# data[].attributes.headline
What’s Going on Behind the Screens? Exploring Student Emotions and Perceptions of AI in Education

# data[].attributes.subject
What’s Going on Behind the Screens? Exploring Student Emotions and Perceptions of AI in Education

# data[].attributes.body
As generative AI tools become more common, questions arise about how college students perceive and experience these tools in their learning. This session presents early insights from a grounded approach that explores students' emotions and interpretations related to AI use in their coursework. Based on focus group data with fourth-year students in a hospitality degree program, the session highlights the importance of understanding student voice in shaping pedagogical practice. Rather than offering prescriptions, this session invites participants to reflect on how student perspectives, especially emotional and perceptual ones, can inform more thoughtful, inclusive, and responsive approaches to teaching with AI.

James Waller, Professor, Hospitality and Tourism, Algonquin College

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 10–10:50 a.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Bridging Noncredit and Credit: Collaborative Strategies for Faculty, Staff, and Administrators

# data[].attributes.subject
Bridging Noncredit and Credit: Collaborative Strategies for Faculty, Staff, and Administrators

# data[].attributes.body
During this session, we will explore how noncredit to credit pathways can enhance student success and institutional growth. We will examine the challenges that noncredit students face and the structural or policy-related barriers that prevent them from enrolling in credit courses.Participants will gain practical, evidence-based strategies for supporting noncredit students as they transition to credit-bearing programs. Through interactive activities, participants will collaborate to design specific strategies they can implement in their institutions to support noncredit students' transition.

Cristy Sugarman, Executive Director, Center for Alternative Studies and Educational Testing, North Shore Community College

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 10–10:50 a.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Student Voices Driving Change: Embedding Workplace Skills into Assignments

# data[].attributes.subject
Student Voices Driving Change: Embedding Workplace Skills into Assignments

# data[].attributes.body
Students consistently recognize that soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability are essential for future career success, yet many feel unprepared to apply them. Drawing on survey data from biology students and inspired by a faculty newsletter article, this session centers on student voices to identify gaps in workplace readiness.

Marisol de Jesus Berrios, Professor, Biological Sciences, Seminole State College of Florida

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 10–10:50 a.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Building AI-Resistant Pedagogy: Community Strategies for Inclusive Assignment Design

# data[].attributes.subject
Building AI-Resistant Pedagogy: Community Strategies for Inclusive Assignment Design

# data[].attributes.body
As AI tools become more prevalent, this session proposes a value-driven pedagogical framework and three community strategies (Collaborative Inquiry, Authentic Engagement, Metacognition) to design assignments that prioritize human interaction and critical thinking. Participants will learn to minimize reliance on AI-generated outputs while bringing the "human in the loop" for inclusive and equitable learning. This approach fosters human capacities that resist automation, addressing over-reliance, skill erosion, equity gaps, and academic integrity concerns.

Stacy Ybarra, Adjunct Faculty, Student Development, San Antonio College

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 10–10:50 a.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.body
Hear Dr. Brad Phillips facilitate a discussion with presidents on cultivating student belonging and creating a caring campus.

Brad Phillips, Founder, CEO, Institute for Evidence-Based Change

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 11–11:50 a.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
From Silos to Synergy: Aligning Academics and Student Services

# data[].attributes.subject
From Silos to Synergy: Aligning Academics and Student Services

# data[].attributes.body
This presentation explores key strategies for successful dual credit programs, emphasizing collaboration between academic and student success teams. Designed for community and technical college practitioners, it highlights best practices such as joint curriculum planning, integrated support services, early alert systems, and equity-focused outreach. The goal is to foster a unified approach that enhances student achievement, persistence, and college readiness.

