Flex Day

GWC Faculty-Led Roundtable Discussions will: 

• Promote and support collaboration and discussion in various areas of classroom teaching by providing an open forum for sharing ideas, insights, and experiences. 

• Brainstorm ideas and solutions in the classroom to current challenges or problems collectively, leveraging diverse expertise and perspectives. 

• Share our knowledge, skills, and best practices with colleagues, promoting continuous learning and professional development for teaching and learning. 

Building Community Through Culturally Affirming Learning Experiences
Co-facilitators: Hailey White & Mediha Din 

Location: Math Science Room 161

Explore how to create classrooms where every student feels seen, valued, and connected. In this roundtable, we’ll share strategies for embedding culturally affirming practices into lessons, activities, and interactions to create and sustain a sense of belonging and mutual respect. 

Dual Enrollment Best Practices
Co-facilitators: Doreen Fioretto & Criss Vo

Location: Math Science Room 117

Dual and concurrent enrollment is a powerful pathway for student success when done well. Join fellow faculty to exchange ideas, tips, and lessons learned on engaging high school students, aligning curriculum, maintaining rigor, and building strong partnerships with local schools.

Managing Student AI Use
Co-facilitators: Pete Bouzar & Uyen Tran

Location: Math Science Room 155

AI tools are here, but their role in learning is still evolving. In this discussion, we’ll explore approaches for setting clear expectations, supporting ethical use, and helping students use AI in ways that enhance rather than replace their own thinking and skills. 

Meeting the Needs of Students with Learning Differences
Co-facilitators: Denise Bon & Bill La 

Location: Math Science Room 116

Every learner brings unique strengths and challenges. This roundtable invites you to share and discover practical strategies, resources, and accommodations that create accessible and supportive learning environments for students with diverse learning needs, including DSPS students.

Planning and Teaching with AI
Co-facilitators: Michelle Veyette & Shawn Taylor 

Location: Math Science Room 157

AI isn’t just a student tool, it can also be a powerful teaching partner. Join colleagues to explore how AI can help streamline planning, create engaging materials, and personalize instruction while keeping academic integrity and human connection at the center.

Navigating Global Events with Empathy and Understanding
Co-facilitators: Joel Powell & Ruth Calcanas

Location: Math Science Room 113

World events can weigh heavily on our students and influence the classroom climate. In this discussion, we’ll share approaches for addressing sensitive topics with empathy, fostering respectful dialogue, and supporting students through complex times.

Using Real-time Data in Class
Co-facilitators: Lauren Sosenko & Noah Levin 

Location: Math Science Room 112

Why wait until the end of the semester to know what’s working? This roundtable focuses on using quick checks for understanding, classroom polling, and other real-time data to adapt teaching in the moment, helping students stay engaged and on track.

Admissions and Records Review of Best Practices for Faculty
Presenter: Richette Bell, Director of Enrollment Services 

Location: Math Science 112

Session Description: Why do I have to do this? Ever wonder why Admissions and Records keeps bothering you? During this session we will discuss Title 5 regulations and district policies related to student records and grades. We will also discuss best practices to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. You can also come to meet your new bestie, the GWC Director of Enrollment Services.

Curriculum Inventory Management (CIM) Training
Presenters: Melissa Jauregui, Program Support Specialist & Charissa McCord, Curriculum Specialist 

Location: Math Science 116

Session Description: No more CurricUNET! This session provides a practical, hands-on introduction to the technical tools used for editing and managing academic curriculum, courses, and programs using the CourseLeaf Curriculum Inventory Management (CIM) system. Participants will learn how to navigate the CIM interface, submit and review course and program proposals, manage approval workflows, and ensure compliance with institutional standards and accreditation requirements. Emphasis is placed on understanding the role of CIM in curriculum governance, data integrity, and cross-departmental collaboration. This session is ideal for faculty, curriculum committee members, and administrative staff responsible for academic planning and program development.

Embedded Tutor Program Faculty Orientation
Presenters: Jeannette Jaramillo, Acting Academic Support Coordinator & Dani Godinez, Instructional Associate

Location: Math Science 117

Session Description: In this session, the TLC team will review the ET program, changes/updates, ET best practices, and the faculty role and requirements in the program. We will also review how the TLC team can support faculty and tutors alike.

Employee Benefits – New Changes Informing Your Open Enrollment Decisions
Presenter: Monica Marin, Benefits Manager 

Location: Math Science 157

Session Description: There are big changes to employee health benefits effective October 1, 2025. Join us for an informative session designed to help you understand and maximize your health benefits. This session will provide you with the knowledge you need to make informed elections during this open enrollment period, August 1 to August 31. The District medical plan carriers along with the District Benefits Office will provide detailed explanations of the different plans available, including coverage options, costs, and benefits.

Liquid Syllabus A.I. Tools
Presenter: Mediha Din, Sociology Instructor 

Location: Math Science 155

Session Description: Ready to take your Liquid Syllabus to the next level? Join us for Liquid Syllabus A.I. Tools, a hands-on, collaborative training designed to deepen your humanizing practices and support your course redesign efforts. In this session, you’ll explore model examples, integrate accessible design, and experiment with AI tools to enhance student connection and clarity. Whether you're polishing your first draft or building your final version, this session will help you craft a welcoming, equity-minded introduction to your course that truly supports student success from day one.

