The Academy for Teaching Excellence hosted the 9th Annual Adjunct Faculty Teaching & Learning Conference on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us in person or for the virtual keynote presentation!
Our featured speaker was Cate Denial, Bright Distinguished Professor of American History, Chair of the History department, and Director of The Bright Institute at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois.
The keynote recording, presentation slides, photos, conference program, and additional resources are included below.
Conference Recap
Cate Denial’s keynote, “How to Ungrade: Approaching Assessment with Compassion,” introduced the practice of “ungrading” – moving away from letters and numbers as markers of success and failure in our courses, and toward feedback-rich assessments. The presentation explored how an incremental approach to ungrading saves us time and helps us create room for kindness toward ourselves and our students. Cate also facilitated a breakout session activity titled “How to Ungrade: First Steps.” Building on the themes established in the keynote presentation, this session had participants reflect on first steps they can take in their courses to move toward an ungrading approach.
Attendees had the option to participate in a table discussion led by Harper faculty and Academy team members on one of the following topics:
- Small Group Instructional Feedback + Belonging
- Trauma-Informed Pedagogy for Two-Year College Instructors
- Multiverse of Modalities: Flexible Learning at Harper College
- Supporting Well-Being in the Classroom
- Enacting Equity in Courses
- International Education: Beyond Study Abroad
The conference also included resource tables from campus departments, dinner, a fun and interactive closing session, and giveaways. We were also pleased to welcome adjunct faculty colleagues from College of DuPage, College of Lake County, Elgin Community College, Joliet Junior College, Kishwaukee College, McHenry County College, Oakton Community College, and Waubonsee Community College.
Conference Resources
Keynote: “How to Ungrade: Approaching Assessment with Compassion”
- Facilitator: Cate Denial
- Keynote recording
- Presentation slides
Keynote Breakout Session: “How to Ungrade: First Steps”
- Facilitator: Cate Denial
- Presentation slides
Additional Resources
- Faculty Toolkit Harper Wellness (shared at the Supporting Well-Being in the Classroom table discussion)
Attendance & Professional Development Credit
If you would like to have a record of your attendance on your transcript and earn professional development credit (CEUs) for attending the conference or viewing the keynote recording, you must complete this personal action plan by December 2, 2022.
Questions? Please contact the Academy at academy@harpercollege.edu.
I enjoyed the conference and definitely benefited from participating.