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On September 16, the first Common Hour of the 2024-25 academic year took place in the Harry R. Brooks Complex for Science, Mathematics, and Technology. The event featured presentations by faculty scholars Daniella DiGregorio, Ph.D., associate professor of education, and Janet Foor, Ed.D., assistant professor of special education.

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DiGregorio discussed her research on how teachers can improve the mental health of college students. She presented details of a student survey conducted during the last academic year where she gained insight into differences between international students and U.S. students and the challenges they face as college students. While DiGregorio’s research focused on how teachers can help all students by remaining flexible and responsive, she also encouraged that everyone in the college setting practice kindness and support toward each other as everyone is dealing with different things. She also included a list of resources, like tutoring, where students can find help, suggested stress-reducing activities that teachers can use to encourage participation and encouraged everyone to learn about each other’s backgrounds to make the community more inclusive.  

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Foor’s presentation focused on integrity and ethics regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the college classroom. In her research, Foor surveyed Â鶹Çø students and faculty to discover how they use AI. For this presentation, she discussed only responses from undergraduate and graduate students, which told her that many students use AI, and some would like more information about it. Foor shared some of the problems when using AI, which can provide biased answers to very basic prompts. However, she said, AI can be a powerful academic tool if used correctly. There are many AI tools available, but she suggested students use critical thinking skills when working with them.

This fall, the Common Hour sessions coincide with plenary sessions of Â鶹Çø’s first-year seminar course (FYS), providing an added opportunity for FYS faculty and the College’s annual Orr Forum scholar to present their research to the FYS seminar students while also sharing with the broader community. The faculty presentations help model both the end-product of FYS and the passion and dedication to research and learning that is so integral to Â鶹Çø.