Planning is well underway for the 2024 University Scholarship & Best Practices Expo! The program and presenter bios are being finalized and will be available soon. Registration will open in the coming weeks, please watch your inbox for more information or visit our website @

Expo Website

We’re All Stressed: Coping Strategies for the Clinician and Educator, Traditional Presentation - Scholarship

Erin Faraclas, PT, DPT, PhD, MSCS, NBC-HWC, (She/Her), Associate Professor, Physical Therapy

Stress is a growing problem in the healthcare field and among our healthcare students. This study aims to understand the primary sources of stress and coping skill behavior among graduate healthcare students and the impact of in-class training on coping skills. This study used a longitudinal cohort design. Entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students were followed through their onsite didactic curriculum. Results demonstrated the coping strategies most frequently utilized were exercise, sleep, eating, watching television or movies, and spending time with family and friends. In addition, eating, talking, or writing about stressors, hobbies, social media, mindfulness, and deep breathing showed a moderate reduction in students' stress. Stress at moderate levels or more has become common among undergraduate and graduate students. Facilitating the use of evidence-based stress reduction strategies in the classroom, lab, or clinical setting may help to lower stress levels in our students.

Addressing Learner Variability in the CFIT Lab Classroom - Scholarship

Katrina M. Herold, Ed.D, (She/Her), Professor/Director, College of Food Innovation and Technology (CFIT), Center for Teaching & Learning, Providence Campus

Amy Felder, Ed.D, (She/Her), Baking and Pastry Department Chair, College of Food Innovation and Technology (CFIT)

Although neurodivergence isn’t a contemporary concept, awareness of learner variability is becoming mainstream in academia. When engaging in CFIT lab curricula, many students experience unique challenges, and faculty may lack the training needed to respond appropriately. Phase one of this study will be conducted using a Likert scale survey as an instrument to identify: RQ1: What are the top three challenges that CFIT lab faculty encounter when teaching the modern CFIT student? During phase two, the researchers in collaboration with students from the JWU OTD program will review the literature to identify: RQ2: What best practices and methods should faculty implement to design accessible lessons for all JWU CFIT lab students and address the specific challenges as discovered in Phase 1 of this study? The results of this study will inform a training program comprised of research-based pedagogical practices for all JWU CFIT lab faculty.

The University Scholarship & Best Practices Expo committee is looking for volunteers! We have almost doubled in size since last year's expo, and as a result, we need faculty, staff, and student volunteers to help with directing traffic, monitoring AV, set-up, and breakdown. Even if you are only available for a small amount of time, we would greatly appreciate the support! Please click on the button below to sign-up.

When: Friday, April 12, 2024, 8am-3:30pm

Providence Location: Friedman Center, 2nd floor and additional locations, Harborside Campus

Charlotte Location: Innovation Lab, Hance Auditorium, University Events Center (UEC)

Save the Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 1-3PM

JWU's annual Student Research, Design & Innovation Symposium has opened its call for student projects! We invite undergraduate, graduate, and recently graduated JWU students to submit abstracts of research, scholarship or other creative work by February 1, 2024. Any work completed in the past 2 years can be submitted!

Click here to learn more information about submitting a proposal. Please share with your students!

The symposium will occur simultaneously at the Downcity (John J. Bowen Center) and Charlotte (University Events Center) campuses.

Are you interested in how artificial intelligence will impact higher education? Would you like to be a part of the conversation about how JWU will respond? If so, please email the Center (CTL@jwu.edu) to express interest. We are seeking faculty representatives from each college/campus, IDT, the library, and Community Standards & Conduct.

On Thursday, January 4th, the Center hosted a workshop facilitated by Erin Kalish, M.A. Instructional Designer & Adjunct Faculty, Instructional Design & Technology (IDT).

We’ve all heard the excuses or had students beg to turn in assignments weeks after the deadline has passed. Granting these student requests often doesn’t result in quality assignments and creates more work for faculty. There has to be a better way. In this session, we will review some research on how we can use late policies to support student success in our classes. I will then share two different late policies built upon this research that I have used successfully in my own teaching. Finally, we will open it up for discussion—what is your late work policy? Is it working? How might you revise your late policy for the next term?

The session recording, slideshow presentation, and materials are available below, on our JWULink, and uLearn.

It was only one year ago that discussions of Chat GPT entered our zeitgeist and now, JWU has unveiled new language in its Academic Integrity policy to include use of these tools when applicable and permissible by the instructor. Join us as we discuss the changes to the policy, guidance on how to set up course expectations that allow students to use the tools in responsible ways and action steps the university is taking to stay abreast of changes in the artificial intelligence landscape.

