On Friday, October 25, Oktoberbest: A Symposium on Teaching brought educators together to explore innovations in teaching, share strategies, and support faculty well-being. Here are the highlights: 

Keynote Address: Hope in a Time of Monsters: Supporting Faculty and Student Mental Health by Sarah Rose Cavanagh focused on the critical need for mental health support for faculty and students alike. Cavanagh introduced “pedagogies of care”, which are intentional, high-engagement practices that enable faculty to support students without compromising their own well-being. 

Garnet Apple Awards for Teaching Innovation: Five faculty were honored for their commitment to creative and effective teaching. Each received a Garnet Apple in recognition of their impact. Tribute videos for each awardee are linked below. 

• Khalid Ballouli, Sport and Entertainment Management, College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management 

• Augustus “Way” Fountain, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Arts and Sciences 

• Katherine Ryker, Earth, Ocean and Environment, College of Arts and Sciences 

• Scott Smith, Hospitality and Tourism Management, College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management 

• Sarah Williams, Music History, School of Music 

Concurrent Sessions: Educators led workshops on practical, engaging topics, such as using Design Thinking for creative problem-solving, peer mentorship in nursing, and VR to explore social health factors. Sessions highlighted telehealth simulations for competency-building, music to energize early classes, and non-linear stories to boost student engagement. Policy frameworks were discussed to advance equitable STEM education, along with strategies like flipped classrooms to support independent learning. Innovative projects like USC’s CircleIn pilot and activities from the Student Experience Project (SEP) focused on fostering peer support, belonging, and a growth mindset among students. 

Oktoberfest-Themed Networking Lunch: Faculty had the chance to connect over lunch while building new relationships and exchanging ideas. 

Closing and Networking Refreshments: The day wrapped up with door prizes and closing remarks that left attendees inspired with new teaching strategies. 

This year’s Oktoberbest provided a refreshing mix of ideas, discussions, and strategies for advancing teaching excellence across disciplines. Symposium presentations can be found on the Oktoberbest webpage.