The schedule below is a list of the current CTLS sponsored or co-sponsored faculty/staff development workshops, writing groups, and book clubs for AY 2025-26. More will be added as things are finalized so please check back often.

Fall 2025

Faculty/Staff Writing Group Interest Meeting - September 30, 3-4 pm on Zoom

Are you trying to carve out space in your schedule to write? Have you considered joining a writing group as a way to increase accountability, motivation, and/or support? All faculty and staff are invited to attend a writing group interest meeting co-facilitated by Lucy McInerney, Assistant Director of the Writing Program and Michele Lee Kozimor, Director of the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship (CTLS) on Tuesday, September 30 from 3 - 4 pm. The meeting will take place virtually on Zoom. Those who complete the form will receive the Zoom link for the meeting. If you cannot attend the meeting, but are interested in joining a writing group, please complete the form to indicate your interest and receive a follow-up email. Completing the form or attending the interest meeting does not obligate you to participate in a writing group or writing retreat. Register for the meeting here: https://forms.office.com/r/RyDtWrPC1H.

Fall Pause Writing Mini-Retreat - October 20 - 21 in the Waidner-Spahr Library

The Center for Teaching, Learning & Scholarship and the Norman M. Eberly Writing Center are co-sponsoring a writing mini retreat for faculty and staff on October 20 and 21. The writing retreat will be a two-day event (you can attend one or both days) held in the Waidner-Spahr Library. The retreat will begin at 10 am and will go until 3 pm. Writers can come and go as needed throughout the day. Goal setting and reflection will be facilitated. A light lunch, snacks, and hot beverages will be provided. Optional consulting appointments and writing break activities will be available. The writing retreat will be a brief oasis to make individual progress on a writing project in a supportive, semi-social environment. Spaces are limited so please register to save your place using this form https://forms.office.com/r/i0qtq4Mmu0.

Anticipated Fall Mid-term Pause Faculty/Staff Writing Retreat Schedule

10 am – 10:30 am                      Welcome and Goal Setting (Stafford Area of Waidner-Spahr Library)

10:30 am – 12:30 pm                Writing Session 1 (location of choice in Waidner-Spahr Library)

10:45 am – 11:45 am                Consultations with John Katunich and Michele Lee Kozimor (Norman E. Eberly Writing Center)

11:45 - noon                               (Optional) Writing Break - stretch, quick craft, or walk outside (meet in the CTLS)

12:30 pm – 1:00 pm                  Grab and Go Light Lunch (Center for Teaching, Learning & Scholarship)

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm                    Writing Session 2 (location of choice in Waidner-Spahr Library)

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm                    Consultations with John Katunich and Michele Lee Kozimor (Norman E. Eberly Writing Center)

1:45 pm – 2:00 pm                    (Optional) Writing Break - stretch, quick craft, or walk outside (meet in the CTLS)

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm                    Reflection/Report Back (Stafford Area of Waidner-Spahr Library)

Demystifying the Book Publishing Process Faculty Panel Webinar - November 12 6-7pm on Zoom

The CTLS is hosting an introduction to book publishing webinar with a faculty panel on November 12 from 6-7 pm ET on Zoom. This is the first in a series of workshops and webinars focused on demystifying the publishing process. The faculty panel will share their book publishing journey and book publishing tips that they wish someone had told them. The webinar will be recorded. If you are interested in learning more about publishing a book or an edited volume and are unsure if you can attend the webinar live, please register using the link to receive the recording following the webinar. You can register for the book publishing webinar (until the start of the webinar) here: 

Two Workshops on Transformative Community Engagement: Leadership Development through Critical Conversations and Reflection - Friday, November 14 in The Paz Center

There are two dynamic and thought-provoking workshops on Friday, November 14, designed to support your work with students and colleagues across difference and in global contexts. These sessions will be facilitated by Dr. Daniel Wehrenfennig, a seasoned educator and practitioner in global education and conflict resolution. Please read more about Dr. Wehrenfennig: https://www.cielglobal.org/dr-daniel-wehrenfennig

Whether you're looking to strengthen your communication skills or enhance your leadership in short-term programs, these workshops offer valuable tools and insights for fostering inclusive, transformative learning experiences.