Facilitated by: Kristin Pendergast, M.Ed., Assistant Director of Community Standards and Conduct

When: Friday, January 12, 2024, 1:00-2:30pm
Where: VIRTUAL

Based on conversations that have taken place in workshops and among cohort participants at the CTL, many of our JWU faculty and staff have fascinating stories to tell. If you’d like to share your story in a memoir (of any length) but don’t know where to start, or you’ve already drafted a memoir but would like feedback from your colleagues, consider joining the memoir writing circle. We will discuss the characteristics of the memoir genre, share our writing, and provide feedback to each other in a casual, supportive environment.

The group will meet on the first Tuesday of every month* from 4:00-5:00, and you can either join in person at the CTL or remotely via Zoom. If you want further information about the writing circle, email Karen Shea at kshea@jwu.edu.

Please Note: Writing Circle will meet on 1/16*

Attendees will be introduced to secondary-researched cases, how they differ from primary-researched cases, and how to write and publish secondary-researched cases. Topics will include identifying learning objectives, decision points, and research sources, as well as disseminating secondary-researched cases. After attending the workshop, participants will have a foundation to begin incorporating case study publications into their scholarly pursuits.

Facilitator: John D. Varlaro, PhD, SPHR, GPHR

When: Friday, January 19th, 12:30pm-1:30pm

Where: VIRTUAL via Zoom

Audience: All faculty and staff, as case study publication is an opportunity for all disciplines, not just business.

Join us for a discussion about the REAL Project (Reimagining Experiential & Applied Learning). Learn about the exciting progress made to date and hear from faculty who are implementing REAL opportunities into their Spring classes based on the KOLB Experiential Learning Cycle.

Faculty, including our Davis Grant recipients, Professors Carla White Ellis and Barbara Norris will share their work that has been re-energizing for them and their students. They will share what they have implemented as well as share positive student engagement results.

When: January 19, 2024, 2:30-3:30pm

Where: VIRTUAL-- all JWU Faculty are welcome!

Join us and “Let’s Get Real!” Learn more about REAL by clicking on the video link below!

Elevating Academic Integrity: Creating Positive Learning Environments and Institutional Cultures of Integrity

The CTL has partnered with Community Standards & Conduct and IDT to develop a four- session workshop series with a digital badging option for those that meet all of the requirements.

Certificate Description: This four-part certificate aims to provide faculty with tools and strategies to create a meaningful and mutually beneficial academic environment. Workshops will address academic integrity from both policy and pedagogical standpoints, review trends in academic misconduct, and explain the investigative and referral process for students who may violate academic integrity policies. The series will conclude with an interactive workshop on classroom behavior and effective ways to respond to students who are disruptive or in crisis.

Session 1- The Wildcat Way: Promoting Integrity as an Institutional Value

At JWU, we pride ourselves on The Wildcat Way, or a shared set of values that we as a university strive to uphold. Integrity is embedded into all of the shared values of Pride, Courage, Character and Community, and each faculty and staff member plays a role in maintaining a culture of integrity at JWU. This introductory workshop will provide an overview of the ways we contribute to the culture of integrity at JWU.

Facilitated by: Kristin Pendergast, M.Ed., (She/Her), Assistant Director of Community Standards and Conduct

When: January 19, 2024, 10am

Where: VIRTUAL

Session 2- Navigating Academic Integrity- Trends and Responses in Addressing Misconduct

While cheating is not new, the ways in which students commit misconduct change over time, and with new changes in technology, there are always new trends faculty should be aware of. This workshop aims to educate faculty on our Academic Integrity policy and discuss trends we are seeing at JWU with our students. We will also bring in members of our Instructional Design and Technology team, who will review their role in assisting faculty with creating assessments that can mitigate misconduct. Lastly, this workshop will review the process of what to do if you suspect misconduct in your course, from investigation to referral to the Conduct Review Process and educational sanctions for responsible students.

Facilitated by: Kristin Pendergast, M.Ed., (She/Her), Assistant Director of Community Standards and Conduct

When: February 9, 2024, 10am

Where: VIRTUAL

Session 3- Beyond the Syllabus: Infusing Integrity into the Classroom

It is best practice to include an Academic Integrity statement on a course syllabus, but is that enough in today’s classroom? This faculty-led workshop will introduce you to methods beyond the syllabus that will assist you in setting clear expectations throughout the semester. Topics include syllabus information, uLearn options, and discussion topics that engage students in thinking critically about what it means to uphold integrity in the classroom.

Facilitated by:

Kristin Pendergast, M.Ed., (She/Her), Assistant Director of Community Standards and Conduct

Désirée Schuler, MA, (She/Her), English, Associate Professor, Humanities

When: March 8, 2024, 10am

Where: VIRTUAL

Session 4- Classroom Behavior and Conflict Resolution

While faculty can be proactive in setting up class content, they cannot always prevent the unexpected when it comes to students in distress or being disruptive. This workshop addresses strategies that faculty can use when it comes to disruption in virtual and on- ground settings while maintaining control of their classroom. Faculty will also be provided with resources they can refer students to, including a review of the CARE Team process, Safety and Security, and uSucceed. The workshop will include real-life scenarios in which faculty will have to work as a team to address how to best handle each situation, concluding with a debriefing with Community Standards and Conduct.

