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Dealing With the Unexpected: Classroom Disruptions

Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 10:05 AM - 11:20 AM, Engaging in conflict is challenging whether you are an experienced instructor or new to your role. A common strategy is to ignore the behavior due to our own discomfort, concern over retaliation or fear that our intervention may cause more harm or disruption. We will identify what our fears are about classroom disruption and use case study examples to practice strategies to stretch participants' comfort zones. This workshop will also explore Gerald Amada's research from Coping with Misconduct in the College Classroom and provide participants with tangible strategies to prevent and respectfully address disruptive behavior. This is a required session for a certificate of completion in Fostering Proactive Learning Environments. This is an online only webinar; there is no in-person attendance option. To attend the webinar, register here. Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 10:05 AM – 11:20 AM. See event description for more details.

Blackboard Ultra Gradebook: A Deeper Look

Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, This workshop is designed for Blackboard users who are familiar with the new Ultra Course View but want a more intensive look at the UCV Gradebook. In this 60-minute session, a consultant from eLearning Services will share best practices and tips & tricks for setting up a Gradebook that works for you, present a live demonstration, and answer questions. This is an online only webinar; there is no in-person attendance option. To attend the webinar, register here. Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. See event description for more details.

Game-based Learning Q&A

Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 2:50 PM - 4:05 PM, Are you curious how others are successfully incorporating games into their classroom as a means of active learning? Are you interested in asking what makes their games work or how they pick the game? This webinar will feature panelists from across disciplines discussing their expertise, tips, and answers to your questions. At the end of panel discussions, participants will have the opportunity to share their own experiences. Come join a growing group of educators here at USC who use gaming as active learning in their classrooms! This is an online only webinar; there is no in-person attendance option. To attend the webinar, register here. Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 2:50 PM – 4:05 PM. See event description for more details.

Reimagining Assessment with Generative Artificial Intelligence

Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM, Enhance the authenticity, clarity, and meaningfulness of your assessments with Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). This session explores practical strategies for using GenAI tools—such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot—to design assessment tasks, generate formative feedback, and support student reflection. Examine how intentional prompting and transparent use of GenAI can strengthen assessment for learning, promote critical thinking, and support deeper student learning. By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Differentiate between traditional and GenAI-supported assessment approaches and describe where GenAI can add value. , Apply prompt-writing strategies to design or refine assessments that measure student learning and support learning processes. , Use GenAI tools to generate formative feedback, reflection prompts, and authentic assessment components aligned with course outcomes. , Identify ethical and transparent… Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 12:00 PM – 12:50 PM. See event description for more details.

Video Captioning and Transcription Made Easy

Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 2:20 PM - 2:50 PM, Captioning and transcripts make video content more engaging, flexible, and accessible. Learn how to use USC’s supported video platform, Panopto, to easily add and manage captions for lectures and other recorded materials. This is an online only webinar; there is no in-person attendance option. To attend the webinar, register here. Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 2:20 PM – 2:50 PM. See event description for more details.

PDFs without Barriers

Thursday, April 9, 2026, 11:40 AM - 12:10 PM, PDFs are one of the most common file types shared across courses and websites, but they can also be one of the least accessible if not properly designed. This micro-workshop explores how to create and remediate accessible PDFs, whether you’re exporting from Word, PowerPoint, or scanning existing materials. Learn how to check PDFs for accessibility as well as resources to address the most common errors. This is an online only webinar; there is no in-person attendance option. To attend the webinar, register here. Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Thursday, April 9, 2026, 11:40 AM – 12:10 PM. See event description for more details.

PDFs without Barriers

Explorance Blue Faculty Training

Thursday, April 9, 2026, 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM, In preparation for upcoming course surveys, this session will introduce Explorance Blue, our new course survey tool. We’ll walk through the entire process—from selecting your two personalized questions to encouraging student participation. We’ll also review the instructor report, including what it looks like and when you can expect to receive it after the survey period concludes. This is an online only webinar; there is no in-person attendance option. To attend the webinar, register here. Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Thursday, April 9, 2026, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM. See event description for more details.

Active Learning for Large Classrooms

Thursday, April 9, 2026, 2:50 PM - 4:05 PM, You've got your mind set on active learning strategies, but how do you bring them to scale without overwhelming yourself or your students? Maybe you're wanting to do 'something' active in your big class, or to adapt a technique you're using with a smaller class, but need support with the logistics. Join us for an overview of effective, evidence-based active learning strategies that are manageable in larger classes - whether for you that means 30 or 300. This is an online only webinar; there is no in-person attendance option. To attend the webinar, register here. Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Thursday, April 9, 2026, 2:50 PM – 4:05 PM. See event description for more details.

