Academic Forum: May 4th, 2017 | Academic Newsletter | Seneca Polytechnic

by Mary Trant, the Teaching & Learning Centre

in the Spring 2017 issue

The focus of this year’s Academic Forum was “Celebrating Success.” In a year when we are celebrating Canada’s 150th and Seneca’s 50th Anniversary, it was a great time to share all the wonderful things faculty do to support student learning. The day started with a welcome from President Agnew, followed by an Alumni Panel organized by Barry Naymark. The Alumni discussed the important role faculty had during their time at Seneca, and gave us great ideas for connecting with and supporting our students.

The day continued with 19 different 50-minute sessions on a range of topics. We attended sessions on Indigenization, Student Roles in Quality Assurance, and Communities of Practice. We had students sharing information on “simple things that you can do that enhance student learning,” and we heard from Senecans leading opportunities for experiential learning in and out of Seneca courses. We celebrated Seneca authors, and reviewed successful strategies for working with students. We looked at ways to create a culture of Academic Integrity and to avoid fake news. In addition, we discussed Seneca’s Digital Learning Strategy, celebrated the first 5 years of the Sandbox, and learned successful strategies for teaching in hybrid and online modes.

After leading their session on “Small Teaching: Simple things you can do to enhance student learning,” David Turnbull and his students received an offer from Kennedy Jawoko, School of Media, to present their session at an upcoming broadcast educators’ conference. We are a great community of educators and learners, and the Teaching & Learning PD days facilitate connections between faculty and between Programs, Schools and Faculties.

This was an amazing day with record attendance. I’d like to thank all of our presenters for contributing to the success of this event. I’d also like to thank all of the Schools and Departments that contributed to our “loot bags” and prizes: the Office of Research and Innovation, Seneca International, Seneca Business, the School of English and Liberal Studies (Newnham Campus), Counselling and Accessibility Services, Seneca Libraries, the Office of the President, the Seneca Student Federation, Seneca Alumni, and the Student Conduct office.

View the Spring 2017 issue of the Academic Newsletter.