Fall 2025 Flex Day

AI Policies: From Others' to Your Own

 7:15 AM - 8:15 AM | Hao-Nhien Vu

A.I. tools are here to stay. As Coastline (as well as our sister colleges) work to create policies on A.I. use by students, it is informative to see what other colleges and universities have done. I will go through some institution-wide policies as well as implementations by individual faculty members for their classes, and the pedagogical reasons behind them.

Location: Room 258/259 | Audience: Faculty

President's Address: Celebrating Our Journey, Shaping our Future

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Dr. Vince Rodriguez, Ed.D.

Join us for a powerful and uplifting keynote address from our President as we kick off Fall Flex Day. This special session will highlight the remarkable achievements and milestones we’ve reached together as a college community. With heartfelt recognition of our collective efforts, the President will celebrate the dedication, innovation, and resilience that define Coastline College.

Looking ahead, this keynote will also cast a bold and optimistic vision for the future—one rooted in collaboration, equity, and student success. Together, we’ll explore the exciting opportunities that lie ahead and reaffirm our shared commitment to excellence in education.

Let this session energize and inspire you as we begin a new academic year—stronger, united, and ready to shape what’s next.

Location: Room 315 (Main room) & Room 122 (Overflow room) | Audience: All

Respondus Q&A Drop-In: Get the Answers You Need

 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Sue Stanley

Got a quick question about Respondus? Pop in to get real-time answers and support. Whether you're troubleshooting an issue or just need clarification, we're here to help! Please note: This is not a formal training session and does not count towards FLEX credit.

Location: Room 250 | Audience: Faculty

Student Equity and Achievement Plan Proposals

 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Christina Oja

This drop-in session offers employees an opportunity to review the proposed goals and strategies for each of the five metrics of the Student Equity and Achievement (SEA) Plan. Posters displaying the draft proposals will be available throughout the day for self-guided viewing. Attendees can provide feedback at their convenience by scanning a QR code to access a brief input form. This session serves as an additional opportunity for all employees to engage with and contribute to the development of the SEA Plan. Please note: This is not a formal training session and does not count towards FLEX credit.

Location: Room 251 | Audience: All

Coast Federation of Educators (CFE)

9:45 AM - 10:45 AM | Robert Schneiderman

Review of issues facing the faculty union in 2025-26 and plans for the future.

Location: Room 122 | Audience: Faculty covered by CFE contract

CDMA/Management Session

9:45 AM - 10:45 AM | Dr. Vince Rodriguez, Ed.D.

Discussion of management topics.

Location: Room 202 | Audience: Managers

Classified Senate Meeting

9:45 AM - 10:45 AM | Anna Isbell

Join us for our upcoming Classified Senate meeting! This is a great opportunity to connect with your colleagues, share insights, and stay informed about the latest college news and updates. Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you! We look forward to seeing you there!

Location: Room 315 | Audience: Classified Professionals

Coast CCA Union Meeting

9:45 AM - 10:45 AM | Lyne Hardimon

The Coast CCA union represents part-time faculty who teach less than 7.5 LHE a semester. Join this session to learn about your benefits, rights, and for an opportunity to ask questions.

Location: Room 258/259 | Audience: Part-time Faculty

CFCP Union Meeting

11:00 AM - 12:00 AM | Michael Carrizo and Andrew Deaso

Current union information, updates, with round table Q&A.

Location: Room 315 | Audience: Classified Professionals

Coastline Through the Years: A Conversation with Dr. Rodriguez

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Dr. Vince Rodriguez, Ed.D.

Take a journey through time with President Dr. Vincent Rodriguez as we reflect on the rich and dynamic history of Coastline College. In this engaging session, Dr. Rodriguez will revisit the pivotal moments, visionary leadership, and transformative milestones that have shaped our institution into the innovative and student-centered college it is today.
Through stories, reflections, and shared memories, we’ll honor the legacy of those who came before us while recognizing the values and mission that continue to guide our path forward. Whether you're new to Coastline or a long-time member of our community, this session offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with our roots and be inspired by the enduring spirit of progress and possibility.
Join us as we celebrate where we’ve been—and look ahead to where we’re going, together.

Location: Room 122 | Audience: All

Good Bye CurricUNET! Hello CourseLeaf Curriculum Inventory Management!

