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Academic Excellence Symposium (AES)

Registration to attend the AES is now open! Access the registration form here.

The call for proposals is out now! Submit your proposal before the January 23rd deadline.

The 18th Annual Academic Excellence Symposium will be on Friday, February 27th, 2026.

The Academic Excellence Symposium provides a forum for intellectual discussion and presentation that demonstrates innovation in teaching and/or research, as well as expertise and creativity in faculty disciplines. The intent of the AES is to open discussions on topics of interest in higher education, provide a day of faculty development, and showcase talented members within the Central Florida higher education community. 

Each year, a theme for the AES is developed in response to current trends and issues in higher education. A call for proposals is developed and distributed to all Daytona State College faculty and staff in addition to other institutions of higher education in the area. The Academic Excellence Symposium takes place on the last Friday of February during the spring semester each year.


Adjunct Excellence Series

The Adjunct Excellence Series is designed to support and celebrate the invaluable contributions of adjunct faculty. Multiple virtual sessions are held throughout the year, with an in-person awards ceremony for the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty of the Year awards.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024-2025 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award:

  • College of Arts & Sciences: Melanie Osborn & Hugh Christopher Pryor, Ph.D.
  • College of Business, Engineering, & Technology: Anthony Ruggiero
  • College of Health & Public Services: Cathy Gile
  • Department of Academic Innovation: Carly Lambert
  • Mary Karl College of Workforce & Continuing Education: Jacqueline Wallace

  • Simple Syllabus - Adjunct Excellence Series - February 11th 12-1 p.m.

Planning Weeks

Planning weeks are offered prior to the start of classes during the fall and spring semesters. Traditionally, the President and members of the senior administration address the college community to launch planning weeks. Departmental and constituency meetings are organized during the remainder of the week, and special topic workshops are offered to inform the college community on a wide array of subjects.

The Department of Learning & Development organizes the planning weeks and solicits presenters interested in leading workshops.

Spring Planning 2026: January 12th - 16th, 2026. Resource guide is available in the Spring Planning Folder in the Document Repository.


Staff Education Days

Staff Education Days are your chance to engage in a half-day filled with enriching professional development and networking opportunities. Designed with all staff, administrator personnel, and department chairs in mind, these events are typically held over two dates in early June, ensuring everyone can participate while maintaining our college’s smooth operation. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to grow, connect, and thrive together!

2026 Staff Education Days: June 12 & June 19, 2026. The theme for this year is Communication & Collaboration. We look forward to seeing you there!

2025 Staff Education Days: June 6 & June 13, 2025. Recordings Guide is available in the Professional Development folder in the Document Repository.