Defining Our Future: Accessibility, Equity, Innovation, and Student Success
Pre-Flex Sessions: August 10-14
Flex Week: August 17-21
Convocation: Thursday, August 20
Flex sessions will include in-person, online, and dual delivery (in-person and online) options.
Flex activities are open to all faculty and staff. Please register for all Flex sessions on the ProLearning Workshop Calendar. From the Workshop Calendar, you can view and register (REQUEST) for workshops and find Zoom links. After each session, please complete the short evaluation.
Pre-Flex Week Benefits and Wellness Sessions
Monday, August 10 – Friday, August 14
| Date/Time | Program Descriptions | Presenter/Facilitator |
|---|---|---|
Mon, Aug 10 | What is the ESCOM in COM?This workshop highlights ESCOM’s programs that enrich COM faculty, staff and students by providing unique learning opportunities. Session Outcomes
| Gary Gonser, ESCOM President Leonard Weingarten, ESCOM VP |
Mon, Aug 10 | CPR/AEDThe Red Cross CPR/AED course provides participants with the essential knowledge and hands-on skills needed to recognize and respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies. Through instructor-led training and practical scenarios, you will learn how to perform high-quality CPR, use and Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and respond confidently in life-threatening situations for adults, children and infants. This course emphasizes quick decision-making, effective teamwork, and proven techniques aligned with the latest Red Cross guidelines. Students will practice using manikins and training AEDs to simulate real-world emergencies, ensuring they feel prepared to act when every second counts. Session Outcomes
Pre-registration is required: Max # of participants is 12. | Paul Stewart |
Tues, Aug 11 | Trash Talk: Understanding Our New Waste Disposal Policies - Learn it, Sort itThis session will be an informational, interactive session where attendees can learn about the new waste disposal policies being implemented at COM and learn how to dispose of their waste without questions or hesitation. There will be a hands-on/interactive portion where attendees will have to determine what item goes into which stream for a prize at the end! Session Outcomes
| Revathi V. Machan |
Tues, Aug 11 | Redwood Credit Union Financial LiteracyDetails to be announced. | TBD |
Wed, Aug 12 | SISC 101: Understanding Your Benefits and Added Value ProgramsThis session provides an overview of SISC, College of Marin’s health benefits partner, and explains how SISC works with the District, carriers, and employees to support medical, dental, vision, wellness, EAP, virtual care, and other benefit resources. Attendees will learn what’s available through SISC, what’s new for the 2026-2027 plan year, and where to go for help when they have benefit questions or need support. Session Outcomes
| Cristina DeGuzman |
Wed, Aug 12 | Medicare 101Details to be announced. | Cristina DeGuzman |
Wed, Aug 12 | Behind the Brand: How to Partner with MarCom to Tell Your Department's StoryEvery department at College of Marin has a story worth telling. Programs that change lives, services that remove barriers, faculty and staff who show up every day for students in ways that rarely make it onto a webpage or into a newsletter. Marketing and Communications exists to help tell those stories, and to make sure they reach the students, families, and community members who need to hear them. But for many faculty and staff, working with MarCom can feel uncertain. What do you ask for? How far in advance? What information does the team need to move quickly? What is realistic with two weeks notice versus two months? This session demystifies the process and replaces uncertainty with a clear, practical framework for collaboration. Participants will get an honest look at how MarCom works, what the request process looks like from submission to delivery, and which resources are available for self-service versus which need a project brief and a shared timeline. The session includes time for questions, open discussion, and real examples drawn from across the campus community. This session is for anyone who has a story to tell and wants a clearer path to telling it well. Session Outcomes
| Malaika Smith Jesse Harbison, Nicole Cruz |
Wed, Aug 12 | FSA/HSA 101Details to be announced. | Beto Borja |
Wed, Aug 12 | PPO 101: Understanding Flexible Health Plan ChoicesThis session provides an overview of Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) health plans and how they differ from HMO plans. Attendees will learn how PPO networks work, how in-network and out-of-network care can affect costs, and how common plan features such as deductibles, copays, coinsurance, prescription coverage, and out-of-pocket maximums impact the overall member experience. The session will also review ways to save, how to search for providers, and key considerations for choosing the right health plan based on personal healthcare needs. Session Outcomes
