Welcome to the Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development Center! Our primary mission is to support the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. Whether you’re an advisor looking for professional development workshops, a faculty member interested in talking about your teaching or considering how to implement service learning in your course, or a graduate student looking for resources and ways to improve your teaching, we can help!
Please note that there are a variety of session formats on this listing. In-person sessions have the room number listed and often include a Zoom link for those that need a virtual option (with a few exceptions). Virtual sessions will have the Zoom link provided in the location and description.
Please click on the session title to for the description and option to register.
- Jan16Fri
Virtual AI Mini Conference: Teaching from the Same Side in the Age of AI (January 16, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Location:Virtual Session
Room: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZGRhMzY0N2UtNzFhMi00ZDEzLWFiMWYtZjQ3NTNiNWIzNzgy%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22178a51bf-8b20-49ff-b655-56245d5c173c%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22ba9b8010-8915-4519-9909-b02ad2d5002c%22%7d
Available Seats: 251
Start your semester with clarity, confidence, and community. This mini-conference offers practical, ready-to-use approaches you can apply to your courses the very next day. No overhaul required. Whether you teach large lectures, discussion-heavy seminars, labs, or online courses, Teaching from the Same Side equips you with humane, research-informed strategies that reduce friction, improve student buy-in, and protect your time. Join us to refresh your teaching mindset and leave with strategies you can use immediately. Surveillance-driven, adversarial pedagogy is unsustainable in contemporary higher education. This is especially true given that generative AI now presents students with nearly undetectable ways of evading coursework they don’t see the value of, and now that more faculty are questioning whether they want to spend their limited time and energy on this kind of surveillance. Teaching from the same side (TSS) offers an alternative lens through which to view the teaching relationship, one that sidesteps transactional and enforcement-driven interactions in favor of working together toward the common goal of learning. Drawing on established frameworks including pedagogy of kindness, transparency, and alternative grading, TSS invites us to shift our focus away from totaling up points and toward learning goals. This interactive talk will review the research background and need for TSS, engaging participants in structured reflection and practice exercises for bringing teaching materials and practices into alignment with TSS principles. Speaker Bio: Dr. Michelle Miller is the author of Minds Online: Teaching Effectively with Technology (Harvard University Press, 2014), Remembering and Forgetting in the Age of Technology: Teaching, Learning, and the Science of Memory in a Wired World (West Virginia University Press, 2022), and a new book titled A Teacher’s Guide to Learning Student Names: Why You Should, Why It’s Hard, How You Can (University of Oklahoma Press, 2024). Dr. Miller completed her Ph.D. in cognitive psychology and behavioral neuroscience at the University of California, Los Angeles and currently serves as a Professor of Psychological Sciences and President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow at Northern Arizona University. Teams Link Meeting ID: 248 052 049 987 3 Passcode: zf9Ta6vQ
- Jan21Wed
Reclaiming Attention: Digital Detox Strategies for Higher Ed Faculty (January 21, 2026 2:00 PM – 2:50 PM)
Location:TLPDC Room 153
2802 18th Street
Lubbock, TX 79409Room: TLPDC 153
Available Seats: 32
Presenter: Lisa Low This session introduces a "Digital Detox" approach, helping faculty reclaim focus and joy by limiting digital distractions and fostering deeper, uninterrupted work. Participants will explore the cognitive impact of multitasking, dopamine-driven tech habits, and strategies for implementing focus-oriented routines. Key takeaways include understanding the brain's limits on multitasking, applying the Ivy Lee method for priority management, adopting the Pomodoro Technique to tackle procrastination and sustain deep work, and incorporating movement “snacks” into daily routines. This session empowers attendees to guide students and themselves toward healthier digital habits and improved academic engagement.
- Jan26Mon
Mentorship Series: Facilitating Group & Individual Dynamics
Location:TLPDC Room 153
2802 18th Street
Lubbock, TX 79409Room: TLPDC 153
Available Seats: 36
Facilitator: Dr. Barbie Chambers Effective mentorship begins with establishing a relationship and trust between individuals and within groups. Mentors who facilitate these dynamics must be intentional, clear, and flexible while fostering open dialogue. This workshop will explore how mentors can encourage individual ownership, self-reflection, and shared discoveries with their mentees.
