This Reading Week, Student Affairs, the Office of Diversity, Equity & Human Rights (DEHR), and the Centre for Innovation and Excellence in Learning (CIEL), are partnering to bring you the LEVEL UP Staff and Faculty Professional Development Series. Developed and facilitated collaboratively, the LEVEL UP series offers staff and faculty a variety of topics related to planning for and responding to diverse student needs.
Each session runs for one hour – perfect for squeezing into your Reading Week schedule. There are multiple chances to attend many sessions, so if you miss one, you might be able to catch it later in the week- either online or in person.
Across February 17–20, we’ll offer a range of sessions – both in-person and online – that explore important aspects of supporting students and strengthening your professional practice.
Information and Registration
Foundations for Success
Get grounded in positive classroom management strategies and tools you can use immediately to create welcoming, engaging learning spaces.
Supporting Students in Distress
Learn how to recognize when a student may be struggling, initiate supportive conversations, set appropriate boundaries, and connect them to helpful resources.
Responding to Disclosures
When students choose to share about experiencing sexual violence, what you say and do matters. This session walks through compassionate, informed approaches and the difference between disclosure and formal reporting.
Inclusive & Accessible Learning
Explore trauma-informed and inclusive course design practices that support all learners.
How to Make Your Job Easier: Career Studio Supports That Take Work Off Your Plate
Hear how VIU’s Career Studio can partner with you and your students to lift workload while supporting students’ career readiness and success. (Dates and times to be confirmed)
Learning Together
LEVEL UP is an opportunity to connect with colleagues across campus and gather strategies that support student wellbeing, equity, and success while making your own work a little bit easier. These sessions have been designed to be interactive and practical, so you’ll come away with resources and ideas you can use next week, next semester, and beyond.
Whether you’re new to VIU or a seasoned instructor, there’s something here for you. We hope you’ll take a moment during Reading Week to join us.