| Cristina DeGuzman |
Wed, Aug 12 | Proactive Care PlansDetails to be announced. | Cristina DeGuzman |
Wed, Aug 12 | Kaiser 101Details to be announced. | Cristina DeGuzman |
Thurs, Aug 13 | Move Well, Live Well: Everyday Strategies for Musculoskeletal HealthThis session provides employees with practical, everyday strategies to support musculoskeletal health and reduce the risk of pain, strain, and injury. Participants will learn about the role of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons in daily movement, as well as common musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, sprains, and strains. The session also explores risk factors that can contribute to musculoskeletal issues, including aging, repetitive motion, sedentary habits, previous injuries, and added strain on joints. Participants will leave with simple prevention and care strategies, including movement, stretching, posture, ergonomics, strengthening, rest, and knowing when to seek professional support. Session Outcomes
| Rhonda Daley |
Thurs, Aug 13 | What is Your Why?What motivates you to come to work each day at COM? How do you connect the work you do with the mission of the College? Join us for some self-reflection on your career journey with an opportunity to connect and share with fellow employees. Leave with a clear purpose and your own WHY statement. Session Outcomes
| Sally Wong |
Thurs, Aug 13 | Cross Cultural Sensitivity in the WorkplaceThis session helps employees better understand cross-cultural sensitivity and its importance in creating a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace. Participants will explore how unconscious bias can influence workplace interactions, decisions, and relationships. The session also addresses the mental and physical health impact of racism, microaggressions, and culturally insensitive comments, while offering practical strategies for unlearning stereotypes and fostering inclusion. Participants will learn how to approach workplace conversations with care, avoid harmful assumptions, and strengthen cultural competence in their day-to-day interactions. Session Outcomes
| Rhonda Daley |
Thurs, Aug 13 | Career Development StrategiesThis session provides employees with practical strategies for career development and long-term career planning. Participants will reflect on their personal values, skills, transferable strengths, and sources of job satisfaction to better understand what they want from their career. The session will also introduce ways to explore career options through research, networking, and mentorship. By combining self-reflection with career education, participants will learn how to identify opportunities that align with their strengths, interests, and professional goals. Session Outcomes
| Rhonda Daley |
FLEX WEEK SESSIONS
Monday, August 17, 2026
| Date/Time | Program Descriptions | Presenter/Facilitator |
|---|---|---|
Mon, Aug 17 | New Employee Orientation - Welcome to COMA welcoming and engaging introduction for new faculty and staff that highlights the college’s mission, culture, key resources, and support services—setting you up for a confident and successful start. Session Outcomes
| Human Resources Department |
Mon, Aug 17 | Elimination of Bias in Hiring and Employment: Tools & Training for Screening CommitteesPrior to serving on a recruitment and screening committee, all individuals must receive training on the elimination of bias in hiring and employment from the Human Resources Department on the following requirements and topics: a. Title 5 regulations on Equal Employment Opportunity (Title 5, section 53000 et. seq.) b. Federal and state non-discrimination laws c. The District Equal Employment Opportunity Plan and related District policies on nondiscrimination, recruitment and hiring d. Principles of diversity and cultural proficiency e. The value of a diverse workforce f. Recognizing and eliminating bias in hiring decisions g. Best practices in serving on a screening committee. Session Outcomes
| Nikki Harris Mia Robertshaw |
Mon, Aug 17 | Accommodations: Access, Equity, Diversity, and InclusionThe purpose of this session is to provide employees with information about SAS, connect employees with SAS support services, and answer questions about SAS. Session Outcomes
| Carl Freschl, Luna Finlayson |
Mon, Aug 17 | Banner 9 Faculty Dashboard OverviewGet a helpful overview of the new Banner 9 Faculty Dashboard. This session will provide a grand tour of the new interface and overview of features and enhancements. Banner 8 will be sunset in mid-September. Session Outcomes
| Jon Horinek |
