Spring 2026 Virtual Learning Experience

Mon, Jan 5, 2026 - Fri, Jan 9, 2026

 Theme: Humanistic Perspectives in Action: Life, Wellness, and Society  

 

 Saybrook's Virtual Learning Experiences bring students, faculty, and amazing speakers together to participate in an exceptional learning environment tailored to providing a safe and supportive space for student's inquisitiveness and eagerness to learn. Activities during the VLE are designed to expand on the knowledge from coursework, to practice clinical skills, and to participate in professional development through lectures, workshops, invited talks, roundtables, courses, and seminars as well as formal and informal meetings and discussions with faculty, advisors, and peers.​

 

 

Please note, to access session descriptions and zoom links, please toggle the 'More' tab on the right side of the Agenda screen.

Agenda

Click on the "More" button to the right to see the session description

Monday, January 5

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

101-VLE Kickoff

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

116- Editing vs. Proofreading: The Final Steps to Polished Writing 

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

118- What is Dissertation Services?

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

115- Smart Research Strategies: Navigating Tools for Successful Search and Discovery

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

107: Qualitative Research Open Session

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

119 - What is the Saybrook IRB?

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

121- What is Sponsored Programs?

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

110-Unplug the Stress: Managing Stress in Virtual Spaces

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

117- Humanistic Uses of AI throughout the Writing Process

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

108: Quantitative Research Open Session

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

114- Dissertation Finalization

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Break

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

122- Finding Dissertation Funding

1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

106-New Student Orientation: Programs in Mind-Body Medicine, Applied Psychophysiology, Sport Performance Psychology

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

113- Transformative Social Change Department Meeting Closed for TSC Students

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

120- Peer Support: Mentor Petitions and Mentor IRB - Open Hours

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

109-Dying to know: Exploring the Contemplative Paths in Thanatology Across Disciplines

Monday, January 5

All Saybrook Community

 

Description:

 

Join Provost Robyn Parker, Chief Academic Officer, in a short session to kick-off the VLE. She’ll provide some university updates and highlights for getting the most from your VLE experience.

 

Speaker:

 

Dr. Robyn Parker

 

Zoom Information

Zoom Link: https://tcsedsystem.zoom.us/j/94282502657

Meeting ID: 942 8250 2657

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Open to all Saybrook Community

 

Description:

 

Want to make your writing really shine before hitting "submit"? In this session, you'll learn the difference between fixing big-picture issues (like clarity and flow) and catching those sneaky grammar and punctuation errors. We’ll share easy, practical strategies to help you spot what’s not working—and fix it with confidence. Whether you're writing a short paper or authoring a dissertation, this session will help you turn in your most polished work.

 

 

Speaker:

 

Christina Quirong

 

Zoom Information

Zoom Link: https://tcsedsystem.zoom.us/j/94394883836?pwd=T6Q6mpEMbGaxiRIRVAKFNH46xeW3qM.1

Meeting ID: 943 9488 3836

Passcode: 441052

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Passcode: 441052

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Open to all Saybrook Community

 

Description:

 

Do you want to learn more about the Dissertation Services Office? Join us at this introductory session to learn how this Saybrook office supports doctoral students in documenting their dissertation committees with the Petition to Form Dissertation Committee (PTFDC) and the Petition to Request an External Dissertation Committee Member. We will also explain how dissertation milestones are reported as part of your PTFDC and then how you schedule your dissertation defense and editor through our Mentor system. Please come with your Dissertation Services or Mentor Petition questions!

 

Speakers:

 

Krystal Woods

 

Zoom Information

Zoom Link: https://tcsedsystem.zoom.us/j/94769240740?pwd=JOvCE03CehdKLYg49uczbmBngdCbxH.1

Meeting ID: 947 6924 0740

Passcode: 243989

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Open to all Saybrook Community

 

Description:

 

This session is designed to equip students with strategies for literature searching and discovery. Participants will learn how to leverage the library’s OneSearch tool, discipline-specific databases, and Google Scholar, while also exploring the potential and limits of emerging AI-powered research tools. We will compare the options to determine the best fit for different research needs.

 

Speakers:

 

Laura Rice

 

Zoom Information

Zoom Link: https://tcsedsystem.zoom.us/j/93625675515?pwd=gPetbx1Q6OL9uAUdbA4zVWuY6Mgvoc.1

Meeting ID: 936 2567 5515

Passcode: 955092

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Open to all Saybrook Community

 

Description:

 

This session is designed for students exploring qualitative research methods for their research methods courses or dissertations. In this interactive, open session, students will be invited to ask questions about qualitative methodologies. Students will have the opportunity to discuss the types of problems and research questions that come with qualitative research. Data collection, analyses, sample sizes, ethics, and issues of rigor and trustworthiness are session considerations. Bring your questions about qualitative research. Presenters: Department of Research Faculty. This session will not be recorded.

