Before the busyness of the new fall 2022 semester began, Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary & Graduate School faculty members gathered for a day of learning, brainstorming, group discussions, getting to know others outside their academic departments and, ultimately, gleaning valuable takeaways they can incorporate in the classroom.

The morning opened with coffee and fellowship, followed by a time of worship, prayer and a devotional by Dr. Julia Hershey (’98), Associate Provost for Academics.

Two sessions followed that provided faculty helpful tools they could take into the classroom.

The Counseling & Social Work Department led a session on psychological safety, particularly how respect and trust in the classroom not only affects students’ critical thinking skills and learning styles but also paves the way for better mental health. Recent research has shown that mental health stressors increased dramatically in the wake of more than two years of attending classes, both in person and online, during a worldwide pandemic.

The second morning session focused on academic integrity and plagiarism, led by Sean Dougherty (’05 & ’13), Associate Provost for Student Success, Dr. Justin Harbin, Director of the Center for Teaching & Learning and Assistant Professor of Education, and Krissi Castor (’13), Assistant Professor and English Composition Coordinator. The three professors, who worked along with additional members of an academic integrity committee, presented talking points that opened the door for faculty members to discuss these important matters in their small groups.

Faculty discussed topics such as why students might plagiarize a paper or project, i.e., unknowingly, because of time constraints or procrastination, not understanding that sources need cited or even cultural differences. Ultimately, faculty members, in seeking to build a culture of academic integrity, want to support students as they learn, as well as ensure they understand how and why to site sources correctly as they engage in writing and research projects at LBC | Capital and beyond.

Throughout the afternoon, faculty engaged in three roundtable discussions presented by their colleagues.

“Our Fall 2022 Faculty In-Service was a great day,” said Provost Tricia Wilson, “where we could build community among the faculty and resource faculty and staff with knowledge and ideas for our work together.”