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Lehigh Carbon Community College

Announcements

Wireless Network Maintenance

LCCC IT will be performing maintenance to the LCCC wireless network for personal owned devices only, on Friday, April 17, between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

This will NOT impact the LCCC wireless network for college-owned devices. During this time, there may be intermittent disruptions to connecting personal devices to the wireless network.

2026 Faculty/Staff Award Recognition Invitation

The campus community is invited to honor and celebrate colleagues at the 2026 Faculty/Staff Recognition Event on Friday, May 15, from 3 -5 p.m. in the Community Services Center Ballroom (203/205).

To celebrate faculty and staff milestones and accomplishments, the College will be closing all offices from 3 – 5 p.m. to allow employees to participate in mingling and congratulating their co-workers.

The schedule of events is: 3 – 4:00 p.m. Mingle, live music, hors d’oeuvres, and beverages 4 – 5 p.m.

Recognition and award ceremony in the Ballroom – Please RSVP here by May 8. If you have any special dietary needs, please contact Jennifer Baez at jbaez6@lccc.edu . If you do not wish to attend, you may use personal or vacation accrual to leave at 3:00 p.m.

Pantano Family School of Technology Scholars

The LCCC Foundation is proud to present the class of 2026 Pantano Family School of Technology Scholarship recipients.

Four students attending Lehigh Carbon Community College were awarded the Pantano Family School of Technology Scholarship.  These scholarships are made possible through the generous support of Jim & Penny Pantano and are for students enrolled in Technology Degree and Certificate Programs at LCCC.

Photo: (Left to Right) Rick Christ (Foundation Executive Director), Diego Sagastume (Scholarship Recipient), Penny Pantano, Dr. James Pantano, Braylon Ubaldo (Scholarship Recipient), Samantha Muthard (Scholarship Recipient) and Dr. Ann Bieber (LCCC President).

Action Required: Upcoming Zoom Phone Transition

To: All Lehigh Carbon Community College Faculty and Staff

Cutover Date: Monday, April 20, at approximately 11:30 AM

As we work to restore our campus communication systems, we are moving forward with the implementation of Zoom Phone services. This transition will ensure that our phone services are modernized and fully operational following the recent outage.

What is Happening?

On Monday, April 20, at approximately 11:30 AM, your work phone number will officially migrate to the Zoom application.

Your Number: You will keep your previously assigned work phone number.

Using Zoom Phone: Once the cutover is complete, you can make and receive calls directly through the Zoom Workplace application on your computer or mobile device. A new Phone icon will automatically appear once the transition is complete.

What Do I Need to Do?

Please take the following steps before Monday, April 20, 2026 to ensure you are ready:

  1. Open Zoom Workplace: Open the Zoom app on your desktop or mobile app.
  2. Sign In: Select “Sign In with SSO” (Single Sign-On).
  3. Enter Domain: If prompted for a company domain, use lccc.
  4. Check For Updates: To update the Zoom desktop client, click your profile picture in the top-right corner and select “Check for Updates”. If a newer version exists, it will download automatically; click “Update” to install.

Ongoing Work (Phase 2)

This initial migration focuses on restoring dial tone and inbound/outbound calling. Please note that the following items are still in progress and will be addressed in the coming weeks:

  • Physical Desk Phones: Migration and setup of compatible physical handsets.
  • Advanced Routing: Configuration of complex call flows, department call trees, and shared line groups.
  • Training: Formal basic and advanced training sessions will be scheduled shortly.

Helpful Resources

Video Tutorials

Documentation and Guides

If you cannot see the “Phone” tab in Zoom after 12:00 PM on Monday, please contact IT Support Services at 610-799-1161 or email helpme@lccc.edu.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we restore our college communications.

LCCC Leading the Way in Talent Strategy

Jennifer Aquila, our Executive Director of Admissions, recently represented Lehigh Carbon Community College as a panelist at the annual Human Services Priorities Breakfast.

While speaking to regional leaders on “Recruiting the Next Generation,” Jennifer highlighted how LCCC is at the forefront of understanding the unique strengths of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. From their digital fluency to their deep commitment to inclusivity, Jennifer showcased how we are evolving to meet these future professionals where they are.

