{"id":21903,"date":"2025-12-01T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-01T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cat.xula.edu\/food\/?p=21903"},"modified":"2025-11-29T09:33:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-29T15:33:00","slug":"december-opportunities-from-catfd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cat.xula.edu\/food\/december-opportunities-from-catfd\/","title":{"rendered":"December Opportunities from CAT+FD"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As December arrives and academic semesters draw to a close, faculty are navigating not just the usual end-of-semester demands like grading, advising, and final projects, but everything else they've been carrying alongside them these past few months. The challenges of 2025 have asked a lot of our academic communities, and faculty have shown up for their students, for each other, and for the work itself, even when it hasn't been easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our December programming at CAT+FD, we've made an intentional choice: to offer a lighter slate of opportunities this month. This isn't a reduction born of scarcity, but rather a recognition that what faculty need most right now isn't another workshop or professional development commitment. Instead, we're focusing on simple opportunities for sustenance and connection\u2014coffee and conversation, a few minutes of quiet contemplation, our regular walking club, and especially our Winter Open House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Winter Open House has become a tradition that brings our academic community together during one of the busiest times of the year. Faculty, staff, and friends can stop by anytime between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM for homemade treats, warm beverages, and the company of colleagues who understand exactly what this season requires. It's our small way of saying thank you and of creating space where people can simply be present together and take the break they've more than earned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As faculty developers, we often think about what we can add\u2014what new workshop, what innovative program, what timely topic we should address. But sometimes the most caring thing we can do is create breathing room. Sometimes our role is simply to provide the coffee, bake the cookies, and hold open a welcoming space where our colleagues can rest for a moment before they finish strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For any event below, click on the link for more information. Some events require registration. You can find all of our upcoming events on the CAT+FD Calendar<\/a>. If you want to learn about other ways to keep up with everything happening at CAT+FD, check out this post on the CAT Food Blog: CAT+FD Event Information, Served Up Your Way<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WEEKLY OPPORTUNITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our regular weekly opportunities will be available through the end of exams on Wednesday, December 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n