Concurrent Sessions

Concurrent sessions will be added to this listing after each round of review and upon acceptance by the proposal review committee for presentation. Check back periodically for updated concurrent sessions

Sessions are in alphabetical order by last name of each presenter. Where there is more than one presenter, the session is listed by the presenter's name appearing first on the proposal.


The Student Success Workshop Model

Presenter(s):
Yadira Andujar, Broward College
Qwesha Keen, Broward College
Zoe Fried, Broward College
Michael Morse, Broward College
James Senat, Broward College

Summary: Broward College has developed a series of College Readiness Workshops that are designed to help students from 9-12 grade start preparing for the college experience before graduating high school.


We Have Been There: Empathy, Composition, and the Freshman Experience

Presenter(s):
Greg Beamish, Northern Michigan University

Summary: This session will introduce and discuss ways of bridging the gap between "ways of knowing" and "ways of caring". It will address ways of balancing the integration of introspection and empathy into the freshman writing curriculum.


Tuning In Tips: How to Boost Active Listening in Lectures

Presenter(s):
Stephen Berard, Bemidji State University

Summary: This interactive presentation will feature a variety of strategies to help students boost active listening. Participants will later watch a short video followed by a quiz in order to put these tips to the test.


Changing Lives: Our Extraordinary Opportunity as Educators

Presenter(s):
Sara Centeno, Ivy Tech Community College

Summary: This session will identify three components of student success and demonstrate strategies to integrate into any classroom that will boost student engagement and maximize academic performance.


Become more Millennial: Infuse Educational Apps in the Classroom

Presenter(s):
Dominique Charlotteaux, Broward College
Ashley Lawrence, Broward College
Timothy Warrick, Gran View College
Alex Medina, Broward College
Shelby Giannola, Broward College

Summary: College instructors can broaden their millennial competencies and actively engage students in their learning process by implementing educational apps in face-to-face, blended, and online classes. This presentation will explore how educational apps positively impact students' level of engagement with learning. It will also showcase some of the educational apps available to instructors.


Providing Equal Access to U3 Students

Presenter(s):
Dr. Christine Conley-Sowels, Ferris State University
Monica Frees, Ferris State University
Deedee Stakley, Ferris State University
Dave McCall, Ferris State University
Kristin Conley, Ferris State University

Summary: This presentation focuses on programs offered in our Center for College Readiness created to help students who are below academic college standards from (U3) underprepared, underrepresented and underserved populations.


I Can and I Will!

Presenter(s):
Vivian Corll, Keiser University

Summary: “Buzzy,” an animated cartoon bumblebee, challenges students in Basic English and ENC1101 to adopt an attitude of self-efficacy. Through discussion and writing students explore the cartoon’s relevance to their own lives.


Focus, Concentration and Mindfulness: Creating Good Habits and Helping Students Rise Above the Rat Race

Presenter(s):
Tonga Cox, ohio university

Summary: According to a 2015 Harris Poll, students reported that the first year of college is full of emotional challenges that span far beyond academics. A majority of students (60%) wish they would have gotten more help with emotional preparation for college. Several studies point to a relationship between mindfulness and focused attention, memory capacity and general well-being. This presentation looks at the literature and several hands-on activities that bring awareness to these challenges.


Student Engagement in Class: Helping Students to Learn Positive Social Behaviors for the College Classroom and Beyond

Presenter(s):
Nathalie Crocker, Landmark College

Summary: How can we keep our students attention and increase positive classroom participation? This session will cover ways to encourage students to dynamically and appropriately engage in the college classroom.


From “Coddled” to “Cultured”: Fostering the transition from high school to “HIGHER” learning.

Presenter(s):
Robin Cunningham, Seton Hall University
Majid Whitney, Seton Hall University

Summary: With rising concern regarding college students’ ‘coddling’ and a university’s responsibility to stimulate intellectual and personal growth, we will discuss strategies to reengineer Freshman Seminar to facilitate the socio-emotional transition to college.