Let’s keep up the momentum as we recruit and inspire the next generation of Trailblazers! Check out the full event highlights here.

Come get dirty! Planting Some Veggies

The Horticulture Club will be meeting on Tuesday, April 21st, from 2:30-3:30 pm! We will be planting some veggies in our outside garden, so you will get dirty!

We will meet in SH 104 to gather everything we need before heading outside. Rain or shine!

Fiscal Year 2026 Year End Deadlines

5/8/26 – Grant purchase requisitions

5/29/26 – College purchase requisitions

6/12/26 – Last day for FY25/26 credit card and W.B. Mason purchases

6/15/26 – Travel reimbursements – Allentown and Tamaqua sites

6/15/26 – Student stipends

6/19/26 – Last day to submit:

  • Duplicating jobs
  • Travel reimbursements – Main Campus
  • Employee reimbursements – Main Campus
  • Bookstore vouchers

6/30/26 – All FY25/26 goods & services *received*

7/10/26 – All Accounts Payable invoices must be approved and submitted to the Finance Office

7/16/26 – Final FY25/26 Accounts Payable check run

6/18/26 – Final FY25/26 payroll pay date – contracted staff

7/16/26 – Final FY25/26 payroll pay date – timecard staff (paydays of 6/28-7/11/26)

The Center for Workforce Development Graduates First Foundations of Leadership Class

The Center for Workforce Development recently celebrated the graduation of local business participants, including LCCC, from its Foundations of Leadership Program. Designed specifically for new and first-time supervisors, the program addresses the real-world challenges and expanded responsibilities faced by today’s emerging leaders. Participants engaged in learning experiences focused on building critical leadership competencies, fostering innovative and strategic thinking, and applying skills that drive positive team performance and bottom-line results.

Upon completion, each graduate earned a Certificate in Leadership Foundations along with a Digital Badge. Congratulations to all who participated.

Join the “Move 60” Challenge!

Join the LCCC Spirit Committee in celebration of LCCC’s 60th Anniversary with our “Move 60” Challenge!

The goal is to incorporate movement into your day for 60 seconds every 60 minutes. These quick bursts of activity are a great way to stay energized and celebrate our milestone year.

Everyone is welcome! Please note: Even if you can’t hit every 60-minute mark, you can still participate! Every bit of movement counts toward your goals and your chance to win.

How it Works:

  • Dates: May 1-31
  • The Goal: Aim for 60 seconds of movement every 60 minutes.
  • Need Ideas? Check out our “60 Ways to Stay Active” sheet for quick, easy ways to get moving—no matter where you are!
  • Track Your Progress: Each Monday, you’ll receive a reminder email to log your movement from the previous week.

Prizes:

Submit your weekly tracking and reflection log every week via the Google Form for a chance to be one of three winners of a $60 Amazon gift card!

Register today! Reach out to Ginny Hertzog, vhertzog@lccc.edu, or Erin Vermeulen, evermeulen@lccc.edu, with any questions.

Let’s keep the momentum going and celebrate LCCC’s 60th anniversary through movement!

LASSI Lesson: Concentration

Concentration, as measured by the Learning and Study Skills Inventory (LASSI), is a student’s self-reported ability to direct and maintain attention on various academic tasks. In Fall 2025, over 510 LCCC students reported an average concentration score of 44.11, which is low when compared with the nationally normed data.

In terms of a positive, the students self-reported that, “If I get distracted during class, I am able to refocus my attention” (Q58). However, students also reported having difficulty paying attention during lectures (Q40). While students having a hard time paying attention during lectures is nothing new, paying attention during classes is an essential part of college success. Building on this, one of the challenges students face today is the sheer amount of information encountered daily, a challenge amplified by modern technology. This information overload often means our cognitive capacity is exceeded more quickly than ever before.

To address these difficulties, one tip for staying focused during lectures is to limit exposure to unnecessary information before class. For example, a student might disconnect from their phone or avoid social media/news for 20 minutes before class to reset and prepare their brain to focus. Taking a walk outside is another effective strategy.

The LCCC Learning Specialists in Educational Support Services can offer further suggestions.

Next week, we will provide more insights and tips. For questions, contact Michael Spinks or Katy DeLong at thelassi@lccc.edu.

