Submitted by ACC Teaching & Learning Excellence Division

Austin Community College (ACC) welcomed faculty and staff to a new semester with Spring Development Day (SDD) 2025, a vibrant and engaging professional development event designed to inspire and empower employees.

Held on Friday, January 17, 2025, this year’s theme, “Spring Forward: Creating a Mosaic of Opportunities,” encouraged participants to explore innovative tools and strategies to enhance both teaching and workplace environments at ACC. SDD 2025 featured a dynamic lineup of workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities tailored to support professional growth across various disciplines.

A Day of Learning, Collaboration, and Growth

The event brought together 500 registrants for a day of engaging discussions, hands-on learning, and professional growth. With 28 unique sessions spanning a range of topics—including instructional innovation, student engagement, leadership development, and workplace productivity—attendees had ample opportunities to expand their knowledge and skill sets.

Sessions were structured into four interactive sections throughout the day. Through these sessions, participants explored emerging trends in education, workforce readiness, technology integration, and student-centered strategies, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas and best practices were shared. While the keynote presentation was HyFlex (both in person and online), all other sessions were conducted synchronously online via Zoom, ensuring accessibility for employees across the college community.

Keynote Presentation: CLI Preview: Inspiring Leadership at ACC

The event highlighted an inspiring keynote titled “The Chancellor’s Leadership Institute (CLI) Preview: Inspiring Leadership at ACC,” featuring ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart in conversation with Dr. Missi Patterson. Their discussion further set the tone for the day, emphasizing the importance of connection, continuous learning, and creating a supportive academic environment. Attendees gained insights into ACC’s leadership vision, participated in engaging CLI activities, and explored ways to foster a culture of belonging within the institution.

Faculty and staff were encouraged to contribute their reflections on the keynote via a dedicated Padlet board (you must be logged in with your ACC credentials to view the Padlet), where they could document key takeaways, connections to their work, and actionable steps inspired by the session.

Watch the keynote HERE.

Watch the Sessions: Now Available on Panopto

For those who could not attend the keynote live, a high-resolution recording, complete with captions, is now available. Additionally, recordings of the SDD workshops are now accessible via Panopto, providing faculty and staff with opportunities to revisit key insights at their convenience. Note: You must log into Panopto using your ACC credentials to view the recordings.

SDD Sessions Available for Viewing:

Visit Panopto to explore these sessions and gain valuable insights that can be implemented throughout the semester.

Building Community Through Shared Experiences

Beyond professional development, SDD 2025 also fostered community and connection. The Employee Mixer, co-hosted by the Teaching and Learning Excellence Division (TLED), the Office of Belonging and Purpose, and the Joyful Employee Ambassadors, provided an informal setting for faculty and staff to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships that will extend beyond the event itself. ACC’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment was evident throughout the event. 

This pre-event gathering, held the day before SDD on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at ACC Highland Campus (HLC), featured a baked potato bar, salad, and dessert, along with interactive art activities hosted by the Office of Faculty Development. This mixer offered a welcoming environment for employees to unwind, engage in meaningful conversations, and participate in fun activities such as bingo, a collaborative mosaic creation, and a ‘Loving Students to Success’ mural coloring. This mixer set the stage for a productive and inspiring Spring Development Day.

Continuing the Momentum

Even though SDD 2025 has concluded, the momentum continues. Faculty and staff are encouraged to stay engaged, apply newfound strategies to their work, and participate in upcoming development opportunities offered by ACC. TLED’s Office of Faculty Development remains a valuable resource for continued growth, and any questions or follow-ups can be directed to [email protected].

Spring Development Day 2025 was a resounding success, reinforcing ACC’s dedication to lifelong learning and professional enrichment. Thank you to all who participated, contributed, and made this event a meaningful experience. Stay connected for more opportunities to learn, innovate, and grow!