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Melissa Jauregui and Kevin Nguyen

This session provides an introduction to the tools used for editing and managing academic curriculum, courses, and programs using the CourseLeaf Curriculum Inventory Management (CIM) system, which is replacing CurriQunet starting in August 2025. Participants will learn how to navigate the CIM interface, submit and review course and program proposals, manage approval workflows, and ensure compliance with institutional standards and accreditation requirements. The session also covers the role of CIM in curriculum governance, data integrity, and cross-departmental collaboration. This session is ideal for faculty, curriculum committee members, and deans.

Location: Room 258/259 | Audience: Faculty

Biological Sciences and Allied Health (BIOL, BIOTECH, ECOL, ENVS, MRSC)

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | Lisa Demchik and David Camerini

The Biology department development workshop will focus on review and redesigning of curriculum, in particular OER course development. In addition, we will discuss student opportunities in Biology including mentoring of students and educational support by focusing on the S-STEM program, work based learning and research opportunities, as well as use of the cadaver lab.

Location: Room 302 | Audience: Faculty

Business (Business and Management)

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | Erin Thomas

The Business Department welcomes all faculty teaching in business, management, accounting, economics, and related fields to join us for an interactive discussion around these topics:

* Latest OER adoptions and future plans
* Highlights of the Business/Management Program Review for 2024-2025
* Takeaways from spring conferences - this is your time to share!
* Tips and tricks in Canvas and MyCoast Portal

Location: Room 258/259 | Audience: Faculty

Computer & Cyber Sciences (BC, CIS, CYBR, ICS and IT)

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | Tobi West

As technology advances, our curriculum evolves to keep pace. We are committed to offering current program options and course content that prepare students for successful careers in the tech field. Join us to explore our department's vision and learn about upcoming updates and additions. We’ll also highlight effective communication strategies for responding to student inquiries. This session will also explore best practices for supporting guided pathways and improving the overall student experience.

Location: Room 350 | Audience: Faculty

Counseling

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | Rachel Marchioni

Review of program, procedures, subject updates, and best practices to effectively serve our students. This meeting aims to foster teamwork and ensure that all voices are heard to better serve our students.

Location: Room 203 | Audience: All Counseling Department Personnel

Digital Media Design

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | Angela Gomez-Holbrook

This session will support faculty in the review of the Digital Media Design (DMD) curriculum, with a focus on integrating DEISAA principles and industry standards into project-based learning. We will discuss RSI (Regular and Substantive Interaction) practices, review course pathway, and identify the support services needed for DMD students to succeed. Faculty will also have the opportunity to collaborate on mentorship and academic advising strategies specific to the discipline.

Location: Room 204 | Audience: Faculty

English and Humanities

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | Marilyn Brock

This professional development session will focus on infusing DEISAA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Social and Anti-Racism Awareness) into the English and Humanities curriculum. Faculty will engage in guided discussion on culturally responsive teaching practices and explore how our course content, assignments, and learning environments can better reflect and support the diverse identities of our students. The session will also examine both academic and physical support services available on campus, with the goal of identifying unmet student needs and improving holistic support across our discipline.

Location: Room 205 | Audience: Faculty

English as a Second Language (ESL)

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | Marc Kepler

ESL will review and discuss the split of the department into ELL and ESL and implications thereof. We will discuss ways to work more closely with the counseling department in order to ensure ESL students have formal educational plans before transitioning into credit ESL. We will also allocate time to collaborate with colleagues on best instructional practices according to proficiency level.

Location: Room 206 | Audience: Faculty

Health Sciences (HLTH, PE, FN, KIN)

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | Elaf Farahat

Health Science faculty will discuss industry data, refreshing curriculum to maintain program relevance, and ways for integrating tools like AI and Open Educational Resources. We will evaluate how Credit for Prior Learning and prerequisite challenges can support more flexible, inclusive pathways for our diverse learners. Updated RSI guidelines will also be reviewed.

Location: Room 352 | Audience: Faculty

International Languages

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | David Fuchs

This professional development workshop will guide faculty through the process of evaluating prerequisite challenge petitions and determining appropriate course placement, with an emphasis on our language courses. We will discuss the department's current stance on Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), including documentation, assessment standards, and articulation. In addition, the session will clarify Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) requirements for online instruction to ensure compliance and enhance student engagement.

