When we picture an undergraduate student, we may often default to the traditional 18–22-year-old who comes straight from high school. But that image captures only a fraction of the students in our classrooms.

Our students bring a wide range of lived experiences and identities with them every day, both visible and unseen. They are students who work. Students from different religious traditions. Neurodivergent students. Students navigating family responsibilities, financial pressures, health concerns, different political ideologies, or a sense of not fully belonging. As educators, we are called to serve all students.

Please join us for the 2026 Teaching and Inclusive Event on Friday, March 27th from 8:30am-11:30am in the Roesch Library Collab (Room 240), sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Provost's Office, and University Libraries. Faculty and student-interacting staff will share 4-7 minute lightning talks focused on sharing best practices or lessons learned related to inclusive excellence in teaching, as well as initiatives that extend beyond the classroom (e.g., advising, housing, student workers in offices, student organization activities and outreach).

Register here to attend.

Event Schedule:

8:30-8:45am -  Doors open
 

8:45-9:00 -  Pam Young (SEHS), Erik Ziedses des Plantes (University Libraries) - Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:00-9:15am -  Peter Titlebaum (SEHS) -  The Gentle Push: Believing in Students Before They Believe in Themselves
How do we help students see that success belongs to them? This talk explores how peer connection and voluntary, high-impact opportunities challenge students to grow beyond their perceived limits and build professional credentials.

  9:15-9:30am -  Jeremy Mills and Mary-Kate Sableski (SEHS) -  Universal Design for All: Lessons from Intervention Specialists
Learn how evidence-based practices from K-12 special education can be scaled to support all collegiate learners. This session demonstrates how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles create a more equitable environment for both students and faculty.

9:30-9:45am -  TyAnn Stewart (AALI) and Shyra Thomas (Advancement) -  Using the A's of First-Gen to Amplify and Celebrate Success!

Discover how the UD First-Gen Success Team uses graduation cords to tangibly celebrate first-generation students. This talk highlights a framework of advocacy and asset-acknowledgement that reflects our shared Marianist values.

9:45-10:00am -  Julianne Morgan (AALI) -  Beyond the "Click Here" Link: 7 Practical Tips for Digital Accessibility in Canvas
Digital barriers can exclude students before class even begins. Gain seven practical, immediate tips for your Canvas site to remove technical hurdles and move toward true digital inclusive excellence.

10:00-10:15am -  Michelle Hickman & Adam Spencer (Facilities Management) -  Mentoring Student Workers to Prepare Them for Professional Success
Facilities Residential Properties staff share their model for mentoring student employees. Learn how they transform daily operations into professional development opportunities that prepare students for life after UD.

10:15-10:30am -  Todd Schluter and Zach Weber (Facilities Management) -  Service Calls as a Moment of Care: Not Business as Usual
By treating a residential service call as an opportunity for connection rather than a mundane task, staff can foster a culture of dignity. This talk explores how to create positive "home" interactions within UD living spaces.

10:30-10:45am -  Danny Bean (SEHS) -  So, You Want to Teach Kinsey?
Using the legacy of sexologist Alfred Kinsey as a case study, this talk examines how to teach controversial figures without perpetuating historical injustices. Learn strategies for maintaining cultural sensitivity and relevance in complex classroom scenarios.

10:45-11:00am -  Lindsay A. Gold (SEHS) -  Money, Belonging, and the Hidden Curriculum
This session introduces a financial literacy workshop designed to normalize financial uncertainty and foster belonging. By addressing the "hidden curriculum" of money, the session discusses how collective care prepares future educators to support diverse communities and build inclusive classroom climates.

11:00-11:15am -  Thomas Falk (SEHS) -  Sitting with Discomfort: Navigating Oppressive Speech Environments
Addressing the rise of student self-censorship, this presentation suggests that sitting with discomfort can be a generative, inclusive practice. Explore anecdotal evidence on how to help students gain the confidence to become free speakers in a polarized world.

11:15-11:30am -  Danielle Julita Quichocho (CAS) -  Statement of Belonging
Learn how a "statement of belonging" read at the start of every class sets clear expectations for inclusivity. This session discusses how to foster a safe space where students can bring their whole selves to the learning process.