Mental Health First Aid Training
Presenter(s): Tracy Coulson
Mental Health First Aiders are...Teachers, first responders and veterans. They’re
neighbors, parents and friends. They're people in recovery, and those supporting a
loved one. Mental Health First Aiders are anyone who wants to make their community
healthier, happier and safer for all. Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches
you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance
use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide
initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance
use problem or experiencing a crisis. It is a nationally certified 8-hour course (delivered
over two half days) for any MVCC employee to become certified. Refreshments provided.
Anyone who completes the 8-hour time commitment receives MVCC swag.
Onsite: WH225
Empowering Students
Presenter(s):Erin Severs
Learn about how different types of storytelling and autobiographical writing can contextualize
learning, assist with memory, and help students connect with you as a teacher and
with one another. In this session, I will talk about the book I wrote over my sabbatical
this past spring as I lay out different ways storytelling can empower your students.
There will be plenty of examples and lively discussion, and I plan to conclude our
time with a brief group activity.
Onsite: WH119
Civility in Higher Education
Presenter(s): Todd Marshall
This 50-minute interactive training introduces faculty and staff to the principles
and practices of civility as a foundation for a healthy campus climate. Participants
will define civility in the context of higher education, examine its impact on student
success and workplace morale, and practice strategies for fostering respectful communication
in classrooms, meetings, and professional interactions. Through real-life case studies,
guided discussion, and reflection activities, the session highlights how civility
extends beyond politeness to authentic, inclusive engagement. Attendees will leave
with practical tools for modeling civility, responding constructively to incivility,
and shaping a culture of respect that strengthens both individual and institutional
success.
Onsite: WH216
The Secret World of Library
Presenter(s): Milo Cameron
Join this session to learn about different types of libraries, the systems that make
them run, and the history behind your favorite cozy knowledge centers.
Onsite: WH224
Ellucian
Presenter(s): Patti Antanavige
This session will explore Ellucian Advise as a powerful tool for enhancing student
retention through proactive engagement. We'll focus on the platform’s Early Warning
System, which enables advisors and faculty to identify at-risk students early and
intervene effectively. Participants will be given step-by-step guidance on creating
and managing alerts within MyMV. We’ll also discuss the strategic reasoning behind
specific alerts, why they matter, when they should be raised, and how timely interventions
can positively impact student success and persistence. By the end of the session,
attendees will understand how to leverage Ellucian Advise to foster a culture of support,
improve retention rates, and ensure students stay on track toward their academic goals.
Onsite: WH119
Ask an SSA,How do I Guide Students in the Transfer Process?
Presenter(s): Rachel Simonds
Faculty and staff play an important role in a student's academic pathway. This institute
is designed to share best practices and useful resources to faculty and staff as they
support our students who are navigating the transfer process to four-year institutions.
The information shared will be tailored to the unique experiences that our students
have. We'll focus on transfer research techniques, SUNY processes and partnerships,
application requirements, and more. There will be time for Q&A throughout and we'll
provide the hand-outs and resources that we share with students for you to use in
your work.
Onsite: WH216
NYSUT
Presenter(s): Christine VanNamee
Join us for an informative session led by a NYSUT Member Benefits Coordinator, designed
to help you better understand the wide range of programs and services available to
NYSUT members. From financial planning and insurance options to legal services, shopping
discounts, and wellness programs, this session will provide valuable insights into
how to make the most of your union membership. Whether you're a new member or simply
looking to stay updated, come with your questions and leave empowered to take full
advantage of your NYSUT benefits.
This session is for PA members only.
Onsite: WH119
Design for All, ADA Compliance
Presenter(s): Norma Chrisman & Tabbi Carter
The goal of ADA compliance training is to promote an inclusive environment by equipping
participants with the tools to identify, prevent, and remove barriers to access in
a digital environment. Participants will receive information related to creation of
ADA compliant Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents along with tools that are available
in Brightspace.
Onsite: WH216
Discussion on Self Defense
Presenter(s): Abbie Bohling
Discussion on Self-Defense will be about it means to an individual, the definition,
and the types of mind-sets for self-defense.
Onsite: WH216
Beyond the Award
Presenter(s): Adam Palmer, Andrew Carpenter-Brockway, & Janet Visalli
Effective grant management is critical to advancing MVCC's mission and ensuring that
funded projects have real impact to students. This interactive session will provide
a high-level overview of why strong grant management practices matter, from aligning
projects with institutional goals to maintain compliance and accountability across
multiple funding streams. Presenters will also share practical, day-to-day insights
from managing active grants, including financial tracking, reporting, and navigating
common challenges. This session is ideal for anyone who works on, is funded by, oversees,
or supports grant-funded activities. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding
of MVCC's grant lifecycle, strategies for identifying funding needs, and the confidence
to engage more proactively in grant- supported initiatives.
Onsite: WH225
Poetry Reading
Presenter(s): George Searles
I'd like to do a reading from my new book of poems. Will bring & sign books if anyone
wants me to. No charge, of course; I'll give books away for free.
Onsite: WH119
What the Heck is Watermark
Presenter(s): Bradley Dixon
In this session, we'll cover all things assessment at the College, especially as they
relate to the use of Watermark's Planning & Self-Study software. We will discuss what
Watermark is currently used for and how it will be used in the future to make annual
planning, program/departmental assessment, and institutional/programmatic accreditation
easier and more powerful. This session will be especially helpful for program leads,
department heads, and anyone else who is involved with POARs, APRs, and/or strategic
planning at the College. Emphasis will be placed on how these assessments contribute
to a successful Middle States Accreditation Self-Study.
Onsite: WH225
MV Makers Crafting Circle
Presenter(s): Milo Cameron
All are welcome to bring a portable crafting project and relax with creative colleagues.
This is a great opportunity to learn a skill in the new year!
Onsite: WH216
Ellucian
Presenter(s): Patti Antanavige
This session will explore Ellucian Advise as a powerful tool for enhancing student
retention through proactive engagement. We’ll focus on the platform's Early Warning
System, which enables advisors and faculty to identify at-risk students early and
intervene effectively. Participants will be given step-by-step guidance on creating
and managing alerts within MyMV. We’ll also discuss the strategic reasoning behind
specific alerts, why they matter, when they should be raised, and how timely interventions
can positively impact student success and persistence. By the end of the session,
attendees will understand how to leverage Ellucian Advise to foster a culture of support,
improve retention rates, and ensure students stay on track toward their academic goals.
Onsite: WH119
