Flex Day

• Data Discussions, Dr. Erin Craig
• President’s Update, President Meridith Randall
• Academic Senate Update, Justin Smith
• GWC Hidden Strengths
  • The Transfer Center, Dr. Yvonne Portillo & Michael Tran
  • Recruitment and Evaluation Successes, Dr. Alyssa Brown & Kezia Baten-Sangka
  • Teaching for Success, Mediha Din

Building Bridges to Careers: A Campus-Wide Strategy for Employer Engagement and Work-Based Learning
Presenters: Christina Oja, Student Services Program Coordinator; CJ Bishop, Research Analyst Sr.; Nikki Nguyen, Career Center Admin Assistant

Location: Math Science 116

Session Description: Preparing students for meaningful careers requires a campus-wide commitment to employer engagement and career-connected learning. This interactive workshop explores how Golden West College is strengthening partnerships with employers to expand internships, Work Experience Education (WEE), and other work-based learning opportunities that improve career readiness, student success, and economic mobility. Participants will examine the role of employer engagement as a bridge between education and employment, discuss strategies for creating equitable access to experiential learning, and learn how the College is using workforce outcome data and return on investment (ROI) measures to guide decision-making and continuous improvement. Participants will leave with practical ideas for integrating employer engagement into their own programs and supporting students' transition from college to career.

Noncredit Curriculum Basics
Presenters: Jennifer Bailly, Council for Curriculum & Instruction Chair; Charissa McCord, Curriculum Specialist; Nicole Diamond, Articulation Officer

Location: Math Science 157

Session Description: Come learn about the basics of noncredit curriculum.  Noncredit courses and programs are growing at GWC and can provide an opportunity to expand community engagement with the campus, support lifelong adult learners, and increase equity.  An update on legislative changes and curriculum procedures will be provided along with a Q&A session for faculty.

Moving from Panopto to Canvas Studio: Owning Your Media Story
Presenter: Julie Uyen Nguyen, Educational Technologies Associate

Location: Math Science 112

Session Description: As we embrace this year’s Fall Flex Day theme, Owning Our Data Story, it’s time to take control of the media shaping our students' learning. Before Panopto shuts down on August 31, 2026, join us to learn how to locate, organize, and manage your video content in its new home.

1. For the hands-on portion of the workshop, please bring a laptop so that you can work directly in your Canvas course(s).
2. Self-enroll in the Canvas shell for Panopto to Canvas Studio Transition Guide through this link: https://coastdistrict.instructure.com/enroll/RC7ADY

Seeing Differently: Integrating the Visual Arts Across Disciplines
Presenters: Dr. Monica Jovanovich, Art History Professor; Prof. Amy Runyen, Art Professor

Location: Math Science 155

Session Description: “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Pablo Picasso
Are you interested in incorporating more cross-disciplinary assignments, learning how visual art can inspire new conversations in your classroom, or enhancing your course materials with meaningful visual content? In this session, Professors Monica Jovanovich and Amy Runyen will present practical strategies for integrating the visual arts into curricula across disciplines. They will showcase engaging projects, activities, and art historical examples for in-person and online courses that support diverse learners while fostering transferable critical thinking skills and creating visually engaging didactic materials. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use resources, like a handout featuring artists organized by thematic focus, guidance on accessing visual resources through tools such as JSTOR and campus library collections, and actionable ideas for seamlessly integrating the visual arts into their teaching practice.

The Hidden Classroom: Using AI, QR Codes, and Simple Systems to Save Time and Modernize Student Support
Presenter: Cristina Aguirre, Cosmetology Product Dispensary Technician

Location: Math Science 117

Session Description: Discover practical, low-cost ways to streamline student support using AI, QR codes, and simple digital systems. In this interactive session, attendees will see real examples of how these tools can organize frequently used resources, reduce repetitive questions, improve access to information and create a more consistent student experience without requiring advanced technical skills. Participants will leave with adaptable ideas and easy-to-use strategies they can begin implementing immediately in their own departments.

Understanding LGBTQ+ Policy in Practice at GWC
Presenters: Jeanette Adame (they/them & she/hers) and Nathan Burns (they/them & he/his), Golden Pride Co-Coordinators

Location: Math Science 113

Session Description: What are the federal and statewide changes that directly affect LGBTQ+ people? And what do they mean for GWC students and employees? This session will provide a basic overview of the most relevant legislative developments related to Gender and Sexuality Diverse people, and their influence in the California Community College System. Topics will address confidentiality and safety. Additionally, we will provide resources and follow-up learning opportunities to help you stay engaged on FLEX Day and beyond!

