University & Faculty Fall Conference

University Conference will be held the morning of Wednesday, August 27, 2025 followed by Faculty Fall Conference that afternoon and all day Thursday, August 28, 2025.

Pre-Conference Workshops will be held Monday, August 25 – Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Registration is now closed. Please email provost@plu.edu with any questions.

Monday, August 25, 2025

9:00 – 11:30 am | Academic Program Leaders Meeting – Anderson University Center 203 Regency

Joanna Gregson, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

All Academic Deans, Department Chairs, and Interdisciplinary Program Chairs/Directors should plan to attend this important meeting where we will discuss the major academic topics for the 2025-2026 academic year.

This meeting is by invitation only; please RSVP via the Google Calendar event invitation. Contact provost@plu.edu with questions.

11:30 – 1:00 pm | Assessment in Action: Shaping the Future of General Education – Hauge Admin 101 & Google Meet

Scott Rogers, Dean of Assessment and Core Curriculum

This session will review core curriculum assessment data, focusing on what we have discovered about teaching and learning in the gen ed curriculum. We’ll use these findings to talk about best practices for scheduling and supporting student learning in core courses. We’ll also review recommendation #1 from our recent accreditation visit, which requires a substantive assessment plan for our new core curriculum.

This meeting is open to all faculty and staff who teach or support general education courses. Registration is required.

1:00 – 3:00 pm | Wellbeing Services and Resources: Open House – Hong Hall

Jennifer Childress White, Assistant Dean of Students & Title IX Coordinator
Austin Beiermann, Director for Accessibility and Wellbeing Resources

Come and take a tour of Hong Hall and see all of Wellbeing Services and Resources in one building. By attending this open house you will learn about 2025-2026 WSR operations, see campus colleagues, and get a sneak peek of a reactivated campus building.

Open to all faculty and staff.

1:00 – 2:00 pm | Staff Photos I – KHP Red Square

Sy Bean, Campus Photographer

Are you new to PLU, or would you like a new staff photo? Click here* to reserve a time slot. Space is limited!

*If you are attending New Faculty Orientation on August 20-21, there will be a separate time for your photo. Please do not sign up for this time slot.

If time slots are full, or if this date/time does not work for you, please leave your name and email in the spreadsheet. If you have questions, please email provost@plu.edu.

Open to all faculty/instructors and staff. Registration is required.

1:00 – 2:30 pm | Gemini Workshop – Hauge Admin 101 & Google Meet

Kevin Berg, Chief Information Officer and Director of Information Systems

This workshop will outline Generative AI foundations with a focus on Google Gemini and practical applications of Gemini at PLU. The first half will highlight tools available to all PLU employees and students: Gemini Chat and NotebookLM. The second half will feature Gemini integrations in Google Workspace available with the Gemini Premium license.

Open to all faculty/instructors and staff. Registration is required.

2:00 – 4:00 pm | Ungrading: Rethinking Assessment for Deeper Learning and Connection – Anderson University Center – 201

Daniel D. Cline, PhD, RN, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, School of Nursing

This workshop will introduce, review, and discuss the pedagogical approach of ungrading, including its benefits and challenges. We will use a pathophysiology course in the nursing program as an example to explore what worked, what didn’t, and what we plan for the next iteration. Participants will then have the opportunity to discuss how this approach might be applied in their own classes, considering the pros, cons, and potential strategies.

This meeting is open to all faculty. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

4:00 – 5:00 pm | HPRB Workshop for Faculty – Google Meet

Marianne Taylor, Chair of HPRB (Human Participants Review Board)

Open to all faculty whose classes submit HPRB proposals. Overview of HPRB process and resources including online submission of research through Sitero (Mentor) system.

This workshop is open to all faculty/instructors. Registration is required.

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

9:00 – 11:00 am | Getting Started with Sakai for Instructors – Google Meet

Sean Horner, Senior Web Developer

Intended for new faculty and other instructors, this workshop provides a guided walk-through for setting up a Sakai course site. Such tasks include uploading a syllabus and other introductory course materials. Participants will also learn how to publish weekly instructional content, administer a gradebook, and send announcements.

This workshop is open to all faculty/instructors. Registration is required.