LCCC’s ESPN+ Broadcast Season was a Huge Success

A well-deserved shout-out to LCCC sports broadcast students who live-streamed another Lafayette College softball doubleheader of the season on Saturday, April 11. The games are streamed live on ESPN+ (and Disney+ if you have the HULU/Disney+ bundle) and are still available to watch through video on demand. The 5-camera broadcasts could not have gone better. They were professional, complex, and well executed. Students and viewers alike praised the production staff and professional quality. A special mention goes to Meredith Christie, a dual enrollment TV/Film student who worked our center field camera. After the game, the Video Production Manager for Lafayette said, “Your camera 4 operator knocked it out of the park!!” Peter Sabino scheduled, organized, and directed the event. A big thank you to everyone involved!

Byte-Sized Pedagogy for AI Integration

Week 10: The Counter-Point Partner

Students often struggle to see the “other side” of an argument, leading to weak or one-sided writing. The Counter-Point Partner activity uses AI to play the “Devil’s Advocate,” generating strong rebuttals to a student’s thesis or plan. By forcing students to respond to these AI-generated critiques, we help them build more robust, nuanced arguments and prepare them for real-world professional scrutiny. This shifts AI from a writing bot to a sparring partner that sharpens critical thinking and rhetorical skills. Visit our Faculty AI Resource Site for a “Debate the Bot” worksheet that can be used for any persuasive assignment.

Student Employee of the Month: April 2026 -Nigel Kuzanga

Nigel Kuzanga is a cornerstone of the Career Development department, consistently demonstrating a level of dedication that goes far beyond the scope of a typical student worker. Whether he is tackling complex graphic design projects, managing event setup, or meticulously handling reconciliations, Nigel approaches every task with a willing heart and a creative mind.

His impact is most visible in how he represents our department. At the recent Snack Bowl, Nigel stepped outside his comfort zone to become an incredible ambassador for the Career Development Center. He engaged with his peers, offering a welcoming smile and bringing a vibrant energy to the event. He manages to bring both laughter and a sense of calm focus to our office, serving as a dedicated mentor to his peers. Nigel’s kind spirit and professional growth make him truly deserving of the Student of the Month title. If you see Nigel on campus…please take a moment to congratulate him!

Last Chance to order plants!

This is your last chance to order your veggie plants. Online orders will close on April 30th. To order, please use the QR code posted here. (If you have had problems using the code before, it has been updated!)

If you have any questions, email Theresa Sterner at testerner@lccc.edu. Thank you for supporting LCCC’s Horticulture Club!

Psychology Club Guest Lecture: Dr. Micah Sadigh

Join the Psychology Club this Thursday, April 16, at 2:15 p.m. in rooms 107/108 of the Alumni Center to hear Dr. Micah Sadigh, a renowned psychologist and professor at Cedar Crest College, speak about the connections among stress, sleep, and mental health. There will be pizza and refreshments for those who attend! If you would like to learn more about Dr. Sadigh, his background and his research, check out his short biography. on the Cedar Crest website. If you have trouble finding the Alumni Center, it’s located next to the Rothrock Library.

LCCC Morgan Miles Challenge

Think you’ve got what it takes?
All U.S. military branches require a distance run—now it’s your turn to rise to the challenge!

  • Where: LCCC Morgan Campus (Parking Lot Start)
  • When: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
  • Registration: 2:00–2:30 p.m.
  • Race Start: 2:45 p.m.

2-mile course looping around campus
Open to ALL students, faculty & staff
Wear camo, red/white/blue, or your favorite branch gear!
If you have any questions, contact ltimony@lccc.edu.

Run with purpose. Finish with pride.

Spirit & Wellness

Spirit Committee Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events, brought to you by the LCCC Spirit Committee!

May 5 – Gratitude Journaling w/ Wendy Barron- Registration Needed

May 8 – Wear R.E.D Day to Remember Everyone Deployed

June 10 – Spirit Day: Hawaiian Themed Attire

June 10 –  Luau on the Lawn (Summer Picnic)

For questions about any upcoming events, please reach out to Ginny Hertzog at vhertzog@lccc.edu or Tara Frana at tfrana1@lccc.edu.