Rebecca Alejos, Certified Advisor, High School Programs Advising, Northeast Lakeview College

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 12–12:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Using the WellBQ Questionnaire to Determine Well-Being

# data[].attributes.subject
Using the WellBQ Questionnaire to Determine Well-Being

# data[].attributes.body
The free NIOSH Worker Well-Being Questionnaire (NIOSH WellBQ) provides a comprehensive assessment of worker well-being across multiple categories, including quality of life while at work and outside of work, and physical and mental health status. One college used this free tool to measure well-being post pandemic.

Kim Uddo, Professor, Nursing, Delgado Community College

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 12–12:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
I, Pencil. You, Prompt: Teaching Writing When the Tools Talk Back

# data[].attributes.subject
I, Pencil. You, Prompt: Teaching Writing When the Tools Talk Back

# data[].attributes.body
What happens when the tools start talking? This session explores how generative AI has transformed the writing process—from static pencil to dynamic collaborator. I, Pencil. You, Prompt: Teaching Writing When the Tools Talk Back

What happens when the tools start talking? This session explores how generative AI has transformed the writing process—from static pencil to dynamic collaborator.

Jill Channing, Associate Professor, Education, Leadership, English, East Tennessee State University

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 12–12:50 p.m. Central Time

Jill Channing, Associate Professor, Education, Leadership, English, East Tennessee State University

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 12–12:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Breaking Bad (Data): Making Student Learning Outcome Data Work for Learning

# data[].attributes.subject
Breaking Bad (Data): Making Student Learning Outcome Data Work for Learning

# data[].attributes.body
This session offers insight into faculty perceptions of student learning and continual improvement processes related to institutional effectiveness initiatives at a two-year public postsecondary institution. Using data from faculty listening sessions, findings from a paired qualitative and activity systems analysis provide systemic implications for student learning data (Yamagata-Lynch, 2010).

Andrea Arce-Trigatti, Faculty, Education / Curriculum and Instruction, Tennessee Tech; Aimee Klaschus, Analyst, Research and Business, Tallahassee State College

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 12–12:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Using the WellBQ Questionnaire to Determine Well-Being

# data[].attributes.subject
Using the WellBQ Questionnaire to Determine Well-Being

# data[].attributes.body
The free NIOSH Worker Well-Being Questionnaire (NIOSH WellBQ) provides a comprehensive assessment of worker well-being across multiple categories, including quality of life while at work and outside of work, and physical and mental health status. One college used this free tool to measure well-being post pandemic.

Kim Uddo, Professor, Nursing, Delgado Community College

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 12–12:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
From Rapids to Confluence: Tools to Transform Tension into Trust in Academic Leadership

# data[].attributes.subject
From Rapids to Confluence: Tools to Transform Tension into Trust in Academic Leadership

# data[].attributes.body
In higher education, particularly in community and technical colleges, leaders and faculty often face complex challenges that create tension—between departments, with students, and across stakeholder groups. When navigated with skill, these moments become opportunities to foster trust, collaboration, and innovation. In this session, Denise Blanc, Founder & CEO of River Logic Partners and ICF Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach, introduces her RiverLogic framework for turning resistance into momentum and conflict into connection.

Denise Blanc, Founder / CEO / Executive Coach, Leadership Development / Organizational Communication, Independent Professional Speaker

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 12–12:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Leading Through Loss: Resilience and Leadership in Higher Education

# data[].attributes.subject
Leading Through Loss: Resilience and Leadership in Higher Education

# data[].attributes.body
This session explores emotional resilience and post-traumatic growth for faculty and staff in high-stress educational environments. Educators are carrying invisible burdens—burnout, grief, and disruption—and often lack support to process these challenges. Debi Lynn presents a grief-informed leadership model tailored to the realities of community and technical colleges.

Debi Lynn, Business Resilience Strategist / Certified Grief Educator, Leadership Development / Faculty Wellness, Heart Led Awakening

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 1–1:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.body
NISOD partner IntelliBoard will demonstrate how community and technical colleges transform LMS data into clear, actionable insights that help improve student persistence and protect enrollment tuition. In just minutes, you'll see how simple-to-use dashboards can empower instructors, academic leadership, advisors, and enrollment teams with in-term data to support special populations, simplify Title IV compliance, and provide insights on grading behavior.

