Texas Tech University

New Faculty Series

This workshop series will offer topics of interest to new faculty representing resources and departments from around the university. New faculty will need to attend a minimum of 3 workshops in their first semester. There will be virtual, face-to-face, and hybrid options. 

Please click on the session title to for the description and option to register.

  1. Oct
    15
    Wed

    Supporting and Advancing Graduate Education – (October 15, 2025 02:00 PM – 02:50 PM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 153
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC 153

    Available Seats: 17

    This session will be a discussion of services and resources to support graduate teaching and research as well as graduate student and postdoc mentoring.   This workshop session is designed to be delivered in a face-to-face format; however, we understand that you might need to attend remotely for a variety of reasons. Please use this link to join the conversation remotely:

    Meeting ID: 234 471 783 639 4
    Passcode: nR2zU3q8

  2. Oct
    16
    Thu

    STEP Partnership Power Hour – (October 16, 2025 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 150
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC 150

    Available Seats: 25

    The STEP Program Faculty Power Hour, held in the Teaching, Learning & Professional Development Center (TLPDC), is an open-format, bi-weekly conversation designed by faculty, for faculty. Twice per month, a STEP Program Scholar will share a specific, actionable tip to enhance the classroom experience for both instructors and students. You'll hear directly how the implementation of these tips has transformed classroom dynamics. Half of our time will be dedicated to collaborative discussion on adapting these suggestions to fit your unique classroom environment. You will leave with a clear implementation strategy, ready for use in your very next class period. All Instructors of all ranks are invited and lunch is provided. 

  3. Oct
    17
    Fri

    John M. Burns Conference Keynote: New Approaches to Teaching Evaluation: Evaluation Strategies that Enhance Teaching Quality – (October 17, 2025 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 151
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC 151

    Available Seats: 19

    Keynote speaker: Dr. Ann Austin (Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University) Teaching evaluation can be a pathway to more effective teaching and learning, better student learning outcomes, fairer recognition of faculty work, deeper conversations among colleagues about professional values and commitments, and stronger institutional cultures that foster teaching and learning excellence. However, typical approaches to teaching evaluation often fall far short of achieving these outcomes. Acknowledging critiques of usual strategies for teaching evaluation, this workshop will focus on important principles to guide more effective approaches to teaching evaluation. The workshop will also explain new and effective approaches based on these principles—and tested and implemented in more than 70 departments through a funded project called TEval. The workshop will provide opportunity for participants to discuss how to apply the ideas and strategies in their own departments to create more comprehensive, holistic, and valid teaching evaluation.

  4. Oct
    20
    Mon

    Internationalizing your Research and Teaching Portfolio – (October 20, 2025 02:00 PM – 02:50 PM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 153
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC 153

    Available Seats: 5

    Join the Office of International Affairs for an informational workshop that will highlight: 

    • International research opportunities 
    • Global collaborations and partnerships 
    • Study Abroad opportunities 
    • Curriculum internationalization 
    • Outreach and engagement resources 
    This workshop session is designed to be delivered in a face-to-face format; however, we understand that you might need to attend remotely for a variety of reasons. Please use this link to join the conversation remotely:
    Meeting ID: 269 905 690 166 7
    Passcode: 63kN2Gy2

  5. Oct
    22
    Wed

    Using Pressbooks to Create and Customize OER – (October 22, 2025 02:00 PM – 02:50 PM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 153
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC Room 153

    Available Seats: 21

    Pressbooks is a service offered by Raider Digital Publishing that is extremely useful for creating and using open textbooks, but getting into it for the first time can seem challenging! Join this workshop led by our Texas Tech Libraries’ Open Educational Resources Office to learn how to create an open textbook, clone an existing one, and some tips for how to customize open materials to become more engaging for your students! This workshop session is designed to be delivered in a face-to-face format; however, we understand that you might need to attend remotely for a variety of reasons. Please use this link to join the conversation remotely:

    Meeting ID: 212 356 728 592 7

    Passcode: 6XS2qz6p

  6. Oct
    23
    Thu

    Spotting the Trap: Strategies to Identify Predatory Publishers – (October 23, 2025 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 153
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC 153

    Available Seats: 30

    This workshop equips university faculty with the knowledge to identify and avoid predatory publishing practices. Participants will learn to recognize warning signs of predatory journals, such as misleading metrics and aggressive solicitation. Through case studies and practical tools, the session provides strategies to evaluate legitimate publishing venues. Faculty will leave empowered to make informed decisions, safeguarding their research and academic reputation. This workshop session is designed to be delivered in a face-to-face format; however, we understand that you might need to attend remotely for a variety of reasons. Please use this link to join the conversation remotely: Teams Link Meeting ID: 265 851 915 724 0 Passcode: oh6wu73Y