Facilitated By: Kristin Pendergast, M.Ed., (She/Her), Assistant Director of Community Standards and Conduct

When: April 19, 10am

Where: VIRTUAL

The Teaching and Research cohort has been active with faculty and staff members in attendance, all working on traditional research or Scholarship of Teaching and Learning projects (SoTL)! All who feel they may benefit from a supportive environment and the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with peers while working on teaching or research projects are encouraged to join us.

Flexible VIRTUAL meeting times are being offered.

Next Session: Monday, January 22nd, 10:00-11:00am

Email CTL@jwu.edu to be added to the list of participants and to receive meeting invites.

JWU faculty on all campuses are welcome to join the Gardner Institute’s learning and development session virtually on Friday, January 26, from 9am-12pm. This is offered in person in Charlotte. There will be didactic material and small group discussions focusing on classroom success. The session will be live-streamed via Zoom, allowing virtual participants to ask questions and participate in online small-group discussions. Charlotte faculty will participate in a working lunch, sponsored by the Center for Teaching & Learning.

Facilitated by: Stephanie M. Foote, Vice President for Teaching, Learning, and Evidence-Based Practices, Gardner Institute

When: Friday, January 26th, 9am-12pm
Where: University Events Center (Charlotte) & VIRTUAL

All Providence employees are invited to join President Bernardo-Sousa for open and informal discussions on JWU’s culture of inclusion and belonging. Each session will be centered around a theme based on feedback received over the past year, including from the employee IDEA Survey. Discussions during the fall semester focused on experiences around disability addressing diversity in recruiting and hiring, and employee wellbeing. Each session will provide information and resources followed by facilitated conversation around a specific theme. Please view the spring semester discussion topics and sign up by clicking here. Refreshments will be provided!

When: Tuesday, January 30th, 1pm & Wednesday, March 13th, 1pm

Where: Center for Teaching & Learning, Richmond Building 1st floor, Downcity (IN PERSON ONLY)

There will also be a session at the Wildcat Center Lounge, Harborside on February 12th, 11am.

Join us for this free nine-part webinar series in which we explore practical strategies for applying the nine Universal Design for Learning Guidelines to any modality.

Presenters will explore the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines in this free nine-part webinar series. Discover actionable strategies to spark curiosity and ignite learning across on-campus, asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid environments. You'll gain practical tools and resources, readily adaptable to any discipline.

Dates: 1/24, 2/28, 3/27, 4/24, 5/29, 6/26, 7/31, 8/28, 9/25 (All dates are Wednesdays.)

Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern

Audience: These webinars are recommended for faculty, instructional designers, librarians, tutors, academic advisors, and other personnel.

Sponsored By: the Goodwin University Institute for Learning Innovation, the Goodwin University Center for Teaching Excellence, and the University of Bridgeport Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching.

Proposals for the NEBHE OER mini grant program are due by March 1st.

For all information related to this program, please visit our Library guide at:

Link to Library Guide

and contact Lisa.Spicola@jwu.edu or Katrina.Herold@jwu.edu for more information

Faculty, although proposals are due in March, the project work can occur during the summer months!

When: Friday, March 15th, 2024

Where: Harborside Academic Center (HAC Amphitheater) & VIRTUAL-- all JWU employees are welcome!

Presented by: Rosanne J. Westgate, Ph.D., CBIS

This presentation will offer insights into neurodiversity and research-based strategies for ensuring academic, social, and emotional success among neurodiverse students at JWU. While support services are readily available for K-12 students, college students are expected to navigate a more independent path and advocate for themselves. This presentation contends that everyone is a neurodiverse learner with unique learning styles.

In this presentation, Dr. Westgate delves into neurodiversity, addressing categories such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, executive functioning issues, ADHD, and Learning Disabilities like dyslexia. College-bound students, driven by their desire to be at JWU, seek an environment where they can thrive. Supporting these students involves a comprehensive approach, starting with a review of their assessments and collaboration with accessibility services to create and adhere to a 504 Accommodation Plan. The subsequent steps include developing an inclusive plan that caters to each student's needs without compromising the curriculum's integrity.

Dr. Westgate has over 50 years of experience as a special educator, principal, director of special education, and college professor. In this presentation, she will highlight the importance of a foundation in research-based strategies for specially designed instruction, based on federal guidelines.

270 Weybosset Street, Richmond Building 1st Floor