Administrative Updates

Human Resources News

New I-9 Form

The new version of the I-9 has been released. Please begin using the new version for all new hires. The form can be viewed here.

Nominate a Colleague for Spotlight on Excellence
Is there a faculty or staff member you know who helped smooth over an unexpected bump during a project or event? Do you know someone who went above and beyond to provide excellent customer service? Human Resources invites you to nominate that person for a Spotlight on Excellence recognition. Recognized members of the college community will be announced in the College Voice and will receive a token of appreciation for a job well done. Please use the nomination form to spotlight the excellence of a fellow employee!

Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention
Slips, trips, and falls account for a large percentage of medical incidents on campus and are the result from some a kind of unintended or unexpected change in the contact between the feet and the ground or walking surface. AttachedWord are tips to aid in the prevention of slips, trips and falls.

Quick Reference for Medical Emergencies on Campus
If serious injury or illness occurs on campus, CALL 911.  After you call 911, call Public Safety at x1169 to inform them you called 911. Public Safety will report to where the injured person is until arrival of the ambulance.
For minor injury or illness, trained personnel should provide basic first aid care. Call Public Safety at x1169. All Public Safety officers are trained in first aid and CPR/AEDS.

No employee shall transport another employee/student to an emergency facility or hospital.

All New Employees:
The college’s online training program is specifically designed for the busy professional but keeps in mind the college’s requirements for training. It is a convenient, easy way to complete our new hire training series at LCCC.

A. Required Online Trainings
Below are the online trainings that will be emailed to you from Knowbe4. This is a single sign-on system that will enable to you log in using your portal username and password. These online trainings must be completed within the first 30 days of hire.

If you want your completion certificate for each training placed in your personnel file, please print it out and send to the Human Resources office, otherwise Human Resources maintains a database of your completed trainings.

FERPA and HIPAA– Privacy and Security Awareness
Creating Strong Password – Security Awareness Training

B. Run-Hide-Fight Video
To view this video, go to the Department of Public Safety website page and click on the Run-Hide-Fight video link.

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at x1107 or x1108.

Online Learning News

View the 2025 Summer Edition of the Online Learning Newsletter. This edition includes information about our training programs, current news, updates for Canvas, and more. We want to recognize our badge earners on page 4, and there is a page on some events around the Lehigh Valley this Summer to look forward to. If you have any questions, reach out to us at onlinelearning@lccc.edu.

Online Learning Courses Available
Register online for our live and self-paced trainings. Trainings include: Canvas Course Certification, Remote Course Certification, Excellence in Instruction, Zoom, Canvas Studio, Blooms Taxonomy, and more!

Office Hours
Schedule a meeting with Rachel Peters to ask any questions on training, course development, professional development, and other tools/topics.

Digital Badges
Faculty and staff will have the opportunity to receive digital badges to display on LinkedIn, email signature and other areas, highlighting their professional achievements and commitment to continued learning. A number of different badges are available to anyone who completes the required training or series of trainings. The training requirements for each badge are outlined on the flyer. If you have any questions about the digital badges or the requirements for them please contact onlinelearning@lccc.edu.

College Engagement and Well-Being

Employee Appreciation Shout Outs

A quick and fun way to recognize your amazing colleagues! Celebrate specific actions and achievements. Choose a pre-made Shout Out or write your own personalized message. Shout Outs are a simple way to say “thank you” or acknowledge someone who’s made your day better, perfect for those everyday moments of appreciation! Submit your Employee Appreciation Shout Outs.

Innovation Award

The purpose of the LCCC Innovation Award is to motivate employees to generate new ideas, solve problems creatively, and contribute to the college’s overall innovation efforts. Given to teams, departments or committees within the college that have demonstrated exceptional creativity, originality, and breakthrough thinking in developing new services, processes, or solutions, essentially recognizing and celebrating those who contribute to advancing the organization through innovative ideas and practices. They aim to foster a culture of continuous improvement and encourage further innovation within the college.

The LCCC Innovation Award is given annually to one college team, department or committee (minimum 2 people). The Spirit Committee will select one award recipient to be recognized at the annual Staff and Faculty Awards reception. Award recipients will be added to the LCCC Innovation Award perpetual plaque on display in the Student Services Center in addition to receiving an award certificate and celebratory lunch. 