Workshop Schedule:

· Workshop 1: Strengthening Our Conflict Muscles: Navigating Difficult Conversations Across Difference
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This interactive session invites faculty and staff to explore how intercultural differences and emotional states impact our ability to engage in meaningful dialogue. Together, we’ll unpack why some conversations feel harder than others and how thoughtful planning can help us approach them with greater care. Participants will reflect on “the conversation about the conversation” and learn strategies to center the human experience in moments of disagreement. The workshop will also honor diverse communication preferences and offer tools for fostering open, respectful dialogue, emphasize community engagement and offers tools for training both students and staff to communicate across difference and lead with empathy. 

·                  Lunch: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

· Workshop 2: Leading Transformative Short-Term Programs: Preparing, Guiding, and Reflecting with Students
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This session supports faculty and staff in designing and leading short-term programs with deeper intentionality, from pre-departure preparation to re-entry reflection. Participants will explore how to scaffold student learning through mapping, journaling, and case studies, while navigating cultural expectations and unexpected challenges with flexibility. We’ll discuss how to engage students in difficult conversations, manage evolving expectations, and process transformative experiences in real time.  This workshop will also provide more insights into connecting this intentionality to program itinerary planning and discuss models of engaging students while enhancing leadership skills.

RSVP by the end of the day on November 6 using this link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=VbAyYrl2E0ybiLVirn22-0ZnKHwpQuNAkf2HfpXExZdUNDlDU0g1NjE5WjZHS0pYOFRUWlhDS0VONy4u

End of Semester Grading Gathering (Party) - Wednesday, December 17 11 am - 3 pm in the CTLS

We invite you to take a deep breath, grab your grading, and join us for a little end-of-term camaraderie. Think of it as a supportive grading retreat where you can work alongside colleagues who are also tackling student projects, exams, and all the teaching-related to-dos that come with closing out the semester. Feeling a bit overwhelmed or simply need to recharge? We’ve planned for that too. Treat yourself to holiday-themed snacks, build a masterpiece at our candy buffet bar, and sip on an assortment of hot beverages (caffeinated or decaf—your choice!) to keep your spirits high and your energy steady.

Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the second floor of the Waidner-Spar Library. No registration, no pressure—just come when you can, stay as long as you like, and enjoy a welcoming space to finish the term strong. I will be on hand to offer real-time support with any pedagogical questions or challenges you might be facing.

Spring 2026

January Faculty/Staff Writing Retreat (co-sponsored by the Norman M. Eberly Multilingual Writing Center) - January 12 & 13 in the Waidner-Spahr Library

The writing retreat is back to help you kick off your writing practice for the spring semester. Goal setting and reflection will be facilitated. A light lunch, snacks, and beverages are provided. Optional consulting appointments and writing break activities will be available. The writing retreat will be a brief oasis to make individual progress on a writing project in a supportive, semi-social environment. The retreat is two days from 10 am – 3 pm but you may attend one or both days and can come and go as you need to. Spaces are limited to please register to save your place. Register here:  January & Spring Break Writing Retreat Registration – Fill out form

AI Reflection Lunch - January 14 from noon – 1pm (co-organized by the Norman M. Eberly Multilingual Writing Center) in the Writing Center

Before the spring semester begins, we would like to give faculty the opportunity to reflect on the impact of AI in our classrooms and on our students. Rather than offering a programmed event, we will be holding a conversational lunch (catered by the Grazery) at noon on January 14th in the Writing Center.  Join us to discuss how AI creates opportunities for classroom conversations about important ethical questions, including potential conflicts between Dickinson’s commitment to sustainability and academic freedom and what we know of AI’s effect on the physical and intellectual world around us; share observations about how of AI is impacting students; or pose questions about how the CTLS might help faculty position themselves in this constantly evolving context. To sign up for the lunch discussion please complete the form here: Reflections on AI: Lunch with the MWC and CTLS – Fill out form

Syllabus and Course Design Collaboratory - January 15 from 9 am - 4 pm in the Waidner-Spahr Library