Location: Room 304 | Audience: Faculty

Mathematics

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | Lisa Lee

The mathematics department will focus on key areas including Discipline Program Review, curriculum design/redesign, and the integration of DEISAA principles. Additional items will cover Credit for Prior Learning processes, compliance with RSI and accessibility requirements. Also, the AI policy and AB 1705 Resolution will be discussed.

Location: Room 122 | Audience: Faculty

Physical Science (ASTR, CHEM, GEOL, PHYS)

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | Kelly Ruppert

Join the Physical Sciences Faculty as we discuss our achievements and future goals as set forth in Program Review. As part of this, the status of all course templates will be updated and discussed. Additionally, we will talk about the status of RSI as we continue to go through the process of accreditation.

Location: Room 202 | Audience: Faculty

Psychology

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | Erin Johnson

The psychology department professional development workshop will include the following topics/tasks: Review program review, discuss SLO data collection and evaluation procedures, introduce animated video training, and review RSI department plan.

Location: Room 353 | Audience: Faculty 

Social Science (ANTH, ECON, ETHS, GEOG, HIST, PSCI)

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM | Stacey Smith and Dan Johnson

Co-chairs will present key highlights from the Annual Program Review (APR) and lead a discussion on strategies to close equity gaps. Curriculum updates will also be shared. In addition, co-chairs will review available student support services and offer suggestions for how instructors can promote or refer students to these resources.

Location: Room 315 | Audience: Faculty  

Communities of Practice: Supporting Ongoing Faculty Growth through Focused Discussion

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Jamie Greuel and Hao-Nhien Vu

Join this session to hear about the process and results of facilitating a community of practice. Hear what participants in a community of practice have to say about their participation and learn how to structure your own community of practice for your discipline.

Location: Room 202 | Audience: Faculty

How to Achieve Inbox Zero

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Paolo Varquez

Overwhelmed with e-mail? In this hands-on session, we'll be diving into the NEW Outlook's features to process e-mails faster, automate processes, and declutter your inbox to zero. Please bring your laptops!

Location: Room 122 | Audience: All 

Humanizing First Impressions: Crafting Culturally Responsive and Inclusive First-Correspondence Communication

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Natalie Tran and Christina Nguyen

This workshop is designed to equip faculty with innovative strategies and practical tools to craft first-correspondence communication that fosters an inclusive, culturally responsive, and equity-centered learning environment. Through an exploration of best practices grounded in culturally responsive teaching, participants will learn how to humanize communication and use storytelling to create meaningful connections that make students feel valued and seen from the first interaction.

The session will begin with a brief overview of findings from the DEISAA Next Steps experience and will be followed by successful methods for fostering inclusive learning spaces, including strategies for revising syllabus language, designing community-building assignments, and refining general correspondence to ensure it reflects an affirming, welcoming tone. These practices help to create an environment where diversity is seen as a strength and where all students feel seen, valued, and respected. Faculty will be encouraged to reflect on their communication practices and how these can be adjusted to promote a sense of belonging and inclusion from the very first interaction.

Additionally, attendees will learn how to rewrite and/or create syllabus language, assignments, and correspondence that reflect inclusive and culturally responsive practices. Through hands-on exercises and group discussions, faculty will gain the skills to revise their materials and communication to promote a sense of belonging, equity, and support for all students. By the end of the session, participants will leave with actionable insights and resources to enhance their first-correspondence communication and create environments where every student can thrive.

Location: Room 315 | Audience: Faculty

Keep Calm and Call the CARE Team!

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Leighia Fleming, Mike Toledo, Claudia Vernon, Christina Oja, Rachelle Lopez

Have you been in a situation where you are unsure what to do regarding an engagement with a student? Have you received a concerning email from a student on a weekend and unsure what to do?
Have you thought about reaching out, but unsure who to contact or have questions about the process?

If you answered, yes, then this session is for you. Come meet the CARE Team, learn about the process for reporting, and review case studies.

Participate will leave the session, with tools to Keep Calm and contact the CARE Team!

Location: Room 203 | Audience: All

Meet Your New AI Course Assistant: Using Nectir as a Virtual Tutor

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Stacey Smith and Chloe Lam

Looking for focused, tutor-like AI support for your students? Nectir AI lets instructors create course-specific assistants/tutors trained on materials like syllabi, textbooks, and assignments. In this workshop, I’ll share how I used Nectir to support students beyond office hours, how they engaged with it, and what I learned along the way. A Nectir representative will also be available to answer any questions you have about the platform. Whether you're curious about AI or ready to dive in, you’ll leave with practical tips and insights—no tech experience needed!

