SLC hosts Global Faculty Development Program

Submitted by Ining Chao, Director, Global Partnerships and Learning 

St. Lawrence College is hosting 14 faculty members and six senior administrators from Xi-An Eruasian University in China for a faculty training program, July 29 to August 9 on the Kingston campus. The Educational Design and Leadership in a Global Context program emphasizes outcome-based learning and culturally inclusive pedagogy. Participants engage in reflective practices, comparing educational methods in Canada and their home countries, to implement effective and culturally relevant strategies. This cohort-based intensive program fosters leadership and aims to drive organizational and societal changes. 

The launch of the program marks a milestone for SLC and Eurasia University’s partnership, which began in May 2023 when EU’s president Dr. Jing Liu led a delegation to visit the College. Grant McMichael, VP of Belonging, People and Culture, welcomed the participants on Tuesday and noted that the two institutions share the value of student-centred education, and a deep commitment to innovation and global collaboration.  
By showcasing SLC’s best practices on the global stage and engaging in mutual learning with the participants, the program advances SLC’s vision to be globally recognized, and this engagement will lead to further infusion of global and intercultural perspectives in our academic programming.  

Thank you to all the SLC staff members who are leading workshops, presenting on special topics, and participating in discovery interviews:  

Ining Tracy Chao: Director, Global Partnerships and Learning Services 
Rasha Fahim: Global Learning Coordinator 
Janet Greer: Director, Strategic Corporate Planning 
Jamie Belec: Associate Dean, School of Community Services 
Krista Videchak: Manager, Quality Assurance 
John JJ Bosica: Educational Developer 
Lindsay McCabe: Digital Learning Specialist 
Teresa Pires: Associate Dean, School of Business 
Ross McMillan: Director, Student Success and Services 
Caryn Langstaff: Director, Health, Wellness, and Accessibility 
David Osmond: Manager, Skills Training and Economic Development 
Xu Han, Professor, School of Business 

Sessions presented by SLC staff:  

Strategic Planning for Educational Leaders Facilitator: Janet Greer
This workshop covers the purpose and process of strategic planning in education, focusing on setting long-term goals, analyzing strengths and weaknesses, and creating actionable plans to drive success. Participants will develop skills in stakeholder engagement, alignment of vision and mission, progress monitoring, and advocacy. 

Discovery Interviews: Participants will conduct interviews with leaders from various departments at St. Lawrence College to understand common themes and challenges in higher education, building professional connections and exploring cross-cultural collaborations. 

Canadian Higher Education in Global Context Facilitators: Ining Chao, Jamie Belec, Krista Videchak
This session explores the landscape of Canadian higher education, emphasizing curriculum development, quality assurance, and international collaboration. Participants will compare trends and challenges between Canada and their home countries. 

Outcome-Based Learning Design Facilitator: John (JJ) Bosica Focusing on designing curriculum and instruction with clear and measurable outcomes, this session will highlight the benefits of outcome-based design in higher education. 

Student Engagement and Authentic Assessment Facilitator: John (JJ) Bosica
This session explores strategies for active student participation and authentic assessments that reflect real-world skills and knowledge. 

Digital Technology in Teaching and Learning Innovation Facilitator: Lindsay McCabe
Participants will learn about the transformative power of digital technology in education, including tools and techniques for interactive and personalized learning. 

Enhancing Internationalization Facilitator: Teresa Pires
This session offers insights into supporting diverse student populations and innovative approaches for recruiting and engaging international students. 

Transformational and Transformative Leadership in Global Education Facilitator: Ining Chao
Participants will explore transformative leadership theories and practices, focusing on implementing change and fostering a global perspective in education.