Don’t forget to attend Spring Conference tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 24, from noon-2:30 p.m. in Robson Arena. All faculty and staff members are invited. This year, we will have activities, games, and prizes available for participants in the spirit of community and connection.

Please bring your black CC nametag if you have one, and feel free to wear CC swag! 🐯

Our event schedule is as follows:
Noon: Check-in, grab lunch, find a seat (there will be no assigned seating)
12:05 p.m.: Table Trivia 
12:45 p.m.: Welcoming Remarks and President’s Leadership Awards
1:15 p.m.: CC Community Fair 
2 p.m.: Raffle Prizes and Closing 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Keragan Ettleman. We look forward to kicking off the year with you! 

One slice of my musicological research considers the role of the “greatest hits” album in manufacturing and maintaining an artist’s legacy—the careful selection and presentation of the highlights of their work as part of communicating a creative narrative aimed at diehard fans and casual listeners all at once.

It should come as no surprise, then, that I was delighted to discover an acronym for change-making within Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTLs): HITS. The Hub-Incubator-Temple-Sieve (HITS) framework offers four general strategies for enhancing educational development opportunities that can be applied at the organizational level, benefiting individuals and the collective. You can learn more about how Mary C. Wright’s book Centers for Teaching and Learning: The New Landscape in Higher Education explains how HITS has been applied to more than 1.200 CTLs across the country.

Over these next four blocks, I’ll use this space to outline the four key strategies of HITS, starting here with the letter “H.” According to Wright’s survey of more than 1200 CTLs, a hub strategy is the most applied theory of change. As the name suggests, centers acting as hubs serve as conveners, connectors, and coordinators within their institutions. They bring faculty, staff, and students together to foster collaboration, share resources, and create a cohesive learning environment. The Crown Center for Teaching takes pride in connecting our academic community, and we do so in numerous ways: Crown Lunches, Block Breakfasts, Educator Learning Communities, Creative Courage Cohorts, Educator Development Days, Mentoring Alliance Program, Scholarly Research and Writing Groups, and Instructional Coaching. Each program functions as its own hub while serving—perhaps to extend this metaphor further than necessary—as a spoke to the Crown Center itself. Whether you are a Crown superfan or are experiencing our collection of tracks for the first time, I hope our exploration of the HITS framework this semester provides you with a little more insight into the work we do to support innovative pedagogy across CC. And I invite you to consider how we can serve as a hub for your continued educational growth and development. If you have ideas for additional hub-related activities we can support, don’t hesitate to be in touch!

Sincerely,

Ryan Raul Bañagale

Associate Professor of Music and Director of the Crown Center for Teaching 

In talking to faculty and staff, we often hear regret over the loss of opportunities for social connection on campus. Technology, the pandemic, the pressure for everyone to do more—for whatever reason, our daily lives have become increasingly fragmented. The Crown Center hopes that hosting where colleagues from across campus can convene will help us all forge new relationships and feel more connected to existing friends. So please join us to share knowledge and a meal together.

Crown Faculty Lunch: Possibility Books

Monday, Jan. 27, 12:30 p.m-2 p.m. *lunch provided
Tutt Library, Room 105
Click here to register

Experience Possibility Books (PB), a brief daily pedagogy for classes across disciplines. Spend time over lunch adapting the prompts to align with any course. Outcomes of using PB include increased sense of community, well-being, creative thinking, and engagement with course content.

Over a thousand students across all disciplines have used PB.  Materials are provided by C&I for each class using this method.  Open to anyone teaching a course at CC.

Crown Faculty Lunch: Writing Letters of Recommendation

Hosted by the Health Professionals Advising Committee
Thursday, Jan. 30, 12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.*lunch provided
Tutt Library 317
Click here to RSVP

Join a session focused on writing letters of recommendation hosted by the current Health Professions Advising Committee (Jane Byrnes, Eryn Murphy, Sara Hanson, and Amy Kohout). This session will cover what makes an excellent letter of recommendation, as well as strategies for managing lots of requests and gathering the most useful information from the students we write for. While our committee sees many letters focused specifically on medical and dental school applications, this session might be useful for both newer letter writers and seasoned recommenders from all divisions, writing to support students pursuing a wide range of opportunities. 

