March 19, 21, 26, 28 (Wednesdays/Fridays) 9:30-11:30 a.m.Attend in person at ISU’s Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main St., Normal            ORWatch Online via ZoomFEES:$35 for Senior Professional members (includes all four sessions)$45 for non-members (includes all four sessions)For in-person participation, pricing is per person.For Zoom participation, pricing is one registration per household.Price includes:Four 2-hour sessions (one Academy of Seniors class).$15 single-session option available for in-person attendance (pay at door).Register online at seniorprofessionals.illinoisstate.edu or call (309) 438-2160.Zoom participants will receive a Zoom link a week prior to the start of the class(es) and again on the day of each session.Class DescriptionSession 1: An Evolving World: Rising Temperatures and Falling Water TablesA growing amount of evidence exists that, regardless of cause, the earth’s climate is changing. What exactly does this look like both at home and abroad?Session 2: Salvation in Alternative Proteins?As the climate continues to change and populations continue to grow, some have presented the idea that new and alternatives to traditional protein sources are the answer. Could the future be one in which our food is manufactured in a lab?Session 3: Finding Direction in the Rearview MirrorAs the agriculture industry continues to feed us, vastly different views exist on how exactly to do that as the climate continues to change. While some continue to push the envelope of technology, others look to our past for answers.Session 4: Where Do We Go From Here?Amidst the smoke of wildfires, we attempt to find a crystal ball as people, policy and economics interact to manage an issue we can’t even agree exists. What does this changing landscape mean for the role of higher education in agriculture?Bryon Wiegand, University of Missouri-ColumbiaJustin Rickard, Illinois State University

The Kane County Action Team meets on the 3rd Wednesday of month at 10:00 a.m.  Community Co-Leader: N/AMeeting Type: Zoom Meeting

The Illinois State University Alumni Association believes in lifelong learning and career development even after graduation. Take advantage of these free webinars and live streams as they fit into everyday life to continue to learn and grow together as Redbirds. Be sure to register in advance to gain access to the webinar.Dive into the world of introversion with Richard Etienne, a renowned personal branding coach and author of Toolkit for Inclusive Management of Introverts (TIMI). In this enlightening webinar, Richard will explore the intricate balance between nature and nurture in shaping introverted personality traits and how these influence behavior in personal and professional settings.Throughout the session, we will examine the impact of childhood experiences, social circles, and cultural expectations on introverted individuals. Richard will offer valuable strategies for personal growth, helping introverts adapt and thrive in various social environments. Additionally, he will highlight the critical role of introverts in the workplace and provide insights into how organizations can better support and leverage this often-underestimated group.

Join us for this Visiting Artist Program lecture at University Galleries of Illinois State University. Free and open to the public. For questions or accommodations, please contact the Wonsook Kim School of Art office.

The department of Emergency Management and the International House (I-House) team will be offering a Weather Emergency Escape Room Challenge to international students to review important weather safety information in a competitive and engaging gaming activity. Refreshments will be served.

Teaching can be an isolating experience. This reading group, intended for those who have been teaching at Illinois State for over four years, allows faculty to engage in discussions, encourage peer support, build networks, and develop mentorship connections. Gain new confidence in yourself and your ability to teach! During the Spring semester, we will read Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn by Barbara Oakley as the springboard for our conversations. Student motivation and long-term retention of knowledge (e.g., ensuring concepts are not “immediately forgotten after a test”) will be key areas of focus. We will use the text to find ideas for slight changes we can make in our classes to see positive impacts on our student learning and motivation.  Reading assignments are kept to reasonable amounts between our biweekly meetings and encouraged, though not required, for participation.  We will meet six times throughout the semester to discuss the book and support each other in our teaching across disciplines. Feel free to bring your lunch! Registration is Required.Outcomes – Discuss innovative teaching strategies