Come fine tune or finalize your syllabi in community with peers, learn a new pedagogy by attending one of the workshops (I will be facilitating a workshop on open pedagogy), sign-up for an individual or group consultation with campus partners, and enjoy lunch with colleagues. Individuals from the Multicultural Writing Center, Archives and Special Collections, The College Farm, Center for Civic Learning and Action, Ethics Across Campus & the Curriculum, Information Literacy and the Library, Academic Technology, Access and Disability Services, Women’s and Gender Resource Center, Quantitative Reasoning Center, Wellness Center, Center for Spirituality and Social Justice, Center for Career Development, Trout Gallery, and Visual Resources Center will be present to answer questions and provide assistance and consulting. We will also have workshops throughout the day on integrating career development into the classroom, generative AI as a teaching and learning tool, best practices for syllabus and course design, pedagogy and the College Farm, and navigating student emotions in the classroom. Lunch will be provided. The link to register is here: Syllabus & Course Design Collaboratory Registration -Thursday, January 15, 2026 9am - 4pm – Fill out form

Quiet Writing Hours at CTLS - Wednesdays in the CTLS

Need low-pressure writing time with good vibes and caffeine nearby? Stop by!

· When: Wednesdays, 9:00–11:00 am

· Where: CTLS (lower level of the Waidner-Spahr Library)

· Details: No registration, no structure—come and go as you wish. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and snacks provided.

NCFDD Spring 2026 14-Day Writing Challenge - February 16 – March 1
(Registration closes February 6)

Looking for a short, high-impact way to jumpstart your writing? The National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD) 14-Day Writing Challenge invites academics at all stages to experiment with daily writing.

According to NCFDD, “writing” includes everything from the spark of a new idea to polishing a near-complete project (article, grant proposal, exhibit, book chapter, and more). The average participant writes 350 minutes over the two weeks, and 98% of recent participants report that the challenge helped them make progress on their scholarly work.

Dickinson College is an NCFDD Institutional Member.
To register:

1. Visit NCFDD.org/join
2. Select Dickinson College and click “Activate My Membership”
3. Complete the registration form using your Dickinson email
4. Activate your account via the confirmation email

Already have an account? Register directly here:
https://members.ncfdd.org/sessions/14dayspring2026

Work/Life Alignment Presentation and Mid-Career Planning Workshop (with Dr. Daphne Pedersen) - February 27 10 am - 3 pm

When: Friday, February 27 (All faculty work-life alignment presentation from 10:00 am to 11:30 am; lunch 11:30 am – 1:00 pm; mid-career faculty workshop 1:00 – 3:00)

Where: Paz Center

Who: work-life alignment session open to all faculty; mid-career workshop open to mid-career faculty; lunch is for all faculty

Daphne Pedersen Bio Sketch:

Dr. Daphne E. Pedersen, Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor of Sociology at the University of North Dakota (UND), specializes in gender, the sociology of health, and how work and stress processes shape individual well-being - including among university students and faculty.  She has published several articles about work-life and wellbeing, faculty stress and burnout, workplace climate, and workload equity.  Dr. Pedersen currently serves as Associate Dean in the College of Arts & Sciences, focusing primarily on faculty affairs, and is Interim Chair of the Music Department at UND. She served as the Co-Editor in Chief of The Social Science Journal from 2018-2023. 

From Overload to Alignment: Managing Stress and Burnout in Higher Education (10:00 am to 11:30 am)

Though we occupy positions marked by significant privilege and autonomy, the work of being a professor is increasingly difficult – both for its unmanageable workload and the risk and uncertainty characterizing the world around us.  Indicative of long-term stress, many faculty report burnout and emotional exhaustion.  And our students are facing record levels of stress too.  Pedersen’s research explores factors related to stress and burnout within higher education, how these experiences are related to our health, and evidence-based practices that can help foster work-life alignment and workplace well-being.