Creativity & Innovation Workshop: Perception and Creativity at FAC

Hosted by  Jessica Hunter, Associate Director of the Crown Center   
Thursday, Feb. 6, 2 p.m. -3:30 p.m.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
Click here to RSVP

Although remaining open and receptive when faced with ambiguous situations is a component of creative thinking, we typically make decisions about unfamiliar things quickly. This session features exercises designed to help participants build their tolerance of ambiguity so they can eventually make more creative decisions.     

Block Break Breakfast

Thursday, Feb. 13, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Cossitt Lounge

Responding to a request for more informal space to converse about all things teaching, the Crown Center for Teaching hosts Block Break breakfasts. Come grab a bagel and some coffee or tea. Join your Crown Center colleagues for conversation and support. We welcome all to enjoy a bagel on us! No RSVP is required.

At Crown, we continually seek inspiration from peer institutions as we consider how Centers for Teaching and Learning can act as hubs to unite people, practices, and ideas. The UVA Teaching Hub provides an excellent example of a CTL acting as a repository for innovative and effective teaching practices by providing carefully selected resources for faculty. We encourage you to check out their website and listen to Associate Director Derek Bruff talk about their process for selecting faculty resources.

Shout out to Corey Hutchins, Manager of the Colorado College Journalism Institute, for this article in The Conversation that highlights CC students’ involvement in a project about Colorado local news sources.

CCE: PEAK (Publicly Engaged Actionable Knowledge) Project 

Are you interested in transitioning a course you are teaching this summer to community-engaged learning, but need community connections? If so, you are invited to participate in the Publicly Engaged Actionable Knowledge (PEAK) Project by filling out this brief interest form by the end of Block 5 (Sunday, Feb. 16).  The PEAK Project bridges campus knowledge to community impact by connecting CC educators to nonprofit partners for community-engaged learning classroom projects.  

For a limited time, those who participate in the PEAK Project and are successfully “matched” will be eligible to receive project development stipends ($500 each for faculty and community partners) to honor the time, capacity, and thought-work that goes into developing community-engaged learning projects. This funding is generously provided through the Bonner Foundation’s Community-Engaged Learning Initiative, through which the CCE received a grant. Funds will be offered until grant funding is exhausted. 

GLOBAL ED : Pondering the Idea of an Off-Campus Block? 

If you’re thinking about leading an off-campus block, the time to get Global Education involved is in the conception stage, even before you start to consider a proposal. We can assist you with ideation, modeling, use of site, partnerships, logistical support, staffing, and budgeting.  We are happy to have one-on-one meetings to discuss your idea or you can attend a Build a Block Away Workshop to bounce your ideas off others. The next BABA Workshop is Thursday, Mar. 6 in Armstrong 210. Email Allen Bertsche to RSVP. Finally, there is a great resource in Canvas. Search for the course titled “Build a Block Away” for resources, guidance, and college policy about off-campus blocks. If the 1-on-1 option is your preference, just reach out to Dr. Bertsche to schedule an appointment to discuss your idea and how it might become a CC Block Away. 

Every year, CC enrolls an academically-accomplished student body that encompasses a wide variety of interests, talents, and backgrounds. At this Work of the College Series session, you will learn how the Office of Admissions utilizes a holistic evaluation process that builds the incoming class each year. Join Tony Cabasco, Vice President for Enrollment, in South Hall Commons on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 3–4 p.m. Register in advance for this event. 

 For more information on the series, or to check out the schedule of events for this academic year, please visit Work of the College Series.

