ANNUAL REPORT
2023-24
DIRECTOR SUMMARIES
Dr. Lisa Nunn Director
Our faculty showed a lot of heart this year. We dove deeply into compassion-first teaching while also holding students to high standards of learning with a visit anad workshop from renowned pedagogy scholar Sarah Rose
Cavanagh. We expanded our knowledge of AI and pushed our teaching skills in new directions to address it ethically and responsively. We dabbled in flipping our classrooms and creating virtual escape rooms. We also invested in each other as colleagues, reading books together, doing improv, exploring museums, stargazing and (losing at) trivia together. So many moments of growth and connection. Another successful year for the CEE!
Dr. T.J. Tallie Interim Director
Stepping into the role as Interim Co-Director of the CEE for Spring 2025 was a challenge! I felt so much better knowing I was codirecting with Rhea Webb and with the advice and thoughts of Lisa Nunn! We accomplished so much
in the semester, from hosting educator and author Deborah Miranda, to a series of meaningful faculty excursions and thoughtful reading circles. I feel so grateful to have been a further part of the CEE's story and working to build community here at USD. I can't wait to return after sabbatical and work with everyone again!
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“Every time I come into the office, I get new ideas! You’re
- Amanda Ruiz, CAS - Mathematics
Annual Snapshot:
Staying Connected to Our Values
Each semester, the CEE team collaborates to design opportunities that support faculty in their teaching. We prioritize aligning our offerings with our core values and strategic goals. Below are some of the initiatives we are especially proud to have offered
Equity-Minded Offerings
Connected to CEE Core Value #1: We believe that it is imperative to anchor our work in a commitment to equity in all its forms, recognizing the ever-evolving nature of injustice.
"Excellent space to share ideas. Great leader and more events like this should occur!" - Anonymous Participant
Faculty-Generated Offerings
“Thought-provoking book and a great group to come together with. Learned so much from this experience.” - Anonymous Participant
Of total programming
Fostered and/or promoted equity
In total, we offered 33 events, 7 reading circles, 4 initiatives, and 3 resources.
Connected to CEE Strategic Goal #4: Actively listening to faculty needs and incorporating at least 30% of their input into our program offerings
Watch the Event Recording Here!
opics Engaged With
Teach Abroad without Leaving USD
Led by Dr. Emily Edmonds-Poli, CAS - Poli Sci & International Relations
Women Pedagogy Discussion Group Led by Dr. Jillian Tullis, CASCommunication
Law Faculty Learning Circles Led by Melissa Abernathy & Julianne Odin, Legal Research Center
Faculty Burnout Reading Circle Led by Dr. Priya Garg, KSBFinance
Open Educational Resources Created by Dr. Regina Gong, Copley Library
Cross-Disciplinary Offerings
Connected to CEE Core Value #7: We believe that cross-disciplinary interactions spark creativity, collaboration, and meaningful relationships.
Belonging Reading Circle
Led by Dr Debbie Finocchio, CASChemistry & Biochemistry
“As always, thank you for doing all you do at the CEE. We are so lucky to have you all here to support us.”
- Debbie Finocchio, CAS - Chemistry & Biochemistry
Led by Dr Colin Campbell, KSBMarketing
“There is value in socializing with our peers as information flow is key to improve our quality as educators.”
- Joshua Della Vedova, KSB - Finance
8 events, 2 reading circles, 2 initiatives, and 3 resources.
28 out of 32 groups had at least 50% of the participants from different departments.
Led by Dr David Miller, CASHistory & CEE Liaison
“These sessions have helped me form community with other NTT faculty whom I would not otherwise have met and gotten to know. They have been invaluable!”
- Anonymous Participant
Most popular: Inclusive Teaching, AI, and Teaching Strategies.
“I wanted to take a moment to thank you for taking the time to meet with me today to discuss ways to improve my teaching skills. I really appreciate your insights and suggestions, and I'm looking forward to implementing them in my teaching practice.”
- Consultation Participant
Teaching Brainstorm Happy Hour
NTT Connect Series
Thematic Focus:
GENERATIVE AI
The CEE remained committed to developing resources and fostering discussions on generative AI. Rather than advocating for a singular approach, the CEE focused on providing ethical and responsible guidance to support faculty at all levels of engagement with generative AI.
Events
Students are Using AI
Can ChatGPT Write My Syllabus?
A Conversation on Grading, AI, and Pedagogy ChatGPT Happy Hour
Reading Circles & Communities of Practice
Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Joseph E. Aoun Teaching in the Age of ChatGPT
Resources
Can ChatGPT Write My Syllabus?