Becky Keith, CEO, IntelliBoard; Amy Price, Vice President, Client Success, IntelliBoard; Elizabeth Simpson, Senior Manager, Implementation, IntelliBoard

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 1–1:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Gamified and AI-Powered Course Design to Improve Business Law Engagement and Exam Performance

# data[].attributes.subject
Gamified and AI-Powered Course Design to Improve Business Law Engagement and Exam Performance

# data[].attributes.body
This session explores two AI-enhanced teaching strategies used in a Business Law course: a “Trivial Pursuit”-style review game and a dual-pathway course model personalized by pre-test results. Generative AI tools helped create LMS-importable activities, adaptive learning paths, and printable trivia cards.

Tim Faith, Professor, Legal Studies, Community College of Baltimore County

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 1–1:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Faculty Professional Development: Surprising Trends and Lessons

# data[].attributes.subject
Faculty Professional Development: Surprising Trends and Lessons

# data[].attributes.body
Houston Community College’s Faculty Academy offers faculty-created, faculty-led professional development, including workshops, showcases, and Colleague Connection Groups. After operating for three years, we have learned some unexpected lessons about popular timing, trends, and topics for faculty professional development. What are the most popular months for participation?

Laura Ayers, Faculty Academy Director, Anthropology, Houston Community College

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 1–1:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Unlocking Opportunities: Community College Credential Alignment with Training for Correctional Officers

# data[].attributes.subject
Unlocking Opportunities: Community College Credential Alignment with Training for Correctional Officers

# data[].attributes.body
This session highlights an innovative partnership between a community college and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to provide workforce-aligned college credentials for training completed by the correctional officers. Designed to meet both agency needs and workforce demands, this initiative leverages continuing education and college credentials to maintain and retain sustainable pipelines for continuous development.

Jarod Bleibdrey, Dean of Career and Technical Education, Career and Technical Education, Coastal Bend College; Braden Reed, Director of Workforce Development and Continuing Education, Continuing Education, Coastal Bend College

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 2–2:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Designing a Scalable Online/Hybrid Teaching Pipeline: From LMS Basics to Course Excellence

# data[].attributes.subject
Designing a Scalable Online/Hybrid Teaching Pipeline: From LMS Basics to Course Excellence

# data[].attributes.body
How can institutions ensure quality, consistency in course structure, and engagement in online and hybrid instruction at scale? This session introduces a three-phase faculty development pipeline beginning with foundational LMS training and culminating in an institutional award for exemplary course design. Built to align with state standards, institutional goals, and instructional design best practices, this model offers a scalable approach to improving course quality and supporting online course approval processes. Participants will explore how differentiated, progressive training empowers faculty across disciplines while meeting both compliance and pedagogical goals. Attendees will leave with a planning template and practical steps to build or enhance a similar pipeline on their own campus.

Amanda Richardson, Director, Learning and Development, Tyler Junior College; Jessica White, Instructional Designer, Learning and Development, Tyler Junior College

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 3–3:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Decentered Learning for Student Success in Two-Year College Study Abroad Programs

# data[].attributes.subject
Decentered Learning for Student Success in Two-Year College Study Abroad Programs

# data[].attributes.body
Participating in study abroad at the two-year college level is ideal for completing core requirements while developing intercultural communication skills and global perspectives that serve as critical foundations for degree completion and workforce readiness. Study abroad is the ideal setting for moving beyond student-centered learning to decentered learning, in which further evolving instructor roles make way for greater empowerment of students for their learning.

Colleen Ijuin, Associate Professor, Communication, Perimeter College-Georgia State University; Eric Kendrick, Associate Professor, English, Perimeter College-Georgia State University

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 2–2:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Homerun Engagement Featuring AI Strategies!

