ELITE Digest – November 2023

Volume 3, Issue 3   |   ELITE Digest   |   November 2023

Warm Autumn Greetings!

The hustle of October has just flown by! With the full swing of the fall semester, our focus has been on mid-terms and the onset of the 2nd 7-week classes. October wasn’t just about classes, though! We had an array of ELITE-sponsored workshops and multiple collegewide events commemorating National Hispanic Heritage Month and Humanities Days. All designed to enhance both your personal and professional journeys.

Looking Forward to December: Excitement is building as we gear up for the 2023 ELITE Faculty Showcase. This year holds a special place for us as we aim to highlight the commendable work of our entire faculty body, with a special nod to our part-time educators who took part in the Eric Grosse Memorial Fellowship over the summer. Our partnerships with the Data Trustee Group, HRSTM, and OEI have deepened, setting the stage for transformative college-wide initiatives. Stay tuned; more comprehensive details are on the horizon for December.

Win Some Exclusive MC Swag!
Do you fancy some MC merchandise? Here’s an “un-be-leaf-able” chance for two of our MC family members:

1. Dive into this month’s ELITE Interactive Game.
2. Share a copy of your solutions with us before the clock strikes 5:00 p.m. on November 12, 2023.

Lucky winners will receive an email on November 13, 2023. If you’re feeling lucky, hit “like” on the November ELITE Digest post on the Montgomery Employee Facebook page before the November 12 deadline for an extra shot at winning!

Gratitude Corner: November brings along the spirit of Thanksgiving. And there’s no way we can let it slide without extending our heartfelt thanks to you. Every day at ELITE is made meaningful because of individuals like you. A big shout-out for trusting in us and allowing us to assist you in your professional growth journey. Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Feedback & Queries? If you have any insights, questions, or feedback about this edition of the ELITE Digest, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can also touch base with us through the multiple ASK ELITE channels.

Stay inspired, stay connected!

featured professional development

At-a-Glance – November

ELITE’s Office Essentials

Whether you are a long-time user looking to fill in some gaps and update your skills or new to an application, this workshop series offers you a valuable opportunity to save time, do more to help our students, and improve your skills with Microsoft Office. Each hands-on, small group workshop is designed specifically for the needs of Montgomery College faculty and staff and is based on the versions and features of Microsoft Office that are currently provided for free to college employees. These fun, interactive workshops are conducted remotely. The outcomes shown in the description links are flexible and will be adjusted to participant needs based on a survey before the workshop. Visit the Microsoft Office Essentials’ website for additional information.

Professional Development Offerings

We are excited to remind everyone about the range of Professional Development (PD) offerings available for the remainder of the semester. These sessions have been designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to excel at your MC role. Whether you’re looking to refine your current skill set, explore a new area of expertise, or simply broaden your professional horizons, there’s something here for everyone. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities, not only for your personal growth but also for the collective growth of our organization. Check the PD Catalog for the list of sessions and ensure you register in advance. Let’s invest in our future together!

virtual campus banner

National Distance Learning Week

National Distance Learning Week (NDLW) is November 6 – 10, 2023. Montgomery College (MC) celebrates distance education because of its tremendous growth over the years, the increasing number of fully online degrees and certificates, its scheduling flexibility benefits for students, the Quality Matters certified online courses offered, and the faculty who work together to improve equity, access, and success for students in the virtual environments. During NDLW, MC will offer a wide variety of engaging and relevant sessions and workshops for students, faculty, and staff throughout the week. Please view the calendar of events on InsideMC to see the offerings. To learn more about NDLW, including accessing videos of faculty who shared their experiences with online teaching, please visit the website.

For more information, please contact Dr. Shinta Hernandez, Dean of the Virtual Campus

multicultural moment

Honoring Indigenous Voices

As we celebrate National Native American Heritage Month this November, it is important to not only focus on the history and past of Indigenous people but also listen to the voices of those present. This issue of Multicultural Moments will feature three Native American authors who share their perspectives on themes such as land acknowledgments, nature, and connections.

Learn More about Multicultural Moment.

teaching tip of the month

Using AI (Artificial Intelligence) to Support Critical Thinking

Tip 1: Use AI Tools to Craft Critical Thinking Questions

Despite the fear that AI will lead to reduced critical thinking, critical thinking skills continue to be in high demand by employers. One way faculty can use AI tools to promote critical thinking is to prompt the AI tool to generate questions that reflect critical thinking tasks.

