Pictured: The Instructional Technology Mini-Conference at Virginia Western in July 2016. I’m hoping you’re as excited about professional development as these folks are, because the VCCS offers two types of professional development grants: The Paul Lee Professional Development Grant, with a maximum stipend of $2,500 for the summer.The Paul Lee Workshop Mini-Grant, with a maximum award of $1,500. Today, I’ll spotlight the VCCS Paul Lee Workshop Mini-Grant. Dr. Carrie Halpin, Virginia Western’s Instructional Designer and Technologist, has been awarded this workshop mini-grant for the past few years … they have funded her successful summer Instructional Technology Mini-Conferences, which she raved about in our YouTube video, 7 Ways Grants Have Transformed Virginia Western. The grant pays up to $1,500 to host a workshop that must involve at least two or more VCCS colleges. The next deadline is Feb. 1 for projects proposed for the 2018 summer semester. The VCCS suggests the following topics to get your ideas percolating: Innovations in technology, professional activities, and shifting community college rolesFuture directions for the community collegeArticulation with public schools and 4-year collegesInternational educationMentoring part-time employeesStudent development, assessment, or retentionComplete 2021-related topicsNew relationships between and among community college employeesTime management/stress managementPromoting pleasant, positive work environmentsMotivational… Continue Reading Got a workshop idea for the summer? VCCS Paul Lee grant applications due Feb. 1Read More
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the Student Success Kits that are mailed to each new student at Western Governors University. The kits include practical tools to help these students succeed at an online university, including a webcam. But more importantly, the act of receiving — and unpacking those kits — have become a “peak moment” for these students, as evidenced by numerous posts on social media. Dan Heath, co-author of “The Power of Moments,” explains why building those peaks is so important in this 4-minute video … (see if you can spot my childhood doppleganger) … … and if you liked that video, the next one talks about creating peak moments in schools. So the Western Governors Student Success Kit got me wondering: What might we include in Virginia Western’s version? Two of our colleagues were inspired enough to share some suggestions by email. I’ve posted their ideas here with their permission: Jeffrey Kamal, Academic Link Program Assistant, writes: I had several ideas for a student success kit. Then I thought more about it and asked myself, “What could VWCC include in a student success kit that’s different from WGU’s and cost-effective?” Here are my ideas so… Continue Reading Thanks for sharing your creative Student Success Kit ideasRead More
Perhaps this idea has floated around campus before … but I thought I’d share a noteworthy nugget that popped into my Twitter stream. Apparently all new students at Western Governors University (WGU) — an online university — are mailed a Student Success Kit at the beginning of their first term. I know this because WGU retweeted one of their students, who wrote: Finally got my Student Success Kit from @westerngovernorsu and I’m so excited! They definitely understand the need for coffee. I’ve already had some very early mornings and late nights, but I’m loving every minute of school so far. #liquidmotivation #wgu #teacherscollege #momoffour So what’s inside? The WGU Student Success Kit includes: A webcam for taking online proctored exams (with instructions)Dry-erase whiteboard and markerWGU-branded swag (such as that plastic coffee mug referenced above and a “do not disturb” door sign) I’m struck by how excited students are when they receive the kit … excited enough to post Instagram and YouTube videos as they unpack their boxes. Watch one of those “unboxing” videos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNjvnK0TOYA Besides serving a practical function — giving students the tools they need to succeed with a distance learning program — the kits also create an emotional experience. Why is this… Continue Reading What would you put in a Virginia Western Student Success Kit?Read More
About Shelley
Shelley Lyons is glad to be back on campus as she is a Virginia Western alum, and has served as the Administrative Officer for Grants Administration at Virginia Western since early 2022. Prior to VWCC, her career focus was within the Human Services and Arts fields. She wrote her first grant in 1996 on a whim and has continued to plan and learn since that time. She most enjoys seeing a well-planned project come to fruition, where funder, project manager and beneficiaries can all feel success and see impact.
Recent Posts
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- The Power of Collaboration November 17, 2023
- Time to Innovate October 4, 2023
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