# data[].attributes.subject
Homerun Engagement Featuring AI Strategies!

# data[].attributes.body
Today’s students thrive when learning is active, personalized, and engaging—yet educators often feel overwhelmed by AI. This session showcases practical, creative strategies for using AI to boost classroom engagement and simplify teaching. Featured tools include Brisk, with its “Boost Student Activity” feature that supports openers, interactive discussions, and exit tickets;

Todd Stabenow, Assistant Professor, Business, Hawkeye Community College

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 2–2:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Bell Schedules to Paychecks: High School, College, and Career through Dual Enrollment and Workforce Development

# data[].attributes.subject
Bell Schedules to Paychecks: High School, College, and Career through Dual Enrollment and Workforce Development

# data[].attributes.body
To close skills gaps and support regional economic growth, community colleges must strategically align programs with labor market needs. This session explores how to integrate dual enrollment pipelines and apprenticeship models with local workforce partnerships to build seamless education-to-career pathways.

Shelby Akers, Doctoral Fellow, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, East Tennessee State University; Jill Channing, Associate Professor / Associate Director, Education, Leadership, English, East Tennessee State University

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 1–1:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Click to Connect: Creating Community in Online Classrooms

# data[].attributes.subject
Click to Connect: Creating Community in Online Classrooms

# data[].attributes.body
Fostering a sense of community is crucial for student engagement, motivation, and success, but can be more challenging in a virtual environment. This interactive session provides practical ways to create an inclusive and supportive space for students to engage with course content, the instructor, and each other.

Courtenay Jauregui, Professor, Education, Collin College

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 2–2:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
AI-Powered Accessibility: Streamline UDL and WCAG Compliance with Practical Tools

# data[].attributes.subject
AI-Powered Accessibility: Streamline UDL and WCAG Compliance with Practical Tools

# data[].attributes.body
This hands-on session shows how to make online courses more accessible fast. We’ll use a simple “Audit, Automate, Activate” workflow that maps Quality Matters™ Standard 8, WCAG 2.1 (POUR), and UDL 3.0 so faculty can spot issues quickly, fix common barriers with Generative AI (alt-text, captions, readable text), and activate campus tools and supports.

Can Cui, Instructional Designer, Staff / Academic Success, Alamo Colleges District; Diana McCurtain-Talbert, Instructional Designer, Staff / Academic Success, Alamo Colleges District

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 2–2:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.body
Special welcome session where we will share updates on the integration of NISOD into the Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE). Learn how this exciting collaboration strengthens our shared mission to support faculty excellence and advance student success across community and technical colleges.

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

10:00-10:30 a.m. CST

Dr. Linda García

Executive Director, Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
NISOD’s Annual Fall Virtual Conference brings together full- and part-time faculty members, librarians, and student support services personnel to share best and promising practices that increase student success at community and technical colleges. This new convening provides a convenient opportunity for campus allies to thoroughly examine what it means to meet the needs of 21st-century students.

# data[].attributes.headline
KEYNOTE SESSION: Innovative Pathways to Leadership: Secret Recipes for Success

# data[].attributes.subject
KEYNOTE SESSION: Innovative Pathways to Leadership: Secret Recipes for Success

# data[].attributes.body
Dr. Anton Reece launched his first book, “Innovative Strategies to Leadership: Secret Recipes for Success” earlier this year. This book captures Dr. Reece’s leadership journey and ten essential metaphorical ingredients he utilized and incorporated to embrace and prepare for leadership challenges, setbacks, resilience, and moments of success. The core audience of the book is emerging college students, new leaders, and seasoned leaders seeking leadership opportunities. Wednesday, October 22, 2025

10:30-11:20 a.m. CST

Dr. Anton R. Reece

President, West Kentucky Community and Technical College

# data[].attributes.headline
Mindful Scaffolding for Workforce Readiness: Preparing Students With Critical Literacies and Transferable Skills. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Mindful Scaffolding for Workforce Readiness: Preparing Students With Critical Literacies and Transferable Skills. 