Learn More about Teaching Tip of the Month.

teaching technology tip of the month

Empowering Students with PowerPoint 365 Speaker Coach: A guide for College Faculty

In the dynamic world of higher education, effective presentation skills are essential for students’ success. Whether they are presenting research findings, delivering a class project, or defending their thesis, the ability to communicate confidently and persuasively is crucial. Microsoft’s PowerPoint 365 Speaker Coach is a powerful tool that can assist college faculty in helping students refine their presentation skills. In this article, we will explore how to incorporate PowerPoint 365 Speaker Coach into your teaching methods and discuss the myriad benefits it offers for both teaching and learning.
Learn More about Teaching Tips with Technology.

return to work tip of the month

TIP OF THE MONTH: Fostering Inclusive Leadership: A Roadmap for Success

In today’s rapidly evolving world, inclusive organizations depend on leaders who can make a significant impact. But what exactly does it take to become a successful inclusive leader, especially when faced with the complex task of managing competing demands, navigating differences, and making tough choices? This article will explore the essential competencies of intercultural awareness and dilemma reconciliation that underpin effective inclusive leadership. We will also provide some tips for leaders to promote inclusivity in their teams.

Learn More about @ Work Tip of the Month.

TIP OF THE MONTH: The Stories Leaders Need to Tell

We all can remember being told stories as children: bedtime stories, stories around a campfire, or stories shared on road trips or family meals. They all served a purpose, and we remember the connections, the lesson contained, or the closeness we developed with the storyteller.

Learn More about @ Work Tip of the Month.

FOCUS ON: Learning Pathways:  Communicating Professionally in the Workplace 

In addition to the Communication and Conflict learning pathway (see October issue), this pathway also focuses on communication.  You communicate verbally, in writing, and with your body language.  When working, you represent Montgomery College to internal and external customers; therefore, you want to be at your best.  This learning pathway* offers classes in each of the three dimensions.  Notice that four of the 10 classes are e-courses, available on demand through Workday.
Learn More

highlights from our partners

HRSTM

Open Enrollment Benefits Fairs

  • Central Services (CT): Monday, November 6, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in S115
  • Takoma Park/Silver Spring (TP/SS): Thursday, November 9, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Gallery at CU Cultural Arts
  • Sign up for Flu Shots at the Open Enrollment Benefits Fairs
  • Free flu shots will be offered at our open enrollment benefits fairs. Please pre-register to schedule a flu shot and ensure ample supply. Walk-ups are welcome, provided we do not run out of shots.
  • Speak with Alana Sugar, Nutritionist, at Open Enrollment Benefits Fairs – Alana Sugar will be at the open enrollment benefits fairs to answer nutrition questions. Walk-ups are allowed, but appointments are preferred.
  • Free Chair Massage at Germantown (GT) and Takoma Park/Silver Spring (TP/SS) Open Enrollment Benefits Fairs
    Drop in and enjoy a free chair massage. First come, first served.

MC Wellness

The MC Wellness program offers online classes and in-person classes daily for aqua fitness, cardio and strength circuits, desk stretching, pickleball, Pilates, Tai Ji, yoga, and Zumba.
All classes are complimentary for MC employees, their spouses, and retirees. MC employees and retirees are required to register before they can participate in the FY24 wellness program. Don’t delay; register for Open Fitness and MC Wellness today!

Office of Equity and Inclusion

Montgomery College is one of more than 70 higher education institutions across the country with a Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center, which is an initiative of the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). MC’s TRHT Campus Center aims to provide community healing activities that promote narrative change in order to dismantle the belief in a hierarchy of human values and to prepare the next generation of leaders to advocate for racial and social justice.

MC’s TRHT Campus Center was launched in 2021 with generous support from AAC&U and the Meyer Foundation.

Please visit the TRHT Campus Center webpage to learn more and register for the 2023 Racial Healing Circles.

  • Monday, November 20, 9:30–11 a.m., Germantown (GT), (location TBD), facilitated by Ken Nelson and Stacey Gustavson

ELITE H5P Activity

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