The Work of the College Series is a year-long program of events with four goals: (1) clarify organizational structures and decision-making processes; (2) offer campus constituencies the opportunity to dialogue with leadership about campus affairs; (3) increase decision-making transparency in hopes of building trust; and (4) build community.

The Work of the College Series consists of:

As we transition to a new calendar year, new semester, and significant changes in the national legal landscape, I want to take a moment to affirm that our commitment to equity and belonging through our policies and protocols remains a central value. To that end, we will continue to support members of our community who may be put at increased risk resulting from new federal policies. 

As you know, immigration is a focus of new executive orders and other legislation. We are communicating today to remind students and employees of the legal protections and the rules in place that help to safeguard the privacy of personal information at Colorado College. 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prevents employees from providing any identifying student information to entities outside the institution except under very narrow circumstances, such as a subpoena. This means we cannot confirm to an unauthorized party outside of CC that a person is a student. If you receive inquiries about a student from a person who is not an employee of the college, do not provide any information. Instead, direct all inquiries to the registrar who will coordinate a response on behalf of the institution. Read more about FERPA at Colorado College. 

All employees’ personal information is also protected by our Privacy Policy. Any requests for an employee’s personal information or employment status should be directed to hr@coloradocollege.edu“> Human Resources. 

If a person claiming to work for a government agency comes to your office or classroom, please direct them to Campus Safety.   

If you receive a request for information in writing, whether by mail, hand delivery, or email, from someone outside the institution, be cautious. Even routine requests for letters of recommendation should not be fulfilled unless verified by the requester. The same guidance applies to queries attempting to secure copies of documents that contain the college’s non-public information, such as meeting minutes. As a private institution, we are not subject to laws that compel public institutions to share such information upon request.

CC remains committed to supporting our students and employees access to a safe and healthy campus environment.

Please let us know if you have questions or concerns.

College Diversity Officer

Dear Beloved Community,

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Nancy Rios as the Director of Belonging and Engagement in the Office of Institutional Equity and Belonging. Nancy has been a part of the CC community since 2011 as a frequent lecturer in Anthropology; The Hulbert Center for Southwest Studies; Feminist and Gender Studies; Liberal Arts in Correctional Facilities Initiative; Race, Ethnicity and Migration Studies; Spanish and Portuguese; and Stroud Scholars. Most recently, Nancy served as the Co-Director of the CC Mobile Arts Truck. In her new role, Nancy will oversee the development of programs and cultivate relationships with on and off-campus partners who support marginalized communities.

Dr. Nancy Rios, Director of Belonging and Engagement

From Nancy: “I am looking forward to connecting with many of you and to drawing on my experience building inclusive communities and my understanding of place-based connection to strengthen Colorado College. I am also eager to build on our office’s programs and spaces that foster meaningful connections and celebrate diverse perspectives across campus and in our region”

I’m excited to have her expertise as a justice-centered scholar of anthropology as we move to institutionalize our sense of place initiative, a key component of her work in this role.

In Solidarity,

Rosalie 

Over the past year, you have likely heard much more about “Title VI” than ever before. As the national landscape changes, it is vital that we develop a deeper understanding of civil rights laws and protections as they relate to higher education. In a nutshell, Title VI was developed after the Brown V. Board of Education supreme court case and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. In recent years, guidance has included interpreting this law to also cover shared ancestry.

Every student should have equal access to educational opportunities regardless of their race, color, national origin and shared ancestry, as well as other protected classes as established by federal or Colorado law and Colorado College policy. This means that CC has an obligation to prevent such behaviors from occurring through preventive training and compliance, but also in supporting students who may be impacted by such behaviors.

To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the law and its current interpretations, the offices of Civil Rights and Title IX, Human Resources, and Institutional Equity and Belonging will be providing training and workshops. We strongly encourage you to watch this brief overview of the legislation from the US Department of Justice. While the training is a bit dated, it does provide important history and rationalization for the law. We also urge you to access this webinar which will help to contextualize this legislation for the current landscape, including a review of recent Title VI cases that have been decided.

