jonathan Aragon, CAFE
Watch the Recording
The Center for Academic & Faculty Excellence (CAFE) at CGU has two certificates you can earn while completing your main degree program. Join us to learn about the certificates, our courses, and answers to frequently asked questions. Come see how CAFE can help you on your journey as a scholar and professional.
How to Support International Students in Courses
Thursday, January 25, 2024, 12:00-1:00 pm
Host: Dr. Sarah Aburaisi, CAFE Fellow
Co-Host: Eric Thomas, CAFE Fellow
Watch the Recording
This webinar is designed for graduate school professors to provide them with practical tools and insights to effectively support international students. The session aims to highlight the unique challenges faced by these students and underscore the importance of cultural sensitivity in creating an inclusive academic environment. Attendees will explore various responsibilities and expectations related to teaching international students. We will delve into common challenges and offer strategies for overcoming them, emphasizing the importance of clear and efficient communication with students from diverse backgrounds. The webinar will also provide tips on tailoring teaching methods to meet the needs of a global classroom, managing grading processes fairly, and upholding professionalism and ethical standards in academia. This session is an invaluable opportunity for educators to refine their approach, ensuring a positive and enriching learning experience for the entire learning community.
Holistic Graduate Success: Navigating the Invisible Curriculum and Your Personal Academic Journeys
Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 12:00-1:00 pm
Host: Jonathan Aragon, CAFE Fellow
Co-Host: Eric Thomas, CAFE Fellow
Unlocking success in graduate school extends beyond meeting program requirements; it involves navigating the nuanced, informal aspects that contribute to a fulfilling and successful academic journey. However, at commuter schools, finding opportunities to openly discuss burning questions and share solutions about personal academic paths can be challenging. This innovative webinar aims to address this gap by offering a supportive space for mutual assistance. Join us to collaboratively explore solutions, share experiences, and gain universal insights into the unspoken expectations of academia. Together, we’ll unravel the hidden keys to success in your graduate journey.
Canvas Design: Part 1: Home Pages, Assignments, & Modules
Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 12:00-1:00 pm
Host: Jonathan Aragon, CAFE Fellow
Co-Host: Dr. Sarah Aburaisi, CAFE Fellow
Are you currently utilizing a Canvas Learning Hub to facilitate your courses, or are you in the process of gearing up for it? Fantastic! We invite you to seize a unique opportunity to receive personalized advice from our expert to optimize your learning management needs. Join us for two distinct 1-hour sessions that blend prepared topics with a space for seeking tailored solutions.
Part 1: Canvas Design Mastery – Home Pages, Assignments, & Modules – Embark on the first session where we delve into the art of Canvas design. Discover how to create engaging Home Pages, effective Assignments, and seamless Modules to enhance the overall learning experience.
Canvas Design: Part 2: Making Canvas Accessible
Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 12:00-1:00 pm
Host: Jonathan Aragon, CAFE Fellow
Co-Host: Eric Thomas, CAFE Fellow
Are you currently utilizing a Canvas Learning Hub to facilitate your courses, or are you in the process of gearing up for it? Fantastic! We invite you to seize a unique opportunity to receive personalized advice from our expert to optimize your learning management needs. Join us for two distinct 1-hour sessions that blend prepared topics with a space for seeking tailored solutions.
In this second session, we shift our focus to accessibility. Explore strategies and best practices to make your Canvas content inclusive and accessible to all learners. From design considerations to content adjustments, empower yourself to create an environment where every student can thrive.
How to Support First-generation Students in the Classroom
Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 2024, 12:00-1:00 pm
Host: Eric Thomas, CAFE Fellow
Co-Host: Jonathan Aragon, CAFE
Watch the Recording
Embark on a transformative journey with our exclusive webinar tailored for graduate scholars: “Empowering First-Generation Students in the Classroom.” Uncover dynamic strategies and enlightening insights to not just create, but champion an inclusive learning environment. Acquire valuable tools that will not only elevate your teaching approach but also play a pivotal role in propelling the overall success of diverse student populations in higher education. Join us and be a catalyst for positive change in the academic landscape.
