LAN 53-South Cook County action team meets every third Wednesday of the month at noon.Meeting type: In person (varies month to month)Chair: Mike Rudolph

These bring-your-own-lunch events aim to explore the achievements and challenges faced by women in leadership roles across various sectors, while highlighting those faced by female-presenting administrators in higher education.Despite progress in recent decades, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions. This series aims to address this ongoing disparity by providing role models for aspiring women leaders and creating a platform to discuss the unique challenges women face in leadership roles. Through these sessions, participants will explore strategies for overcoming gender-based barriers, engaging in valuable networking opportunities, and advocating for women in leadership roles. The goal of this series is to empower and equip women and allies with the tools and support needed to excel in leadership positions by bringing these crucial issues to the forefront.All members of the University community are welcome to attend and contribute to these important conversations. You do not need to be a woman or someone with a position of authority to attend these sessions.Please contact Sue Hildebrandt (shildeb@IllinoisState.edu) with any questions and visit the Provost Office website for more information about each session.

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 

The Champaign County Action Team meets ever third Wednesday of the month.Group meetings are virtual on Teams. If you are interested in joining, contact chairperson: Heide Gulbrandson-Andrews (DCFS) (217) 278-5400