________________________________________________________________________________
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Meeting ID: 259 466 412 992 62
Passcode: em9Sm7fY
For organizers: Meeting options
- Jan29Thu
ONLINE: Through a New Lens – Understanding the Autistic Perspective Thursday January 29th 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Location:Virtual Session
Room: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89717228460
Available Seats: 300
NEURODIVERSITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION: ONLINE MINI-SERIES with the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (A.A.N.E.) Facilitator: Becca Lory Hector is a passionate and seasoned autism and Neurodiversity advocate, consultant, researcher, and author with a career dedicated to supporting and educating about autism in adulthood. Based in Maine, she is focused on living an active, positive life, and brings that same energy to all of her work. Becca’s journey has led her to create tools and resources that empower others to embrace their authentic selves and live fulfilling lives. As an openly Autistic adult, she is deeply involved in Autistic Quality of Life (AQoL) research, striving to uncover insights that can make a meaningful impact on the lives of Autistic individuals. In addition, she is committed to fostering inclusive work environments and is recognized as one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices, where she uses her platform to raise awareness about Neurodiversity and Disability advocacy. This workshop will outline common attributes associated with an autism perspective, as well as review and dispel common misconceptions about autism. An overview and history of language use as it relates to supporting autistic individuals will be provided. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive, up-to-date understanding of autism, and learn how to apply a neurological lens to better understand autism and autistic individuals. ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89717228460
- Feb3Tue
From Debt to Discovery: The National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Program Tuesday February 3rd 12:30 – 1:50 PM
Location:TLPDC Room 153
2802 18th Street
Lubbock, TX 79409Room: TLPDC 153
Available Seats: 35
Dr. Sean Mitchell, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Texas Tech University, earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from TTU while carrying over $80,000 in student loan debt. From 2019 to 2025, he successfully secured National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Program (NIH LRP) awards that fully repaid his student loans. This session will guide attendees through:
- the NIH LRP application process
- required documents
- key strategies for competitive applications
- example materials and practical tips
- Feb9Mon
Narrative & Impact: Crafting Your Story for Promotion – (Monday, February 9, 2026 01:30 PM – 02:50 PM)
Location:TLPDC Room 153
2802 18th Street
Lubbock, TX 79409Room: TLPDC 153
Available Seats: 27
Facilitator Dr. Rob Peaslee
In this session, we will integrate creative storytelling concepts to explore strategies for writing compelling research, teaching, service, and outreach/engagement narratives in pursuit of professional advancement. Goals for the session include providing general guidance for storytelling with an audience in mind, effectively integrating characters (including yourself and your colleagues), leveraging conflict in service of a good story, and demonstrating that your story has “legs” (that is, that it will continue in an exciting direction).
TLPDC 153 or TEAMS Microsoft Teams Need help? Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 223 856 614 811 0 Passcode: 2G3Cf9Bo Dial in by phone +1 806-412-1525,,452051631# United States, Lubbock Find a local number Phone conference ID: 452 051 631# For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN ________________________________________________________________________________ - Feb11Wed
Strengths Part I: Integrating Your CliftonStrengths to Enhance Faculty Career Planning
Location:Virtual Session
Room: TEAMS
Available Seats: 300
Facilitator: Dr. Barbie Chambers Faculty & staff juggle many responsibilities in their professional and personal lives. Individuals who can identify and leverage their areas of natural talent are more likely to be successful in planning their careers and experiencing a fulfilling life. Join us to identify your strengths foundation and learn how you can integrate that knowledge into improving your career, research, professional practice, teaching, service, and work/life integration. Participants should take the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsQuest) assessment for this session through the University Career Center at www.strengthsquest.ttu.edu.