Open Pedagogy Unplugged: Sparking Student Success through Podcasting
Presenter: Hailey White, English Instructor

Location: Math Science 113

Session Description: Podcasting, now more popular than ever, has become a powerful medium for entertainment. But its potential goes far beyond entertainment; it can also be used as an educational tool to meet students where they are and challenge them to engage with course material more deeply. Many students express their understanding more clearly through conversation than they do through writing, and podcasting allows them to do just that in a format that feels more natural, conversational, and relevant to their current interests. In this session, we’ll explore how assigning student-created podcasts can foster meaningful analysis, critical thinking, and creativity, all while meeting the same high standards we expect from traditional writing assignments. We’ll explore the value of open pedagogy and student-led projects, and listen to examples from past semesters that highlight not only the depth of insight that can be achieved through podcasting, but also the genuine excitement students feel when given the chance to create something meaningful. Join us as we reimagine student success through a fresh, creative, and student-centered approach!

Universal Canvas Template
Presenters: Damien Jordan, Counselor & Sheryl Hathaway, Online Instruction

Location: Math Science 166

Session Description: We are excited to present a Universal Canvas Template for faculty use in classes at Golden West College. The presentation will cover the benefits for students, as well as faculty, supporting student equity and accessibility. Template and usage/customization will be covered followed by open discussion.

ZTC Resources & Application
Presenters: Tiffany Ruggeri-Dilello, Communications Instructor & Alana Krause, Librarian 

Location: Math Science 162

Session Description: This session includes how to find free, open, and accessible resources, how to incorporate OER and library resources into Canvas, understanding the importance and components of attribution, and a brief overview of some advanced OER tools.

Employee Benefits – New Changes Informing Your Open Enrollment Decisions
Presenter: Monica Marin, Benefits Manager

Location: Math Science 157

Session Description: There are big changes to employee health benefits effective October 1, 2025. Join us for an informative session designed to help you understand and maximize your health benefits. This session will provide you with the knowledge you need to make informed elections during this open enrollment period, August 1 to August 31. The District medical plan carriers along with the District Benefits Office will provide detailed explanations of the different plans available, including coverage options, costs, and benefits.

How to Support International Students 101
Presenters: Kaori Nakama, Director Center for Global & Cultural Programs, Mirna Bitar, Program Facilitator, & Hop Nguyen, Senior Student Services Specialist

Location: Math Science 162

Session Description: This session will introduce you to who the international students are and cover key federal regulations related to F-1 student visas and how that may come up in your interactions with international students, whether in the classroom or in other service areas. Additionally, we'll highlight the services available through the ISP to support both you and your international students in these situations. This session is the same as one previously presented at Spring Summit.

The Humanized Classroom: Practices in Action
Presenters: Matthew Carlson, Chemistry Instructor,
Dream Le, Biology Instructor, Shawn Taylor, Math Instructor, &
Cohort 2 Participants

Location: Math Science 155

Session Description: Discover how faculty are transforming learning through humanizing practices, including liquid syllabi, welcome videos, and more. See real examples from colleagues who have brought warmth, connection, and belonging into their courses—whether online, in person, or hybrid. Walk away with fresh ideas and concrete strategies you can adapt to create more inclusive, engaging, and student-centered learning experiences in your own classes.

Let’s Talk Retirement – SchoolsFirst FCU
Presenter: Yesenia Reid, Financial Respresentative 

Location: Math Science 166

Session Description:

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• This workshop will guide you through understanding CalSTRS and CalPERS benefits while exploring how 403(b) and 457(b) retirement savings plans can strategically supplement income.
• Learn effective strategies to bridge potential gaps and secure a more comfortable retirement.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Those looking to improve their retirement outlook and learn strategies to help grow their nest egg.

Teaching for Success: Centering Equity Through Connection Cohort
Presenters: Ruth Calcanas, Sociology Instructor & Mediha Din, Sociology Instructor 

Location: Math Science 161

Session Description: Please note that this session is for all members of the 2025-2026 Teaching for Success: Centering Equity Through Connection Cohort. We will be discussing the Faculty Learning Community in depth, building community, including the completion requirements, readings, final artifacts, Canvas shell, etc.

Understanding Ethnocentrism: A Key to Cross-Cultural Awareness
Presenter: Leah Walden-Hurtgen, Anthropology Instructor

Location: Math Science 117

Session Description: How do cultural perspectives shape the way we see the world—and how might they affect the underlying assumptions we bring to the classroom? In this interactive session, anthropologist Leah Walden-Hurtgen will introduce the concept of ethnocentrism: the tendency to view other cultures through the lens of our own. Participants will engage in a hands-on group activity designed to explore cultural concepts from multiple perspectives, offering insight into how awareness of our own assumptions can foster deeper empathy and cross-cultural understanding—in and beyond the classroom.

What’s New in Curriculum: 2025?
Presenters: Nicole Diamond, Counselor & Jennifer Bailly, Economics Instructor 

Location: Math Science 112

Session Description: Learn about changes in legislation and education code that are effective fall 2025, including single general education pattern for transfer (CalGETC), common course numbering, general education transfer approvals, and single program of study.  Find out about the impact on courses and programs offered by the college and the effect on the requirements for student completion. The session will include a Q&A session as faculty brainstorm ideas on future curricular changes to support student success.

What to do in an Emergency? A Guide to Emergency Preparedness on Campus
Presenter: Denice Koen, Director of Public Safety

Location: Math Science 116

Session Description: This session will provide employees with an introduction to emergency preparedness at Golden West College. This session will go over such topics as: evacuation procedures, Great ShakeOut, Active Shooter Response, shelter in place and lockdown information, fire extinguisher use and locations, fire pull station use and locations, AED and Stop the Bleed Kit locations, and access control.