Student Success Symposium

Welcome to the Spring 2026 Semester!

As we begin a new semester, Academic Affairs invites you to join us for a week of flexible, practice-focused professional learning designed to support your teaching, your students, and your ongoing growth at MC.

This year’s Student Success Symposium offers sessions that connect directly to the work you do every day, preparing courses, designing accessible learning experiences, navigating classroom conversations, engaging students, and applying tools that support student success. With options offered across campuses and modalities, you can choose the sessions that fit your goals, schedule, and teaching context.

Professional Learning Sessions are intentionally designed with accessibility in mind and offer multiple ways to participate, whether you prefer hands-on, in-person workshops or virtual sessions you can join from wherever you are.

Every session is intentionally aligned with the Academic Master Plan new window and the MC Strategic Plan new window, ensuring that your participation contributes to our shared vision for teaching, learning, and student success.

Whether you are refining a syllabus, exploring new instructional strategies, strengthening classroom dialogue, or looking for practical tools you can use right away, the Student Success Symposium is an opportunity to learn with colleagues, gain fresh ideas, and start the semester with confidence.

Please note: Professional Learning Sessions are encouraged but not required.

Professional Learning Schedule

Tuesday, January 20

How to Use Online Proctoring: Intro to Honorlock
9:00–10:30 a.m., In-Person, Rockville, TC 136
Facilitator: Asim Khan, Honorlock Manager

Honorlock is our new online proctoring vendor. This new platform is available for academic and Math placement testing. This Honorlock in-person session will train MC faculty and staff on main features such as exam submission, scheduling accommodations, and review recordings from on-line sessions.

Prompt Crafting AI Bootcamp
9:00–10:30 a.m., In-Person, Germantown, BE 160
Facilitator: Ketsia Masse

This interactive bootcamp guides faculty through writing effective prompts for AI tools to generate instructional content, quiz questions, or summaries. Participants leave with a resource bank of tested prompts.

Accessibility 101: CLEAR Framework
9:30–10:30 a.m., In-Person, Takoma Park/Silver Spring, CM 112
Facilitator: Megan Calvert

This session introduces the CLEAR Framework, a practical approach developed at Montgomery College to help faculty design accessible, inclusive courses that meet ADA Title II and WCAG requirements. Participants will learn concrete strategies they can apply immediately to reduce barriers, support diverse learners, and build accessibility into everyday teaching practice.

Blackboard Ultra Data Analytics
10:30–11:30 a.m., In-Person, Germantown, Rockville, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring
Facilitators: Tom Cantu (Germantown), Dr. Paul Miller (Rockville), Philip Bonner (Takoma Park/Silver Spring)

This session introduces Blackboard Ultra analytics tools for monitoring student engagement, participation, and performance. Faculty learn how to interpret data and use insights to inform instructional decisions and early interventions.

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How to Use Online Proctoring: Intro to Honorlock
11:30 –1:00 , In-person, Takoma Park/Silver Spring, CM 211
Facilitator: Asim Khan, Honorlock Manager

Prompt Crafting AI Bootcamp
11:30 a.m.–1:00 a.m., In-person, Rockville, HU 133
Facilitator: Dr. Angela Lanier

Accessibility 101: CLEAR Framework
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., In-Person, Germantown, BE 160
Facilitator: Ketsia Masse

Exciting Developments in Our Honors College
1:30-2:30 p.m., Virtual
Facilitators: Fiona Glade

This session will provide an overview of the programs that comprise the Honors College, describe Experiential Learning and Honors Research, discuss opportunities for faculty in Honors, and conclude briefly with plans for the future followed by Q&A.

Blackboard Course Management and Accessibility Open Lab
1:30–3:00 p.m., In-person, Germantown, Rockville, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring
Facilitators: Tom Cantu (Germantown), Gloria Barron (Rockville), Philip Bonner (Takoma Park/Silver Spring)

This open lab provides hands-on support for managing Blackboard Ultra courses, including course setup, navigation, grading tools, and accessibility features.

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How to Use Online Proctoring: Intro to Honorlock
2:30–4:00 p.m., In-Person, Germantown, BE 151
Facilitator: Asim Khan, Honorlock Manager

Prompt Crafting AI Bootcamp
2:30–4:00 p.m., In-Person, Takoma Park/Silver Spring, LB 221
Facilitator: Megan Calvert

Accessibility 101: CLEAR Framework
2:30–3:30 p.m., In-Person, Rockville
Facilitator: Dr. Angela Lanier

Inclusive Syllabus: Designing for Accessibility and Belonging
3:00–4:00 p.m., Virtual
Facilitator: Gloria Barron

This session supports faculty in revising syllabus language to promote accessibility, inclusion, and belonging. Participants review examples and leave with draft syllabus language and an action plan.

AI + UDL: Creating Adaptive Course Materials
4:00–5:00 p.m., Virtual
Facilitator: Tom Cantu

This workshop explores how AI tools can be used alongside Universal Design for Learning principles to create flexible, inclusive course materials.

Wednesday, January 21

Navigating Difficult Dialogues in the Classroom
3:45–4:45 p.m., In-person and Virtual
Facilitators: Dr. Laurent Ndeze

Faculty explore strategies for facilitating respectful, productive discussions around complex or controversial topics, including sample language and classroom norms.

Blackboard Accessibility Open Lab
6:00–7:30 p.m., Virtual
Facilitator: Dr. Paul Miller

This open lab provides hands-on support for improving the accessibility of course materials within Blackboard, including documents, media, and course structure. Faculty are encouraged to bring their own courses and questions for individualized guidance and practical, just-in-time support.