9:00 – 11:00 am | HPRB Workshop for UD and Committee Members – Anderson University Center 201  Hauge Admin 101

Marianne Taylor, Chair of HPRB (Human Participants Review Board)

Intended for Unit Designates and Committee members who will review online HPRB proposal submissions and provide feedback through Sitero (Mentor) system.

This workshop is by invitation only; please RSVP via the Google Calendar event invitation. Contact hprb@plu.edu with questions.

9:00 – 11:00 am | Orientation to Faculty Learning Communities – Anderson University Center 203 Regency

Jennifer Smith, Dean of Inclusive Excellence

In this session, the facilitators of and participants in this year’s Faculty Learning Communities (FLC) will gather to review the history, goals, and research about FLCs, generally, so as to ground our work in a shared understanding of the features that make them particularly effective strategies for faculty development. Each FLC will also have dedicated time with its members to establish goals, community agreements, and meeting dates/times.

Sign-ups and more information forthcoming in the August 12th Faculty Newsletter.

This meeting is by invitation only; please RSVP via the Google Calendar event invitation. Contact Jennifer Smith (smithjb@plu.edu) with questions.

11:00 – 12:00 pm | Google Meet & Google Drive – LIBR 140 & Google Meet

Janelle Brockman, Instructional and Multimedia Technologist, Instructional Technologies

The goal of this workshop is to understand the basics of using Google Meet, and learn the best practices of using and sharing documents in Google Drive. We’ll dive into the functions of Google Meet and develop a better understanding of the program’s tools, both for hosting and participating in a Meet.

We’ll also discuss how to create, use, and share documents in Google Drive, as well as how and when to use Shared Drives. Please be prepared to follow along on your own device (ex: laptop or tablet).

This workshop is open to all faculty and staff/instructors. In-person seating is limited. Registration is required.

12:00 – 1:00 pm | Staff Photos II – KHP Red Square

Sy Bean, Campus Photographer

Are you new to PLU, or would you like a new staff photo? Click here* to reserve a time slot. Space is limited!

*If you are attending New Faculty Orientation on August 20-21, there will be a separate time for your photo. Please do not sign up for this time slot.

If time slots are full, or if this date/time does not work for you, please leave your name and email in the spreadsheet. If you have questions, please email provost@plu.edu.

Open to all faculty/instructors and staff. Registration is required.

12:00 – 1:00 pm | Blue Zones – Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives: Employee Wellness at PLU – Anderson University Center – 201  Hauge Admin 101

Krista Timm, Public Policy Lead, Blue Zones Parkland Spanaway
Bridget Yaden, Associate Provost

Ready for some wellness inspiration? Join us for a talk about employee wellness programs at PLU through the Blue Zones Project. Discover how these initiatives can enhance your overall well-being as staff or faculty by fostering a healthier and more productive work environment. We’ll explore various wellness strategies, success stories, and practical steps to best take advantage of these new resources. After a 30 minute presentation, we will offer two wellness activities for 30 minutes.

This workshop is open to all staff and faculty/instructors. Registration is preferred but not required.

1:00 – 2:00 pm | Canva Workshop – LIBR 140 & Google Meet

Janelle Brockman, Instructional and Multimedia Technologist, Instructional Technologies

Created with both beginners and experts in mind, Canva is perfect for any of your graphic design needs. From class projects to blog articles, presentations, animated images, logos and more; Canva’s extensive library of assets, templates, and manual design tools are perfect for all projects that could use a creative touch. Explore the basics of using Canva to design eye-catching and creative works for all your projects, inside and outside the classroom!

Open to all staff and faculty/instructors. In-person seating is limited. Registration is required.

1:00 – 4:30 pm | FYEP Workshop – Anderson University Center – 203 Regency

Paul Sutton, FYEP Director

In this workshop we’ll be working with FYEP faculty and staff to help them continue their work supporting and serving our incoming first year students. This workshop is strongly recommended for all FYEP teaching faculty and staff. In it we’ll be discussing a long term vision for the program, looking at student feedback to consider ways to revise and adjust our FYEP courses moving forward, and learning specific strategies to make our FYEP courses more inclusive, accessible, engaging, and relevant for our students.

This workshop is by invitation only; please RSVP via the Google Calendar event invitation. Contact Paul Sutton (suttonps@plu.edu) with questions.