Career Preparedness Program for High School Students

Presenter(s):
Donnette Dennis-Austin, Broward College

Summary: This presentation focuses on creating a career preparedness program that works along with the current high school curriculum to help curb inner city schools high dropout school rate and to bridge the gap between high school and college life for at risk youths.


Keys to Online Learning and Student Success

Presenter(s):
Kateri Drexler, Global Learning Solutions, Inc.

Summary: The proliferation of online courses necessitates additional skills for the successful student. Effective learning strategies for online students include variations on the standard study skills.


Creating a sustainable academic learning experience for first-year students

Presenter(s):
Eldiane Elmeus, Northern Essex Community College
Mayra Bonet, Northern Essex Community College
Rebecca Rose, Northern Essex Community College

Summary: Presenters will discuss the benefits of fostering a learning-centered approach to assist freshmen in understanding and creating awareness in applying academic skills across multiple disciplines.


Team Teaching for Multicultural Populations

Presenter(s):
Constance Farley, Montgomery College
Cinder Cooper, Montgomery College

Summary: This three-fold presentation on successful engagement of ESL students and multicultural populations focuses on preparation, classroom experience, and mindful-team teaching using the Global Learning Value Rubric. Many helpful documents, planning structures, example instructional materials, and preparation checklists will be shared.


Improving the Success for Online Math Students: A Web-based Program

Presenter(s):
Fitzroy Farquharson, Valencia College

Summary: Institutions are offering more online math courses, however the success rates for these courses are usually lower than expected, causing faculty and administrative concerns. Participants will engage in a discussion of factors that contribute to students not successfully completing an online math course. This session will also demonstrate the use of a web-based program that enables students to determine if they are ready to take an online math course and provides them with six areas of remediation based on their survey results to prepare them for the course.


Herding the Cats: Managing online courses and mentoring for student success

Presenter(s):
Daniel Farr, Kennesaw State University

Summary: This session will provide take-away ideas for online course organization, fostering student-teacher connection, engagement, and tactics for managing student expectations.


Critical Self-Reflection as a Tool in Academic Recovery

Presenter(s):
Shannon Farrelly, College of Charleston
Melissa Thomas, College of Charleston

Summary: Everyone has a story. Students in academic recovery can use their story to learn the skill of critical self-reflection for sustained growth. Participants will view assignment examples and build their own story.


Faculty and Staff perceptions: How to make a learning community thrive

Presenter(s):
Christopher Finnin, Drexel University
Kyle Norton, Drexel University

Summary: A Program Director and faculty member from Drexel's LeBow College of Business will discuss key take aways from 15 years of experience with Learning Communities.


The Lighting of a Fire: Inclusive Teaching Strategies in the Progressive Classroom

Presenter(s):
Paige Frazier, Northern Michigan University
Kelsey Lueptow, Northern Michigan University
Sara Ryan, Northern Michigan University

Summary: This presentation addresses use of anonymity, journaling, and collaboration to avoid normalizing and privileging traditional learning styles. It will demonstrate these inclusive teaching strategies through classroom activities and student work.


Developing Effective Thinking: A Fresh, Promising Approach to Improving Student Thinking and Performance

Presenter(s):
Leonard Geddes, Lenoir-Rhyne University

Summary: Participants will discover common thinking errors that limit student academic success. This session will present strategies and tools to help students become effective thinkers and learners.


Academic Coaching: Piloting a Partnership to Support Student Success

Presenter(s):
Linda Giampa, Northern Essex Community College
Lynne Nadeau, Northern Essex Community College

Summary: Northern Essex Community College piloted an Academic Coaching program during the Fall 2015 semester. This session will include a discussion of the coaching concept in academic support, and an overview of program development, implementation, and results.


Alternative Perspectives on Technology in the Composition Classroom

Presenter(s):
Michael Giddings, Northern Michigan University
Cameron Contois, Northern Michigan University
Caleb Nelson, Northern Michigan University
Ania Payne, Northern Michigan University

Summary: Using music, contemporary entertainment, and literature, this panel will challenge current assumptions about bridging the gap between high school and early college. Handouts, activities, and rubrics will be shared.