Location: Room 258/259 | Audience: Faculty

Credit for Prior Learning: Unlock Student Potential

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM | Araba Mensah

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is a key initiative within Vision 2030.  Come learn more about this option that has the potential to give us a competitive advantage in recruiting adult learners by providing them the opportunity to leverage their knowledge to earn academic credit that they can use towards their degree.  We will explain the policy, history and different assessment options available to faculty to provide CPL opportunities in their programs.

Location: Room 202 | Audience: All

Pace+ in Motion: Updates on Coastline’s Direct Assessment Competency-Based Education Program Since Launching

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM | Nathaniel Harrison and Erin Thomas

Coastline launched its Direct Assessment Competency-Based Education (DA CBE) program, Pace+, in Summer. Get updates on the program post-launch, learn how students are moving through the competency courses, and hear from faculty on their experiences so far.

By the end of this session, you will be able to:
1) Compare the learner experience in Pace+ and our traditional programs at Coastline.
2) Compare the instructor experience in our Pace+ and our traditional programs.

Location: Room 122 | Audience: All

Recognizing Mental Health Crises

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM | Bob Henning and William Alisca

This workshop is created to empower professionals like you to assist, identify, and potentially prevent mental health crises among students and colleagues. Led by Coastline College’s mental health therapists, Bob Henning and William Alisca Jr, the session will provide a clear and concise overview of key warning signs that may indicate someone is at risk. By learning to recognize these crucial cues, you'll gain the tools needed to take proactive measures, raise concerns, and connect individuals with the essential support they need.

Location: Room 203 | Audience: All

Video-based Assessments: Ideas and Execution

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM | Kelly Ruppert

AI makes it increasingly difficult to ensure students are the actual authors of written assessments. Learn how video-based assessments can increase an instructor's ability to evaluate each student's understanding of course concepts. The workshop aims to help you brainstorm ideas for this type of assessment and gives instructions on how to create them in Canvas to ensure accessibility.

Location: Room 315 | Audience: Faculty

Augmentation or Automation? Maintaining an Authentic Writing Voice when Using A.I.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Oceana Callum, Marilyn Brock, Kristen Nichols, and Tremonisha Putros

Members of the English and Humanities Department lead a collaborative session highlighting concepts that will aid your students in their quest to identify and sustain their own, authentic writing voice, even when using A.I. We will also cover ways to improve your own professional and personal written communication.

Location: Room 122 | Audience: Faculty

Bridging the Gap: Understanding Basic Needs and Being an Ally for Students

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Morgan Kirk

Basic needs insecurity—such as food, housing, and financial instability—significantly impacts student success and retention in community colleges. This session will provide administrators, classified professionals, and hourly staff with an understanding of basic needs challenges, how to identify students in need, and ways to provide meaningful support. Participants will learn about available campus resources, best practices for student referrals, and how to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for students facing hardships. By becoming informed allies, campus professionals can play a crucial role in empowering students to overcome barriers and achieve their academic goals.

Location: Room 315 | Audience: All 

Dance Therapy: A Workshop for Mental Health

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Kelly Ruppert

Learn about how dance can impact mental health and general wellness, exploring research showing how it helps reduce the risks of dementia. Then put on your dancing shoes (any comfortable shoe is fine) and learn a line dance or two. No dance experience required!

Location: Room 258/259 | Audience: All

Education Without Barriers: Hope Scholars, Canvas, and the Path Forward

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Nate Harrison and Nicole Perrine

The Hope Scholars program is now delivered fully in Canvas at over 30 prisons throughout the state and at zero textbook cost to students. Hear best practices learned over the past year in teaching students via Canvas supported correspondence, get updates on new features and tools available in the prison’s instance of Canvas, and learn about support services that are available to our students during incarceration and as they continue their learning journey with us upon release.

Location: Room 202 | Audience: All

Late But Great: Why Deadlines Shouldn't Be Deadly

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Fred Feldon

Bloom's mastery learning research emphasizes that students learn at different paces. Allowing for resubmission of work and multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery of material conveys that ability can grow, helps eliminate anxiety that negatively impacts performance, and gives students autonomy over their learning process.

Location: Room 203 | Audience: Faculty