Get Ready to Connect, Create, and Collaborate!

NEFDC’s 2026 Communities of Practice are gearing up for a year of energized collaboration and creative exploration! The 2026 NEFDC Communities of Practice will dive into some of the most exciting topics shaping higher education: from the ever-evolving world of AI in teaching and critical thinking, to mid-career transitions, alternative grading, and supporting graduate students. Each theme is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and create space for colleagues to learn with one another—not just from one another.

Our goals are equally energizing:

• Monthly resource-sharing and peer discussion, launching Spring 2026, with ambitions for vibrant online engagement.
• Collaborative, virtual matchmaking, where cross-institutional teams can spark ideas.
• A new regional mentoring and networking program, connecting seasoned educators with newcomers to grow skills, confidence, and community.

Think of the NEFDC Communities of Practice as shared workshops where faculty developers, educators, directors, grad students, and writers gather to experiment, build, imagine, and support one another in meaningful—and fun—ways. These communities are free to attend to anyone who is interested. We can’t wait to see these Communities of Practice come alive!

Centers for Teaching & Learning: Support for teaching innovation.
Facilitators: Lindsey Hamilton and William Duffy
Friday, Feb 13, 1:00 PM
Friday, Mar 13, 1:00 PM
Friday, Apr 10, 1:00 PM
Meeting Link

Alternative Grading & Assessment: Rethinking how learning is evaluated.
Facilitators: Ryan Sonder and Eric Matte
Wednesday, Feb 24, 7:00 PM
Wednesday, Mar 25, 12:00 PM
Thursday, Apr 23, 9:00 AM
Meeting Link

Mid-Career Changes: Navigating transitions in academic careers.
Facilitators: May Hara, Chris Hakala, and Jennifer Herman
Friday, Feb 13, 2:00 PM
Wednesday, Mar 11, 1:00 PM
Thursday, Apr 16, 11:00 AM
Meeting Link

Graduate Students: Supporting graduate student success.
Facilitator: Jayantika Chakraborty
Thursday, Feb 26, 2:00-03:00
Thursday, Mar 26, 2:00-03:00
Thursday, Apr 30, 2:00-03:00
Meeting Link

Artificial Intelligence: AI’s impact on teaching, learning, and research.
Facilitator: Laura Roberts
Tuesday, February 24 at 12 pm
Tuesday, March 24 at 12 pm
Tuesday, April 28 at 12 pm
Meeting Link

Let us know if you are interested in joining a Community of Practice.