Every fall, as Michigan State University comes alive with the excitement of a new academic year, a cherished tradition quietly reemerges, the Fall Educator Seminars. These seminars have grown to become a central platform for faculty and staff, fostering professional growth and cross-campus collaboration while highlighting the wealth of campus resources available.
With no cost to participants, the sessions offer practical tools, fresh insights, and resources that extend far beyond the initial orientation. Faculty and staff can expect to gain hands-on knowledge in areas such as emerging instructional technologies, student support services, and innovative teaching strategies.
As faculty member Augusto Madureira notes, “The sessions are practical and directly applicable to daily teaching tasks. It’s a great way to discover helpful tools and feel more confident using D2L and other resources.”
Originally launched as an in-person event alongside new faculty orientation, the seminar provided educators a unique opportunity to connect with peers across departments and build a supportive network on campus.
In Fall 2022, MSU’s Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI), MSU Libraries, and MSU IT transformed the seminars into a virtual experience, dramatically expanding accessibility and convenience. This transition ensured that faculty and staff could participate regardless of location or time constraints. Since then, the program has flourished, welcoming additional partners such as Evidence Driven Learning Innovation (EDLI) and Testing Center and Assessment Services, which has enriched its offerings and extended its impact throughout campus.
Committee member Kareem Downer-Shojgreen from MSU IT Educational Technology emphasizes the value of this collaboration: “Collaboration across units has provided a solid foundation for all of us to work together. It has allowed us to identify numerous opportunities for improvement that benefit both faculty and staff.”
Today, the Fall Educator Seminars are more robust and inclusive than ever. CTLI presenter and past attendee Makena Neal describes the program as “a great ‘one stop shop’ for thinking through MSU technologies and pedagogy at the start of the academic year.” She adds, “Educators can ‘choose their own adventure’ by registering for specific sessions or attend every session across the two days to really invest in their start to the term.”
Faculty member Kathryn Irish, who participated in this year’s seminars, shared, “I think the Fall seminars are a fantastic resource for faculty (especially new ones!) And I intend to attend them next year as well if they are offered!”
Continuous feedback from attendees is instrumental in shaping future seminars, ensuring each year’s sessions remain relevant, engaging, and impactful. Organizers diligently review participant input to refine and enhance the program.
Michael Julian, Chair of the Fall Educator Seminars, expresses his vision: “We hope to see increased participation from even more teams and units in future seminars. Broader engagement will enable us to offer a wider range of sessions on topics that are meaningful and relevant to our campus community. After all, one can never have too many tools or resources. If we can provide something that genuinely supports and enhances people’s lives, then we’ve done our job.”
This ongoing commitment to improvement has transformed the seminars into a dynamic, responsive program that reflects the evolving needs of MSU’s diverse academic community.
As Michigan State University continues to invest in the growth and development of its faculty and staff, the Fall Educator Seminars stand as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and community; driving academic excellence and student success across campus.