 

Speakers:

Dept of Research

 

Zoom Information

Zoom Link: https://tcsedsystem.zoom.us/j/95971212269

Meeting ID: 959 7121 2269

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Open to all Saybrook Community

 

Description:

 

Do you want to learn more about the Saybrook Institutional Review Board (IRB)? Please join us at this intro session designed to explain the role of the IRB in Saybrook research. Representatives from the Saybrook IRB Office come together to discuss what the IRB does to ensure the ethical protection of participants and others in research and the role of the Belmont principles in helping guide research design. Come with questions about the IRB.

 

Speaker:

 

Krystal Woods

 

Zoom Information

Zoom Link: https://tcsedsystem.zoom.us/j/94769240740?pwd=JOvCE03CehdKLYg49uczbmBngdCbxH.1

Meeting ID: 947 6924 0740

Passcode: 243989

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Open to all Saybrook Community

 

Description:

 

Saybrook University's Sponsored Programs Office supports faculty and students who want to pursue grant-funded research and academic projects. Faculty and students are invited to this session to learn about the new Sponsored Program office and its services. We will provide an overview of our SPIN database of funding opportunities and discuss how you can get an account. We'll answer questions about funded research, including dissertation research. We would love to see you at this session if you want to get grant funding to support your research or want to learn more.

 

Speaker:

 

Elena Gillespie

 

Zoom Information

Zoom Link: https://tcsedsystem.zoom.us/j/94769240740?pwd=JOvCE03CehdKLYg49uczbmBngdCbxH.1

Meeting ID: 947 6924 0740

Passcode: 243989

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Open to All Saybrook Community

 

Description:

 

In today’s digital world, screens, notifications, and constant connectivity can take a toll on our mental health and well-being. This interactive virtual session will provide practical strategies to help you manage stress, find balance, and maintain focus while working, learning, or engaging online. Together, we’ll explore techniques for setting healthy boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and building habits that reduce digital fatigue.

 

Speaker (s):

 

Brianna Yahaya, Karla Camacho-Godoy, Jeff Spain and Shannon Corder

 

Zoom Information

Zoom Link: https://tcsedsystem.zoom.us/j/96685287797

Meeting ID: 966 8528 7797

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Open to all Saybrook Community

 

Description:

 

Generative AI has become an increasingly influential tool that impacts many facets of our daily lives, including our writing. In this presentation, participants will learn responsible strategies and prompt techniques for using AI throughout the writing process. (Note: This presentation assumes that limited and ethical use of AI is allowed. Students are responsible for complying with the policies outlined in their course syllabus. Please consult with your instructor(s) if you have questions about what AI use is allowed in your courses!)

 

Speakers:

 

Christina Quirong

 

Zoom Information

Zoom Link: https://tcsedsystem.zoom.us/j/93299200479?pwd=b0S0DuxvNXsoH4cxb5XIMVAwhdFA6B.1

Meeting ID: 932 9920 0479

Passcode: 020794

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Open to All Saybrook Community

 

Description:

 

This session is designed for students interested in conducting quantitative research for their dissertations. In this interactive, open session, students will have the opportunity to engage in discussion and ask questions about quantitative designs, data collection methods, analytical strategies, and ethical considerations as they relate to their own research interests. Bring your questions about quantitative research. Presenters: Department of Research Faculty. This session will not be recorded.

 

Speakers:

 

Dept of Research

 

Zoom Information

Zoom Link: https://tcsedsystem.zoom.us/j/93092539545

Meeting ID: 930 9253 9545

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Open to all Saybrook Community

 

Description:

 

Participants will learn about the dissertation finalization process, where and how to access appropriate resources (dissertation template, Saybrook Handbook of Style, editor checklists, Recite, etc.), and how to prepare their documents for finalization and subsequent publication. Participants will be given an opportunity to ask questions. Anyone interested in learning more about the dissertation finalization process (students, staff, and faculty) are welcome to attend.

 

 

Speaker:

 

Allison Wall

 

Open to all Saybrook Community

 

Description:

During this session, student researchers will learn about how to use Sponsored Programs resources to locate possible funding for dissertation research.

