Classified Professional Learning Day

8.30 am – 9 am

MEET AND GREET – Coffee, tea, and light breakfast

9 am – 10:20 am

Welcome and Opening Session featuring Keynote Speaker Elaine Lin Hering: 

Good careers and happy workplaces don’t just happen. In this interactive keynote, Elaine Lin Hering introduces 3 strategies for building the career (and life) you want so communication and conflict doesn’t get in your way.

Professional Learning Committee

Elaine Lin Hering

Jonas Center

"3 Strategies for Driving Your Own Career and Growth" Keynote Breakout

Designed for classified professionals, this interactive workshop builds on the keynote “3 Strategies for Driving Your Own Career and Growth”. We’ll move from ideas to application—turning strategies into concrete steps professionals can use in their day-to-day lives. Through guided discussion, small group practice, and real-world scenarios, you’ll explore how to ask for what you need, share your perspective, and even handle the inevitable gnarly moments with more ease.

Session Outcomes

• Identify people they can ask for three types of feedback
• Use the “Ladder of Inference” to share their perspective and remain curious about someone else’s
• Reframe common difficult reactions from managers or colleagues to keep conversations productive
• Commit to at least one concrete experiment to continue developing the communication skills necessary for any career and community

Elaine Lin Hering

Bldg. 7 Room 103 Computer Lab

Building Accessibility Together: Understanding Accessible Materials & the ACMM Framework

Join us for an engaging session designed to empower classified staff with foundational knowledge and practical strategies for creating and supporting accessible materials. This professional learning session equips classified staff with essential knowledge and tools to support accessibility in their daily work. Participants will explore the principles of accessible materials and learn about the Accessibility Capability Maturity Model (ACMM) -- a framework and process sponsored by CCC Tech Connect that helps California Community Colleges assess and improve their accessibility practices. Participants will explore what makes materials accessible, why accessibility matters for all students and the community, how their roles contribute to a more inclusive environment, and how they can participate in the ACMM to provide inclusivity for our staff, students, and campus visitors.

Session Outcomes

• Identify key characteristics of accessible materials
• Explain why accessibility is essential for equitable access in educational and workplace settings.
• Recognize their role in supporting accessibility efforts within their department or classroom.
• Describe the purpose and structure of the Accessibility Capability Maturity Model (ACMM) and how it can guide continuous improvement in accessibility practices across the organization

Stacey Lince

Ephantus Mogere

Bldg. 7 Room 101

Welcome New Employees

Welcome to New Employee Orientation, a workshop designed for new hires and current employees looking for a refresh. This session will equip you with essential knowledge and insights to seamlessly integrate into the vibrant community college environment. This session will touch on topics like institutional structure, navigating campus culture, understanding different department roles, and resources for faculty and classified staff.

Session Outcomes

• Understand the basic structure of the California Community College System and College of Marin
• Apply the College's mission and values to their own employee experience
• Identify available resources to facilitate a smooth new hire transition

Shawna Callahan

Meet at Jonas Center Patio

IVC Nature Walk

Join your fellow Classified Professionals for a walk to the Indian Valley Preserve with a visit to the Organic Farm and Garden before the afternoon sessions. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. We recommend bringing a small bag in case the Farm has goodies or items to share! This session is open to everyone, and although it involves some physical activity, participants should feel welcome to move at a pace most comfortable to them. (Weather-permitting)

Melinda Durfee

Tealy Gapinski

Jonas Center Parking Lot

Mini Pumpkin Painting

Take a moment to tap in to your creative side and paint your very own desk-sized mini pumpkin to get into the fall spirit!  Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking for a fun, stress-free activity, this space is yours to enjoy. All materials will be provided.

On Your Own

Jonas Center Patio

Games & Conversation

Take a break, connect, and recharge in our Community Connection Space! This relaxed area is designed to bring classified professionals together through games and conversation. Join your colleagues for lawn games, board games, or simply enjoy a comfortable space to sit, chat, and continue meaningful conversations from earlier sessions. Whether you’re looking to unwind, spark new connections, or have a little fun in between workshops, this is your space to build community and strengthen campus relationships.

On Your Own

Bldg. 5 Room 116

Creating the Customer Experience

Creating the Customer Experience explores the principles and strategies essential to delivering exceptional customer service and experience. Participants will examine how professionalism, communication, and emotional intelligence contribute to shaping memorable guest interactions. This interactive and engaging session will include attendees learning to anticipate needs, exceed expectations, and influence a culture of excellence through intentional actions and attitudes.

Session Outcomes

• Apply effective communication strategies, including active listening and respectful language, to build trust and rapport across diverse campus populations 
• Demonstrate professional behaviors—including appearance, attitude, and conduct—that positively influence student, faculty, and staff interactions
• Implement a culture of service excellence by modeling intentional, positive actions, aligning team values with service excellence and continuous improvement

Thomas Padron Ph.D.

Bldg. 7 Room 101

Digital Declutter - Organize Your Digital Life for Less Stress

Over time, unused video and document files accumulate, creating digital waste and potential security risks. This session explores best practices for responsible file deletion and archiving, helping you streamline storage while promoting data privacy and sustainability Learn some time proven tips for organizing your email and electronic files using the microsoft tools and the new Copilot AI.

Session Outcomes

• Learn some simple to apply practices to organize your Outlook and OneDrive for less stress and easier location of your electronic files and emails
• Explore practices for identifying and responsibly deleting outdated files, reducing digital clutter, and supporting environmentally conscious file management 

Chas Thorp

ESCOM Bldg. 10

Understanding Ageism: Realizing the Multigenerational Workplace

This session is designed to help us work together effectively in a world that is unique with a broad range of ages and attitudes. We will learn ways to address ageism by increasing staff's awareness, understanding, and ability to amplify an age-diverse workplace.

Session Outcomes

• Identify ageist practices in the workplace.
• Develop awareness of the pervasiveness of ageism
• Investigate our own attitudes about aging and interactions with older and younger adults.
• Discuss strategies to mitigate ageism.

Gary Gonser, ESCOM President

Diana Lopez, MC Commission on Aging