In this new series from the Online Education team at the Center for Integrated Professional Development, Maker Days are a space where instructors can work independently and collaboratively to discuss topics related to teaching and develop artifacts that can be used in their courses. Staff will be available throughout to answer questions, brainstorm, and guide the session with brief lectures on specific, timely subjects. Each Maker Day will focus on a chosen theme with three subtopics that guide and focus the artifacts that you may choose to work on. While we encourage you to come for the entire 3 hours, you may also drop in as interested. Bring a laptop and course materials you’d like to work on!Maker Day: Let’s Class Prep focuses on getting your course prepped for the upcoming semester. The first hour will focus on crafting course goals that promote student wellness and wellbeing. The second hour will focus on best practices for building modules to scaffold and chunk content. The final hour will focus on creating equitable and accessible assignments. Artifacts that can be drafted during this Maker Day include: syllabus policies, assignment sheets, modules maps, welcome announcements, grading policies, etc. Registration is required.

Zero to Hero: AI is a hands-on introduction to generative AI designed for faculty and staff who have questions, concerns, or simply don’t know where to begin. This session provides a safe space to explore, demystify, and engage with tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or eager to learn, this workshop will help you build confidence and discover practical applications for AI in your academic or administrative work. No registration is required.Offered in partnership with the Office of Technology Solutions

Join the Alumni Association along with ISU Fell Arboretum Outreach Coordinator Sydney Metternich from the comfort of your home as we go on a tour of the trees seen across the Quad.Illinois State’s Fell Arboretum was granted status in 1995 from the International Society of Arboriculture and consists of a 490-acre site established with thousands of trees representing over 225 species.Metternich walks viewers through the history of the Fell Arboretum, takes to the Quad to point out several beloved trees, shares interesting facts about various species, and brings Illinois State to your screen.The virtual event is free to view. Participants can register online now through 4:30 p.m. on January 10. Questions can be sent to Juliana Nelson, assistant director for Alumni Engagement.In the days ahead, once registration is completed, guests will receive an email with a link to take the tour at their leisure

The McHenry County Action Team meets every second Friday of the month at 10 A.M.Meeting type: ZoomContact community co-leader Phil Biage if you have any questions.

Spring proficiency exams taken in departments at 1 p.m.

Fridays, 5:30-6:30 pmThis meeting is for college students and young adults; it moves beyond alcohol and also invites individuals who are concerned about their use of other substances. This is an open meeting, with the meeting type rotating each week of the month. The location is adjacent to the campus, just north of Bowling and Billiards Center.