Lunch 11:30 - 1:00 pm

Work/Life at Mid-Career: Finding Purpose and Crafting a Plan (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm)

As a midcareer faculty member, you occupy a distinctive and promising stage in your professional journey. With the pressures of tenure and promotion behind you, new opportunities and pathways open up for the next phase of your career.  You may have greater latitude at this stage to envision your work and future professional path.  In this workshop, we will explore how you are experiencing midcareer, reflect on possible directions for growth and leadership, and consider how to best align your strengths with future goals. We’ll conclude with practical strategies for optimizing your work time, incorporating rest and renewal, and supporting both your professional and personal well-being.

Registration deadline: February 24. To register, use this form: Daphne Pedersen's Work/Life Presentation and Mid-Career Workshop Registration – Fill out form.

Write for Life: 6-Week Faculty/Staff Book Discussion and Writing Group - Starts the week of March 2

Write for Life is a 6-week book discussion and writing group for faculty and staff, sponsored by the Center for Teaching, Learning & Scholarship (CTLS), and inspired by Write for Life by Julia Cameron. Beginning the week of March 2, the group will meet in a hybrid format with in-person sessions in Weeks 1, 3, and 6 and virtual check-ins in Weeks 2, 4, and 5; exact meeting days and times will be determined by the group. Meetings will take place in the CTLS now located in the lower level of the Waidner-Spahr Library. Participants will explore writing as a sustaining life practice through discussion, guided reflection, and dedicated writing time in a supportive, low-pressure environment. To foster meaningful conversation and community, participation is limited to the first 10 registrants, and the book will be provided. Registration deadline: February 20. To register, email CTLS@dickinson.edu.

About the author:
Julia Cameron is an artist, writer, and teacher best known for The Artist’s Way. Her work focuses on creativity as a spiritual and practical practice, encouraging writers to cultivate curiosity, self-trust, and sustainable creative habits. Write for Life invites readers to see writing not as a product-driven task, but as a lifelong source of clarity, vitality, and connection.

No prior experience with Julia Cameron’s work is required, and there is no expectation to share polished writing. The emphasis is on showing up, experimenting, and supporting one another in community.

Faculty/Staff Spring Writing Group - Wednesdays 1-3 pm in East College 110 

Are you trying to carve out space in your schedule to write? Have you considered joining a writing group as a way to increase accountability, motivation, and/or support? All faculty and staff are invited to attend a writing group that meets on Wednesdays facilitated by Lucy McInerney, Assistant Director of the Writing Program. Please email Lucy McInerney to join at mcinernl@dickinson.edu.

Spring Break Faculty/Staff Writing Retreat (co-sponsored by the Norman M. Eberly Multilingual Writing Center) - March 10, 11, & 12 in the Waidner-Spahr Library

The Center for Teaching, Learning & Scholarship and the Norman M. Eberly Writing Center are co-sponsoring a writing mini retreat for faculty and staff on March 10, 11, & 12. The writing retreat will be a three-day event (you can attend one, two, or three days) held in the Waidner-Spahr Library. The retreat will begin at 10 am and will go until 3 pm. Writers can come and go as needed throughout the day. Goal setting and reflection will be facilitated. A light lunch, snacks, and hot beverages will be provided. Optional consulting appointments and writing break activities will be available. The writing retreat will be a brief oasis to make individual progress on a writing project in a supportive, semi-social environment. Spaces are limited so please register to save your place using this form January & Spring Break Writing Retreat Registration – Fill out form

Radical Hope: A Teaching Manifesto Faculty/Staff Book Discussion Group - March 16 & 30, April 13

You are warmly invited to join a faculty and staff book discussion group centered on Radical Hope: A Teaching Manifesto by Kevin M. Gannon. In Radical Hope, Gannon offers a timely and deeply human vision of teaching grounded in care, justice, and possibility. Drawing on lived experience and critical pedagogy, the book challenges us to rethink what it means to teach—and to learn—during times of uncertainty, disruption, and change. Rather than nostalgia for “how things used to be,” Gannon calls for a radical, forward-looking hope rooted in equity, solidarity, and shared responsibility.

This discussion group will provide a collegial space for faculty and staff to reflect together on our roles as educators and institutional partners, to share experiences, and to explore how the ideas in Radical Hope might inform our teaching, mentoring, and work with students. No prior expertise in pedagogy is required—just curiosity and a willingness to engage in meaningful conversation. All faculty and staff are welcome. We hope you will join us for thoughtful dialogue, collective reflection, and a renewed sense of purpose in our educational work. 

