University Professional Development Days Schedule

All Day

New Faculty Orientation for Full-Time Faculty

A comprehensive invite only program designed to welcome and integrate new full-time faculty members into the OLLU community.

8:30 - 9:00 AM

Breakfast & Check-In

• Location: UWAC Mabee Gymnasium 

9:00 - 9:30 AM

Keynote Address: "A Call to Hope"

Norman Wirzba, Ph.D.

Gilbert T. Rowe Distinguished Professor of Christian Theology, Duke University Divinity
School.
Senior Fellow, Kenan Institute of Ethics · normanwirzba.com

Norman Wirzba's research and teaching explore the intersections of theology, philosophy, ecology, and agrarian and environmental studies. Raised on a farm in southern Alberta, he studied history at the University of Lethbridge, theology at Yale University Divinity School, and philosophy at Loyola University Chicago. As director of research at Duke's Office of Climate and Sustainability, he built multidisciplinary research programs addressing the􀀠 social and ecological dimensions of climate change, and he recently directed the Henry Luce Foundation-funded project "Facing the Anthropocene." He is the author of numerous books, including Love's Braided Dance: Hope in a Time of Crisis, Agrarian Spirit: Cultivating Faith, Community, and the Land, Food and Faith: A Theology of Eating, and Living the Sabbath: Discovering the Rhythms of Rest and Delight, and the editor of The Art of the Commonplace: The Agrarian Essays of Wendell Berry. He lectures frequently across Canada, the United States, and Europe.

• Location: UWAC Mabee Gymnasium 

9:30 - 9:50 AM

Facilitated Discussion

• Location: UWAC Mabee Gymnasium

9:50 AM - 10:00 AM

Audience Q &A

• Location: UWAC Mabee Gymnasium

10:30 - 1:30 PM

Convocation - State of the University

• First Quarterly State of the University — continuing through Community Hour Following the keynote, the OLLU community gathers for Convocation and our first quarterly State of the University. This is a mandatory gathering for faculty and staff; a calendar invitation will be sent with location details. Thank you for being part of this important start-of-year conversation about our university's direction and priorities.

8:30 - 9:00 AM

Donuts with the Deans

• Location: Main 303 Suite (First come, first serve)

9:00 - 10:15 AM

Studio Session #1

(Attendees in the RGV and Houston area may email the presenter for the Teams link

No More Crickets: Turning Passive Students into Active Learners

Facilitators: Polo Trejo, John Phelps, Kelly Roberts-Cooper

This interactive studio explores practical, creative strategies for moving students from passive observation to active participation. Led by three facilitators, participants will experience and discuss techniques that encourage conversation, collaboration, curiosity, and meaningful engagement across a variety of courses and teaching formats. Faculty will leave with adaptable ideas they can use immediately to create more energetic, inclusive, and studentcentered learning experiences.

• Location: Main 304

10:45 - 12:00 PM

Concurrent Sessions

(Attendees in the RGV and Houston area may email the presenter for the Teams link

Teach Like It’s 2026: Technology, Social Media, and Student Connection

Facilitators: Kim Kennedy, Brianna Salas

This highly interactive Learning Studio brings together faculty who have successfully leveraged social media and digital platforms to elevate their programs, engage students, and share compelling stories of student achievement. Through hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, live demonstrations, and peer idea-sharing, participants will explore practical approaches for creating engaging content, promoting academic programs, and strengthening connections with current and prospective students. Whether you are new to social media or looking to enhance your digital presence, this studio will provide actionable strategies, creative inspiration, and a supportive environment for learning alongside colleagues. Leave with new ideas, draft content, and a roadmap for telling your program's story in ways that resonate with today's students.

• Location: Main 225

12:30 - 1:00 PM - Lunch on Your Own

12:30 - 2:00 PM - Flight School Brown Bag Luncheon (concurrent)

1:15 - 2:30 PM

Studio Session #3

(Attendees in the RGV and Houston area may email the presenter for the Teams link

From Classroom to Career: Preparing Students for the Real World

Facilitators: Jim Hall, Susan Murphy, and Amanda Brown

What does it take to help students successfully transition from college to career? In this highly interactive Learning Studio, faculty will explore innovative strategies for embedding workforce readiness, career preparation, and professional skill development into the learning experience. Led by faculty recognized for building strong industry partnerships and creating pathways to opportunity, this session highlights practical approaches for connecting students with internships, employers, networking opportunities, and real-world experiences. Through discussion, collaboration, and the sharing of best practices, participants will discover ways to strengthen career-connected learning, expand workforce pipelines, and help students build the confidence, competencies, and professional connections needed to thrive after graduation. Leave with actionable ideas to bridge the gap between classroom learning and career success.

• Location: Main 304

2:45 - 4:00 PM

(Attendees in the RGV and Houston area may email the presenter for the Teams link

Bring Back the Graduates: Turning Alumni into Classroom Partners

Facilitators: Michelle Avila, Christine Carmichael, Ester Flores

What if some of your most valuable classroom partners are sitting􀀠 in corner offices, leading organizations, launching businesses, or serving in the very careers your􀀠 students aspire to enter? In this highly interactive Learning Studio, faculty will explore innovative strategies for reconnecting with graduates and transforming alumni into active partners in student learning. Through collaborative discussion and the sharing of proven practices, participants will discover how alumni can serve as guest speakers, mentors, panelists, internship sponsors, recruiters, and professional role models who bring realworld relevance to the classroom. Learn how to cultivate enduring alumni relationships that strengthen student engagement, expand professional networks, and provide authentic insights into career pathways. Leave with practical ideas for building a vibrant alumni network that bridges the gap between classroom learning and professional success — creating a powerful cycle in which today's students become tomorrow's partners, mentors, and ambassadors.

• Location: Main 225

4:15 - 6:00 PM - Dean's VIP Lounge

Attended all four Studio sessions? The VIP Lounge is your reward: unwind with complimentary snacks and beverages, celebrate the start of the year, and connect with colleagues before the semester begins.

• Location: Main 303 Suite

Faculty Retreats and/or Connect with Colleagues

10:45 AM - 12:oo PM

New Student Convocation

Join the OLLU community in a cherished tradition as we welcome OLLU’s historic 131^th Incoming Class

• 10:45 – Faculty line up in regalia, Main Building 2nd floor hallway
• 11:00 – New Student Convocation, Sacred Heart Chapel – Welcome OLLU’s historic 130th incoming class (faculty/staff invited)
• 12:00 – Providence Path – Community lines Main Building 1st floor hallway to cheer and welcome new Saints (faculty/staff invited)