Preparing Students for Success: A Multi-modal Plan

Presenter(s):
Cindy Gomez, Hodges University

Summary: Florida universities face unique challenges in meeting the academic needs of under-prepared students. This presentation will provide an overview of Hodges University's multi-modal approach for preparing these students for college success.


Coaching Mental Toughness for Increasing Student Success

Presenter(s):
Stacey Guney, Austin Community College

Summary: Mental toughness has frequently been associated with successful performance in sport; however recent research suggests that it may also be related to academic performance in higher education and can also be coached.


First Things First! First-Year Experience Course: Creating the Drive to Thrive!

Presenter(s):
HelenMarie Harmon, Indiana University Northwest

Summary: Engaging, interactive and exploratory activities will be presented to help first-year university students adjust and transition to college life and expectations, as they make key academic and career decisions along the way for their future endeavors!


Microscopic Magic: How Real Success is Often Real Small

Presenter(s):
Steve Heisler, Rutgers University

Summary: This sessions will explore how parents, teachers and advisers can employ facilitation to help students develop habits of success and to recognize their own (often microscopic) successes and build on them.


The Facillitative School

Presenter(s):
Steve Heisler, Rutgers University

Summary: In this session participants will be introduced to the importance of critical success skills and how a facilitative atmosphere, engendered by a professional/clinical family can support the development of successful students.


Let Your Math Student Fail: A Different Learning Experience

Presenter(s):
Lenuel Hernandez, Wayne State University

Summary: This presentation will focus on a math tutoring paradigm that helps students find gaps and misconceptions in their knowledge through failures. Applying this approach, students can better conceptualize how learning and problem solving occurs.


Using Digital Photos to support ELL Reading Instruction: Helping Students Slow Down While Reading and Pay Attention to Detail

Presenter(s):
Toni Hernen, Bronx Community College

Summary: Have you ever tried to get your students to slow down while they are reading, and pay more attention to details? This can be a challenge for some remedial students as well as English Language Learners. In this presentation, we will learn how close reading while using digital photos, can be a helpful strategy to reinforce the skill of finding details in a text.


Relevant, Receptive, Reflective...Oh My!

Presenter(s):
Ellen Horowitz, Gran View College

Summary: This interactive workshop will provide participants with strategies to engage and motivate students to initiate, participate and self-evaluate their own learning experiences. Strategies can be used the next class session!


Student-Centered Writing Pedagogy: Meeting the Metacognitive Needs of 21st Century Students

Presenter(s):
Lori Howe, University of Wyoming

Summary: This presentation of research on theories of student-centered learning suggests that cross-disciplinary metacognitive and critical thinking skills are fostered by dynamic, collaborative pedagogical approaches such as the creative writing workshop model.


Game of Phones: Harnessing Smartphone Apps for In-Class Activities

Presenter(s):
Trent Hoy, Broward College

Summary: Don’t put away your phones! This session will explore how integrating mobile applications into classroom activities (face-to-face and online) can enhance student engagement and success. Research and examples will be highlighted.


College and Career Readiness For ALL Students - A Unique Approach to Dual Enrollment (Exhibitor Presentation)

Presenter(s):
Lisa Imel, Academic Innovations

Summary: The Dual Enrollment Program at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) created the Get Focused...Stay Focused!TM Initiative in 2009 and continued to develop it into a holistic approach to college and career readiness for all students. With a curriculum built upon the Common Core State Standards, it provides an innovative, student-centered strategy to ensure all students have the opportunity to enroll for college credit by 12th grade. Attend this interactive session to learn about the curriculum, connected dual enrollment courses, impressive student outcome data, and strategic planning for implementation.