To register, please email CTLS@dickinson.edu by March 2nd. Spaces will be limited to the first 12 people to register. Books will be ordered and delivered upon registration.

This group will meet every other Monday from 4:15pm-5:30pm starting on March 16th, and ending on April 13th. The schedule will be as follows:

• March 16th: Discussion on Intro & Chapters 1-3
• March 30th: Discussion on Chapters 4-7
• April 13th: Dicussion on Chapters 8-10 & Coda

Peeking Behind the Curtain: Demystifying the Scholarly Publishing Process - Thursday, March 19 6:00 - 7:00 pm (on Zoom)

Submitting a manuscript to a scholarly journal can feel opaque and intimidating. What happens behind the scenes? How are editorial decisions made? And how can authors position their work for success? In this webinar, five former and current editors and editorial board members of scholarly journals will offer an insider’s view of the publication process. Drawing on their experiences handling submissions, coordinating peer review, and making editorial decisions, panelists will share practical guidance on selecting journals, preparing manuscripts, responding to reviewer feedback, navigating revise-and-resubmit decisions, and understanding timelines and expectations. Designed for faculty at all stages of their careers, this conversation aims to make the publishing process more transparent and equip participants with actionable strategies for strengthening their submissions and engaging more effectively with journals. To sign up up for this webinar, please complete this form: Peeking Behind the Curtain: Demystifying the Scholarly Publishing Process Registration – Fill out form

Panelists: David Jackson (Professor of Physics and Astronomy), Ebru Kongar (Professor of Economics), Michele Kozimor (Director of Center for Teaching, Learning & Scholarship at Dickinson College), Katie Marchetti (Associate Professor of Political Science), Nicoletta Marini-Maio (Professor of Italian and Film Studies), Dave Richeson (Professor of Mathematics)

Making Group Work Work: Mini Panel & Lunch Discussion - Friday, March 27 12:30 - 2:00 pm

Join faculty and staff colleagues for a mini panel presentation and lunch discussion on the pedagogy of group work. Rather than offering a formally structured workshop, the Center for Civic Learning & Action (CCLA) and the Center for Teaching, Learning & Scholarship (CTLS) are co-sponsoring an informal, conversation-driven session on Friday, March 27 from 12:30–2:00 pm in the CTLS. Panelists will briefly share perspectives and practices for designing and facilitating effective group work, followed by open discussion. Together, we’ll explore what contributes to successful collaboration, consider strategies for supporting equitable participation and accountability, and reflect on common challenges associated with this pedagogical practice. Lunch and collegial exchange included. To sign up for the lunch discussion please complete the form here: Making Group Work Work: Mini Panel & Lunch Discussion – Fill out form

NCFDD Mastering Time Management Webinar Watch Party - Thursday, April 9 2:00 - 3:00 pm

Join us for a collegial watch party of the NCFDD Mastering Time Management webinar on Thursday, April 9 from 2:00–3:00 pm in the Center for Teaching, Learning & Scholarship. This NCFDD webinar offers concrete, practical strategies for managing time and priorities in academic life. Participants will learn about the three biggest mistakes faculty make in managing their time, how to align work time with institutional and personal priorities, ways to create dedicated time for academic writing and research, and how to build a network of support and accountability to sustain productivity and balance. Watch alongside colleagues in a supportive environment, with opportunities for informal conversation before and after the session. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided to keep you energized and engaged. No need to register, just come as you are, bring your questions, and leave with ideas you can put into practice right away!

