Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor
The Penn College 2023 Summer Teaching Institute this week provided faculty with a day and a half of professional development that focused on fostering a campus environment of belonging.
Showcasing both in-house and external presenters – including Amanda Slichter, who leads diversity, equity and inclusion efforts for Kutztown University's Residence Life Office – the institute collaboratively delivered opportunities to gain information and improve skills in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Among Monday's activities was a Community Action Poverty Simulation in the Field House, facilitated by BLaST Intermediate Unit 17, during which participants assumed the roles of low-income family members living on a limited budget.
A “family” responds to a “Luck of the Draw” card that will impact their lives. Seated (from left) are: Betty Anne Leiby, simulation laboratory coordinator, nursing education; Kaysey L. Beury, LEAP adviser-placement testing/new student advising support; Georgia R. Laudenslager, associate professor, reference and research initiatives/lead librarian; looking on is Todd Moyer, training and consulting staff, BLaST IU 17.
Playing a law enforcement officer, Jillian T. Scanlon delivers a tough lesson to Matthew D. Krepps, an aviation maintenance instructor. (Scanlon is holding neglected “babies” whose parents are in jail.)
In a corner of the Field House, “school-age family members” attend K-12 school. Participants included faculty, staff and students from the Human Services & Restorative Justice Club.
Nate Woods Jr., special assistant to the president for inclusion transformation, conveys “Inclusive Language for Your Syllabi” in a College Avenue Labs classroom ...
... and offers insights on positive communication and sharing community resources with students.
The schedule also provided opportunities for sidebar connections, like that being enjoyed by (from left) Christof Keebaugh, assistant professor of physics; Summer L. Bukeavich, associate professor of business administration/management and marketing; and Woods.
“Accessibility Fundamentals” is presented by Walter J. Shultz, director of educational and emerging technologies, and Dawn M. Dickey, director of disability and access resources.
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