Microsoft TeamsMeeting ID: 288 899 885 985 61Passcode: QC9X2nA6For organizers: Meeting options ________________________________________________________________________________
- Feb19Thu
What Empathy is – And Isn’t: Understanding Empathic Connection in Teaching, Learning and Leadership – (Thursday February 19, 2026 02:00 PM – 03:20 PM)
Location:TLPDC Room 151
2802 18th Street
Lubbock, TX 79409Room: TLPDC 151
Available Seats: 71
Empathy is widely recognized as essential in teaching and learning spaces, yet it is still often misunderstood. This interactive workshop will explore what empathy actually is, what it isn’t, and why this distinction matters for building supportive learning and working environments. Drawing from the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), we will examine how genuine empathic connection supports clarity, reduces reactivity, and helps navigate conflict without sacrificing accountability or standards. The session will be co-facilitated by Dr. Kerry Griffis-Kyle (Department of Natural Resources Management) and Dr. Lisa Garner Santa (Director of the Institute for Faculty Excellence). Together, we will discuss how different communication and processing styles can shape empathic exchanges. Participants will:
- Differentiate between empathy and sympathy
- Identify habitual communication patterns that can block empathic connection
- Learn simple, repeatable practices for offering empathy in real time
- Explore how neurotype, sensory experience, and cognitive processing can influence how empathy is expressed and received
- Practice short, guided exercises that support self-connection and presence
- Feb20Fri
Advancing Teaching & Learning Conference Morning Keynote: A Pedagogy of Kindness (February 20, 2026 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
Location:Virtual Session
Room: https://texastech.zoom.us/j/96169140638
Available Seats: 283
What does it mean to practice a Pedagogy of Kindness? This presentation will explore three tenets of compassionate teaching: justice, believing students, and believing in students. We'll reflect together on what kindness (and its lack) has meant to us within academia, and how we can - piece by piece - assemble a kind approach to pedagogy that meets the needs of our students and ourselves in a time of great change. The session will end with thinking about kindness toward the self and include a period of free-writing for participants. Join via Zoom: https://texastech.zoom.us/j/96169140638
- Feb20Fri
Advancing Teaching & Learning Conference Afternoon Workshop: A Pedagogy of Kindness (February 20, 2026 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM) – (February 20, 2026 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM)
Location:Virtual Session
Room: https://texastech.zoom.us/j/95908109209
Available Seats: 287
This is a reflective workshop that will build on the morning keynote. Participants will discuss real examples in small groups and have the opportunity to refine language in their syllabus and on an assignment. The focus will be on communicating welcome and belonging to students, and participants should walk away with concrete examples of how to move forward in kindness. Please bring a syllabus and an assignment from one of your courses and be prepared to work on them as part of the session! Join via Zoom: https://texastech.zoom.us/j/95908109209
- Mar3Tue
ONLINE: Neurodiversity on Campus – Supporting Autistic College Students Tuesday March 3rd 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Location:Virtual Session
Room: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89717228460
Available Seats: 300
NEURODIVERSITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION: ONLINE MINI-SERIES with the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (A.A.N.E.) Facilitator: Jay Eveson-Egler is an autistic self-advocate and current Senior Manager of Individual & Family Services with AANE. They’ve worked with neurodiversity-based organizations in a variety of roles, including as a 1:1 community companion, teacher, recruiter, and administrative assistant. Jay’s primary interests lie in assisting autistic individuals with transition into post-secondary educational settings, supporting autistic peer-to-peer connections, and understanding LGBTQ+ issues, and their intersections with autism. They have prior experience founding and facilitating neurodiverse peer support groups at both Holyoke Community College and Mount Holyoke College and remain active as an adviser with the Neurodiverse Students Association at Mount Holyoke, where they graduated with their bachelor’s degree in psychology and education in 2020. Creating responsive and inclusion campus cultures is a priority for colleges across the country. This workshop will highlight how colleges can create classrooms and campus communities that are responsive to the needs of autistic and otherwise neurodivergent students. Through a universal design lens, this workshop will help college professionals build and develop a neurodiversity lens and learn concrete, practical strategies to make their classrooms and campus communities inclusive for neurodivergent students. Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89717228460
- Mar11Wed
Strengths Part II: Integrating Your Clifton Strengths to Enhance Faculty Career Planning Wednesday March 11th 2:00 – 3:20 PM
Location:TLPDC Room 153
2802 18th Street
Lubbock, TX 79409Room: TLPDC 153
Available Seats: 36