# data[].attributes.body
Postsecondary institutions are on the frontlines of preparing students for the workforce, yet many learners struggle to connect academic coursework with employable skills. This session introduces Mindful Scaffolding, a framework designed to help faculty intentionally integrate 21st-century competencies into course design. Participants will explore strategies for aligning course activities with workforce readiness skills such as problem solving, collaboration, communication, and digital literacy.

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Designing Inclusive Asynchronous Online Learning Through Teaching and Learning Style Alignment ership, Governors State University

# data[].attributes.subject
Designing Inclusive Asynchronous Online Learning Through Teaching and Learning Style Alignment ership, Governors State University

# data[].attributes.body
Cheun-Yeong Lee, Assistant Professor, Education and Leadership, Governors State University; Li-Wei Peng, Full Professor, Education and Leadership, Governors State University

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Managing Dual Enrollment Success: Data, Compliance, and Communication Strategies

# data[].attributes.subject
Managing Dual Enrollment Success: Data, Compliance, and Communication Strategies

# data[].attributes.body
Dual enrollment is expanding rapidly, with some community colleges reporting 60–70% of their student body enrolled while still in high school. This growth boosts institutional metrics and funding, but also creates new challenges in compliance, communication, and student support. In some states, like North Carolina, there are additional requirements of notifying parents and guardians of minors about academic performance issues, making data management even more complex.

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Mindful Scaffolding for Workforce Readiness: Preparing Students With Critical Literacies and Transferable Skills

# data[].attributes.subject
Mindful Scaffolding for Workforce Readiness: Preparing Students With Critical Literacies and Transferable Skills

# data[].attributes.body
Postsecondary institutions are on the frontlines of preparing students for the workforce, yet many learners struggle to connect academic coursework with employable skills. This session introduces Mindful Scaffolding, a framework designed to help faculty intentionally integrate 21st-century competencies into course design. Participants will explore strategies for aligning course activities with workforce readiness skills such as problem solving, collaboration, communication, and digital literacy.

Crystal Donlan, Instructional Designer / Faculty / Doctoral Candidate, World Campus Learning Design / Education, Penn State University

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Revising with AI: Teaching Ethical and Effective Use of Writing Assistants

# data[].attributes.subject
Revising with AI: Teaching Ethical and Effective Use of Writing Assistants

# data[].attributes.body
This session explores how AI writing assistants can be integrated into the revision process to improve student writing while preserving student voice. Using a classroom project where students revised research essays with the Hemingway Editor, participants will see both quantitative outcomes and qualitative reflections that highlight opportunities and challenges.

Sara Welshimer, Assistant Professor, English, Amarillo College

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Centering Student Voice: Transforming Dual Enrollment Advising for Better Outcomes

# data[].attributes.subject
Centering Student Voice: Transforming Dual Enrollment Advising for Better Outcomes

# data[].attributes.body
What if nearly half your student body were dual-enrolled—and most came from underserved backgrounds? At Lee College, that’s reality. In 2024–2025, 3,821 dual enrollment students made up almost 40% of total enrollment. With 54% Hispanic, 8% Black/African American, and 65% qualifying for free or reduced lunch, success required more than business as usual. Using the Dual Enrollment Survey of Student Engagement (DESSE), the college gained vital insights into how students experience academics and support services.

Anthony Perez, Program Manager, DESSE, CCCSE, UT Austin; Jordan Salazar, Director, Dual Credit Programs, Transfer and Educational Partnerships, Lee College

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 12:30–1:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Navigating Communication Styles for Deeper Connections

# data[].attributes.subject
Navigating Communication Styles for Deeper Connections

# data[].attributes.body
Join us for a transformative workshop where you'll delve into the fascinating world of communication styles. Discover the power of self-awareness as you identify your unique communication style among the four styles. Learn practical strategies to decipher the styles of coworkers and students, paving the way for more meaningful connections. By understanding and adapting to others' preferences, you'll cultivate deeper, more harmonious relationships, both personally and professionally.

