Virtual workshop for educators promotes cross-disciplinary teamwork

Higher education faculty, staff and administrators interested in building their students’ leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills are invited to attend a virtual workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

“Preparing Students for the 21st Century Workforce: A Free, Virtual Workshop on Cross-disciplinary, Team- and Project-based Experiences” will be presented via Zoom and feature academic leaders from Westminster College, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and the Cortland, Plattsburgh, Oneonta and Oswego campuses of State University of New York (SUNY).

Presenters will highlight successful cross-disciplinary and National Science Foundation-funded programs from each institution. Featured projects include Westminster’s Environmental Project Management Academy (EPMA) program, IUP's Professional Teamwork and Leadership Minor and SUNY's Common Problem Project.

Under Westminster’s EPMA program, sophomores and juniors majoring in either STEM or business disciplines work together on semester-long service learning projects with a community partner, developing hard and soft skills necessary for success in the workforce after college.

Workshop participants will learn about the structure, implementation and outcomes of the three programs and attendees will have the opportunity to participate in multiple hands-on breakout sessions. While individual participants are welcome, teams from institutions are highly encouraged to attend. Attendees may select sessions that tie to their respective academic interests.

“With the uncertainty in higher education this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, this workshop promoting cross-disciplinary teamwork will provide educators with additional tools to use during this time of needed flexibility,” said Dr. Helen Boylan, professor of chemistry and co-coordinator of Westminster’s EPMA program.

The workshop is free, but registration by Tuesday, July 28 is required. Click here to register for the event.

For more information about the workshop, please contact Dr. Boylan at boylanhm@westminster.edu or 724-946-6293.

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