Mon, Aug 17 | COM Drama: The Empathy Workout!Step into the power of theatre as a catalyst for connection and growth. This session explores how both participating in and experiencing theatre can strengthen empathy, deepen compassion, and build essential human skills like focus and self-confidence. Through examples and reflection, presenters will highlight how theatre invites us to see the world through new perspectives, making it a powerful “workout” for emotional intelligence. In addition, you’ll get a preview of the Drama Program’s upcoming performances, along with practical ideas for integrating theatre into your own teaching. Whether by encouraging student participation or leveraging live performance as a learning tool, you’ll leave inspired with concrete ways to foster engagement, connection, and curiosity in your classroom. Session Outcomes
| Erin Africa Lisa Morse |
Mon, Aug 17 | Why Accessibility Matters Now: Compliance, Equity & Student Success (Session 1)For many students, accessibility is the difference between fully participating and quietly struggling—or withdrawing altogether. This session centers on student experiences to illustrate how inaccessible digital materials, inconsistent navigation, and just-in-time accommodations create barriers that are often invisible to instructors and staff. Participants will explore how proactive accessibility practices reduce frustration, support equity and independence, and help students succeed from day one. This is session 1 of a 4-part series called: Access for All: Practical Accessibility for Teaching, Learning & Student Success - a week-long flex week series focused on making accessibility practical, shared, and achievable across campus. Rather than treating accessibility as a checklist or compliance task, these sessions center on everyday teaching practices, student services interactions, course design decisions, and emerging tools that shape the student experience. These sessions are designed for faculty, classified professionals, and staff at all levels, offering actionable strategies that can be applied immediately within each role. Attend one session or attend all! Session Outcomes
| Stacey Winkler Ephantus Mogere |
Mon, Aug 17 | LGBTQ+ Brave Spaces: Moving Beyond Good IntentionsSupporting LGBTQIA+ people requires more than good intentions. It calls for ongoing awareness of how everyday language, assumptions, and practices shape the experiences of our students and colleagues. This interactive presentation provides foundational information about sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, while offering opportunities for reflection, discussion, and practical tools for cultivating more affirming and supportive environments at College of Marin and in our larger communities. Session Outcomes
| Tea Reiko Perales |
Mon, Aug 17 | 7 Simple Steps to Improve Canvas Course Accessibility (Session 2)This professional learning session introduces practical, easy-to-apply strategies for improving accessibility in Canvas courses. Participants will explore seven high-impact steps ranging from structuring content with headings to using built‑in accessibility checkers that support inclusive learning experiences for all students. The session focuses on small design choices that make a big difference in usability, readability, and navigation, helping instructors proactively reduce barriers to learning. Session Outcomes
| Stacey Winkler Ephantus Mogere |
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
| Date/Time | Program Descriptions | Presenter/Facilitator |
|---|---|---|
Tues, Aug 18 | Designing Interdisciplinary Curriculum to Teach Biodiversity and SustainabilityHave you thought about co-teaching a class in which different disciplines are used to introduce students how to learn about sustainability and biodiversity from an interdisciplinary point of view? During this session we share how we apply mathematics, physics and biology, to assess biodiversity and sustainability. Session Outcomes
| Fernando Agudelo-Silva George Rothbart |
Tues, Aug 18 | Department Chairs & Coordinators’ MeetingAll chairs/coordinators, deans, and directors should attend. This meeting will offer a concentrated, dedicated time for chairs and coordinators to discuss important topics for the semester. The information and discussion will be applicable to share at department meetings. | Dr. Dana Emerson |
Tues, Aug 18 | Laying the Foundation: How COM's Digital Evolution Puts Students, Equity, and Access at the CenterA college website is often a student's first interaction with an institution and the one they return to in moments of uncertainty. Yet most institutional websites, including our own, have grown organically over time, structured around how the college is organized rather than how students actually seek help. This session invites faculty and staff into the thinking behind COM's digital evolution and introduces the COM Digital Design System: a shared visual and content language being developed to bring coherence, accessibility, and student-centered logic to every page on marin.edu. After a grounded introduction to the building blocks of COM's digital foundation, participants will work in small groups tracing a real student scenario through marin.edu, mapping friction points and identifying where their department can make a difference. The session closes with each participant naming one concrete action to take back to their department, with MarCom follow-up support one month later. Session Outcomes
