Center for Teaching & Mentoring
Book Groups
Book groups bring faculty together to discuss literature related to teaching, learning, or other relevant topics in higher education. They offer a space for educational development, community building, and sharing of ideas among colleagues. Discussions often center on how to apply concepts from the books to the teaching practices of group members.
Fall 2026 Faculty Book Groups
The Center for Teaching and Mentoring will provide books for Creative Acts for Curious People, Teaching with AI, and 0 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, and The Caring University. Each book group will accept eight (8) faculty members for the fall semester.
Facilitator: Alicia Fuss
Creative Acts for Curious People is a highly visual and interactive book that offers exercises designed to build curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the face of ambiguity. The book aligns with the realities of teaching in uncertain and complex environments. Exercises encourage observation, collaboration, and creative leadership, skills valuable to both educators and students.
Meeting format: In-person in LIB 348
Meeting dates:
Fri. October 16, 9:10 am – 10:10 am
Fri. October 30, 9:10 am – 10:10 am
Fri. November 13, 9:10 am – 10:10 am
Facilitator: Mark Abolins
Teaching with AI offers a balanced, practical approach to teaching and mentoring in the era of generative AI. The authors emphasize designing assignments that prioritize critical thinking, process, and originality, while reframing faculty roles toward coaching, feedback, metacognition, and AI literacy. Well suited to a cross-disciplinary audience, the book supports both AI-enthusiastic and AI-hesitant faculty.
Meeting format: Remote – Zoom
Meeting dates:
Wed. September 23, 1:50 pm – 3:15 pm
Wed. October 14, 1:50 pm – 3:15 pm
Wed. November 4, 1:50 pm – 3:15 pm
Facilitator: Julie Myatt
Based on cutting-edge psychological research, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, introduces the “mentor mindset,” a leadership approach attuned to young people’s needs for respect, status, and high expectations. The book provides concrete, research-based strategies for motivating students through validation, transparency, inquiry, and rigor. These practices have been shown to reduce stress, disengagement, and dropout.
Meeting format: In-person in JUB 306
Meeting dates:
Wed. September 9, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Wed. September 23, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Wed. October 7, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Facilitator: Matthew Duncan
The Caring University explores how higher education institutions can intentionally foster a culture of care for students, faculty, and staff. It highlights practical strategies for building supportive relationships, promoting well-being, and creating inclusive environments where individuals feel valued and empowered to succeed.
This book group is targeted specifically to Department Chairs/ School Directors.
Meeting format: In-person in LIB 348
Meeting dates:
Thu. September 24, 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
Thu. October 8, 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
Thu. October 22, 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