Innovations may be demonstrated through the following ways: 

  1. The creation and implementation of innovative programs, partnerships and/or activities that improve the institution’s ability to serve students and the community which results in improved customer satisfaction and/or delivery of programs/related services.  
  2. The creation or improvement of a process and/or policy which results in time savings, workflow enhancements, cost savings, revenue increases, improved service, or increased safety.
  3. Implementation of a new technology application which enhances customer satisfaction and improves the institution’s ability to serve students and the community. 
  4. The innovation is not more than 2 years old at the institution. 

To make a nomination, complete this form. For consideration, your candidate must meet all criteria and have at least one recommendation letter.

Power of Collaboration Award

The purpose of the LCCC Power of Collaboration Award is to recognize a team, department or committee that demonstrates exceptional teamwork, actively supports colleagues, and works effectively together to achieve shared goals, essentially recognizing their outstanding collaborative efforts within the college.

The LCCC Power of Collaboration Award is given annually to one college team, department or committee (minimum 2 people). The Spirit Committee will select one award recipient to be recognized at the annual Staff and Faculty Awards reception. Award recipients will be added to the LCCC Power of Collaboration Award perpetual plaque on display in the Student Services Center in addition to receiving an award certificate and celebratory lunch. 

The following criteria should be considered:

  1. They work positively and productively with other team members whose combined efforts have resulted in significant innovations, solutions, and advancements, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
  2. They have blended their unique skills, knowledge, and efforts to form a powerful synergy, enhancing their collective output. It emphasizes the core of successful collaboration: accomplishing more together than would be possible solo.
  3. The nominees have used innovative approaches, introducing fresh methods, ideas, or solutions to harness their collective creativity to forge new paths and achieve results.
  4. They model clear communication and constructive conflict resolution. They excel in maintaining open channels of communication, fostering a respectful and productive environment.

To make a nomination, complete this form. For consideration, your candidate must meet all criteria and have at least one recommendation letter.

Spirit Awards

The LCCC Spirit Committee invites nominations for the annual Spirit Award, presented at the Employee Appreciation Ceremony each May. One recipient will be selected from each of the following groups: ESP Staff, Administrators, and Faculty.

This award recognizes individuals who exemplify a positive attitude, foster teamwork, support an inclusive campus culture, and go above and beyond in their roles. Recipients demonstrate leadership, empathy, and a strong alignment with the college’s values, contributing meaningfully to the overall morale and spirit of the campus community. Nominate a colleague for the Spirit Award. *Previous recipients are not eligible.

Please use the following criteria to nominate a colleague; be prepared to offer examples of how the employee exhibits these criteria: 

  • Positive Attitude

 Consistently maintains an optimistic outlook, even during challenging situations; brings enthusiasm and energy to the workplace; helps to create a supportive environment. 

  • Team Collaboration

 Actively contributes to teamwork, supports colleagues, and promotes a sense of unity; works well with others to achieve shared goals and fosters a cooperative environment. 

  • Workplace Culture Contribution

 Demonstrates commitment to fostering a positive company culture; engages in activities that promote inclusivity, diversity, and respect within the college. 

  • Going Above and Beyond

Regularly exceeds expectations in terms of performance and initiative; takes on additional responsibilities or offers to help others without being asked. 

  • Leadership and Inspiration

Inspires others through actions and works, helping to motivate and encourage teammates; demonstrates leadership qualities, whether in formal or informal capacities. 

  • Supportive and Empathetic Behavior

Shows genuine care and concern for the well-being of colleagues; actively listens and provides emotional support or encouragement when needed; serves others and is always willing to help; inspires and encourages others. 

  • Creativity and Problem-Solving

Brings innovative ideas to the table and helps solve problems creatively; encourages others to think outside of the box and embrace new approaches. 

  • Commitment to the Organization’s Values

Consistently aligns behavior with the company’s mission, vision, and values; demonstrates ethical behavior and acts with integrity. 

  • Overall Positive Impact

Has a lasting, positive influence on the workplace environment, boosting employee morale and creating a sense of community. 