Students are Using AI: How to Embrace It; Navigate It; or Minimize It
152 views
Consultations
USD AI Policy Citing AI
Generative AI and Advanced Writing Teaching with AI in the Classroom
134 views
Participants
Faculty and staff across campus came together in a variety of formats to discuss, learn, critique, imagine, and practice teaching with AI.
“I always love CEE's concrete ideas/tools, like the syllabus statement on ChatGPT use, and all the wonderful ideas under the "Embracing it" category.”
- Anonymous Participant of Students are Using AI workshop
Faculty engaged in playful pedagogy
59 times
Faculty Excursions - NEW!
Thematic Focus:
Playful Pedagogy
USD, like many institutions, felt the impact of increasing faculty burnout. In response, the CEE dedicated a portion of its programming to playful, inspiring opportunities designed to reenergize and support faculty.
A new CEE program brings faculty together to explore San Diego, exchange ideas, and find inspiration. This year, we visited:
Timken Museum: Led by Dr. Derrick Cartwright, CAS - Art, Architecture, + Art History
Fleet Science Center Imax: Led by Dr. T.J. Tallie, CAS - History
USD Tijuana Hub: Led by Dr. Kevin Guerrieri, CASLanguages, Cultures, & Literatures
USD Campus Star Party!: Led by Dr. Sean Mossman, CASPhysics & Biophysics
Improv Retreat
Via a Faculty-Led Initiative, Dr Jonathan Bowman, CASCommunication, led a retreat where 10 faculty practiced improv strategies for the classroom!
“This was great! Such a fun way to learn, socialize and shake up my routine. Thankful to the organizers!”
- Anonymous Participant
Educational Escape Room Trivia Night
The CEE led an experiential workshop where faculty and staff across 3 schools learned how to Create Virtual Educational Escape Rooms for Student Engagement
CEE Liaisons Dr David Miller and Dr T J Tallie, CAS - History invited faculty to The Prado at Balboa Park to “become the student” at this fun event!
Online Resources
Faculty Spotlights
We would like to take a moment to recognize the following faculty members who have collaborated with the CEE both formally and informally to create and contribute meaningfully to the USD community and beyond. Click on the links to learn more!
Events
Dr.Joan Schellinger
- Chem & Biochem
Active Learning in Organic Chemistry Info Session
Awards
A Little Bit of Teaching
Dr Keith Macdonald CAS - Biology
Updating a Class or Lab Activity with Culturally Responsive Teaching Approaches
Dr.Diane Keeling CAS - Communication
Dr.Jillian Tullis CAS - Communication
Dr.Laura Getz CAS - Psychology
4 Tips for Creating a Successful Study Guide in Your Course(s)
Academic Write-Ups
Dr Colin Campbell
Transforming Classroom Dynamics with Case Teaching Methods
Faculty-Led Initiative
Dr.Amanda Ruiz
- Mathematics
Canvas Happy Hour
Teaching Tips
Dr.Farhana Nusrat KSB - Marketing
Utilize the Board for Structured and Interactive Discussions
Cory Charles Gooding, PhD
CAS - Political Science & International Relations
Recipient of the Undergraduate 2023-24 CEE Fostering Black Educational Excellence Award
Laura Rivard, PhD
CAS - Biology
Recipient of the 2023-24 Educational Excellence in the Community Award
Alberto López Pulido, PhD
CAS - Ethnic Studies
Recipient of the Undergraduate 2023-24 CEE Freire and hooks Decolonial Pedagogy Award
Mary Jo Wiggins, JD
School of Law
Recipient of the Graduate 202324 CEE Freire and hooks Decolonial Pedagogy Award
KSB - Marketing
Guest Speakers
The CEE was excited to host 3 guest speakers who shared their expertise with faculty from across the university.
01.
“Dear CEE team: These are wonderful opportunities for our faculty. Thank you!”
- Dr. Sarina Molina, SOLESAssociate Dean
Sarah Rose Cavanagh
Dr Sarah Rose Cavanagh hosted an interactive keynote on how to balance high expectations and compassion in teaching.
02.
Thomas Mennella
Dr. Thomas Mennella hosted an interactive workshop on how to flip your course without creating a single video lecture
03.
Deborah Miranda
Dr Deborah Miranda hosted an interactive keynote on teaching with her book Bad Indians: A Tribal Memoir as a method to decolonize pedagogy.
