Concurrent Sessions
Concurrent Sessions #1 – 11:30 a.m.
Hands on AI@MCC
Location: Grand Plaza
Presenter: Thomas Meyer, Vice Chancellor of Instruction and President, MCC-Online
This presentation will show how Artificial Intelligence is transforming community
colleges by streamlining administrative work, enhancing personalized learning, and
supporting student success. This presentation will demonstrate how tools like Perplexity
Pro Lab, Notebook LM, and Gamma.app enable leaders and faculty to efficiently research,
summarize, and present on critical topics such as equity, workforce readiness, and
student retention. By automating routine tasks and providing actionable insights,
these AI tools free up time for high-impact, student-centered activities, while responsible
use ensures attention to privacy, inclusion, and ongoing professional development.
Ultimately, this presentation will illustrate how integrating AI in these ways helps
community colleges deliver more accessible, equitable, and future-ready education
for diverse students and communities. Attendees are encouraged to bring their laptops
and cell phones (for personal hotspots), have a gmail account (free), and a perplexity
account (free) if they don't already have one.
Preparing, Serving & Creating: Opportunities for Impact
Location: Innovation Center
Presenter: Mary Clark, Vice President for Impact & Opportunity
The presentation will not only provide insight about the newly created Office of Institutional Impact but it will also discuss and provide guidance as it relates to how MCC will remain steadfast in its mission, vision and goals but also remain in compliance with state and federal orders. Additionally, this presentation will focus on how important it is for MCC to come together as a community to support our students, our communities and our colleagues.
Tech it Easy
Location: Gottlieb Planetarium
Presenter: Brittany Jenkins, Project Coordinator Campus Police
A practical, hands-on session that introduces employees to everyday computer skills and MCC-specific tools that save time, reduce frustration, and improve productivity. From quick tricks like printing to PDF, keyboard shortcuts, and Snipping Tool, to MCC-focused essentials such as collaborating in Microsoft 365, navigating the new SharePoint InfoExchange, and using Teams Approvals, this session highlights simple skills that make a big difference.
Beyond the Uniform: Educating and Supporting Those Who Served
Location: Arthur Stillwell Room
Presenter: Sarah Lovell, Business Faculty
This session highlights the unique challenges and strengths of transitioning service members and veteran students in higher education. Faculty and staff will learn practical strategies to support their success, creating more inclusive classrooms and enhancing the overall learning experience for the campus community.
Listening Circle
Location: Jarvis Hunt Room
Presenter: Lynne Lang, Executive Director Restoration Matters
Through structured Listening Circles, we will learn a process of effective communication. In this process, each person is given a chance to listen and speak. The structure of the circle is valuable because one person speaks at a time without interruption while others listen. Discovering ways to connect and establish better communication will allow us to discuss successes and challenges we face as faculty, staff and administration.
Concurrent Sessions #2 – 2 p.m.
Powered by People, Driven by Vision: Leadership from Every Seat
Location: Grand Plaza
Presenter: Tammy Robinson, President MCC-Penn Valley
Leadership can appear easy to most. However, why are some more successful with leading than others. Can good leadership be taught? What are some key principles that every leader should consider in building themselves and their teams. This will be an interactive session where all are welcome. Leading happens from every seat on the campus. Come join us as we unpack key principles for more productive work environments.
Six Things to Know about AI
Location: Innovation Center
Presenter: Sabrina Goss, English Instructor
This session introduces faculty and staff to the rapidly evolving world of generative AI through the News Literacy Project’s "6 Things to Know About AI" framework. The presentation highlights both the opportunities and challenges of tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E, focusing on issues such as bias, misinformation, and the role of AI in teaching and learning.
WED: Whimsical Educational Deeds? Wonderful Enlightened Delights? Witty Eccentric Discoveries? None of these! (or maybe all of these?) WED, MCC's Workforce and Economic Development.
Location: Gottlieb Planetarium
Presenter: Tatia Shelton, Workforce Manager and Jeanne Schmidt, Workforce Coordinator
This session provides an overview of WED and its departments: Corporate College, Apprenticeship, Community Education, and Continuing Education. It also explains short-term non-credit workforce trainings and available funding options. MCC employees will leave with a clearer understanding of WED, how to refer students, and what funding options they can offer.
Tips and Tricks in Canvas Courses
Location: Arthur Stillwell Room
Presenter: Joshua Turk, Christina Chang, Katie Reynolds and Luna George, Instructional Designers
We will explore tools such as targeted messaging in the Gradebook, comment libraries, notes in the Gradebook, and shortcuts for editing assignment dates that save time and personalize feedback. The session will also highlight strategies for improving course quality and accessibility, including validating links, locking modules by dates, using the built in Accessibility Checker, and incorporating HTML enhancements. Together, these tips will empower faculty to work more efficiently and provide students with clearer navigation, timely feedback, and more inclusive learning environments.
Listening Circle
Location: Jarvis Hunt Room
Presenter: Lynne Lang, Executive Director Restoration Matters
Through structured Listening Circles, we will learn a process of effective communication. In this process, each person is given a chance to listen and speak. The structure of the circle is valuable because one person speaks at a time without interruption while others listen. Discovering ways to connect and establish better communication will allow us to discuss successes and challenges we face as faculty, staff and administration.
Keeping Your Cool: Turning Snark, Shade, and Subtle Jabs into People Powered Communication
Location: Chamber Board Room
Presenter: Angie Carr, Training Development Manager Human Resources
Workplace tension often shows up in subtle ways—an email with a sharp edge, a passive-aggressive comment in a meeting, or a colleague’s dismissive tone. This workshop draws on research from Psychology Today, the Wall Street Journal and the book "Crucial Conversations" to provide practical strategies for recognizing passive-aggressive behavior and responding with professionalism, empathy, and clarity. By practicing people-powered responses, we can strengthen relationships, keep our vision on track, and create a culture where even the toughest conversations move us forward.