FACULTY CORNER
Grace University values the important role faculty play in advancing the University’s mission and supporting student success. Through the Faculty Corner, instructors can explore upcoming workshops, seminars, training opportunities, technology resources, faculty wellness activities, and other professional development initiatives.
***Please download the handbook (GU Faculty Handbook 2025-2026.pdf)
***Please sign this document for confirmation of receiving handbook, if they download the document (GU Faculty Handbook Confirmation.pdf)
Faculty members are encouraged to visit the Faculty Corner regularly for new opportunities, resources, announcements, and activities designed to support their teaching, professional development, and overall well-being.
Upcoming Faculty Professional Development Opportunities
Grace University encourages faculty members to participate in professional development opportunities that strengthen teaching effectiveness, technological knowledge, institutional awareness, and student success.
Agentic AI and College Students: Challenges and Opportunities
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–11:00 AM Pacific Time
Format: Live Online Webinar
Cost: FREE
Open To: Public
Professional Development Area: Technology Skills & Student Engagement
Artificial intelligence continues to transform teaching and learning in higher education. This live webinar will introduce faculty to agentic AI and examine its potential opportunities and challenges for colleges, faculty, and students.
Participants will learn how to:
- Identify important characteristics of agentic AI.
- Recognize concerns surrounding the use of agentic AI in higher education.
- Explore ways agentic AI may support teaching and student learning.
- Consider the implications of emerging AI technologies for college students and instructors.
Presenter:
Lance Eaton, PhD
Senior Associate Director of AI in Teaching and Learning
Northeastern University
This professional development opportunity is particularly beneficial for faculty interested in incorporating emerging technologies into their teaching while better understanding the academic and instructional considerations associated with artificial intelligence.
Registration: Free to the public.
Registration link: AI Webinar Registration – HigherEd+
Trends that Impact Higher Education Planning — Fall 2026
Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–11:00 AM Pacific Time
Format: Live Online Webinar
Cost: FREE for Members and Nonmembers
Professional Development Area: Higher Education Trends, Institutional Effectiveness & Strategic Planning
Presented by the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), this webinar examines emerging external trends that are shaping higher education in 2026.
The presenters will provide practical perspectives on how colleges and universities can understand changing conditions and incorporate those developments into institutional planning and decision-making.
Topics Include
- Social trends affecting higher education
- Technological trends affecting higher education
- Economic trends affecting higher education
- Environmental trends affecting higher education
- Political trends affecting higher education
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
- Identify emerging trends affecting higher education.
- Analyze how these trends may impact their institution.
- Identify strategies for responding to changing conditions.
- Apply information about emerging trends to strategic, scenario, and contingency planning.
Presenters
Dana Prymak
Associate Director, Strategic Planning and Foresight
Thompson Rivers University
Dr. Lynn Akey
Chancellor
University of Wisconsin–Parkside
James Downey
Senior Strategy Consultant
The webinar will also include a Q&A session, providing participants with an opportunity to hear how other higher education professionals are addressing similar challenges.
Registration: The live webinar is FREE for both SCUP members and nonmembers. Registration closes September 16, 2026, at 12:15 PM Eastern Time. The recording is free for members; the listed nonmember price for the recording is $45.
Registration Link: Trends that Impact Higher Education Planning Fall 2026 – SCUP
Bible Study & Spiritual Wellness
Grace University encourages faculty members to nurture not only their professional and personal well-being, but also their spiritual growth. As part of the University’s Christ-centered community, faculty are invited to participate in Grace University’s weekly Bible Study.
The Bible Study provides a meaningful opportunity for faculty, staff, and members of the Grace University community to gather for Scripture reading, prayer, reflection, encouragement, and fellowship. It is designed to help participants strengthen their faith, build supportive relationships, and find spiritual encouragement during the academic week.
Weekly Bible Study
Day: Friday
Time: 4:00 PM–5:00 PM
Location: Grace University – Pomona Campus
Schedule Notice: Bible Study dates and times are subject to the Grace University academic and institutional schedule. Sessions may be adjusted, postponed, or canceled due to holidays, university events, campus closures, or other scheduling needs.
Faculty members are warmly encouraged to participate as their schedules allow.
Regular spiritual reflection and fellowship can be an important part of maintaining balance, purpose, and a sense of community. Grace University hopes the weekly Bible Study will provide faculty with a welcoming space to pause, reflect, connect with colleagues, and be encouraged through God’s Word.
Supporting the Whole Faculty Member
Faculty wellness includes physical, emotional, professional, and spiritual well-being. Through healthy daily habits, supportive relationships, professional development, and opportunities such as Bible Study, Grace University seeks to cultivate a faculty community that is encouraged, connected, and prepared to serve students with excellence and purpose.
Healthy Habits for Faculty
Maintaining healthy habits is an important part of sustaining energy, focus, and effectiveness throughout the academic year. Grace University encourages faculty members to care for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being while balancing teaching, preparation, student support, and other professional responsibilities.
Simple daily habits can make a meaningful difference. Faculty are encouraged to:
- Take short movement or stretching breaks during long periods of sitting.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Maintain regular and balanced meals.
- Practice good posture and proper workstation ergonomics.
- Take brief screen breaks to reduce eye strain and mental fatigue.
- Establish healthy boundaries between work and personal time.
- Prioritize adequate sleep and consistent rest.
- Use planning and time-management strategies to reduce unnecessary stress.
- Make time for reflection, prayer, or quiet moments during busy days.
- Connect with colleagues and seek support when workloads become challenging.
Wellness Tip
Try the 5-Minute Reset during a busy workday:
- Step away from your computer.
- Stretch or walk for a few minutes.
- Drink a glass of water.
- Take several slow, deep breaths.
- Identify the next most important task before returning to work.
Small, consistent wellness practices can help faculty maintain focus, manage stress, and create a healthier and more positive work environment.
Healthy Faculty, Healthy Learning Environment
Faculty well-being contributes to a supportive academic community. By taking care of their own health and wellness, faculty members are better prepared to remain engaged, encourage students, collaborate with colleagues, and provide effective instruction.
Grace University encourages faculty to make personal wellness a regular part of their professional routine.