  7. Oct
    28
    Tue

    The Hidden Motivators: What Drives Us (and Drains Us) – (October 28, 2025 12:30 PM – 01:50 PM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 153
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC 153

    Available Seats: 22

    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  IFE Path I and II

  8. Oct
    29
    Wed

    Are You Interested in Integrating Community Outreach and Engagement into Your Teaching, Research, or Creative Activities? – (October 29, 2025 02:00 PM – 02:50 PM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 153
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC 153

    Available Seats: 3

    Join us at this session to learn more about Outreach and Engagement, the difference between these two forms of high-impact practice, and their value to scholarship, student achievement, grant success, and more. You will also discover ways of incorporating outreach and engagement into your curriculum, research/creative activities, and scholarship; as well as learn about our faculty support services and resources to assist you in this process.  This workshop session is designed to be delivered in a face-to-face format; however, we understand that you might need to attend remotely for a variety of reasons. Please use this link to join the conversation remotely:

    Meeting ID: 251 618 550 923 8
    Passcode: Uk2iY2Xs

  9. Oct
    30
    Thu

    Accessibility Without the Ask: Designing Courses That Don’t Wait for Accommodations – (October 30, 2025 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM)

    Location:
    Virtual Session

    Room: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Y2JlZDZhZWQtZmMwOC00ZTgwLTllYmQtMWEyMzU5YjU2MDFh%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: 47

    Imagine receiving an accommodation letter and being able to say, “This course already includes that—for everyone.” This session introduces practical accessibility strategies and tools that reduce instructor workload, enhance usability, and improve learning for all students. Attendees will explore concepts and practices such as:

    • WYSI*N*WYG: Understand how visual formatting differs from encoded structure, and why it matters.
    • Of Mice and Mobility: Learn how to make content navigable without a mouse, supporting users with mobility or dexterity challenges.
    • Sound Off: Use captioning and transcripts to ensure audio content is accessible to all learners.
    • Mind the Gap: Discover ways to reduce cognitive overload and distractions in course materials.
    • Time & Text: Design content that supports readability, comprehension, and flexible pacing for learners with processing or attention-related needs.
    Participants will also have opportunities to review their course materials and receive guidance on remediating common accessibility issues using built-in tools and practical techniques. Teams Link Meeting ID: 257 210 202 799 0 Passcode: yR7h4fR2

  10. Nov
    4
    Tue

    Reignite the Spark: Teaching with Learning in Mind – (November 4, 2025 12:30 PM – 01:50 PM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 153
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC 153

    Available Seats: 26

    Facilitator: Dr. Angela Lumpkin Join us for an inspiring session designed to reignite your passion for scholarship and pedagogy. This interactive workshop provides faculty with an opportunity to reflect on what makes teaching meaningful and effective. Through guided dialogue and reflective exercises, participants will explore how to align their instructional choices and actions with how students learn best, reigniting purpose and presence in the classroom. Find new inspiration and time to reconnect with your teaching values  IFE Path II

  11. Nov
    5
    Wed

    STEP Partnership Power Hour – (November 5, 2025 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 150
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC 150

    Available Seats: 29

    The STEP Program Faculty Power Hour, held in the Teaching, Learning & Professional Development Center (TLPDC), is an open-format, bi-weekly conversation designed by faculty, for faculty. Twice per month, a STEP Program Scholar will share a specific, actionable tip to enhance the classroom experience for both instructors and students. You'll hear directly how the implementation of these tips has transformed classroom dynamics. Half of our time will be dedicated to collaborative discussion on adapting these suggestions to fit your unique classroom environment. You will leave with a clear implementation strategy, ready for use in your very next class period. All Instructors of all ranks are invited and lunch is provided. 

  12. Nov
    6
    Thu

    Bridging the Gaps for Today’s Students – (November 6, 2025 11:00 AM – 12:20 PM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 153
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC 153

    Available Seats: 11

    COVID and other factors have impacted the ways students learn and manage their mental wellbeing, and one of the biggest ripple effects of the pandemic was learning loss and its ongoing effects. Some studies have predicted that student learning in subject areas, including math, science, reading, and writing will be impacted for years, if not decades. This session will discuss strategies for bridging those gaps, ongoing challenges for both academic achievement and mental health and what it means to be effective university educators teaching a generation of students who entered colleges with COVID learning loss and an increased mental load. Lunch will be provided.  This workshop session is designed to be delivered in a face-to-face format; however, we understand that you might need to attend remotely for a variety of reasons. Please use this link to join the conversation remotely:

    Meeting ID: 223 613 900 736 8
    Passcode: nH7hz9aP

  13. Nov
    7
    Fri

    Mind Behind the Machine: Thinking Beyond the Prompt – (November 7, 2025 01:00 PM – 01:50 PM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 153
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC 153