Reminders

Global Partnerships in Action at LCCC

LCCC is pleased to host a delegation of K–12 administrators from North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, on April 16 as part of the Pennsylvania School Board Association’s Institute of International Education Study Group exchange. Notably, LCCC is the only higher education institution selected for inclusion in their visit.

During their time on campus, the delegation will engage with faculty and staff to learn more about LCCC’s innovative work in Dual Enrollment and Middle College programming, Workforce Training initiatives, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence in education and industry. This visit highlights LCCC’s growing reputation as a leader in career-connected learning.

In addition, on April 27, LCCC will welcome representatives from several German-based companies operating in the Lehigh Valley who are exploring the development of a new academic pathway. This proposed program would provide community college students and company employees the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in International Engineering & Management through a partnership with Nordakademie in Hamburg, Germany.

These upcoming engagements reflect LCCC’s continued commitment to building partnerships that expand opportunities for students, and support regional workforce needs.

Join us as we celebrate the best of LCCC!

Over the coming weeks, we will be hosting three special events to honor our dedicated students and staff. Save the dates below and help us recognize these remarkable accomplishments.

Upcoming Events

  • Phi Theta Kappa Induction: Friday, April 17, 2:30 – 4 p.m. in the CSC ballroom
  • Student Awards Ceremony: Friday, May 8, 3 – 5 p.m. in the CSC ballroom (3 p.m. reception followed by a 4 p.m. ceremony)
  • Faculty and Staff Recognition Ceremony: Friday, May 15, 3 – 5 p.m. in the CSC ballroom

Celebrate Our New Phi Theta Kappa Scholars at Induction

Join the LCCC Alpha Omicron Alpha Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for our annual Induction Ceremony on Friday, April 17, from 2:30 – 4 p.m. in the Community Services Center. Hear words of inspiration from our Chapter Officers, our Chapter Advisors, and our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Ann Turoczy. All faculty and staff are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served. Email Daniel Melin, Director of Student Life, at dmelin@lccc.edu with any questions.

Honor and Recognize Student Leaders at the Student Awards Ceremony

The Office of College Relations and Student Life invites all faculty and staff to attend the annual Student Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 8, from 3 – 5 p.m. in the Community Services Center. Club and Honor Society leaders, academic trailblazers, and campus engagement innovators will be recognized and celebrated at the ceremony. We welcome all to join us for our 3 p.m. reception and 4 p.m. ceremony. Email Daniel Melin, Director of Student Life, at dmelin@lccc.edu with any questions.

Attend the Faculty and Staff Awards Reception

This year’s Faculty/Staff Recognition event will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 3 – 5 p.m. Offices will be closed during this time to allow everyone to attend the celebration. Please keep watching the College Voice for more information.

Please be sure to mark your calendars for these dates and join us in honoring the exceptional achievements of our students and colleagues.

Ready to get ahead? Fall into a new routine at our upcoming Registration Fairs

Don’t navigate registration alone! Our Fall 2026 Registration Fairs are your one-stop shop to meet with advisors, talk to faculty, and get your financial aid questions answered. Join us across our campuses starting April 14th to set yourself up for success.

Stop by one of our sessions to beat the rush, grab some prizes, and secure the classes you want today. We can’t wait to see you there!

Testing Center News

The Testing Center will be closing at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

Arts and Scholars Showcase Opening in Rothrock Library April 20

The college community is invited to join us for the opening evening of the annual Arts and Scholars Showcase! Come celebrate the remarkable achievements of our student artists and scholars as their inspiring work is put on display. The showcase will take place from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on the main floor of the Rothrock Library. A special presentation of the Susan Fread Awards will be held at 6:00 PM.

We encourage everyone to visit and enjoy the complimentary food and drink.

RSI and Accessibility Compliance Peer Review Process

In April, the Department of Online Learning will begin implementing our RSI and Accessibility Compliance Peer Review process. The purpose of this process is to review the level of Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) and alignment with WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards in online courses, ensuring adherence to federal regulations. This process is designed to support faculty and strengthen course quality; it is not intended to serve as an evaluation.

Peer reviews will be conducted in sections based on the course calendar, with an option to volunteer for an earlier review. If you are interested in volunteering your course, you may sign up using our form by April 17. All courses will be reviewed by Sarah Burton, faculty member and former instructional designer.