Implementing a Freshmen Transition/Student Success Course That Improves Completion Rates (Exhibitor Presentation)

Presenter(s):
Lisa Imel, Academic Innovations

Summary: Unlike traditional freshman orientation courses, a Student Success Course, built on the Freshman Transition Standards of the George Washington University, promotes college completion by assuring freshmen have a meaningful 10-year career and education plan. Participants will learn about a classroom-based guidance course that supports the one-to-one advisory functions of over-taxed counseling departments. Participants will leave with a copy of the standards and a Student Success Course syllabus.


Changing the Tide for Students in Academic Peril

Presenter(s):
Ralph W. Jernigan, Liberty University

Summary: Liberty University offers learning strategies classes for students who choose to improve their study skills and academic habits as well as for those on academic warning or probation. This presentation will include the basic design of classes that have proven effective in helping the struggling student.


Summer Leadership Institute for High School Boys at Broward College

Presenter(s):
Billy P. Jones, Ph.D., Broward College

Summary: How can colleges promote leadership, academic and career success in high school boys? Learn more about the research and evaluation of Broward College s pilot program, the Pre-College Summer Leadership Institute (PSLI).


Education by Design: Academic Improvement Planning - Planning for Excellence in Teaching & Learning

Presenter(s):
Tara Kai, Broward College/Pearson

Summary: In this presentation, participants will examine processes and components of an academic improvement plan that integrates frequent analysis and continued development of Academic programs, Faculty excellence, Student achievement and supports.


Annotation - teaching and learning across disciplines

Presenter(s):
Deborah Kellner, University of Cincinnati

Summary: This session provides an exchange of ideas regarding the practice of annotation across disciplines. Research and hands-on activities using this transferable skill will be introduced.


Re-Visiting English at the College Level: Preparing Students for Success

Presenter(s):
J. L. Kemp, McKendree University

Summary: Writing tends to be one of the areas that indicate a high level of under preparedness for many students. I have re-designed a 200-level course to improve their English skills


The 21st Century Challenge of Higher Education: Serving African-American Male College Students

Presenter(s):
Steven Kennedy, Broward College

Summary: An examination of the college experiences and outcomes of African-American male college students, including practices that promote success, barriers to success and institutional interventions.


The 21st Century Challenge of Higher Education: Serving African-American Male College Students

Presenter(s):
Kimberly Kilpatrick, University of Texas at El Paso

Summary: Encouraging students to develop effective communication skills is a paramount responsibility. Individual viewpoint and self-expression is highly valued, but equally significant should be the capacity to respectfully disagree with others.


Using Experimental Film to Promote Critical Analysis in the College Classroom

Presenter(s):
Benjamin Kinney, Northern Michigan University

Summary: This session will center on the presenter’s use of experimental film, such as David Lynch’s Eraserhead and Rabbits, to build confidence in students’ critical faculties as well as foster an atmosphere of exploration and discovery in first-year composition classes.


Join the Conversation: How Aware Are College Students of the Reading Process?

Presenter(s):
Sandy Lawrence, Georgia State University
Dr. Nannette Commander, Georgia State University

Summary: The audience will provide feedback on research investigating undergraduate and graduate students metacognitive awareness of reading strategies and perceived reading ability.


Using Academic Coaching to Transition At-Risk, Incoming Freshmen

Presenter(s):
Kristen Lawson, IUP (Indiana University of Pennsylvania)

Summary: Academic coaching for at-risk, incoming freshmen during a summer program at a regional university demonstrates success. Academic coaches utilize the academic coaching model of self-assessment, reflection, and goal setting (Robinson, C., & Gahagan, J., 2010). Student success measures included GPAs and retention rates from Summer 2014 through Spring 2015.


Guiding Underprepared Students to Prepare Before Class Begins

Presenter(s):
Dean Loring, Broward College

Summary: An online resource that provides guidance to all students before the first day of class toward review and skill building in courses that require prerequisites.


Student Success, Bridging the Achievement Divide

Presenter(s):
Theodosia Lovett, Albaby Technical College

Summary: The presenter will present effective Student Success initiatives that have been developed providing statistical support and feedback from students. Also the presenter will share some innovative strategies to assist other Colleges based on practice based research.


