SYNC YOUR CALENDARS: 2025-2026 CAFE SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
Faculty Well-Being Week March 30-April 3, 2026
2026 Teaching and Learning Institute May 12, 2026
BLACKWELL TALKS
When: March 2, from 12:00-12:50 pm
Where: Virginia Room
Blackwell Scholar: Alecia Blackwood, Ed.D. "What Students’ Data Reveal About Integrating AI Literacy in a Methods Course"
A relaxed, interactive environment is at the heart of what makes Blackwell Talks such an enriching experience. Each Blackwell Scholar will present their research in progress for about 30 minutes, followed by about 20 minutes for discussion and questions. A light lunch is provided.
The Blackwell Talks are sponsored by: Cormier Honors College, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, Cook-Cole College of Arts and Sciences, College of Graduate and Professional Studies, Greenwood Library, and Brock Experience
From the Post-Graduate Success Initiative
WORKSHOP: STRENGTHS-BASED ADVISING
When: Tuesday, February 24, from 3:30-5:00 pm
Where: 308 Allen Hall
Register here: https://forms.gle/GrbcvCnDGTTPVWHK8
Strengths-based advising offers an alternative to traditional advising by focusing on what students already do well and how those strengths can be intentionally applied to meeting short- and long-term goals. In this workshop, faculty and staff will practice strengths-based strategies that support student growth and resilience. Refreshments provided by the Post-Graduate Success Initiative
From the College of Business and Economics
TEACHING WITH AI: CBE BROWN BAG SERIES
When: Wed, Feb 25th @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Where: Hiner 101 or via Zoom
This brown bag summarizes practical ways to bring generative AI into the classroom, including ready-to-use hands-on exercises, strategies for integrating AI into assessments without undermining learning goals, and guidelines that help students use AI productively while recognizing its limits. It also highlights how instructors can use AI tools and agents to support teaching tasks and elevate course delivery.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://longwood-edu.zoom.us/j/97878617268?pwd=D1g7A0HPMlSfEJeNXUaja4v8gAtTtv.1
Meeting ID: 978 7861 7268
Passcode: 236301
From Greenwood Library
AI + WRITING
When: Wednesday, February 25, from 4:00- 5:00 pm
Where: Library 209
Explore both the challenges and opportunities of using AI in college writing through insights from faculty and Academic Success.
Presenters:
- Dianna Baldwin, Director of Academic Success
- David Magill, Professor of English and Chair, Department of English & Modern Languages
- Paul Hunter, Assistant Professor of Professional Writing
From Dr. Kris Paal, CTZN 110 Coordinator and Associate Professor of Communication Studies
TEACHING THROUGH DIALOGUE: PERSPECTIVES ON CURIOSITY, CONNECTION, AND CRITICAL THINKING
When: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET
Where: Live Webinar hosted by the Constructive Dialogue Institute
Register here: [Insert CDI registration link]
This session features a conversation with CDI Educators Sara Mehltretter (Wabash College), Janelle Rae (Spalding University), and Michael J. Lee (College of Charleston), moderated by Jake Fay, Director of Education at CDI. Drawing on their work with faculty, students, and institutions, panelists will explore how dialogic approaches can support curiosity, connection, and critical thinking while remaining aligned with existing academic goals and constraints. Participants will leave with practical insights from educators using dialogue in their teaching and examples of how dialogue can support meaningful learning in today’s campus contexts.
MEDITATION
Dates: Tuesday ONLY this week
Time: 11:30 am-12:00 pm
Location: Zoom https://longwood-edu.zoom.us/j/95744314696
Mindfulness meditation can significantly improve your mental well-being by helping you manage stress, enhance focus and concentration, and better understand your emotions, all potentially leading to a calmer and more centered life. Current research also indicates potential benefits for physical health, like lowered blood pressure and improved sleep quality. Join Renee Gutiérrez to create a pause in your day. All are welcome for a brief, guided meditation; no previous experience is required.
FOCUSED PRODUCTIVITY SESSIONS
Join CAFE for Pomodoro sessions again this semester. All faculty and staff are welcome. The sessions use a focused cycle: set a goal, work towards it for 25 minutes, and then take a five-minute break. You will repeat the cycle three times. Choose the session that fits your needs:
|
|
|
|
Pomodoro Work Session– Naomi Johnson |
Thursdays @ 9:00-10:30 https://longwood-edu.zoom.us/my/drnaomi
|
|
Wonderful Women @ Work (for women in leadership positions) with Pam Tracy and Sarah Tanner-Anderson--your ACE VA Women’s Network institutional representatives |
Mondays@ 9-10:30 @ https://longwood-edu.zoom.us/my/tannerandersonsl
Tuesdays 8:30-10:00 am @ https://longwood-edu.zoom.us/my/tracypj |
From Greenwood Library
AI CONVERSATIONS (Spring 2026)
This spring, join us for AI Conversations, a four-part workshop series designed to help faculty explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in teaching, research, and academic life. From AI-powered library tools to writing support, innovative platforms like NotebookLM, and insights from Longwood’s academic leaders, these sessions offer practical strategies, critical approaches, and thought-provoking discussions on opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into higher education.
March 25
AI Tool Spotlight: Notebook LM: An interactive workshop exploring the pros and cons of how NotebookLM can transform research and learning by organizing sources, generating insights, and streamlining academic workflows for faculty and staff.
Presenter: Jacob Dolence, Director, Educational Innovation and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
April 15
AI with the Deans: How AI is being used in Longwood Colleges: This dynamic panel of Longwood University college deans will discuss how AI is being applied across disciplines and supporting the work of their colleges.
Panelists:
- Roger Byrne, Dean, Cook-Cole College of Arts & Sciences
- Chris Kukk, Dean, Cormier Honors College
- Khawaja Mamun, Dean, College of Business & Economics
- Angela McDonald, Dean, College of Education, Health, and Human Services
- Jeannine Perry, Dean, College of Graduate & Professional Studies