University Conference

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

8:30 – 9:00 am | Morning Chapel – KHP Ness Chapel

8:30 – 9:15 am | University Conference – Morning Refreshments – KHP Red Square

9:15 – 11:45 am | University Conference – KHP Auditorium

11:45 am | University Conference Lunch – KHP Red Square

1:15 – 5:15 pm | Faculty Fall Conference – Day 1 – See below for full schedule

Faculty Fall Conference Day 1 | Faculty Committee Organizational Meetings

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

1:15 – 2:00 p.m. | Faculty Committee Organizational Meetings

2:15 – 3:15 p.m. | College Meetings

3:30 – 4:15 p.m. | School/Department Meetings – Meeting details communicated by unit

4:30 – 5:15 p.m. | Interdisciplinary Program Meetings – Meeting details communicated by program

Faculty Fall Conference Day 2 | Finding Connection in the Current Educational Context – AUC Chris Knutzen Hall

Thursday, August 28, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

8:30 – 9:00 am | Informal Morning Social
With coffee, tea, and scones

9:00 – 9:05 am | Welcome
Faculty Affairs Committee

9:05 – 9:10 am | Invocation
Pastor Jen Rude

9:10 – 9:40 am | Faculty Chair’s Address
Amy Young

9:40 – 9:45 am | Break

9:45 – 10:30 am | Workshop #1

Connecting the Dots: Aligning PLU Principles & Expertise with AI Possibilities
Members of the AI Task Force & College Deans

10:30 – 10:35 am | Break

10:35 – 11:20 am | Workshop #2

Bridge Building: Finding Connections Across Faculty Expertise
Amy Young, Faculty Chair and Professor of Communication

11:20 – 11:25 am | Break

11:30 am – 12:00 pm | Provost’s Address
Joanna Gregson

12:00 – 1:00 pm | Lunch
Buffet lunch provided

1:00 – 2:00 pm | Connecting to Mission: Federal & State Policy Updates and Actions

New Student Orientation

Friday, August 29 – Tuesday, September 2, 2025

We will welcome new Lutes to campus during LUTE Welcome. Faculty and staff are invited to join us in welcoming new Lutes during New Student Orientation. You can view the New Student Orientation schedule at plu.edu/nso.

Convocation

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

The Convocation ceremony dates back to customs from medieval universities, meant to welcome new students and faculty and set intentions for the year ahead.

In keeping with a specifically PLU tradition, faculty process down Hinderlie Hill and welcome new Lutes in an outdoor receiving line as students enter Olson Auditorium. Faculty then process in after the incoming class has entered and take their seats on the floor of Olson for the remainder of the ceremony. This ceremony takes on a special meaning as students will convene together in Olson Auditorium to participate in the first commemoration of their academic experience at PLU. The next time the incoming class will gather in this manner will be at Commencement.

Convocation schedule for Tuesday, September 2, 2025:

• 9:30 a.m. — Faculty begin to line up in the Mortvedt Library Lobby for processional down the hill
• 9:45 a.m. — University offices close to allow all employees to attend Convocation
• 10:00 a.m. — Convocation ceremony
• 11:15 a.m. — University offices reopen
• 12:15 p.m. — Classes begin

Please also save the dates for the following events:

• New Faculty Orientation – Wednesday, August 20 – Thursday, August 21, 2025
• New Student Orientation – Friday, August 19 – Tuesday, September 2, 2025
• Labor Day – Monday, September 1, 2025
• Convocation and first day of classes – Tuesday, September 2, 2025
• Faculty Assembly
  • Friday, September 12, 2025 at 3:00-5:00 pm
  • Friday, October 10, 2025 at 3:00-5:00 pm
  • Friday, November 15 at 3:00-5:00 pm
  • Friday, December 5 at 3:00-5:00 pm
• University Assembly
  • Friday, October 24, 2025 at 1:30 pm
  • Friday, February 27, 2026 at 1:30 pm
  • Friday, May 15, 2026 at 1:30 pm
• Homecoming & Family Weekend – Friday, October 3-5, 2025
• Bjug Day – Tuesday, October 14-15, 2025
• Commencement – Thursday, May 21-22, 2025

Questions? Please contact the Office of the Provost, (253)535-7129 or provost@plu.edu.