Entering Mentoring: Articulating Your Mentoring Philosophy and Plan

Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 2:50 PM - 4:05 PM, Reflecting upon your mentoring relationships is a vital part of becoming a more effective mentor. This is especially important immediately following a mentor-mentee training sequence like Entering Mentoring as it allows you to consider how to implement changes in your mentoring practice based on the training you have received. The ability and practice of reflecting on your mentoring at regular intervals is strongly encouraged. This is a required session for the Entering Mentoring certificate of completion. Center for Teaching Excellence, Thomas Cooper Library, Level 5, Room L511, This is an in-person event that requires physical attendance; register here to attend. Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 2:50 PM – 4:05 PM. Thomas Cooper Library L511.

Virtual Environments Community of Practice (VECoP)

Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM, The virtual environments community of practice is planning ways to integrate virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality into teaching and learning environments at USC. Meetings are open to faculty, staff and students. This is an online only meeting; there is no in-person attendance option. To attend the meeting, register here. Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 12:00 PM – 12:50 PM. See event description for more details.

GenAI CoP: Ethical Use of Generative AI

Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM, The Generative Artificial Intelligence Community of Practice (GenAI CoP) at the University of South Carolina is a collaborative initiative designed to explore and discuss the implications of GenAI in higher education. This community brings together faculty, staff, and graduate students to share insights, strategies, and experiences related to the integration of GenAI across administration, research, teaching, and learning. Thomas Cooper Library, Room 118, 1322 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, This is an in-person meeting that requires physical attendance; register here to attend. Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM. See event description for more details.

Improving Research Learning Outcomes with the Library

Thursday, April 16, 2026, 10:05 AM - 11:20 AM, Learn to question your assumptions about what students know and explicitly identify the knowledge and skills you want them to acquire when completing library research assignments. [In this session, participants will explore common challenges students face when conducting library research and identify best practices for designing assignments that require or encourage the use of library resources. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about ways in which faculty can partner with librarians to support student success. By creating research assignments with specific learning outcomes that are clear to your students, you can improve the experience for everyone involved. This is a required session for a certificate of completion in Teaching with the Library. Center for Teaching Excellence, Thomas Cooper Library, Level 5, Room L511, This is an in-person event that requires physical attendance; there is no virtual attendance option. Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Thursday, April 16, 2026, 10:05 AM – 11:20 AM. Thomas Cooper Library L511.

Recovery Ally

Thursday, April 16, 2026, 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM, Through Recovery Ally workshops, Gamecock Recovery strives to empower students, faculty and staff to make campus more supportive of students in recovery from substance use disorder. Learn to: confront myths and stigma about substance use disorder; use and model acts of allyship in everyday interactions; and identify, access, and direct people to recovery resources at USC. The Recovery Ally workshop is presented in a flipped-classroom model that includes a self-paced video module as prework (estimated 20 minutes) and an in-person session. Please review the recorded content prior to your workshop session. This is a required session for a certificate of completion in Mental Health and Well-being Competency. Center for Teaching Excellence, Thomas Cooper Library, Level 5, Room L511, This is an in-person event that requires physical attendance; register here to attend. Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Thursday, April 16, 2026, 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM. Thomas Cooper Library L511.

Developing a Course Syllabus

Friday, April 17, 2026, 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM, In this workshop, you will begin to develop (or revise) a syllabus for a course you teach now or in the future, through exploration of the Backward Design framework (Wiggins & McTighe 1998) and the associated concept of course alignment (Fink 2013). We’ll discuss the importance and role of learning outcomes and explore how to craft them using Bloom’s revised taxonomy (Anderson & Krathwohl 2001). Attendees will then learn how the development of thoughtfully designed learning outcomes guides instructors in formulating the appropriate assessment, creating a quality learning activity or assignment, and finally, determining the most effective method for teaching that activity. Other tips and resources for syllabus development will be discussed, including template resources from the CTE, inclusion of required and optional sections (as per USC policies), and other recommendations. This is an online only webinar; there is no in-person attendance option. To attend… Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Friday, April 17, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM. See event description for more details.

