Winter Conference 2025

Breakfast and Coffee at Sanford/Lake Mary Campus

• Multipurpose Room C-110A/B

• Assembly Hall C-108

Best Practices: Cybersecurity at Seminole State

• Bill McCoy, Senior Cybersecurity Analyst
• Assembly Hall C-108

Keynote Address: Neurodiversity - Broadening the Lens

• Rebecca Matte, Landmark College
• Assembly Hall C-108

• Multipurpose Room C-110A/B

• Multipurpose Room C-110A/B

• Assembly Hall C-108

• Assembly Hall C-108

This session explores the rising prevalence of anxiety among college students and equips faculty with knowledge, strategies, and resources to create a supportive learning environment. Attendees will gain insights into the factors contributing to student anxiety, including academic pressure, social challenges, and post-pandemic mental health impacts. The presentation will focus on practical techniques faculty can use to foster engagement, reduce stress, and connect students to campus resources, promoting both academic success and overall well-being.

Scott Freeman

This session is designed to help you explore the New Quizzes tool in Canvas, which offers exciting features to enhance assessments. Discover beneficial features including new question types, advanced scoring options, and accommodations. Learn the simple steps of converting a classic quiz into New Quizzes so you can make a smooth transition. Registrants will have access to a Canvas workbench for hands-on practice importing, converting, and building New Quizzes. 

Elizabeth Savory, Ebony Collier, Lesley Kamphaus, Devin Monnens and Rachel Novella

Have YOU seen Google Notebook LM? We will go over what it is AND how you can integrate it and other recent and fun Ai tools into your classroom and courses. 

Michael Gennaro

Hold onto your hats – you’re in for a wild ride, in this high-energy, highly interactive, low-calorie workshop with the low-down on developing and deploying powerful humor strategies.  We’ll not only discuss techniques, we’ll also demonstrate them, as you learn how to leave ‘em laughing in your very next encounter with Earthlings in a wide variety of settings – all without triggering an HR investigation!  Have fun, while you learn to be funny. 

Jordan Camenker

In partnership with the Victim Service Center (VSC) of Central Florida, the college is offering a new training opportunity for students. This session provides essential education on Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention, Bystander Intervention, Healthy Dating Relationships, and Cyberstalking. Participants will learn valuable skills to recognize, prevent, and address sexual violence, helping to create a safer campus environment. Students who complete the training will earn the title of VSC Champions of Change, symbolizing their commitment to fostering safety and respect.

Rebecca Padilla and Olivia Oropeza 

Dr. Kellen and Dr. Larson will share initial strategies for writing feedback and assessment when students create that writing in collaboration with AI LLM tools. While also new to writing in an AI LLM age, these English professors have some suggestions for grading and writing feedback during this confusing time.
 By now, many instructors recognize signs of AI LLM usage in student writing outcomes whether or not instructors authorized that usage in the writing process. What's the conversation when unauthorized AI LLM usage seems afoot? When AI LLM usage is authorized, how do instructors assess course objectives through writing outcomes when some of the labor has been done by a machine and not the learner? How do we guide students to prompt AI LLM resources so the students make the "authorial" decisions and not the machine? Join Kellen and Larson as they share strategies they find at least effective enough to try again and share what's been working for you and your learners.

Katherine Kellen and Holly Larson

Bring your personal technology, and together, we will explore the practical ways that AI can transform the classroom and enhance teaching strategies. This session will focus on exploring AI tools that can improve student engagement and personalize learning experiences.

Simone Nelson and Elena Soltau

Learn about the definition and benefits of a VEGAN lifestyle at this health information literacy conversation/workshop. Recognize health information literacy techniques to promote health, improve whole wellness, and positively impact your school, community, and planet. Identify strategies for efficiently locating, evaluating, and using needed health information from credible sources. Increase a healthy stock of knowledge through hands-on research to recognize vegan products and boost financial, environmental, and digital literacies. Vegans, veg-curious, and meat-lovers are all welcome.

