The sessions listed on this page are only for members on Path II of the 2025-2026 Institute for Faculty Excellence Cohort.
- Oct29Thu
The Hidden Motivators: What Drives Us (and Drains Us) – (October 29, 2026 12:30 pm – 1:50 pm)
Location:Teaching, Learning & Professional Development Center
University Library, North WingRoom: TLPDC 151
Available Seats: 51
Facilitator: Dr. Lisa Garner Santa The rhythms of academic life are relentless. Over time, we begin to move through the motions—responding to requests, meeting expectations, saying yes before we even pause to ask why. In this session, we’ll explore the six life-alienating motivators named in Nonviolent Communication: reward, punishment, guilt, shame, duty, and approval. What happens when these motivators go unchecked? And what becomes possible when we bring awareness and choice into the picture? Using Rosenberg’s framework, we’ll identify internalized pressures that may be shaping our academic decisions—and begin to shift from obligation to alignment. “The most dangerous of all behaviors may consist of doing things 'because we're supposed to.’” – Marshall Rosenberg
- Oct30Fri
Strengths Part 1: Integrating Your CliftonStrengths to Enhance Faculty Career Planning – (October 30, 2026 11:00 am – 12:20 pm)
Location:Teaching, Learning & Professional Development Center
University Library, North WingRoom: TLPDC 150
Available Seats: 23
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. Lunch will be provided at this session!
- Nov3Tue
Strengths Part 1: Integrating Your CliftonStrengths to Enhance Faculty Career Planning – (November 3, 2026 2:00 pm – 3:20 pm)
Location:Virtual Session
Room: Virtual Session
Available Seats: 280
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.
Nov5ThuFinding Your Authentic Voice: Developing vocal presence, confidence, and courage – (November 5, 2026 12:30 pm – 1:50 pm)
Location:Teaching, Learning & Professional Development Center
University Library, North WingRoom: TLPDC 153
Available Seats: 19
Facilitator: Prof Rachel Hirshorn Description Forthcoming!
Nov12ThuCollaborative Feedback in Academic Relationships: Giving and Receiving Feedback from a Place of Connection – (November 12, 2026 12:30 pm – 1:50 pm)
Location:Teaching, Learning & Professional Development Center
University Library, North WingRoom: TLPDC 151
Available Seats: 52
Facilitator: Dr. Lisa Garner Santa What if giving feedback could be energizing, even enjoyable? In this session, we’ll explore how feedback, when grounded in connection and mutual respect, can become a two-way exchange that strengthens both mentoring relationships and institutional culture. Through the lens of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), we’ll examine how to move from “power over” or “power under” toward “power with,” where everyone’s needs matter. Participants will practice using observations, feelings, needs, and requests to engage in feedback conversations that are clear, kind, and co-created. When mentoring becomes a collaborative process, feedback becomes not only possible but meaningful and rewarding.
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Meeting ID: 272 654 430 723 5
Passcode: rZ6ha2XK
Nov19ThuThe Faculty Reset – Vision, Purpose, Action – (November 19, 2026 12:30 pm – 1:50 pm)
Location:Teaching, Learning & Professional Development Center
University Library, North WingRoom: TLPDC 153
Available Seats: 16
Facilitator: Dr. Angela Walla
In this session, you’ll reflect on your academic journey and re-envision your future with renewed clarity and purpose. Guided by the moderator, participants will engage in a series of reflective activities designed to help assess their career path, explore current goals, and consider new possibilities. This session aims to reignite enthusiasm and offer fresh perspective as you plan the next chapter of your academic career. You’ll leave with concrete action steps and the foundation of a personalized plan to guide your way forward.
The session will be broken down into four sections. Each session has a mini-lecture followed by an activity:- Reflection on past career
- Exploring the possibility: Identification of passion projects and new areas
- Identification of Barriers
- Action Plan
Lunch will be provided!