From Proposal to Publication: Demystifying the Textbook Publishing Process - Thursday, April 16 6:00 - 7:00 pm (on Zoom)

Interested in publishing a textbook but unsure where to begin? Join a panel of Dickinson faculty who have successfully published textbooks as they share their experiences—from developing an idea to working with editors and bringing a book to market. Panelists will discuss how they shaped their proposals, what publishers look for, and how textbook writing fits within an academic career. They’ll also offer practical advice about timelines, collaboration, and balancing writing with teaching and research. Whether you are considering writing a textbook or simply curious about the process, this session will offer insights and an opportunity to ask questions. To sign up for this webinar, please complete this form: Demystifying the Textbook Publishing Process Registration – Fill out form

Panelists: Russel Bova (Professor of Political Science and International Studies), Alyssa DeBlasio (Professor of Russian), Steve Erfle (Professor of International Business and Management), John MacCormick (Professor of Computer Science), Brett Pearson (Professor of Physics and Astronomy)

NCFDD Managing Stress by Shifting Our Self-Talk webinar Watch Party - Tuesday, April 28 1:00 - 2:00 pm

Join us for a collegial watch party of the NCFDD Managing Stress by Shifting Our Self-Talk webinar on Tuesday, April 28 from 1:00–2:00 pm in the Center for Teaching, Learning & Scholarship. This NCFDD webinar focuses on how the ways we speak to ourselves can shape our stress levels, productivity, and overall well-being. Participants will explore practical strategies for recognizing unhelpful patterns of self-talk and learn how to reframe them in ways that foster resilience, clarity, and a greater sense of balance in academic life. The webinar is led by Elizabeth Odders-White, a former faculty member and academic leader at the University of Wisconsin–Madison who now runs a coaching and consulting practice supporting faculty and higher education leaders. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in academia, she brings a compassionate and practical approach to helping individuals navigate the complexities of academic work. She is the author of Well on Your Way: An Assistant Professor’s Companion and Well in the Lead: An Academic Leader’s Companion (with Suzanne Dove), and holds a Ph.D. in finance from Northwestern University, along with credentials as a Professional Certified Coach and Certified Executive Coach. Watch alongside colleagues in a supportive environment, with opportunities for informal conversation before and after the session. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided to keep you energized and engaged.

No need to register just come as you are, take a pause in your day, and leave with strategies you can use right away. It’s better when we watch together!

End of Semester Grading Party - Thursday, May 7 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Join fellow faculty and staff to tackle any end-of-semester grading or to-dos in a supportive environment and enjoy snacks, candy, and drinks. Director Michele Lee Kozimor will be there to offer support with any pedagogical questions or challenges you may be facing.  No need to sign up, just drop by the CTLS!

PhotoVoice Experiential Learning Workshop - Wednesday, May 13 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

This hands-on workshop introduces PhotoVoice as a participatory, arts-based teaching approach that invites students to use photography for storytelling, reflection, and dialogue. Participants will explore how images can help learners document lived experience, examine social issues, and communicate perspectives through both visuals and text.

The session combines technical and conceptual elements. Participants will work with basic photographic principles and create cyanotype prints using a historic, non-toxic process. Through guided prompts and discussion, they will reflect on how visual practices can support student voice, perspective-taking, and meaningful classroom conversation.

From a pedagogical standpoint, PhotoVoice offers a flexible model for experiential learning, reflective practice, and inclusive teaching. The workshop is designed to show how this approach can be adapted across disciplines to build visual literacy, critical thinking, and dialogue-based learning.

This workshop will be facilitated by Andy Bale (Visiting Lecturer in Art and Art History at Dickinson College) and Jonathon Cox (Associate Professor of Art and Design at University of Delaware). It is open to faculty and staff. Lunch and collegial exchange will be provided. Please register for the workshop using this form: PhotoVoice for Community Engagement: Visual Storytelling, Reflection, and Dialogue – Fill out form.

Summer Kickoff May Writing Retreat - Tuesday, May 26 10 am - 3:00 pm

The Center for Teaching, Learning & Scholarship and the Norman M. Eberly Writing Center are co-sponsoring a writing mini retreat for faculty and staff on May 26, 2026. The writing retreat will be held in the Waidner-Spahr Library. Writers can come and go as needed throughout the day. Goal setting and reflection will be facilitated. A light lunch, snacks, and hot beverages will be provided. Optional consulting appointments and writing break activities will be available. The writing retreat will be a brief oasis to make individual progress on a writing project in a supportive, semi-social environment. Spaces are limited so please register to save your place using this form: Summer Kickoff May Faculty/Staff Writing Retreat – Fill out form.