| Nova Hansbrough |
Tues, Aug 18 | You’re Welcome! Services at the Welcome CenterYou’re always welcome at the Welcome Center! Come learn about the services we offer for students and employees. Get an overview of enrollment steps for new students and go on a brief tour of the Welcome Center. At the close of the session, staff and faculty can get their employee photo ID at the Welcome Center. Session Outcomes
| Sally Wong Patrick Garretson |
Tues, Aug 18 | Small Changes, Lasting Impact: Accessibility Across the Student Journey (Session 3)Accessibility is more than documents, checklists, or accommodations—it’s reflected in how students experience learning, services, and support every day. This session explores how small, intentional choices in teaching practices and student services can remove barriers and create more welcoming, inclusive experiences across the campus journey. Through practical examples, participants will see how clear communication, flexibility, sensory-aware approaches, and thoughtful service design contribute to equity, belonging, and student success. Session Outcomes
| Stacey Winkler Ephantus Mogere |
Tues, Aug 18 | What Does It Take to Create a Culture of Equity? The 3rd Mission to MarsPhilosopher John Rawls theorized that one way to remove our biases in the design of equitable and just rules for a society would be to design the rules regarding the distribution of resources and benefits from what he called an “original position”—before we knew what identity we would have in that society. If a society’s rules are designed behind a “veil of ignorance,” Rawls theorized that, through the repetition and learning through of a simulation such as this one, it would be possible to design a culture wherein everyone in a society can thrive and feel cared for—no matter their role, identity, or situation. Session Outcomes
| Craig Coss Shaylah Anderson |
Tues, Aug 18 | AI + Accessibility + Future Ready College of Marin (Session 4)When paired thoughtfully with accessibility, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to expand access, enhance learning, and improve services for all students. This session showcases how AI can support inclusive design, personalized learning, and efficient workflows while reinforcing COM’s commitment to equity and innovation. Participants will explore emerging use cases, campus-relevant examples, and guiding principles that position accessibility as a foundation for ethical, future-ready AI adoption. The session is designed to inspire curiosity, spark ideas, and empower the campus community to engage proactively with AI in responsible and student-centered ways. Session Outcomes
| Stacey Winkler Ephantus Mogere |
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
| Date/Time | Program Descriptions | Presenter/Facilitator |
|---|---|---|
Wed, Aug 19 | Keenan Computer Lab Support | |
Wed, Aug 19 | New Faculty OrientationAre you new-ish to teaching at COM? If so, welcome! We’re glad to have you as part of our faculty. We want to give you the support and information you need to be successful, so please join us for this orientation session. You will meet other new faculty and learn important information about COM policies and procedures to help ensure that you are ready for the first day of classes and beyond. Session Outcomes
| Cari Torres Steve Carrera |
Wed, Aug 19 | CRPP in Practice: Reflect, Reconnect, and ReimagineWhether you’re continuing your CRPP journey or exploring the model for the first time, this FLEX workshop offers a welcoming space to reflect, learn, and connect. Participants will revisit the core principles of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Practices, share how CRPP is showing up in their work, and explore meaningful ways to deepen its impact in classrooms and across campus. Join us for collective reflection, idea sharing, and forward-thinking conversation. Session Outcomes
| Luz Moreno and Emily Fox |
Wed, Aug 19 | Build Your Own AI Teaching Assistant: Using AI to Support Equity, Access, and Student SuccessReady to design your own AI-powered assistant? In this interactive workshop, faculty and staff will learn how to use Nectir.ai, a FERPA-compliant platform sponsored by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, to create customized AI tools that enhance student learning and support resources. The session will begin with an introduction from Lindsey Nicholl, Nectir.ai Customer Success Manager, who will provide an overview of the platform, guide participants through creating AI assistants, and share available support resources. Seth Cortright will then lead a deeper dive into how instructional design, behavior rules, and prompt engineering can shape meaningful student learning experiences. Topics include assignment support, study guidance, accessibility, reducing cognitive load, and advancing equitable learning through intentional AI implementation. Session Outcomes
