Faculty Learning Communities:
A FLCs consist of an active group of 8-12 faculty who work together to explore new pedagogical techniques, engage in conversations about topics in higher education, work on strategic initiatives for GSC, or support one another as a cohort at similar stages in their careers. Registration for an FLC is easy: simply click the link next to the one you are interested in joining and fill out your information. The facilitator(s) will contact you with more information on meeting times.
- 1st and 2nd Year Faculty – This year-long cohort-based faculty learning community is designed to support faculty in their first or second year at Gordon State College. This FLC fosters cross departmental connections and provides a supportive space for new faculty to engage in professional development tailored to their early career stage. Sample topics include best pedagogical practices for student success in face-to-face classes and online courses, strategizing service, collecting and responding to student feedback, and preparing for the annual review. The FLC will meet at 11 AM on 8/24, 9/14, 9/28, 10/19, 11/2, and 11/16.
- Increasing Student Engagement and Critical Thinking through Writing – One of the major concerns employers have with the current generation is their lack of critical thinking, engagement with colleagues on work related matters, and writing in a professional manner. This FLC will bring together faculty from across disciplines and departments to develop strategies and ways to implement changes that can better meet the needs of current GSC students. To aid faculty, a copy of Engaging Ideas: The Professor’s Guide to Integrating Writing, Critical Thinking, and Active Learning in the Classroom by John C. Bean will be provided. The FLC will meet at 11 AM on 9/2, 9/23, 10/14, 10/28, 11/4, 11/18.
To register for either FLC, please sign up at this link: Faculty Learning Community Sign-Up
Lunch and Learn:
LLs are a great opportunity to learn about a specific area of interest throughout the academic year. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the LLs will center around the Title III Grant and related initiatives on campus.
Dates: September 9, October 7, November 11, February 10, March 10, and April 14
Time and Place: 11:00 AM in the Executive Dining Room of Highlander Hall
Registration links will be sent out two weeks prior to the LLs with seating limited to 20 faculty.
Workshops:
Workshops are stand-alone one-time events given at various times throughout the academic year to support faculty development initiatives. Below are a list of workshops for Fall 2026. No registration is required to attend any workshops.
Accommodating Students with Accommodation Letters
Facilitator: Alicia Dorton
Date and Time: August 26, 11:00 AM
Location: Highlander Room in Student Center
Open Classroom Days:
OCDs are held in the Spring to help faculty observe how other colleagues use their teaching skills to engage students in various styles of classes. OCDs are given for face-to-face and hybrid courses only.
Dates: February 17 and 18, 2027
Times: Various
Locations: Various
Tech-free Tuesdays:
Dates: September 1, October 6, November 3, February 2, March 2, and April 6
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: TBD
Student Success and Teaching Summit:
The Spring 2026 Student Success and Teaching Summit will focus on A.I., Plagiarism, and Burnout, but other topics for presentations are encouraged. If you are interested in participating, please submit your proposal to ddrake@gordonstate.edu by 5 PM on 03/27/26. Include in your proposal the following information: Title, Topic, Time length (30- or 60-minute session), Room type needed (computer lab or classroom), and a 150–250-word abstract.
If you are planning to present with someone else, please make sure to indicate that in your proposal.
Date of summit: May 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided on the day. To download a copy of the program and abstracts for the Spring 2026 summit please click here.