    Available Seats: 25

    This workshop introduces faculty to a curriculum module designed to build students’ critical AI literacy through interactive, reflective learning. In this workshop, faculty will learn about and reflect on how they currently use AI tools in their own teaching, research, and daily lives. Participants will explore a series of scaffolded modules that help students:

    • Understand what AI is (and isn’t) and how generative models work.
    • Use AI thoughtfully by experimenting with different prompts and iterating on outputs.
    • Evaluate AI-generated content critically to identify accuracy, bias, and missing context.
    Throughout the session, faculty will engage in hands-on exercises and reflective activities. By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with practical ideas for integrating critical AI literacy into their own courses, empowering students to remain the “mind behind the machine.” This workshop session is designed to be delivered in a face-to-face format; however, we understand that you might need to attend remotely for a variety of reasons. Please use this link to join the conversation remotely: Teams link Meeting ID: 253 066 633 360 0 Passcode: UY2gv9Sw

  14. Nov
    11
    Tue

    TAI: AI as Virtual Teaching Assistant – (November 11, 2025 02:00 PM – 02:50 PM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 153
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC 153

    Available Seats: 0

    Generative AI (AI) presents many challenges for educators, but this emerging technology also presents opportunities to improve student learning and lessen the burden on faculty. In a sense, AI can be use as a virtual “TA” to assist with reviewing, creating, and even assessing class materials. The workshop will also address the potential pitfalls of using AI, including inaccurate information and balancing faculties’ own use of AI with restrictions placed on student use. This workshop session is designed to be delivered in a face-to-face format; however, we understand that you might need to attend remotely for a variety of reasons. Please use this link to join the conversation remotely:

    Meeting ID: 215 555 920 182 3

    Passcode: HN9Y97Xv

  15. Nov
    13
    Thu

    Building Bridges, Not Walls: A Fresh Approach to Academic Integrity – (November 13, 2025 03:00 PM – 04:20 PM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 153
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC 153

    Available Seats: 22

    Why do some students see academic integrity as an outdated formality while faculty view it as fundamental to education? This interactive workshop facilitated by Barbie Chambers and Mitzi Ziegner from the TLPDC explores the gaps that shape how we and our students approach academic honesty. You'll discover practical strategies for moving beyond rule enforcement to meaningful conversations about character and professional preparation. Through real scenarios and discussion, we'll explore innovative ways to help students embrace integrity as a cornerstone of their Red Raider identity. Join us to transform how you think about and teach academic honor! This workshop session is designed to be delivered in a face-to-face format; however, we understand that you might need to attend remotely for a variety of reasons. Please use this link to join the conversation remotely:

    Meeting ID: 218 322 364 287 6
    Passcode: Pz3xT3uU

  16. Nov
    14
    Fri

    Mind Your Mind – Nurturing Mental Wellness – (November 14, 2025 12:00 PM – 03:00 PM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 153
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC 153

    Available Seats: 26

    An introduction to evidence-based strategies for maintaining mental well-being in academia. Learn practical tools for managing stress, promoting resilience, and fostering a healthy work-life balance as you begin your faculty journey.  This workshop session is designed to be delivered in a face-to-face format; however, we understand that you might need to attend remotely for a variety of reasons. Please use this link to join the conversation remotely:

    Meeting ID: 242 984 966 110 8
    Passcode: ob2pY6rh

  17. Nov
    14
    Fri

    Raider Success Hub Fundamentals for Faculty – (November 14, 2025 01:00 PM – 01:50 PM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 151
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC 151

    Available Seats: 73

    Raider Success Hub (RSH) is Texas Tech’s centralized platform for supporting student success. In this training, faculty will learn basic navigation of the system, how to view student information, submit alerts, complete progress surveys, and more. Faculty play a critical role in student success, and this session will demonstrate how RSH makes it easier to offer timely support and connect students to the right resources at the right time.  This workshop session is designed to be delivered in a face-to-face format; however, we understand that you might need to attend remotely for a variety of reasons. Please use this link to join the conversation remotely:

    Meeting ID: 276 964 546 675 0
    Passcode: f2Dr6Tc7

  18. Nov
    20
    Thu

    STEP Partnership Power Hour – (November 20, 2025 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)

    Location:
    TLPDC Room 150
    2802 18th Street
    Lubbock, TX 79409

    Room: TLPDC 150

    Available Seats: 32

    The STEP Program Faculty Power Hour, held in the Teaching, Learning & Professional Development Center (TLPDC), is an open-format, bi-weekly conversation designed by faculty, for faculty. Twice per month, a STEP Program Scholar will share a specific, actionable tip to enhance the classroom experience for both instructors and students. You'll hear directly how the implementation of these tips has transformed classroom dynamics. Half of our time will be dedicated to collaborative discussion on adapting these suggestions to fit your unique classroom environment. You will leave with a clear implementation strategy, ready for use in your very next class period. All Instructors of all ranks are invited and lunch is provided. 

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