| Stacy Winkler Lindsey Nicholl, Nectir.ai Customer Success Manager |
Wed, Aug 19 | Engaged and Empowered: Best Practices for Committee SuccessJoin us for an interactive session designed to help individuals navigate the participatory governance committees at College of Marin and empower employees to actively engage in committee work. This is for those who are currently on a committee or those looking to get involved. The session will describe the overall structure of the PGS system and then spend the majority of the time on collaborative discussion and idea sharing around best practices for effective committee participation. This session will provide practical strategies for contributing meaningfully, communicating effectively, and ensuring your voice is heard. Session Outcomes
| GRC and PLC |
Wed, Aug 19 | Student Support in STEM with ICDS and Biology 102Many students who enroll in our STEM courses (math, biology, chemistry, physics, etc.) discover that they lack some foundational knowledge or skills needed to succeed in those courses. In this session, you will hear about two recent pilot initiatives that have employed innovative approaches to address this ongoing need in the post-AB705 environment. One is a Canvas-based Intro Chemistry Diagnostic Support (ICDS) tool available for independent use by all students, and the other is a new course BIOL 102 Science Skills that uses an active-learning approach to review a variety of fundamental skills needed for success in a range of STEM classes. Session Outcomes
| Erik Dunmire Tina Christensen |
Wed, Aug 19 | Keenan Computer Lab Support | |
Wed, Aug 19 | Learning Landscapes: Revitalizing the PV SpaceThe presenters will lead a town-hall style session to brainstorm ideas for what could replace the portable villages at the center of campus after they are removed this summer. The Learning Landscapes committee has been discussing ideas, including establishing a customizable outdoor classroom space that could be used by people across campus, and we are also open to all other ideas about what to establish in this space. A guided visioning and brainstorming activity will help gather feedback from all participants, to be used to guide the Learning Landscapes committee in making a proposal for that space to campus leaders. Session Outcomes
| Wendy St. John Dayna Quick, Elizabeth Boner |
Wed, Aug 19 | Become a Pro with ProLearningCome join us for an interactive session on how to maximize your use of Prolearning! Whether you're new to ProLearning or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will equip you with the tools to take your own professional learning to the next level. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to navigate the platform, and have the chance to begin a training during the session and continue at their own pace throughout the semester. Session Outcomes
| Alyssa Graff Brandon Christian |
Wed, Aug 19 | Learning to See Drawing ExerciseThis workshop is a hands-on activity encouraging participants to trust the relationship between looking and drawing. This process reveals the universal relationship between visual skills and the application to other subjects. No prior experience with drawing or charcoal is necessary. (Some mess will be created. Don't wear clothes that shouldn't get dirty) Session Outcomes
| Carol Lefkowitz |
Wed, Aug 19 | Overview of Basic Needs Services and Supporting Student Wellness-Overview of basic needs services and the assessment process -Hear from two of our partnerships: Community Action Marin on housing support and CalFresh on food access -This presentation will touch more on Basic Needs at COM and go over the “need to know” to prepare the community on how to guide students to services as a collective so we can all continue to support student wellness. Session Outcomes
| Lia Lara, Sadika Sulaiman Hara |
Thursday, August 20, 2026 — Convocation
| Date/Time | Program Descriptions | Presenter/Facilitator |
|---|---|---|
Thurs, Aug 20 | Meet and Greet – Coffee, tea and light refreshments | |
Thurs, Aug 20 | Convocation | Jonathan Eldridge Superintendent/President |
Thurs, Aug 20 | Keenan Computer Lab Support | |
Thurs, Aug 20 | UPM Meeting & UPM Lunch | |
Thurs, Aug 20 | Academic Department Meetings |
Friday, August 21, 2026
| Date/Time | Program Descriptions | Presenter/Facilitator |
|---|---|---|
