Dr. Martha Ramos Duffer

Austin psychologist and motivational speaker Dr. Martha Ramos Duffer returns to ACC Friday, Jan. 10 with insight to help instructors understand how students’ differing cultures and backgrounds can enrich the learning environment.

Ramos Duffer, founder of Quantum Possibilities in Austin, will discuss the underpinnings of racial misunderstandings and current research on how prejudices are formed. She also will help faculty learn how to create environments where all student groups excel.

“All staff and faculty at ACC want all students to be successful. The challenge before us is to understand and address the barriers that students encounter on their way to that success,” says Ramos Duffer, who spoke at the college’s Success Equity Summit in November. “When faculty and staff are equipped with the research, information, and strategies we will be exploring, students are more likely to receive the benefit of high expectations, effective support, and growth-promoting interactions with faculty and staff.”

Ramos Duffer’s presentation is part of ACC’s annual Spring Development Day, which will be from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Highland Business Center. Her workshop will be from 9 a.m. – noon in Room 301.

Other sessions and presenters include:

• From Combat to College – Helping our Wounded Warriors Transition to College (Lauren Sebel)
• ACC @ HLC (In Other Words…What is Happening at the Mall?) (Stacey Guney and Dorado Kinney)
• But Officer, I Didn’t Mean to Violate Copyright (Herb Coleman and Marc Sawyer)
• WebEx Screen Capture With Narration Orientation or Presentation (Peggy Raiford and Jimmy Clark)

Participants are encouraged to register for workshops online to secure a spot (some sessions already are full, although they may be repeated) and receive professional development credit. Parking is available at HBC; overflow parking is at Highland Mall, but an ACC parking permit must be displayed.

For information, view the Spring Development Day webpage or contact Christina Michura, [email protected], or (512) 223.7564.