Presenters: Michelle Myers, Elizabeth Catanese, Cory Dulaney

Audience: Faculty, Staff, Administrators

In-Person: Bonnell, BR-24

Learning Goals

Participants will:

• Reflect on how listening to students can inform and transform curriculum design
• Gain insight into creating learning environments that promote both academic and personal development 
• Identify at least one student-centered practice to incorporate into their own teaching

Seminar Description

What happens when we stop talking about students and start listening to them? When we shift markers of learning from compliance to connection? When we transform academic barriers into breakthrough opportunities? Building on the Lindback Lecture presented by Dr. Michelle Myers in April 2025, this interactive professional development session invites faculty to reimagine the classroom as a space where students’ voices are not only heard but centered. Participants will explore how creative, student-centered approaches can deepen engagement, foster academic success, and promote personal growth. Co-facilitated by Dr. Myers, Professor Elizabeth Catanese (English), and Cory Dulaney (Director, Center for Male Engagement) this session will feature three mini-presentations in which each instructor shares a lesson or activity they use to make learning more meaningful. These real-world examples will demonstrate how compassion in teaching can transform educational experiences for both students and faculty. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for creating more inclusive classroom environments, ones where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to succeed. We invite faculty and administrators across disciplines who are interested in rethinking traditional teaching strategies and embracing student-centered pedagogy.