Jason Anfinsen

This workshop is geared towards faculty who will be applying for continuing contract soon. We will discuss the requirements, the process, and the portfolio. Example portfolios and suggestions on how to organize your portfolio will be presented. This workshop offers faculty an opportunity to ask questions and receive practical tips and insight into the process.

Van Quach and Sandy Keeter

Research shows that making music supports mental health. “But I don’t play an instrument.” No problem! This presentation will teach you to make your own royalty-free music using GarageBand! Come learn to create your own songs using loops for use in the classroom or at home. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and workshop tunes together. No experience required. Maybe we will even create a unique Winter Conference theme song!

Landon Berry

Share strategies to reach and engage students who typically avoid participation. This session provides practical tools and techniques for creating inclusive learning environments in both online and face-to-face settings. Learn how to use technology and pedagogical best practices to encourage meaningful participation.

Grace Nasnas

In this session, faculty will be introduced to Seminole State's OER relatively new program called, "Beyond the Textbook," which is a collaborative effort among the staff of the FCTL, the Library, and those in E-learning to support faculty interested in developing OER courses. Attend this session to learn about the application process and the details of the program. Applications will be due mid January. The fourth cohort of this program will begin work at the end of January. Check the schedule for the program by self-enrolling in the Canvas Course, Getting Started with OER. 

Stacy Tanner, Rachel Novella, Elizabeth Savory and Ross Martin

Over a 10 year period, California colleges were faced with sanctions and even closure from their ACCJC accreditation commission. This is a true story of how accreditation is NOT supposed to be implemented. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) is the accreditation agency for the Community Colleges of California. It currently works under the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Jon Berger

Hong Kong Cinema has had a long and eventful history. How did such a small island get such a huge film culture? Learn about the big personalities and big ideas that have shaped some of the best-loved films of the past century.

Rachel Braaten and Albert Valentin

This presentation discusses current issues with opioid misuse in the US. We will cover trends, statistics, safety considerations and resources.

Sarah Budde and Natalie Stephens

As part of keeping your car in good working condition, we will discuss a few basic automotive maintenance tips every vehicle owner should know, like changing a tire, checking fluid levels, and more. These tasks are simple but essential for ensuring your car runs smoothly and safely.

 Azon Edoo, Jeff Janes, Jason Catledge and  Jim Cokos

With content and lessons developed in conjunction with partners such as California Academy of Sciences, Nasa, the J. Paul Getty Museum, The American Museum of Natural History, and more; there is sure to be something that can support your standards and curriculum.  We will go over the partnerships, available content and tips and techniques for classroom integration.  These partnerships can support hybrid, blended, and online learning as well as universal design.  

Susan Aten

Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop designed to empower faculty with the skills to create accessible PowerPoint presentations. This hands-on session will take place in a computer classroom, where participants are encouraged to bring their own PowerPoint files. Together, we will identify common accessibility issues and learn practical solutions to make presentations more inclusive for all students.

Mariesha Marshall and Audrey Ford

This presentation explores how college faculty can use their positional power to empower and motivate students positively influence performance and productivity.  The presentation will highlight the impact of power dynamics on student success and will offer strategies for fostering trust, autonomy, and collaboration in the classroom. Through reflection and actionable steps, faculty are encouraged to adopt practices that promote equity, inclusion, and student engagement.

 Krista Price

The Four Domains of Learning Framework and its accompanying model, the World of Learners Wheel is a visual framework that highlights specific characteristics across four domains of learning, motivation, self-regulation, social emotional influences and academic skills. It illustrates the interplay between barriers, applied strategies, and positive attributes, showing how they relate to one another. In this workshop participants will learn how to use the evidence-based model to understand barriers to learning and strategies to foster success among all students.

Rebecca Matte, Landmark College

Collaborate with a High Impact Practices (HIPs) Ambassador to develop a meaningful, engaging HIPs assignment. Bring your ideas, and together, use the HIPs taxonomy to shape and finalize your assignment, ready for classroom implementation.

