LEVEL UP: Faculty Professional Development Series is a collaborative initiative from Student Affairs and Diversity, Equity & Human Rights (DEHR) that brings together practical, high-impact sessions designed to support teaching and learning at VIU.
Over two focused days during Reading Week, faculty and staff can explore topics that strengthen classroom management, inclusive practices, student wellbeing, and support for work-integrated learning. Each one-hour session offers immediately applicable strategies, resources, and connections to help faculty continue to LEVEL UP their impact on student success.
10 am
Supporting Students in Distress (Kayla Fowler and Kelly Muir – Wellness Centre and Conduct & Care)
Learn how to recognize, respond to, and refer students showing signs of distress with confidence and care. This session offers practical strategies for starting supportive conversations, setting boundaries, and connecting students to campus and community resources.
11 am
Partnering for Equity and Inclusion (Morgan Bull, DEHR Office)
Curious about how the DEHR Office can support you and your students? This session offers a practical look at how we can work together to create equitable, inclusive learning environments. We’ll explore effective pathways for resolving concerns, unpack the duty to accommodate, and share strategies that make a lasting impact in your classroom.
12 pm
How to Make Your Job Easier: Career Studio Supports That Take Work Off Your Plate (Karolien Soylu, Centre for Experiential Learning)
Discover how VIU’s Career Studio can help lighten your workload while empowering students to succeed in their work-integrated learning and career opportunities. This interactive session highlights resources that address everything from professional attire and employer connections to safety, skill-building, and career readiness. Walk away with practical resources, quiz-style fun, and a refreshed understanding of how the Career Studio can help your students succeed beyond the classroom.
1 pm
Foundations for Success: Managing Student Behaviour and Creating Positive Learning Environments (Kelly Muir, Student Conduct and Care)
Learn practical strategies and tools for responding to challenging classroom behaviour with confidence and care. This session offers proactive tips, templates, and supports to help faculty maintain positive learning spaces while ensuring fairness, accountability, and student success.
2 pm
Supporting Disclosures of Sexual Violence (Morgan Bull and Kelly Muir - DEHR & Student Conduct & Care)
When a student chooses to share an experience of sexual violence, your response matters. This session will help faculty feel confident in receiving disclosures with care, knowing what to say and do in the moment, and understanding the difference between disclosure and formal reporting. We’ll walk through referral pathways, how to connect students to DEHR and Conduct & Care, and strategies for maintaining compassion and boundaries while supporting student safety and well-being.
