Here are some ways to apply what you've learned ...
Professional Development
  • Be prepared in advance for crisis.  Be familiar with procedures and locations.  Brief your class on what they should do.  Remember that in most colleges, faculty should not leave the classroom to get help and should make sure all their students have evacuated the room if necessary.  They may be adults, but you are often legally responsible for their well being. Tell your students in advance who to call on their cell phones, or plan who goes for help. The best defense in a crisis is good preparation.  
  • View a check list to assess if your course goals and learning objectives are complete.

Building Campus Community
  • Free Speakers:  Members of your campus community are often delighted to have the opportunity to speak for a few moments with your class.  This is particularly true if you teach a large introductory class.  Many years ago I once asked the college President to talk about bureaucracy to my Public Administration class.  I'm told he took the opportunity so seriously that he involved the research librarians and others in the administration in his preparation.  The class was thrilled with his presentation and learned a great deal about a subject they could directly relate to as he discussed not only campus issues, but also how campus decisions were impacted by the state, and city.  Business classes might find a presentation by the college's financial officers equally helpful.  Be sure to keep the topic focused and relevant to your class.  Prepare students in advance and encourage them to prep questions that are germane to your subject and do not drift into complaints about unrelated issues.  (Contributed by Kristina Kauffman, Riverside Community College)