As we approach the 2025-2026 academic year, Seattle Colleges prepares to host its annual Convocation, bringing together dedicated educators and staff from across North Seattle, South Seattle, and Seattle Central colleges.

 

This transformative event, scheduled for September 15, 2025, at the Seattle Convention Center, promises to be a cornerstone of professional development and institutional growth for our academic community.

The Convocation serves as more than just a traditional academic gathering – it represents our commitment to excellence in education and our dedication to staying at the forefront of educational innovation. As we navigate the evolving landscape of higher education, this year's event will focus on strengthening our collaborative spirit while providing valuable tools and insights for the upcoming academic year.

 

Why Your Participation Matters

 

Your presence at Convocation 2025 is crucial to both personal growth and institutional success. The event offers unparalleled opportunities for professional development through specialized workshops, meaningful networking sessions, and exposure to cutting-edge educational practices. Faculty and staff will have the chance to connect with colleagues from all three campuses, fostering cross-institutional collaboration and idea-sharing that can transform our educational approach.

 

By participating, you'll gain firsthand insight into Seattle Colleges' strategic initiatives for 2025-2026, ensuring your work aligns with our institutional goals. The event also provides a platform for contributing your unique perspective to our collective vision for student success.

 

What to Expect

 

The day begins with an inspiring opening ceremony featuring Chancellor Dr. Sarah Martinez, who will share her vision for Seattle Colleges' future. Throughout the day, you'll experience a carefully curated program of keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and collaborative sessions designed to energize and equip you for the academic year ahead.

 

Distinguished Speakers and Thought Leaders

 

We are honored to welcome Dr. James Chen, renowned educational technologist and author of "Digital Transformation in Higher Education," as our morning keynote speaker. Dr. Chen will address the integration of artificial intelligence in education while maintaining human-centered learning experiences. His presentation, "Balancing Technology and Human Connection in Modern Education," will offer practical strategies for leveraging technology to enhance student engagement and success.

 

Our afternoon keynote features Dr. Maria Rodriguez, President of the National Association for Student Success Initiatives. Her talk, "Building Bridges: Creating Inclusive Educational Environments," will draw from her twenty years of experience in developing successful equity-focused programs at community colleges nationwide.

 

A distinguished panel of education innovators will include:

- Dr. Robert Kim, expert in competency-based education

- Professor Lisa Washington, pioneer in hybrid learning models

- Dr. Thomas Garcia, specialist in first-generation student success

 

We want to thank our partners at Motivational Speaker and Keynote Speaker for helping us book the perfect speakers for this event.

 

Workshop Highlights

 

This year's workshops are organized into three comprehensive tracks:

 

Teaching and Learning Innovation

- "Implementing Universal Design for Learning in Your Classroom"

- "Data-Driven Decision Making in Course Design"

- "Engaging Gen Z: Current Best Practices"

 

Student Success Strategies

- "Mental Health First Aid for Educators"

- "Supporting International Student Integration"

- "Creating Inclusive Assessment Methods"

 

Professional Growth and Leadership

- "Advancing Your Academic Career"

- "Grant Writing for Educational Programs"

- "Building Effective Cross-Departmental Partnerships"

 

Connecting With Students

 

A particular highlight of our workshop offerings is the highly anticipated session led by renowned youth engagement expert Sam Miller of the Parenting Teenagers Academy, whose groundbreaking work in student-teacher relationships has transformed classrooms across the country. Miller, author of "The Generation Bridge: Connecting with Today's Students," will lead an intensive workshop titled "Speaking Their Language: Building Authentic Connections with Modern Students."

 

Drawing from his 15 years of research and direct work with both educators and students, Miller will share practical strategies for understanding and adapting to evolving student communication styles, social media influences, and changing cultural dynamics.

 

His workshop will address critical questions about student engagement, mental health awareness, and creating safe spaces for authentic dialogue. Participants will learn innovative techniques for breaking down generational barriers, interpreting student behavior patterns, and fostering meaningful connections that extend beyond traditional academic interactions. The session promises to equip educators with actionable tools they can immediately implement in their classrooms to enhance student engagement and build stronger, more effective learning relationships.

 

Would you like me to integrate this paragraph differently or expand on any particular aspect of Miller's workshop?

 

Collaborative Opportunities

 

The Convocation emphasizes interaction and collaboration through structured networking sessions and informal gathering spaces. The "Innovation Commons" area will host rotating roundtable discussions on pressing educational topics, while the "Project Incubator" space will facilitate cross-campus collaboration on new initiatives.

 

Technology and Resources

 

The Technology Showcase will feature demonstrations of new learning management system features, virtual reality applications in education, and updated student support software. Library services will present new digital resources and research tools available to faculty and students.

 

Recognition and Celebration

 

A highlight of the day will be the Excellence in Education Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions in teaching, student support, and innovation. We'll also spotlight successful programs and initiatives from the past year, celebrating the positive impact on student success across our campuses.

 

Practical Information

 

Registration opens June 1, 2025, through the Seattle Colleges professional development portal. The full-day program runs from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with breakfast and lunch provided. Convenient parking is available at the Convention Center, and shuttle service will run from all three campuses throughout the day.

 

Looking Ahead

 

The knowledge and connections gained at Convocation will serve as catalysts for innovation and improvement throughout the academic year. Post-event resources and communities of practice will help sustain the momentum and implementation of new ideas.

 

Your participation in Convocation 2025 is an investment in your professional growth and the future of Seattle Colleges. Together, we'll explore new possibilities in education, share valuable insights, and strengthen our commitment to student success. Join us in shaping the future of higher education in our community.

 

Mark your calendars for September 15, 2025, and prepare to be part of this transformative event. Registration information and detailed workshop descriptions will be sent via email in May 2025. For early inquiries or special accommodations, please contact the Professional Development Office.

 

Together, we'll make the 2025-2026 academic year our most impactful yet.

 

To learn more, go here.