All Students Matter! Improving Persistence through a First Semester Seminar

Presenter(s):
Tawana Mattox, Athens Technical College

Summary: This presentation will provide a review of a First Semester Seminar at Athens Technical College. The coordinator will discuss the learning outcomes, course design, faculty development, and year one results.


The Three Rs of Minority Student Success: Recruit, Retain, Reward

Presenter(s):
Aiesha Motley, The University of Akron
LaVell Harris, The University of Akron

Summary: How do we recruit, retain and reward multicultural students? This presentation will discuss some of the recruitment trends as well as ways to get these students connected on our campuses and graduate them.


Experiential Learning for Leadership and Work Experiences

Presenter(s):
Laura Nabors, Health Promotion and Education Program, University of Cincinnati

Summary: This session will present an experiential learning project that provides leadership and work experiences for students in health promotion and education. Participants will explore how experiential learning can advance career knowledge and leadership development in other fields.


Mindset: A Powerful Key to Perception, Performance, and Persistence in the Online Classroom

Presenter(s):
Donna Nalley, South University Online
Jennifer Ferraro, South University Online
Jessica Masoner, South University
Ruth Roberman, South University

Summary: Session will explore student and faculty mindsets regarding who belongs and can succeed in college and examine how these beliefs affect perception, performance, and persistence in the online classroom.


Athletics, Advising, and Achievement: A Cross-campus Collaboration for Success

Presenter(s):
Nicole Pellegrino, Wells College
Megan Riedl, Wells College

Summary: A look at a pilot college success program geared towards first year students that combines lifelong wellness, learning strategies, campus culture and peer leaders.


Reading In the Content Areas-Help Students Elevate Their Reading and Study Skills Game

Presenter(s):
Audra Pickett, Colorado Community Colleges Online

Summary: This presentation provides critical reading tools for success in content-level courses. Participants will learn strategies to put in their study-skills toolbox that will assist any student who wants to improve his/her college reading skills.


Engaging Recruitment and Retention Initiatives through Collaborative Internship Investments

Presenter(s):
Peggy Quinn, The University of Memphis

Summary: The interactive workshop will demonstrate the value of internships through research, intern testimonials and shared experiences.


There s Always That One Student: Engaging the Disengaged

Presenter(s):
Aaron Rooks, Truman State University
Jonathan Vieker, Truman State University

Summary: Presenters will explore challenges posed by student disengagement (both generally and in ESL populations specifically), and will showcase various techniques and concepts to address disengagement.


Once Upon a Time there was a Story to be told: Engaging Students & Promoting Success

Presenter(s):
Tia Roy, University of Connecticut
Heather Mores, Northern Essex Community College

Summary: Looking to engage students in the classroom? This session includes powerful stories, techniques to develop and share your own stories, and ways that this practice can lead to student success.


Empowering Students through Culturally Responsive Teaching

Presenter(s):
Lee Santos Silva, Bunker Hill Community College
Lloyd Sheldon Johnson, Bunker Hill Community College

Summary: This panel discussion will highlight examples of culturally responsive pedagogical approaches that use content in African American Studies to empower students used in the disciplines of English, Psychology, and Geography.


Constructing Success: How authors Brian Grazer, Stephen King, and Ben Carson can help you build a foundation of success for your students and yourselves

Presenter(s):
Lou Ann Sears, University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

Summary: Everyone in the student-success business should know Think Big by Ben Carson, On Writing by Stephen King, and A Curious Mind by Brian Grazer. Come and find out why.


Explore, Discover, Decide: An FYE Success Class With A Future

Presenter(s):
Dr. Greg Sojka, University of Cincinnati Clermont College

Summary: Many freshman success courses include skills development as well as self-assessments. "Exploring UC Clermont College" includes a career focus that enables students to explore, discover and decide upon a career: an added retention feature.


Storytelling: A Means to Introduce Reading Strategies to ESL Learners

Presenter(s):
Laura Soldner, Northern Michigan University

Summary: This workshop (presented in English and translated in Spanish) will acquaint participants with storytelling methods for introducing prereading and comprehension monitoring strategies to ESL learners.