What to expect during the process:

  1. Your course is scheduled for review.
  2. Sarah will review your course using the attached RSI and accessibility rubric.
  3. You will receive the completed rubric indicating areas that are met or partially met, along with feedback and suggestions.
  4. If all areas are met, no further action is needed at this time.
  5. If some areas are partially met, you will have the opportunity to make updates based on the feedback provided.

A PDF copy of the rubric is attached.

The Department of Online Learning is available to support you throughout this process. We encourage updates to be completed within approximately two weeks of receiving feedback. Once updates are made, you can notify Sarah to initiate a follow-up review. Additional support options include one-on-one meetings (Zoom or in person) and upcoming open course development workshops.

This peer review process is part of the college’s broader efforts to maintain compliance with federal Title IV requirements. Our goal is to work collaboratively with faculty to ensure all courses meet these standards. If additional follow-up is needed, support will be coordinated in partnership with your academic leadership. If you have any questions about the process or need assistance with RSI or accessibility, please contact Onlinelearning@lccc.edu.

Conquer & Control: An Afternoon of Resilience & Inspiration

On Tuesday, April 28, at 2:30 p.m., the campus community is invited to an unforgettable event on building resilience in the Alumni Center. The event features a powerful keynote from LCCC alumnus and inspirational speaker Isaiah Natale. His story of surviving life-threatening health issues and persevering through mental illness will encourage you to stay motivated in the face of adversity.

In addition, LCCC counselor Liz Lewis will teach attendees about how to “build their resilience muscles” and approach challenges with confidence. Please RSVP here by April 24. This will be a hybrid event, and a Zoom link will be provided to those who RSVP.

For more information, contact Jessie Heimann, Assoc. Prof. of Communications, at jheimann@lccc.edu. This event is sponsored by the HOPE Center.

Byte-Sized Pedagogy for AI Integration

Week 9: The “Why” Behind the Answer

When students use AI to solve a problem, the learning shouldn’t stop at the “correct” result; the real value lies in their ability to justify the path taken to get there. The “Why” Behind the Answer is a technique where students must annotate an AI-generated solution, explaining the underlying logic or course principles that make the answer valid. By requiring this metacognitive step, we ensure that students aren’t just bypassing the work but are instead using the AI output as a starting point for deeper conceptual mastery. This approach reinforces that the human’s role is to provide the “meaning,” while the AI merely provides the “calculation.” It transforms a potential shortcut into an exercise in accountability.

Visit our Faculty AI Resource Site for a “Logic Mapping” activity you can apply to assignments in any discipline.

LASSI Lesson: UAR–Writing

As we previously shared, the lowest LASSI score of the 510+ students who took the LASSI during the Fall 2025 term was “Using Academic Resources,” 34.16% vs. the national norm. In particular, the lowest reported related response was Q12: “If I am having trouble with a writing assignment, I seek help from resources available at my college, such as the writing center, learning center, or tutoring center,” indicating that the students do not seek help with their writing assignments.

Many classes require writing assignments in various forms, and Education Support Services offers a range of writing tutoring services (face-to-face, remote, NetTutor). To help writing students succeed, normalize and expect students to connect with ESS writing services during the writing process.

Share that writing is a form of one-way communication, so it is important to get the reader’s perspective and feedback on how to improve their work. The best writers get feedback from others to improve their writing. Also, remind students that writing tutors can help with all stages of the writing process–brainstorming, drafting, revising, and editing. Sometimes talking out ideas is much better than writing them down.

Next week, we’ll be sharing more suggestions. Questions? Contact Michael Spinks and Katy DeLong at thelassi@lccc.edu.

What is JSTOR?

April’s “Library Resource of the Month” is JSTOR, a research tool designed to support nearly every academic path on campus!

The JSTOR Archival Journal & Primary Source Collection provides access to over 5,000 full-text journals across 60 disciplines. The platform also hosts a growing library of over 15,000 eBooks from reputable academic and commercial publishers, all of which are integrated into search results.

And don’t forget to check out JSTOR Daily, an online publication that translates complex scholarship into accessible, short-form articles that connect historical research to current events. Each story includes direct links to the source material in the JSTOR collection, making it a perfect starting point for many assignments.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss how you might incorporate JSTOR into your course or assignments, please contact the library at rothrock@lccc.edu.