 

Speakers:

 

Elena Gillespie

 

Zoom Information

Zoom Link: https://tcsedsystem.zoom.us/j/94769240740?pwd=JOvCE03CehdKLYg49uczbmBngdCbxH.1

Meeting ID: 947 6924 0740

Passcode: 243989

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Passcode: 243989

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Open to all new students in Mind-Body Medicine, Applied Psychophysiology, Sport Performance Psychology

 

Description:

 

The core faculty from programs in Mind-Body Medicine, Applied Psychophysiology, and Sport Performance Psychology welcome the January 2026 new students! The session is organized into faculty introductions, navigating program resources, meeting peers, sharing best practices, and answering questions.

 

Speakers:

 

Core Faculty in each program

 

Zoom Information:

This session has restricted attendance. Please contact the presenter directly for the Zoom link. 

TSC Students

 

Description:

 

The meeting of the Transformative Social Change (TSC) Degree Department includes students and faculty in the TSC MA and PhD programs.

 

Speakers:

 

Joel Federman, Joy Meeker, Laura Turner-Essel

 

Zoom Information

Zoom Link: https://tcsedsystem.zoom.us/j/96859674813?pwd=UjNWNmJ2MVJBc01FcE5lcmFzTy93UT09

Meeting ID: 968 5967 4813

Passcode: 756615

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Meeting ID: 968 5967 4813

Passcode: 756615

Find your local number: https://tcsedsystem.zoom.us/u/aCD7EKmaN

 

Open to all Saybrook Community

 

Description:

 

Students going through the dissertation petition or IRB application process, or those preparing to do so in the future, are invited to this open session hosted by the Office of Research Innovation and Sponsored Programs (ORISP) student project assistant Krystal Woods. This is a drop-in session for students at any level who have questions about Mentor Petitions and Mentor IRB, want to learn about types of peer support and assistance, or where to find guidance on the Mentor Petitions and the Mentor IRB systems.

 

 

Speaker:

 

 Krystal Woods

 

Zoom Information

Zoom Link: https://tcsedsystem.zoom.us/j/94769240740?pwd=JOvCE03CehdKLYg49uczbmBngdCbxH.1

Meeting ID: 947 6924 0740

Passcode: 243989

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Open to all Saybrook Community

 

Description

 

All disciplines, staff, and interested Community members are invited to join the Contemplative End of Life specialization meeting, where you may discover how thanatology’s insights into death, loss, and transformation can illuminate your practice and research in Psychology, Mind Body Medicine, Integrative Nutrition, Integrative Social Work, and Transformative Social Change among other disciplines—with compassion, healing, and presence at the center. Bring all your curiosities and wisdom to this gathering in contemplative community!"

 

Speaker(s)

 

Dr. Gina Belton, Ph.D.

 

Zoom Information

Zoom Link: https://tcsedsystem.zoom.us/j/5239025479?omn=96641842294

Meeting ID: 523 902 5479

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FAQs

 

How can I receive a copy of the schedule of events?

The VLE schedule is located under the 'Agenda' tab on the registration site!

How do I register and select sessions?

Please visit VLE Resources for the PDF instructions.

Why can't I see the session descriptions?

Under the 'Agenda' tab on the registration site please toggle the button for 'More' to view session descriptions and zoom link information!

What is the purpose of the Virtual Learning Experience?

​Saybrook's Virtual Learning Experiences bring students, faculty, and amazing speakers together to participate in an exceptional learning environment tailored to providing a safe and supportive space for student's inquisitiveness and eagerness to learn. Activities during the VLE are designed to expand on the knowledge from coursework, to practice clinical skills, and to participate in professional development through lectures, workshops, invited talks, roundtables, courses, and seminars as well as formal and informal meetings and discussions with faculty, advisors, and peers.​

What is the theme of the Spring 2026 VLE?

The theme for Spring 2026 VLE is: Humanistic Perspectives in Action: Life, Wellness, and Society

Get Help

*These resources are specifically available during the week of the Virtual Learning Experience (VLE).

 

IT (ZOOM connection or Tech issues related to the VLE):

Dedicated IT VLE Help Line:

For Zoom or tech issues related to the VLE, call the dedicated IT VLE Help Line at 626-529-8409. 

This line will be available all hours and days the VLE is running and is ONLY for VLE-related issues.

 

Regular IT Help Desk Line (Non-RC issues):

Don't call the dedicated IT VLE Help Line for non-VLE issues. 

Instead, call the regular IT Help Desk at 1-800-747-8367 or 312-467-8600.

 

Conference Questions (Scheduling, General Questions, etc.):

RCinfo@saybrook.edu