Hailee Handel, Melissa Mesman, Jamie Brickley, Michele Cuomo, Lesley Kemphaus, Katherine Kellen, and Debra Socci

Counseling and Security will be presenting on how to handle more severe mental health symptoms within the classroom. Providing guidance on how to recognize and respond to students experiencing severe mental health symptoms, such as suicidal ideations or psychosis, in the classroom or on campus. It will cover immediate actions faculty should take, including how to approach the student, maintain a safe environment, and access campus resources.

Dalia Fox and Rich Wedell

In this session, you will hear from a contingent of faculty who participated in the Beyond the Textbook program during the Summer and Fall 2024 terms. They will share their experiences and discuss best practices when adopting and using OER materials. Gain an understanding of what is possible for you and your students if you go fully OER. This panel is in support of the SSC's OER Program, Beyond the Textbook launching again soon.

Stacy Tanner and Members of Cohort

Have an event coming up and need to use college facility space? Learn the difference between internal use, college hosted, co-hosted and outside agency rentals. What is required for all events? What requests are needed? What resources are available? Valuable Tools and Tips available!

Donna Collins and Julie Overstreet

This interactive session explores how game-based tools transform Earth Science and Astronomy classes into interactive, engaging experiences. Using Kahoot!, students actively participate, receive instant feedback, and reinforce their understanding of complex concepts. This approach boosts motivation, supports content mastery, and aligns with educational goals to create a dynamic, student-centered learning environment.

Rick Snyder

This is a presentation discussion on the Opiate presentation by AHEC and the education on other drugs that are affecting the faculty and student populations. This presentation is going to offer education on substance use disorder, the drugs most often abused in this area, treatments solutions and Q and A.

Natalie Stephens and Sarah Budde

Join us for a one-hour beginner-friendly martial arts class covering escapes, blocking, kicking, joint locks and self-defense basics. No experience needed! Enjoy a warm-up, practical drills, and a cool-down in a supportive environment. Wear comfortable attire and bring a water bottle. Learn basic skills and have fun!

Julián Vásquez

No one would argue that field trips don’t provide students with a wealth of educational experiences, but due to financial, geographic, and time constraints, it can be difficult to provide students with those types of learning experiences.  Virtual field trips can fill in the gaps.  Students can tour international museums, science laboratories, historical sites, and natural resources without leaving the classroom.  Some even provide live interaction with museum staff, scientists, and others.  We will provide the best virtual field trips as well as ideas for integration into class lesson planning.

Susan Aten

This session is designed to help you explore the New Quizzes tool in Canvas, which offers exciting features to enhance assessments. Discover beneficial features including new question types, advanced scoring options, and accommodations. Learn the simple steps of converting a classic quiz into New Quizzes so you can make a smooth transition. Registrants will have access to a Canvas workbench for hands-on practice importing, converting, and building New Quizzes.   

Elizabeth Savory, Ebony Collier, Lesley Kamphaus, Devin Monnens, and Rachel Novella

This presentation will provide participants with an overview of significant legislation passed during the 2023 session of the Florida legislature.  Participants will understand the scope of the new legislation and the anticipated impact it will have on the college and higher education in the State.

Paul Carland

This presentation explores specific neurotypes and how to shift from a deficit-based perspective to a strengths-based approach in supporting neurodivergent students. This model emphasizes recognizing and leveraging the inherent strengths of different neurotypes, rather than focusing solely on their challenges or deficits. In reframing the narrative surrounding neurodivergence, educators can rethink delivery and assessment of their course material beyond Universal Design for Learning.

Rebecca Matte

Get hands-on support in completing the HIPs Course Designation Form, due January 31st, for Seminole State’s Summer 2025 HIPs Course Designation pilot. This session helps ensure your HIPs assignment is aligned with designation requirements, even if you do not attend the first session.  Faculty will receive insights on completing the form, clarifying requirements, and positioning your HIPs assignment for course designation success, ensuring a seamless submission process for impactful student experiences.

Hailee Handel, Maya Byfield, Michele Cuomo, Melissa Mesman, and Modupe Soremi