Call for Leadership Team Fellows!

The Leadership Team is a working group responsible for executing all tasks and initiatives within the Strategic Plan. The team works year-round as a large group to meet the goals of the Strategic Plan.

As an institution, LCCC is committed to developing staff and succession planning. Recognizing that leadership within any organization is not tied specifically to titles and many within our institution are leaders within their departments, it is appropriate to offer the Leadership Team Fellow opportunity. The Fellow will participate as a full member of the Leadership Team for a two-year appointment, working on projects and offering the unique perspective they possess in identifying the obstacles and opportunities our students and the institution face.

Full-time faculty, staff, and administration not currently serving on the Leadership Team and interested in becoming more involved as a Leadership Team Fellow, should discuss this opportunity with their supervisor. Time involved may be approximately four (4) hours per month, including the Leadership Team meeting, which is usually held on the first Tuesday of the month, in person, from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.

If approved by your supervisor, please ask them to submit the nomination form.

Please contact Dr. Kelly Trahan at ktrahan@lccc.edu with questions.

Celebrating Our Colleagues: Employee Appreciation Shout Outs

We’re excited to announce the recipients of our Employee Appreciation Shout Outs from the 3rd quarter! These individuals have been recognized by their colleagues for their everyday wins and standout moments. A huge congratulations to:

Adriana Collado

Alen Kurtish

Alex Maaser

Amber Zuber

Andrew King

Brandon Kwiatek

Carly Klimash

Carolyn O’Steen

Cheryl Schaffer

Christa Gower

Colleen Spitko

Diane Furchner

Elaine Trimble

Eric Minnich

Erin Vermeulen

Erv Mease

Fatima Alba

Gavin Wehr

Gene Eden

Gerald Wachob

Ginny Hertzog

Gladys Malpica

Hazel Carrera

Ingrid Madera

James Gonzalez

Jennie Hontz

Jennifer Baez

Jennifer Hernandez Reyes

Jessica Kirk

Joellen Rooney

Jonathan Sanchez

Joseph Smickle

Joshua Mitchell

Justin Brosious

Kathy Baker

Kescha Bell-Ross

Kim Martin

Kristine Shaffer

Laura Doherty Eddinger

Makayla Smale

Mary Decker

Michael Spinks

Mike Busch

Nancy Weber

Natalie Kerrick

Nikolas Sorrentino

Rebecca Hackman

River Mason

Robyn Davis

Sara Turkdonmez

Tammy Nolan

Tara Frana

Tracey Richards

Veronica Blue

Virginia Hertzog

Wendy Knutsen Hess

Yasaman Razavi

Zack Snyder

Thank you for demonstrating our values and for making a positive impact. Your contributions are a testament to the incredible community we’re building here at LCCC.

And a Special Congratulations to this quarter’s prize winner! Congratulations to Carly Klimash! Your Employee Appreciation Shout Out was randomly selected, and you’ve won a $10 Dunkin’ gift card and an LCCC coaster.

Food trucks for April

April brings warm weather, spring flowers, sunshine, and more food trucks! Food trucks will be on campus every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Policies and Regulations Manual Update

The following revised policies have been approved by the LCCC Board of Trustees on
March 5, 2026:

  1. Policy 2-404 – Purchasing
  2. Policy 2-408 – Third Party Vendor

The Policies and Regulations Manual can be found on the College’s website and on the Human Resources portal page.

Excellence in Accessibility Spring Dates

Join us for a hands-on training day dedicated to making the LCCC experience accessible for every member of our community. This workshop moves beyond theory into practical application, covering everything from the impact of disability awareness and inclusive language to hands-on digital accessibility. Whether you are interacting with students or designing materials, you will leave with the strategies needed to foster a truly inclusive campus. For participating in this workshop, you will earn the Excellence in Accessibility Badge If you already have the badge, this is an updated 2026 version of the workshop.

Spring Dates, register here:

Friday, April 10 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Wednesday, May 6 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Where: LCCC Main Campus – Technology Center (TC208). We will be working in a lab environment to ensure everyone can participate in real-time. You can also register to participate via Zoom.