Flex Period Workshops

Page Content

In-Class Workshops/ Presentations Available for Flex Periods

View workshops

Faculty members may use flex periods to cover new content, offer additional review or discussion of class exams or papers, or otherwise expand the material they are able to cover. The academic calendar and meeting patterns for spring 2020 have been adjusted from the prior year’s format, with a slightly longer semester and different class meeting times. The MWF classes meet for 60 minutes three times a week, and with the lengthened semester, this pattern includes more than the minimum required contact minutes for the classes. As a result, MWF classes now allow for three “extra” class meetings that offer faculty the flexibility to introduce supportive or supplementary content to enhance their classes. For example:

Faculty members can elect to provide students with additional study days without class meetings prior to final exams or other significant assignments. 

Faculty members can invite guests to class to deliver workshops or presentations on topics that impact students’ success in the courses (e.g., note-taking, stress management, writing/speaking skills). 

We have developed a list of topics and guest presenters available to instructors for in-class presentations during flex periods; you will find this on the Provost’s office website, under Faculty/Staff. Although not exhaustive, this list offers a good starting point for potential speakers.

The flex period structure is designed to enhance the educational experience of students in the MWF classes, many of which are lower-level courses geared towards students early in their academic careers. We encourage you to take advantage of this additional time during the semester to address the areas in which you most often see students struggle. The three flex periods provide significant additional time to complement the core class content, and we encourage creative approaches to utilization of this new structure. If you have questions, additional suggestions for in-class workshops, or your own ideas about how to optimize flex periods to improve student outcomes, please contact Amy.Chasteen@usm.edu. We welcome your input.

Below are some examples of presentations that various offices around campus have prepared to offer in any class. The list is not exhaustive, however, so if you are interested in a related but different topic, please reach out to one of the contact people listed below to discuss your preferences. If you are aware of other workshops or presentations that should be added to this list, please email academic.affairsFREEMississippi. Thank you!

 

◼︎ How the University Libraries Support Student Research

This presentation will cover the various library resources, services, and facilities available to students, including how to seek assistance.

Hali Black, First Year Experience Librarian

◼︎Introduction to Academic Research and Using Library Databases

This workshop will provide an introduction to academic research, as well as a hands-on tutorial on how to effectively use library databases and other resources to conduct research and complete course research assignments.

Hali Black, First Year Experience Librarian

◼︎ Understanding USM’s Definition of ‘Plagiarism’ and How to Avoid It

Cindy Blackwell, Academic Integrity Officer

◼︎ Is It Okay to Get that Online? How Studying Can Become Academic Misconduct

Cindy Blackwell, Academic Integrity Officer

◼︎ Developing Effective Study Skills for College Classes

Katie McBride, Director, New Student and Retention Programs

◼︎ Time Management Strategies

Katie McBride, Director, New Student and Retention Programs

◼︎ Stress Management for College Students

Lisa Wright, Health Educator, Office of Health Promotion
Moffitt Health Center

◼︎ Alcohol and Drug Use, Abuse, and Harm Reduction

Lisa Wright, Health Educator, Office of Health Promotion
Moffitt Health Center

◼︎ Body Image, Disordered Eating, and Strategies for Peer Support

Lisa Wright, Health Educator, Office of Health Promotion
Moffitt Health Center

◼︎ Note-taking Techniques for Lecture Classes

Katie McBride, Director, New Student and Retention Programs

◼︎ Overcoming Challenges in Hard Classes (Growth Mindset)

Katie McBride, Director, New Student and Retention Programs

◼︎ How the Speaking Center Supports Student Communication

Laura Stengrim, Director, Speaking Center

◼︎ How Students Can Make the Most of the Writing Center

Maria Conti Maravillas, Director, Writing Center

◼︎ Top Tips for Crafting a Strong Resume for Job-Seeking and Internships

Rusty Anderson, Director, Career Services

◼︎ Making the Most of the Career & Internship Expo: Tips for Students from Freshman to Senior Year

Rusty Anderson, Director, Career Services

◼︎ How to Find and Obtain the Right Internship – and Why it Matters

Paige Jones, Director, Center for Pathway Experiences