A Conversation with Leadership: Updates & Q&A
Presenters: Meridith Randall, President; Dr. Jen Kalfsbeek-Goetz, VPI; Dr. Claudia Lee, VPSS; & Rick Hicks, VPAS

Location: Forum 1

Session Description: Join the Executive Leadership Team for an interactive conversation highlighting key updates from each division, priorities and goals for the year as informed by Program Review, and initiatives that will shape the college's work ahead. The session will conclude with an opportunity for attendees to ask questions, share perspectives, and engage in discussion with college leadership.

Topics include:

• Facilities Updates
• Measuring the Effectiveness of Administrative Areas
• Public Safety Trainings

• ZTCOER
• Honors Program
• Growth in Non-Traditional Student Enrollment

• Graduation Campaign
• Slate & Dashboards
• Student Support Updates

Gemini Notebook: An Introduction to Features and Potential Uses
Presenters: Michelle Veyette, English Instructor; Monica Jovanovich, Art History Professor

Location: Math Science 155

Session Description: This session will introduce faculty to the basics of Gemini Notebook, as well as demonstrate potential uses in their courses. Highlights include a general overview of what Gemini Notebook is and how to create a notebook with customizable settings; examples of notebooks with features and outputs that faculty are piloting in their classes this fall; as well as a Q+A. We hope to see you there!

Invisible Students, Visible Signals Subtitle: Finding Meaningful Engagement Signals in Canvas
Presenter: Guy Buker, Business & Computer Science Instructor

Location: Math Science 116

Session Description: Online learning environments generate different kinds of observability than physical classrooms. This session explores how behavioral signals within Canvas can help instructors interpret attendance, participation, engagement, and contribution in more thoughtful, transparent, and context-aware ways.

Process Templates in MS Teams Planner (Increase Efficiency, Reduce Errors, Save Time!)
Presenter: Sally Heath, MESA Director

Location: Math Science 117

Session Description: Do you sometimes find yourself wondering, “Did I already do that?” or forgetting a step in a process you’ve completed dozens of times? Or maybe you’re tired of recreating the same task lists and checklists every semester. Learn how to use Microsoft Teams Planner to create reusable process templates that streamline recurring work, reduce missed steps and errors, and save valuable time. This practical session will show you how to turn everyday workflows into repeatable systems for events, projects, reporting, onboarding, and more. Whether you’re managing a complex project or simply trying to stay more organized, you’ll leave with strategies you can put to work right away.

Program Review in Action: LeveragingNuventivee, Data, and Equity‑Focused SMART Goals
Presenters: Amy Thach, SLO Coordinator; Dr. C.J. Bishop, Senior Research Analyst

Location: Math Science 113

Session Description: Join us for an interactive session designed to demystify Program Review and position it as a powerful tool for reflection, planning, and resource advocacy. Participants should bring personal computers and any supplemental data to build out or build their Program Review. We will explore how Program Review connects to Vision 2030 Strategic Initiatives, KPIs, accreditation, and funding decisions. Through hands‑on examples and a liveNuventivee demonstration, we will examine how to leverage enrollment, completion, and equity data to write evidence‑based narratives and develop meaningful, equity‑focused SMART goals. Whether you are instructional faculty, student services, or administrative staff, this session will provide practical strategies to strengthen your Program Review process and build a clear, actionable timeline toward submission.

Advancing Student Success Through the Seal ofExcelenciaa
Presenters: Gisela Verduzco, Dean of Counseling; Christina Ryan Rodriguez, Dean of Enrollment Services; & Claudia Alcala, Counselor

Location: Math Science 157

Session Description: Golden West College is participating inExcelenciaa in Education, Seal ofExcelenciaa Program as part of its commitment to intentionally serve Latino students while advancing success for all students. This workshop will introduce participants to the Seal ofExcelenciaa framework and explore how GWC will use data, practice, and leadership to strengthen institutional strategies that improve student outcomes and close attainment gaps.

New Medical Plans Information Session
Presenter: Monica Marin, Benefit Plans Administration Manager and Lola 

Location: Zoom https://cccd-edu.zoom.us/j/8581984800?omn=87907689647&from=addon

Session Description: The District has joined the SISC pool, and ALL our medical plans are changing effective October 1, 2026. ALL employees must take action to enroll in health benefits during Open Enrollment and choose new medical plan coverage. We invite you to attend this informational session where you will have an opportunity to:

Review the new medical plan offerings
Learn more about the key features of each plan, coverage, and costs within each plan
Compare plan options to determine what best meets your needs
Meet our new carrier representative and opportunity for Q&A