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New Program

The Cultivating Connection & Belonging Fellows Program

A semester-long cohort program for College of Humanities educators to develop practical, evidence-based strategies that build connection and support student wellbeing, persistence, and success in the classroom and beyond.

Part of a national initiative of the Modern Language Association, MLA Pathways: Recruitment, Retention, and Career Readiness, this collaborative experience will provide opportunities to reflect and experiment alongside colleagues who share your commitment to fostering student connection through Humanities education. Together, we will engage with research-based frameworks, dialogue and reflection, and hands-on techniques, focusing on micro-practices that can be implemented immediately.

Sept. 11
Cohort Kick-Off

Alain-Philippe Durand, Dorrance Dean of the College of Humanities
Chad Myler, Manager, Employee Health and Wellness Promotion, Life & Work Connections

Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine (AWCIM) - Cantor Room

Sept. 18

Beyond the Classroom: Campus Resources for Student Success & Wellbeing

Chrissy Lieberman, Dean of Students 
Michelle McKelvey, Associate Dean of Students - Belonging and Mentoring, Thrive Center 
Cassandra Hirdes, Director of Health Promotion, Campus Health

Bartlet Academic Success Center (BASC) - Room 468

Oct. 2

Techniques for Building Connection and Psychological Safety in Discussion-Based Courses

Erin Galyen, Professor of Practice with the University Center for Assessment Teaching & Technology (UCATT); Co-Coordinator of the Certificate in College Teaching Program
Mascha Gemein, Professor of Practice with UCATT; Chair of the College Teaching GIDP

Campus Health - DeArmond Room B307

Oct. 16

Belonging in the Body - The Biology of Stress, Safety and Learning

Janay Young, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Assistant Clinical Professor, College of Nursing

BASC 468

Oct. 30

Providing Feedback that Builds Connection

Janice McGregor, Associate Professor, German Studies

BASC 468

Nov. 13

Learning by Design: Creating a Living Learning Community

Borbi Gaspar, Assistant Professor of Practice, Italian Studies
Chantelle Warner, Professor of German Studies and Associate Dean for Academic & Faculty Affairs

BASC 468

Dec. 4

Talking Across Differences: Constructive Dialogue in the Classroom

Victoria Meyer, Associate Professor of Practice and Director, Interdisciplinary Studies Program

Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine (AWCIM) - Cantor Room

CCB Fellows 2026

CCB Fellow Program News

Future Events

 

Join us Spring 2027 at
Teaching for Belonging Showcase

Interested in Becoming a CCB Fellow?

The program is open to COH staff, PhD students, and faculty of all ranks in all tracks who:

  • Are curious about the student belonging and wellbeing
  • Currently teach undergraduate discussion-based courses in any language
  • Want to experiment with small but meaningful shifts in their teaching
  • Are committed to building community with COH colleagues and sharing what they learn

Brought to you by the College of Humanities, Health Humanities Hub, and Campus Health
with generous support from the MLA Pathways STEP Grant Program.