College of Design faculty and staff are invited to participate in the faculty and staff fall seminar from 9 a.m.–noon Friday, Aug. 23, in room 2221 at the Student Innovation Center. Led by Audrey Kennis, head of human services for the city of West Des Moines, this interactive session will focus on using storytelling as a means of building community. Kennis will facilitate conversation and deep listening exercises with participants to explore power dynamics and build trust, with the primary goal of enhancing student success.

Ani Das, the college’s community engagement strategist, will follow this with an activity to help participants reflect on the session and plan how they can use techniques and strategies presented to enhance their interactions with students inside and outside the classroom. Jarael Madyun, the college’s director of multicultural success, will conclude the event with details about the MSS programming for fall semester.