Facilitator: Dr. Barbie Chambers In this workshop, faculty will develop a deeper understanding of CliftonStrengths, engagement, leadership, and collaboration. It will build on the concepts presented in Strengths Part 1. Participants will engage in discussions and activities about cultivating a strengths-based culture, identifying strengths in others, facilitating strengths-based conversations, using strengths to lead teams, and leveraging strengths for career enhancement. Participants must have completed the Strengths Part 1 workshop to register. TLPDC 153 or TEAMS Microsoft Teams: Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 237 042 640 254 4/Passcode: Xr3M9Sf7
- Mar12Thu
Reclaiming Attention: Digital Detox Strategies for Higher Ed Faculty (March 12, 2026 3:00 PM – 3:50 PM) – (March 12, 2026 03:00 PM – 03:50 PM)
Location:Virtual Session
Room: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NzA0YzM4NmEtZjRlMi00YTIwLWFjNjctMTU3NDg0NzU4YWMz%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22178a51bf-8b20-49ff-b655-56245d5c173c%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22ba9b8010-8915-4519-9909-b02ad2d5002c%22%7d
Available Seats: 99
Presenter: Lisa Low This session introduces a "Digital Detox" approach, helping faculty reclaim focus and joy by limiting digital distractions and fostering deeper, uninterrupted work. Participants will explore the cognitive impact of multitasking, dopamine-driven tech habits, and strategies for implementing focus-oriented routines. Key takeaways include understanding the brain's limits on multitasking, applying the Ivy Lee method for priority management, adopting the Pomodoro Technique to tackle procrastination and sustain deep work, and incorporating movement “snacks” into daily routines. This session empowers attendees to guide students and themselves toward healthier digital habits and improved academic engagement. Teams Link Meeting ID: 272 264 333 387 88 Passcode: Qi7Kv9SE
- Mar25Wed
Mentorship Series: Maintaining Effective Communication
Location:TLPDC Room 153
2802 18th Street
Lubbock, TX 79409Room: TLPDC 153
Available Seats: 35
Facilitator: Dr. Barbie Chambers
Effective communication is foundational to successful mentoring relationships. While many recognize good communication when they experience it, mentors must deliberately cultivate and practice these skills. In this interactive session, participants will identify key characteristics of effective communication and engage in practical exercises to strengthen their mentoring dialogue.TLPDC 153 and TEAMS:Microsoft TeamsMeeting ID: 290 423 492 793 30Passcode: Zf6GA7EU - Apr1Wed
Full Disclosure: Paths, Pivots and Possibilities Wednesday April 1st 1:30 – 2:50 PM
Location:TLPDC Room 153
2802 18th Street
Lubbock, TX 79409Room: TLPDC 153
Available Seats: 35
In this candid panel discussion, faculty reflect on the realities of pursuing promotion to full professor: the choices they made, the unexpected turns, and the insights they gained along the way. Panelists will discuss navigating shifting priorities, balancing teaching and scholarship, and redefining success across different career stages. Participants will leave with practical perspectives, reassurance, and a clearer understanding of the many viable pathways toward Full Professor. Colleagues share what they’ve learned, and unlearned, on the journey to full professor (panel to be announced) TLPDC 153 & TEAMS Microsoft Teams: Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 243 250 449 943 8/Passcode: U8NV9EU9
- Apr7Tue
AI-Workshop (Formal Title Forthcoming) Tuesday April 7th 12:30-2:00pm
Location:TLPDC Room 153
2802 18th Street
Lubbock, TX 79409Room: TLPDC 153
Available Seats: 34
Facilitator: Dr. Shan Xu Full description to come. Below is the current content provided by Shan:
- Research evidence on effective human–AI collaboration (including two studies from her lab)
- Teens and their AI companions
- How AI shapes student learning
- How AI is reshaping the job market
- Apr17Fri
Compelling Conversations: Developing Effective Communication Through Myers-Briggs Type
Location:TLPDC Room 151
2802 18th Street
Lubbock, TX 79409Room: TLPDC 151
Available Seats: 75
Facilitator: Dr. Barbie Chambers This workshop will explore how personality preferences shape communication patterns in academic and professional settings. Using the Myers-Briggs framework, participants will explore their type preferences, identify strengths and growth areas, and develop strategies to enhance their communication effectiveness. After registering, participants will receive an invitation to take the MBTI®. The assessment must be completed by Wednesday, April 2nd. During the workshop, the facilitator will provide an overview of MBTI concepts so individuals can receive their verified, personalized results reports. Lunch will be provided!
Microsoft TeamsMeeting ID: 245 201 724 972 94Passcode: UJ3Si3qy - Apr22Wed
Power Over & Power Under vs. Power With: Reimagining Power in Higher Education Wednesday, April 22nd 1:30 – 2:50 PM
Location:TLPDC Room 151
2802 18th Street
Lubbock, TX 79409Room: TLPDC 151
Available Seats: 75
Facilitator: Dr. Lisa Garner Santa This session invites faculty to examine how power dynamics shape our work in higher education, both in formal structures and in everyday interactions. Using core processes from Nonviolent Communication (NVC), we will explore the distinctions between “power over,” “power under,” and “power with,” and consider how these patterns influence communication, decision-making, and relationships across campus. Through guided reflection, NVC-based exercises, and small-group discussion, participants will reimagine power as a collaborative, generative force that supports mutual respect, shared purpose, and a healthier academic culture. TLPDC 151 or TEAMS Microsoft Teams: Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 287 597 623 005/Passcode: f5dV3wi9