Thursday, January 22

New College Application Process
9:00 - 9:30 a.m., Virtual
Facilitator: Akima Rogers

This session provides an overview of the new Ellucian Recruit admissions application, including its purpose, scope, and the College’s transition to the platform. Participants will learn about anticipated impacts on Academic Affairs, key enhancements to the admissions process, and how the system supports WDCE/non-credit programs, Dual Enrollment, ACES, international students, and other student pathways. The session also highlights user experience improvements and identifies where to find accurate information, resources, and next steps for supporting students and colleagues.

Starfish Open Lab: Drop-in Support and Collaboration
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Virtual
Facilitator: Julie Levinson

Whether you are new to Starfish or an experienced user, this open lab provides drop-in support for questions, troubleshooting, and collaborative learning.

Digital Equity in Distance Education
12:30–1:30 p.m., Virtual
Facilitator: Tia Roebuck

This session examines the digital divide and what faculty can do to promote equitable access to technology and learning. Participants will discuss low-bandwidth design, alternative assignments, and inclusive communication strategies.

Using Credit for Prior Learning to Improve Completion
12:30-1:30 p.m., Virtual
Facilitators: Sonia Pruneda-Hernandez

Exciting Developments in Our Honors College
1:00-2:00 p.m., Virtual
Facilitators: Fiona Glade

Design Thinking Activities that Inspire Curiosity
2:00–3:00 p.m., In-person, Germantown, Rockville, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring
Facilitators: Tom Cantu (Germantown), Gloria Barron (Rockville), Philip Bonner (Takoma Park/Silver Spring)

This session introduces design thinking strategies to spark curiosity and engagement through creative problem-solving activities adaptable across disciplines.

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Demystifying Ad Astra Scheduling
2:00-3:00 p.m., In-person, Rockville, SW 317
Facilitator(s): John Hamman

A hands-on workshop for chairs, coordinators, and deans to learn about Ad Astra’s enrollment monitoring and predictive scheduling capabilities.

Service Learning for Any Discipline
3:00–4:00 p.m., In-person, Germantown, Rockville, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring
Facilitators: Ketsia Masse (Germantown), Dr. Angela Lanier (Rockville), Megan Calvert (Takoma Park/Silver Spring)

Faculty learn how to integrate service learning into courses across disciplines, with examples, planning tools, and community engagement strategies.

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Blackboard Ally Open Lab
4:00–5:30 p.m., Virtual
Facilitators: Anna Donohoe, Dr. Paul Miller

This open lab introduces Blackboard Ally and provides hands-on guidance for improving the accessibility of course materials using Ally’s tools and reports.

Prompt Crafting AI Bootcamp
6:00–7:30 p.m., Virtual
Facilitator: Dr. Paul Miller

Friday, January 23

MC CARES Network: The Evolution of Holistic Advising
10:00–11:00 a.m., Remote via Zoom
Facilitator(s): Julie Levinson, Sharon Anthony, Elizabeth Kirby, Shinta Hernandez

The MC CARES Network continues to grow as a collegewide effort to strengthen student support, streamline referrals, and foster a deeper sense of belonging. This session provides a practical update on what’s new, what’s working, and how faculty play a vital role in the Network’s success. Participants will learn about recent enhancements to MC CARES, including clearer pathways for academic and non-academic referrals, improved coordination across advising, counseling, coaching, and support services, and expanded use of Starfish to recognize student effort, progress, and concerns. The session will also highlight how MC CARES aligns with 草莓视频APP’s broader commitment to student success, equity, and holistic support—without adding extra burden to faculty workloads. You’ll leave with concrete takeaways, including when to submit a referral, how to use Starfish strategically, and where MC CARES fits into the bigger picture of teaching and learning at MC.

Demystifying Ad Astra Scheduling
10:00-11:00 a.m., Virtual
Facilitator(s): John Hamman

A virtual introduction to Ad Astra and its use in course scheduling production and enrollment monitoring.

Starfish Open Lab: Drop-in Support and Collaboration
11:00–12:30 p.m., Virtual
Facilitator: Julie Levinson

Whether you are new to Starfish or an experienced user, this open lab provides drop-in support for questions, troubleshooting, and collaborative learning.

Blackboard Ally Open Lab
11:00–12:30 p.m., Virtual
Facilitator: Anna Donohoe

This open lab introduces Blackboard Ally and provides hands-on guidance for improving the accessibility of course materials using Ally’s tools and reports.

Online Quality Simplified: L.E.C.T. Competencies in Action
11:00–12:00 p.m., Virtual
Facilitator: Tia Roebuck

草莓视频APP’s LECT Competencies provide a clear framework for designing and delivering high-quality online courses. But what do these competencies mean in practice? In this session, participants will explore the LECT standards, learn how they align with best practices in online education, and discover practical strategies for applying them to course design and teaching.

Emotional Intelligence for Teaching Presence
1:00–2:00 p.m., Virtual
Facilitator: Dr. Angela Lanier

This session focuses on emotional intelligence strategies that strengthen teaching presence, student connection, and classroom climate.

Empowering Neurodiverse Learners
2:15–3:15 p.m., Virtual
Facilitator: Philip Bonner

This session explores inclusive teaching strategies and tools that support neurodiverse learners through flexible design and accessible practices.

Last Updated: 1/16/2026