Fri, Aug 21 | The Foundations of Disability Access in Post-secondary Education: Duties and LimitationsThis session will provide participants with an overview of the laws and regulations that outline the duties of Marin Community College District to ensure non-discrimination for students with disabilities. We will: • Identify the key concepts that identify what constitutes discrimination • Identify the steps College of Marin is required to take to implement these requirements. • Identify key policies and processes related to College of Marin duties • Identify the limitations associated with disability non-discrimination requirements including o Fundamental Alteration of essential requirements o Undue Administrative and Financial Burden Session Outcomes
| Jamie Axelrod [email protected] COM Contact: Nikki Harris/Brandon Christian |
Fri, Aug 21 | 10 + 1 ≠ 11Discover the power of the faculty voice in California Community Colleges. Join the Academic Senate for a Flex session exploring the “10+1” — the foundation of faculty leadership, purview, and responsibilities. Session Outcomes
| Maria Coulson Gina Cullen Academic Senators |
Fri, Aug 21 | Beyond Access: Creating Equitable Classrooms for Neurodiverse LearnersThis interactive session invites educators to explore equity-centered strategies for supporting autistic and neurodiverse students in the classroom. Rather than a traditional lecture, participants will engage directly with real-world scenarios drawn from your own classroom experiences. Together, we will brainstorm, problem-solve, and share practical approaches to create inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive, as well as folx feel empowered and supported. Session Outcomes
| Gail Ann Rulloda (plus Christine Moody from UCLA's Tarjan Center) |
Fri, Aug 21 | COM Library: Resources to Support Your Teaching and Your Students' LearningJoin us to learn about ways that the library can support you and your students. Some of the topics we will discuss: • How do I bring my students to the library to learn about research methods? • My students sometimes cite crappy sources. How can I encourage them to be more discerning? • How do I put an item on reserve? • What are the librarians' favorite databases? • How can I get support to develop Open Educational Resources? • How can students check out laptops and hotspots? Session Outcomes
| Dave Patterson and Sarah Frye |
Fri, Aug 21 | Supporting SAS students with the Re-introduction to Accessible Information Management (AIM)This interactive, hands-on session is designed to help participants effectively support Student Accessibility Services by learning how to navigate and utilize our data management system, AIM. Attendees will gain practical experience accessing accommodation letters, using the testing module to coordinate exams, and managing student records and communication within the system. Through guided activities and real-time practice, participants will build confidence in using AIM to streamline processes, ensure compliance, and better support students with accommodations. Session Outcomes
| Gail Rulloda |
Fri, Aug 21 | What Does Immigration Have to Do with My Discipline: Interdisciplinary Approaches to COMmon Read 26-27Come learn about Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora, the book that has been chosen for our COMmon Read program for the academic year August 2026 through May 2027. A New York Times Bestseller, Solito was named one of the best books of 2022 by The New York Times Book Review, NPR, The Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, and others. Zamora "tells the inspiring story of his migration from El Salvador to the United States at the age of nine in this 'gripping memoir' (NPR) of bravery, hope, and finding family." Javier has a couple of important connections to College of Marin. His parents attended classes here 25 years ago. Also, Javier did a very popular poetry reading here at COM in 2018. COMmon Read is a year-long shared reading program that encourages the entire community to join to read and discuss a book in common. We hope to foster a greater sense of community through a shared academic and social experience, encourage exchanging ideas among students, faculty, and staff, increase awareness of cultural and social issues, and promote various disciplines across campuses. Join us to consider ways you and your students might participate. 60 minutes. Zoom. Session Outcomes
| Dave Patterson and Sarah Frye |
Fri, Aug 21 | Bolinas Field Station Visit, Update and Marine Lab ExperienceWe will receive presentations on the latest lab use and student research and experience a hands-on lab on local living plankton and living marine invertebrates Session Outcomes
| Wendy St. John Daniel Cooper |
Fri, Aug 21 | An Introduction to Canvas Insights for SLO AssessmentThe session will introduce faculty to our new assessment tool, Canvas Insights. The session will show faculty how to navigate Insights which is housed in Canvas. Participants will be guided through how to set up our SLO rubric in Canvas, use speedgrader to score assessments and finalize assessment scores in Insights. Session Outcomes
| Logan Wood |