Peer-Led Programming
Programming led by our peers is central to the mission of the Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence (CAFE). Learn about the peer-led programming available to all UAA faculty and staff below. If you have an idea for a community of practice or faculty interest group you would like to lead, please contact us! Stay updated and find out what we are currently offering on our events calendar.
Communities of Practice
Communities of practice (CoPs) are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly ().
Learn about the programs we've held in the past below, and check our events calendar for our current offerings. If you have an idea for a program, email uaa_cafe@alaska.edu.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Community of Practice
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Community of Practice
This CoP examines the evolving role of AI in higher education. UAA faculty and staff discuss their experiences using AI in higher education, issues that have come up in the classroom about academic integrity, how AI can help with productivity, new AI technologies, and anything in between.
Facilitator:
- Andrew Harnish, Assistant Professor of Writing, fellow at the 2024-2025 AAC&U Institute of AI, Pedagogy and the Curriculum (2024-25, 2025-26)
- Contemplative Practices Community of Practice
Contemplative Practices
The use of contemplative practices in higher education is a growing area of interest and research. Such practices call for teaching and learning that guides and supports student learning through focused attention, reflection, introspection, and a heightened sense of awareness.
When incorporated into learning contexts, contemplative practices have been shown to reduce academic anxiety, support students in seeing how coursework connects with future personal and professional settings, and improve connection to and between members of the learning community.
Facilitators:
- Dawn Humenik, SBDC Operations Specialist (2025-26)
- Jennifer McClung, Instructor of Writing (2023-24, 2024-25)
- Information Literacy Community of Practice
Information Literacy Community of Practice
In this CoP, UAA faculty librarians discuss how we can build success around information literacy with students. Participants will take a deep dive into the rapidly changing landscape of mis- and disinformation, and how to best guide students to meet learning outcomes. Conversations will explore instructional strategies to help students effectively determine appropriate sources, appraise credibility, and use information ethically across their academic career.
Facilitators:
- Page Brannon, Professor of Library Science & Head of Instruction and Research Services (2025-26)
- Jennifer McKay, Professor of Library Science & Head of the AK Medical Library (2025-26)
- Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Mentorship Community of Practice
Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Mentorship Community of Practice
This CoP provides a space for faculty who are mentoring undergraduate researchers and scholars to connect and talk about their experiences doing this kind of mentorship.
Facilitator:
Tracey Burke, Professor of Social Work (2025-26)
Faculty Interest Groups
Faculty interest groups provide informal and cross-disciplinary spaces for faculty to explore common interests and share best practices.
- CAFE Focus Power Hour
CAFE Focus Power Hour
CAFE Focus Power Hour is an hour-long productivity session aimed at helping you accomplish a small goal with colleagues to build a habit of scheduling productive work time and do so in community.
During these 60 minute Zoom sessions, we’ll share a quick (1- 2 minute) productivity tip. Then everyone will share in chat what they plan to accomplish during our session. We’ll leave our cameras on (optional!) and microphones off and work for 55 solid minutes. At the end of our time, you’ll put in chat what you’ve accomplished.
Facilitator:
- Stasia Straley, Professor of Accounting (2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26)
- CAFE Book Club
CAFE Book Club
In the CAFE Book Club, faculty read a book related to teaching in higher education, meet regularly, discuss their thoughts, and do activities provided in the book.
- 2025-26: Opposite of Cheating: Teaching for Integrity in the Age of AI by Tricia Bertram Gallant and David A. Rettinger. Facilitated by Janelle Sikorski, Director of CAFE (2025-26)
- 2024-25: Designing Your New Work Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. Facilitated by Corrie Whitmore, Associate Professor of Health Sciences (2024-25)
- Promotion & Tenure (P&T) Summer Working Group
Promotion & Tenure (P&T) Summer Working Group
In the Promotion & Tenure Summer Working Group, participants get support on creating their P&T file over time and with support from colleagues working in P&T. The approach is designed to keep you accountable on making progress on your file, reducing the stress that comes from putting it off until the last minute. The series is open to faculty at any stage of the process - the earlier you start the better!
Facilitator:
- Douglass Bourne, Associate Professor of Writing (2024-25, 2025-26)
Other programs
Join us at our other programs that we offer throughout the year! We offer programming on faculty development, trainings, faculty excellence awards, and more. Find out about our programming on our events and programs page, and be the first to know about our events by subscribing to our newsletter.