Faculty end semester with inclusive jump-start on fall
Published 05.16.2023
Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor
The Penn College 2023 Summer Teaching Institute this week provided faculty with a day and a half of professional development that focused on fostering a campus environment of belonging.
Showcasing both in-house and external presenters – including Amanda Slichter, who leads diversity, equity and inclusion efforts for Kutztown University's Residence Life Office – the institute collaboratively delivered opportunities to gain information and improve skills in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Among Monday's activities was a Community Action Poverty Simulation in the Field House, facilitated by BLaST Intermediate Unit 17, during which participants assumed the roles of low-income family members living on a limited budget.
![A “family” responds to a “Luck of the Draw” card that will impact their lives.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-05/_7502050_PCTo.jpg?itok=GmEORMMp)
![Playing a law enforcement officer, Jillian T. Scanlon delivers a tough lesson to Matthew D. Krepps, an aviation maintenance instructor.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-05/_7502052_PCTo.jpg?itok=c36PYY2r)
![In a corner of the Field House, “school-age family members” attend K-12 school. Participants included faculty, staff and students from the Human Services & Restorative Justice Club.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-05/_7502057_PCTo.jpg?itok=vaKAo_2V)
![Nate Woods Jr., special assistant to the president for inclusion transformation, conveys “Inclusive Language for Your Syllabi” in a College Avenue Labs classroom ...](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-05/_7502061_PCTo.jpg?itok=iVjIwCKD)
![... and offers insights on positive communication and sharing community resources with students.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-05/_7502070_PCTo.jpg?itok=AuMcOoQv)
![The schedule also provided opportunities for sidebar connections, like that being enjoyed by (from left) Christof Keebaugh, assistant professor of physics; Summer L. Bukeavich, associate professor of business administration/management and marketing; and Woods.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-05/_7502088_PCTo.jpg?itok=ZJwOFS9n)
![“Accessibility Fundamentals” is presented by Walter J. Shultz, director of educational and emerging technologies, and Dawn M. Dickey, director of disability and access resources.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-05/_7502101_PCTo.jpg?itok=Cd7bZVY6)