AU Talk
Presentation Length
90 minutes
Abstract
Supporting Students in Crisis: Best Practices for Faculty and Staff (Jennifer Burrill, Stacey Nicely, and Ben Panigot): In this AU Talk, we will share practical strategies for faculty and staff to identify, support, and report students in crisis using best practices. Aimed at faculty, staff, and student support personnel, this session will focus on how to recognize early signs of distress and respond appropriately to ensure student well-being. No prior knowledge of crisis intervention is required. By the end, attendees will be able to 1) confidently identify signs of student distress, and 2) understand the steps to take in making effective referrals and reports.
Campus Nature Connections (Roberta Colwell): The natural world demonstrates God’s loving care for our mental, physical and spiritual health. Western medicine has even begun to recognize and promote the benefits of nature therapy. Recent studies report that interaction with nature is associated with higher levels of mental and physical well-being, with results lasting up to 8 hours. One study showed that the most significant benefits were derived from the sight of birds and the sound of birdsongs. Berrien County has the 2nd highest recorded number of bird species in Michigan, making AU a great place for getting outside and exploring the healing possibilities of nature.
The Art of Resting in God: Embracing a Rest Ethic (Janine Lim): In our fast-paced world, it's easy to prioritize work over rest. However, as Christians, we're called to find balance and learn to rest in God. This presentation explores the concept of developing a "rest ethic" alongside our work ethic, rooted in biblical principles. Discover practical strategies for incorporating rest into your daily routine, aligning your mind and heart with God's rhythm, and experiencing true peace and rejuvenation amidst life's demands.
Every Test a Turing Test (Anthony Bosman): In 1950, Alan Turing asked, "Can machines think?" He imagined a future where a machine could pass as indistinguishable from a human in conversation. Today, with the rise of generative A.I., educators face a similar challenge: distinguishing student work from machine-generated content. This talk explores the limits of A.I. and offers strategies for designing assessments ("Turing tests") that promote student engagement while safeguarding against A.I. misuse.
Viral vs. Valid: Spotting Wellness Misinformation in a Social Media World (Rachel Keele): In a digital landscape where sensational, and often dangerous, health “advice” spreads faster than evidence-based practices, spotting misinformation is a critical skill. Learn why false health claims go viral, gain clear strategies for identifying trustworthy, science-based information, and discover how to separate fact from fiction on social media, and beyond.
Flourishing when Falling Apart (Rahel Wells): Hard times are a part of life, and yet how can we be expected to flourish when facing loss, grief, depression, or illness? Lament is a crucial tool God gives for finding faith in the midst of great pain.
Location
Newbold Auditorium
Start Date
8-13-2025 2:00 PM
End Date
8-13-2025 3:30 PM
AU Talk
Newbold Auditorium
Supporting Students in Crisis: Best Practices for Faculty and Staff (Jennifer Burrill, Stacey Nicely, and Ben Panigot): In this AU Talk, we will share practical strategies for faculty and staff to identify, support, and report students in crisis using best practices. Aimed at faculty, staff, and student support personnel, this session will focus on how to recognize early signs of distress and respond appropriately to ensure student well-being. No prior knowledge of crisis intervention is required. By the end, attendees will be able to 1) confidently identify signs of student distress, and 2) understand the steps to take in making effective referrals and reports.
Campus Nature Connections (Roberta Colwell): The natural world demonstrates God’s loving care for our mental, physical and spiritual health. Western medicine has even begun to recognize and promote the benefits of nature therapy. Recent studies report that interaction with nature is associated with higher levels of mental and physical well-being, with results lasting up to 8 hours. One study showed that the most significant benefits were derived from the sight of birds and the sound of birdsongs. Berrien County has the 2nd highest recorded number of bird species in Michigan, making AU a great place for getting outside and exploring the healing possibilities of nature.
The Art of Resting in God: Embracing a Rest Ethic (Janine Lim): In our fast-paced world, it's easy to prioritize work over rest. However, as Christians, we're called to find balance and learn to rest in God. This presentation explores the concept of developing a "rest ethic" alongside our work ethic, rooted in biblical principles. Discover practical strategies for incorporating rest into your daily routine, aligning your mind and heart with God's rhythm, and experiencing true peace and rejuvenation amidst life's demands.
Every Test a Turing Test (Anthony Bosman): In 1950, Alan Turing asked, "Can machines think?" He imagined a future where a machine could pass as indistinguishable from a human in conversation. Today, with the rise of generative A.I., educators face a similar challenge: distinguishing student work from machine-generated content. This talk explores the limits of A.I. and offers strategies for designing assessments ("Turing tests") that promote student engagement while safeguarding against A.I. misuse.
Viral vs. Valid: Spotting Wellness Misinformation in a Social Media World (Rachel Keele): In a digital landscape where sensational, and often dangerous, health “advice” spreads faster than evidence-based practices, spotting misinformation is a critical skill. Learn why false health claims go viral, gain clear strategies for identifying trustworthy, science-based information, and discover how to separate fact from fiction on social media, and beyond.
Flourishing when Falling Apart (Rahel Wells): Hard times are a part of life, and yet how can we be expected to flourish when facing loss, grief, depression, or illness? Lament is a crucial tool God gives for finding faith in the midst of great pain.