Using Zotero for Writing and Research
Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 12:00-1:00 pm
Host: Shelby D. Lamar, CAFE Associate Director
Co-Host: Jonathan Aragon, CAFE
Reference management software is a scholar’s best friend! This workshop gives you tools to thrive during graduate school by showing how the free reference management software Zotero can save time and prevent citation frustrations. Organizing all your sources, reading notes, and entering citations manually can be overwhelming and cost precious time, especially when working on a long-term project like a thesis or dissertation. When working on a project, you may find that you forget what you have read, don’t remember where your notes are located, or can’t find the source of that amazing quote! The earlier you start using a reference management system, the easier it will be to take notes, write papers, make bibliographies, and organize your research. Come learn how to use Zotero and make grad life easier!
Writing Your Diversity (DEI) Statement
Friday, March 22, 2024, 12:00-1:00 pm
Host: Dr. Sarah Aburaisi, CAFE Fellow
Co-Host: Dr. Tamar Salibian, Adjunct Faculty
Crafting a compelling Diversity (DEI) Statement is crucial for graduate students navigating the professional or academic world. Our workshop, “Writing Your Diversity (DEI) Statement,” offers essential tools and insights to help you articulate your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion effectively. Just as organizing sources and notes is vital for research, expressing your DEI stance clearly is key in today’s diverse environments. Whether you’re applying for jobs, academic positions, or grants, a well-crafted DEI statement can set you apart. This workshop will guide you in understanding DEI concepts, reflecting on your experiences, and communicating your views with impact. Start early on your DEI journey and enhance your applications and professional persona. Join us and make your graduate experience more enriching!
Promoting Active Learning Online
Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 2024, 12:00-1:00 pm
Host: Eric Thomas, CAFE Fellow
Co-Host: Sarah Aburaisi, CAFE Fellow
Watch the Recording
Elevate your online teaching expertise with our specialized webinar for graduate students: “Promoting Active Learning Online.” Explore innovative methods and digital tools to engage students actively in virtual environments, fostering a dynamic and participatory online learning experience. Acquire practical insights and strategies to promote collaboration, critical thinking, and meaningful interactions, empowering you to create impactful online educational experiences for your graduate students.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for Research & Writing
Thursday, May 2, 2024, 2024, 12:00-1:00 pm
Host: Dr. Sarah Aburaisi, CAFE Fellow
Co-Host: Shelby D. Lamar, CAFE Associate Director
Registration link
Discover the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic research and writing in our webinar, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for Research & Writing.” This session is designed for both graduate students and faculty, providing insights into how AI can streamline research processes, enhance writing quality, and foster innovation in academic work. Learn about the latest AI tools that can aid in data analysis, literature review, idea generation, and writing efficiency. Whether you’re working on a dissertation, conducting research, or looking to integrate AI into your teaching methods, this webinar is an invaluable resource. Join us to explore how AI can be a game-changer in your academic journey and professional endeavors.
Writing Your Teaching Philosophy Statement
Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 2024, 12:00-1:00 pm
Host: Eric Thomas, CAFE Fellow
Co-Host: Dr. Sarah Aburaisi, CAFE Fellow
Registration link
Embark on a transformative journey in our webinar tailored for graduate students: “Writing Your Teaching Philosophy Statement.” Uncover the essential elements and effective techniques to articulate your teaching beliefs, methods, and goals. Gain valuable insights to craft a compelling teaching philosophy statement that reflects your unique approach and philosophy, enhancing your academic profile and fostering a purposeful and impactful teaching career.
Webinar Series: CAFE Excellence Communities
Session One – Every Semester Needs a Plan
Dr. M. Gloria González-Morales, CAFE Director
Session Two – Mentoring and Being Mentored
Dr. M. Gloria González-Morales, CAFE Director
Session Three – Personal Strategic Planning
Dr. M. Gloria González-Morales, CAFE Director