Academy News
     July 12, 2017
blackboard
New Features in Blackboard
Did you know that instructors can now use the Content Collection to store, share, and publish content in Blackboard? Files can be easily repurposed and linked from any Blackboard course. When a file that is stored in the Content Collection needs updating, faculty need to update it only once inside the Content Collection, eliminating the need to go into each course to upload an updated version of the file. Join us during Fall 2017 Faculty/Staff Orientation Week to learn more about this and other new features in Blackboard like the updated Blackboard Collaborate - a simple, convenient, and reliable web conferencing solution. Learn more.
Comic Books and Visual Literacy GEC
Comic Books & Visual Literacy in the College Classroom
Have you ever found yourself trying to convey a complex, abstract idea to a group of students only to discover that words have failed you? We've all been there before, from English and math to history, nursing, physics, fire science, and every subject in between. In this course, we'll discuss various strategies to address these issues by introducing visual narratives to the classroom. The medium of comics or graphic novels includes a number of texts-from the historical and literary to the scientific-that hold great promise for faculty and teachers of all disciplines. How might you use visual narratives in your classes to engage students and to enhance their learning experience? View GEC details and register.
Accessible Learning GEC
Creating an Accessible Learning Environment for Students with Disabilities
In this course, participants will have an opportunity to learn basic information about the 10 most common visible and invisible disabilities, in order to evaluate a course or program and develop methods that make the learning environment inclusive and welcoming to all students, including students with disabilities. This course will utilize real case studies of current and past Harper students, in order to have an honest discussion about the challenges that students face when navigating an inaccessible learning environment. View GEC details and register.
see how harper has changed
See How Harper College Has Changed
Harper launched its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration following our 49th graduation on May 20. Throughout the year, events and activities will celebrate Harper's rich past, affirm our present mission and impact, and propel us toward an even bigger and brighter future. Keep your eye out for information on how you can participate. Browse the special 50th Anniversary website for stories, fun facts, and more. Have you seen the fun, interactive "See How Harper College Has Changed" webpage yet? Check it out!
Summer 2017 Grade Processing Reminder
Grade processing deadlines for the summer semester:
  • Classes that meet May 22-July 16: Tuesday, July 18
  • Classes that meet June 5-July 30: Tuesday, August 1
  • All classes that end August 11: Tuesday, August 15
Like Our New Look?
Notice anything different about our new look? During the summer, the Academy Communications Team is redesigning the look of the newsletter. We'll be playing with section headers, articles ideas, and the overall look. What do you think? We appreciate your input and feedback! Tell us what you think.
Talking Teaching & Learning
maggie mckinley cultural arts
Harper Authors Lecture Series: Maggie McKinley
On June 29, Associate Professor of English Maggie McKinley discussed her forthcoming book Understanding Norman Mailer (University of South Carolina Press) to more than 30 Harper College students and faculty in a presentation called "Understanding Norman Mailer 50 Years After the March on the Pentagon and the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago." Norman Mailer published more than 30 books in his expansive 60 year career, and Professor McKinley's forthcoming book addresses every one of those in some capacity. Learn more.
Academy Events
Fall 2017 Faculty/Staff Orientation Week
Monday, August 14 - Saturday, August 19

OSCQR Rubric
Wednesday, August 16, 12 p.m.

Community of Practice Info Session
Thursday, August 17, 11 a.m.
What's Happening @ Harper?
Academy for Teaching Excellence | 847.925.6174 | Building D, Room D281
academy@harpercollege.edu
Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
The mission of the Academy for Teaching Excellence is to create a vibrant teaching and learning culture for full-time and adjunct faculty that cultivates professional development in support of student success.
Harper College enriches its diverse communities by providing quality, af f or dable, and accessible education. Harper College, in collaboration with its partners, inspires the tran sformation of individual lives, the workforce, and society.