Rethinking Your Teaching Philosophy in the Age of GenAI

Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 11:40 AM - 12:55 PM, A teaching philosophy statement provides a concise description of an instructor's perspective on teaching, student learning, methodologies, and implementation, and institutions typically request a teaching philosophy statement from applicants for faculty positions and as part of the tenure and promotion process. What, then, is your teaching philosophy? What aspects should you reflect upon, write, or include? And importantly, how has the writing of this document changed as a result of ChatGPT, both in your perspective on this fundamental shift in higher education as well as document construction assistance? This will be a working webinar, where we will discuss strategies for composing the statement, incorporating time for personalized theme development, and tips for using ChatGPT prompts in writing it. Participants will leave with a thematic outline and components of their statement, and guidelines to continue crafting it. NOTE: For you and other… Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 11:40 AM – 12:55 PM. See event description for more details.

From Yawn to Yes!: Increasing Student Engagement through Active Learning Technologies

Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 2:50 PM - 4:05 PM, Active learning can energize your classroom and provide AI-proof ways to assess students' progress. Unfortunately, many students groan at the thought of group work or discussions. Come learn how adding various tools and media to your classroom can get your students excited about the coursework. This webinar tackles the question of how educators can use student-facing technologies such as virtual whiteboards, collaborative documents, VR, games, podcasts, polling, and more to increase student interest both in the in-person and online classroom. In addition, we will talk about overcoming common obstacles both in planning and implementation. This is an online only webinar; there is no in-person attendance option. To attend the webinar, register here. Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 2:50 PM – 4:05 PM. See event description for more details.

Owning Your Break

Owning Your Break is an interactive, wellness-focused workshop designed to help students reflect, recharge, and create a personalized Break Support Plan before the semester break. The workshop focuses on setting healthy boundaries, protecting mental well-being, and staying grounded during breaks from academic work. This is open to all USC students and is especially supportive for those who may find breaks stressful or overwhelming. Please consider sharing this opportunity with your students, advisees, or groups! Objectives: As a result of this workshop, students will be able to, Demonstrate strategies to maintain mental and emotional well-being during break, such as creating a self-care plan, grounding techniques, and realistic coping tools. , Develop and communicate healthy boundaries with family, friends, or work commitments to protect their peace and emotional safety. , Construct a personalized Break Support Plan that includes coping tools, support contacts, and intentions for self-care and… Admission Cost: Free. Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM. See event description for more details.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) CoP

Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 2:20 PM - 3:10 PM, The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) community of practice provides an intentional space for discussion regarding accessibility in teaching and learning at the university. Faculty, staff, and students are invited to join. Center for Teaching Excellence, Thomas Cooper Library, Level 5, Room L511, This is an in-person event that requires physical attendance; register here to attend. Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 2:20 PM – 3:10 PM. Thomas Cooper Library L511.

Teaching with Data from University Libraries

Thursday, April 23, 2026, 10:05 AM - 11:20 AM, Are you interested in teaching using data but unsure where to start? University Libraries has resources and people who can help you teach your students to understand and work with data. In this session, learn about the Libraries' data collections and librarians who can provide data learning opportunities in a a variety of modalities. This is an elective session for a certificate of completion in Teaching with the Library. Center for Teaching Excellence, Thomas Cooper Library, Level 5, Room L511, This is an in-person event that requires physical attendance; register here to attend. Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Thursday, April 23, 2026, 10:05 AM – 11:20 AM. Thomas Cooper Library L511.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper Training

Thursday, April 23, 2026, 11:40 AM - 12:55 PM, This Compassionate Carolina workshop teaches participants how to recognize warning signs of suicide and respond with care, confidence, and connection. The QPR model equips faculty and staff to support students in distress and foster a culture of compassion and safety throughout the Carolina community. This is a required session for a certificate of completion in Mental Health and Well-being Competency. Center for Teaching Excellence, Thomas Cooper Library, Level 5, Room L511, This is an in-person event that requires physical attendance; register here to attend. Admission Cost: Free, Register to Attend. Thursday, April 23, 2026, 11:40 AM – 12:55 PM. Thomas Cooper Library L511.

Owning Your Break

Owning Your Break is an interactive, wellness-focused workshop designed to help students reflect, recharge, and create a personalized Break Support Plan before the semester break. The workshop focuses on setting healthy boundaries, protecting mental well-being, and staying grounded during breaks from academic work. This is open to all USC students and is especially supportive for those who may find breaks stressful or overwhelming. Please consider sharing this opportunity with your students, advisees, or groups! Objectives: As a result of this workshop, students will be able to, Demonstrate strategies to maintain mental and emotional well-being during break, such as creating a self-care plan, grounding techniques, and realistic coping tools. , Develop and communicate healthy boundaries with family, friends, or work commitments to protect their peace and emotional safety. , Construct a personalized Break Support Plan that includes coping tools, support contacts, and intentions for self-care and… Admission Cost: Free. Friday, April 24, 2026, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM. See event description for more details.