Please look for more information and updates from the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX. Should you have questions about any of these regulations, please reach out to titleix@coloradocollege.edu or belong@coloradocollege.edu.

Colorado Immigration Rights Coalition Know Your Rights Workshop 

Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 3 p.m. in Gaylord Hall, Worner Campus Center

Annette Leyva ’23 and Silvia Entenza ’24, CIRC South Regional Organizers, will present a workshop to share information on your rights, resources, and support when facing potential immigration enforcement. The objective of this workshop is to increase one’s sense of security, increase family stability, and promote mental health by assisting individuals and families in organizing their personal information in the event that the family faces immigration enforcement.

CIRC is a statewide, membership-based coalition of immigrant, faith, labor, youth, community, business, and ally organizations founded in 2002 to improve the lives of immigrants and refugees by making Colorado a more welcoming, immigrant-friendly state. They provide free legal services for DACA renewal and citizenship applications, as well as family preparedness training in multiple languages.

Shout out to Sarah Elsey and the CCE for their work on the Week of Action! They had 70 CC employees participate in service at Eight community sites for a total of 210 hours of volunteer time. Find more ways to engage with CCE!

Faculty and Staff participating in the Week of Action at Habitat for Humanity, Concrete Couch, Care and Share Food Bank, and Lutheran Family Services. Photos by Rosalie Rodriguez, Kimberly Elahab, Britton Varn, and Jamie Cotten for Colorado College

Throughout the block, there are many cultural and religious observances. Please visit our website to learn about the many ways you can engage and support these observances on campus and in the community.

As the final notes of Schubert’s Symphony No. 5 resonated through Packard Hall, the fading chord was met with a wave of applause and cheers from an enthusiastic audience of over 150. Despite it taking place during one of the harshest snowstorms of the season, nearly every seat in the hall was filled for the Chamber Orchestra concert on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. CC students, local community members, long-time Music Department supporters, and faculty braved the cold to celebrate the student musicians’ talents.

Just a few days earlier, more than 1,000 tickets were sold for the World Premiere of Searching for Santa, a new musical by Joshua Franklin-Wolfe. This groundbreaking production was a collaboration between the Music Department and the Colorado Springs Conservatory. It marked a historic moment for the department, which took part in this project with the potential to blossom into a popular Broadway production.

Later in the week, the Tiger Jazz Ensemble captivated a crowd of over 130 people at their concert. Under the direction of Ricky Sweum, the ensemble teamed up with the Coronado High School Jazz Band for a joint performance. This collaboration not only showcased the talent of CC’s musicians, but also provided a unique opportunity for students to mentor aspiring high school musicians. The passion for music was palpable, reflecting the growth and vitality of CC’s Jazz program.

In just the span of Block 4, the CC Music Department presented eight ensemble concerts, including performances by the Concert Band, Choir, Bluegrass, and Gamelan groups. The total attendance for these concerts exceeded 2,000, a testament to the dedication of both faculty and students, who pour countless hours into producing performances that inspire creativity and foster community engagement.

Our concert halls aren’t the only places where music is resonating—our YouTube channel is also gaining momentum! Be sure to check out the Tiger Jazz Holiday Concert and other performances from the season.

Collegium Musicum presents “Music Making Magic”
Sunday, Jan. 26 at 3 p.m.
Packard Hall
Collegium Musicum will be performing Baroque music that’s featuring in films and shows including Pride and Prejudice, Game of Thrones, Marie Antoinette, and more!

Live from Packard Hall: Faculty Artists Concert Series
Tuesday, Feb.4 at 3 p.m.
Packard Hall
This series features the amazing talents of CC’s performance faculty. Please join us for this afternoon concert of classical, bluegrass, and jazz music!

Music at Midday
Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 12:15 p.m.
Packard Hall
Featuring CC’s students as they perform solo and chamber instrumental and vocal works. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the variety and talent of our students!