"It Takes a Village": Understanding and Effectively Supporting Your First-Generation College Students

Presenter(s):
Richard Stackpole, University of Cincinnati
Betsy Macke, University of Cincinnati

Summary: This presentation will address the unique challenges that university personnel face in the recruitment and retention of first-generation college students.


Tools and Techniques for Engaging First Year Learners

Presenter(s):
David Strickland, East Georgia State College
Carol Strickland, Georgia Southern University

Summary: Classroom tested resources for teaching college success are described, demonstrated, and provided as handouts or links including a video library of over 100 videos with recommendations for use in teaching.


Assessments of an FYE Program and Course Examining Attitudes, Behaviors, and Retention

Presenter(s):
David Strickland, East Georgia State College
Carol Strickland, Georgia Southern University

Summary: Two assessments measured outcomes related to student retention, attitudes and behaviors including a 14 year retention study and a pre/posttest survey measure of changes in student perspective.


Mind the Gap: Embracing Multimodal Literacies in the New College Classroom

Presenter(s):
Jason Teal, Northern Michigan University
James Dyer, Northern Michigan University

Summary: Speakers will introduce the new aspects of the Northern Michigan University composition curriculum, including successful multimodal writing assignments that fit the NCTE's position statement on multimodality in support of "essential components of knowing."


"I'm Going to Make You an Offer You Can't Refuse: Two M & M's"

Presenter(s):
Jennifer Theriault, Northern Illinois University

Summary: Don’t refuse these M and M’s: mindset and metacognition. Learn what growth and fixed mindsets are and how to help students use metacognition to understand their own attitudes about learning.


Making the Right Moves: The Unwritten Rules of Academic Success

Presenter(s):
Theresa Tyus Mitchell, DASD School District, Widener University

Summary: Participants will examine ways to provide students of color with increased opportunities for academic success, centralizing on the importance of GPA and test scores, the ability to code switch, the benefits of having a packed schedule, and steps students must take to develop positive relationships with educators.


The Narrative Rhetoric of New Interactive Media in the Composition Classroom

Presenter(s):
Benjamin Van Howe, Northern Michigan University
Davi Baldussi Alves, Northern Michigan University

Summary: Presenters will explore digital media genres and the narrative rhetoric employed. Analysis of interactive fiction, video games, and social media will serve as springboards for writing assignments, classroom activities, and multimedia projects.


Readiness for Online Learning: World Campus Resources for Students

Presenter(s):
Michelle Wiley, Penn State World Campus

Summary: To help prepare new World Campus students for the demands of online learning, the World Campus offers students free, academic resources to better prepare them for academic success.


A Modified Flip: How to Ease a Flip in your Freshmen Courses

Presenter(s):
Denise Wilkinson, Virginia Wesleyan College

Summary: The presenter will discuss the pros and cons of a flipped classroom and share flipped activities that offer significant benefits to freshmen student learning and can be eased into an existing course with little modification.


Developing and Promoting a Peer Mentoring Program for 1st year College Students

Presenter(s):
Kara Woehler, Wayne State College

Summary: College is a big step for many students, and is a different experience from high school. Offering a Peer Mentor program for 1st year students can and will drastically improve their chances of persistence, good academic standing and eventually graduation at your institution.


Strategies and Tips that Facilitate Second Language Learning for Academically Struggling University Students

Presenter(s):
Zadjia Zahi, Qatar University

Summary: This program will provide strategies and tips that facilitate second language learning for academically struggling university students.


Bridging The First Year Experience; an Element Approach to Curriculum


Presenter(s):
Ellen Zimmerman, McHenry County College
Debi Keyzer, McHney County College

Summary: Are you in search of a new and innovative approach to the First Year Experience that will increase your pass rate and student satisfaction with the course? Take part in this fresh and interactive presentation about the Element Approach and how it can energize and engage your students through thought provoking, and inspiring curriculum!