You do not have to be a video production specialist to incorporate video into your Canvas courses. Import videos from your computer or record video from your webcam or screen capture—quickly and easily. All videos will be automatically closed-captioned. You can record videos once and embed them into multiple courses for teaching, assignments, assessment, and feedback. You can also see how long each of your students has watched your videos. You will also learn how to easily edit your videos and share them with users inside and outside of ISU. Registration is required.Facilitator:Tony Piña, Center for Integrated Professional DevelopmentGreg Maier, Center for Integrated Professional Development

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.Whether you’re an executive, manager, or starting out, you can’t seal the deal or make your point unless you can speak clearly and concisely. In this eye-opening webinar, author and certified speaking professional Diane DiResta will share how to create a crisp message, discover where you stumble, and identify your most common speaking situation. You will benefit from these tools she has built from decades of experience. You will learn to be crisp in your delivery, and your credibility will soar!

Students report that courses which incorporate instructor videos into their Canvas courses are much more engaging and effective than those containing only text and still images. In this workshop, you will learn how to build interactivity into your videos by inserting hyperlinks and test questions–turning videos into graded assignments. You can also create assignments where students can record videos within Canvas and submit them as gradable assignments in Canvas SpeedGrader. You can also create video-based discussion boards. This workshop assumes that you have attended the “Create Video Within Canvas” workshop or have used Canvas Studio.  Registration is required.Facilitator:Tony Piña, Center for Integrated Professional DevelopmentGreg Maier, Center for Integrated Professional Development

Last day to withdraw from winter session class.  A withdrawal grade of WX will be assigned.  There will be no adjustment of tuition charges or financial aid.

Join faculty, course instructors, staff, and graduate students from across the University in an exploration of scholarly teaching practices. The 2025 Symposium will be held at the Bone Student Center, with sessions facilitated by Illinois State faculty and staff throughout the day. A boxed lunch will be provided. The day will also include a special workshop and a morning keynote address by Dr. Michele DiPietro, Executive Director for Faculty Development at Kennesaw State University’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. The Symposium concludes with a reception featuring drinks and hors d’oeuvres, poster presentations, and celebrating the annual Outstanding University Teaching Award and the Williams Outstanding Technology Service Award recipients. Registration is required by Friday, December 13, 2024. 

Padlet is a web-based program that allows you to organize content for viewing in multiple layouts, including website, bulletin board, blog, or portfolio. In this one-hour introduction, you’ll learn how to setup these interactive digital spaces to increase engagement with your students. You’ll also learn how to request access to Illinois State’s fully licensed version of the product. Registration is required.Facilitator:Tony Piña, Center for Integrated Professional DevelopmentGreg Maier, Center for Integrated Professional Development

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.

It’s time to “let it go” and give yourself, your family and your friends this perfect holiday experience with Tony Award nominee Disney’s Frozen. Set in the magical kingdom of Arendelle, royal sisters Elsa and Anna navigate love, loyalty, and Elsa’s uncontrollable powers. Disney’s Frozen is a powerful fable that captures the essence of self-discovery and the power of love.Be a part of the experience with fellow Redbirds and enjoy a matinee performance along with a reception complete with appetizers, open bar, and some fun trivia.Saturday, January 1111:30 a.m., pre-show reception @ Meyer Ballroom, North Island Center, 8 East Galena Blvd., Aurora2 p.m., showtime @ The Paramount Theatre, 23 East Galena Blvd., AuroraCost is $95 per person (a savings of $45) and includes the pre-show reception with appetizers and two hours of standard open bar as well as a ticket on the main floor in the orchestra level, center stage. Register by December 19 (or until capacity is reached) online or by calling Alumni Engagement at (309) 438-2586 during regular business hours (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday). Tickets will be distributed at the pre-show reception.

The value of travel as a means for individuals to open their minds to other cultures and learn the contribution of citizens from around the globe was impressed upon Hazle Buck Ewing in 1924. It was then that she embarked on an international trek around the world with her husband, Davis, and their oldest son, Ralph. Their 14-month journey covered 22 countries and provided life-changing experiences that convinced Hazle individuals of all nationalities desire to live a life of peace and security. In her writings about the adventure, Hazle noted that “if every world citizen could take the same trip we had taken, there would be no more war.”Ability to climb stairs required. Parking is across the street at St. John’s Lutheran Church. For additional information contact (309) 438-6333.

Winter Session ends.

This is a regular Civil Service Council meeting. Please note we have moved to Zoom meetings. All meetings are open to the public and available to attend via Zoom.

The Sangamon County Action Team meets on the second Tuesday of the month 12:15 p.m.-1 p.m.If you are interested in joining the meeting, contact chairperson: Judge Karen Tharp.

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.Navigating the complex emotions surrounding closure in relationships can be challenging. Whether you’ve found yourself pleading, “I need closure!” or wondering about the healthiest approach to end a relationship chapter, this webinar is for you. Drawing from insights from his acclaimed book The Power of Closure: Why We Want It, How to Get It, and When to Walk Away, Dr. Gary McClain offers a deep dive into the dynamics of seeking and finding closure.Join us as we explore the major reasons why we crave closure and provide practical guidelines for engaging in conversations that lead to emotional healing rather than further distress. You will learn to identify your motivations for seeking closure, understand when they are emotionally healthy, and recognize when simply walking away might be more beneficial.Who Should Attend: This webinar is ideal for anyone struggling with unresolved feelings in past or present relationships, therapists, counselors, and individuals interested in personal development and emotional well-being.