Theresa Glenn, Dean / Professor, Communication Studies, Austin Community College

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 12:30–1:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Beyond the Syllabus: Using Themed Success Guides to Boost Engagement, Organization, and Belonging

# data[].attributes.subject
Beyond the Syllabus: Using Themed Success Guides to Boost Engagement, Organization, and Belonging

# data[].attributes.body
This session introduces the transformative practice of Weekly Success Guides: dynamic, student-centered roadmaps that replace static syllabi. We will explore how these guides, infused with motivational elements like emojis and themed titles, provide crucial organizational scaffolding and clear expectations. Grounded in Transparent Design principles, this strategy directly tackles the "hidden curriculum" that often hinders underprepared students, reducing anxiety and fostering self-efficacy.

Bettina Durant, Associate Professor, Speech Communication / Humanities / Journalism, Perimeter College-Georgia State University

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 12:30–1:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
LGBTQ+ Community College Students’ Perceptions of Belonging: Safety through Identity Validation and Visibility

# data[].attributes.subject
LGBTQ+ Community College Students’ Perceptions of Belonging: Safety through Identity Validation and Visibility

# data[].attributes.body
Using Strayhorn’s model of college students’ sense of belonging as a conceptual framework, a recent anti-deficit qualitative study was conducted in Texas to explore community college faculty, staff, and LGBTQ+ students’ perceptions of the campus influences that contribute positively to LGBTQ+ students’ sense of belonging. Of specific interest in this study was how LGBTQ+ students perceived their sense of belonging affected overall well-being and success as a student.

Christine Hall, Regional Director, Admissions & Enrollment, Austin Community College

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 12:30–1:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
If Students Don’t Learn Our Way, We Must Teach Their Way: Strategies for Success and Retention

# data[].attributes.subject
If Students Don’t Learn Our Way, We Must Teach Their Way: Strategies for Success and Retention

# data[].attributes.body
Student retention and success in higher education increasingly depend on the alignment of instructional methods with diverse student learning needs. This workshop proposes a faculty development model designed to equip instructors with strategies for recognizing and responding to diverse learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and nontraditional learning pathways.

Vannetta Gainer, Associate Professor, Mathematics, Perimeter College-Georgia State University

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 12:30–1:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
The Great Disengagement: Why They Stop Showing Up (and What You Can Do About It)

# data[].attributes.subject
The Great Disengagement: Why They Stop Showing Up (and What You Can Do About It)

# data[].attributes.body
From ghosting classes to disengaging mid-semester, students across the country are silently slipping away. In this session, we'll explore the underlying causes of "The Great Disengagement"—from burnout and financial strain to mental health and a lack of connection—and what faculty and staff can do to help students reconnect before they disappear.

Tranell E Barton, Counselor / Academic Coordinator, Veterans Upward Bound, Delgado Community College

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 1:30–2:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
A Literature Review of Summer Bridge Programs at Community Colleges

# data[].attributes.subject
A Literature Review of Summer Bridge Programs at Community Colleges

# data[].attributes.body
Summer Bridge Programs (SBPs) are student success initiatives designed to support students as they transition into college from high school. The goal of SBPs is to improve retention and graduation outcomes....This session presents findings from a literature review focused specifically on SBPs at community colleges. Particular attention is paid to how programs were designed for nontraditional students and commuter campuses. The purpose is to understand how these programs are structured and to identify promising practices and areas for future research.

Keisha Lanier Brown, Associate Professor, Mathematics, Perimeter College-Georgia State University

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 1:30–2:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Affective Education: The Heart and Soul of Teaching

# data[].attributes.subject
Affective Education: The Heart and Soul of Teaching

# data[].attributes.body
Hey educator! Are you tired? Are you continually expected to do more with less? Are you angry at your students? Do you doubt your effectiveness? Well, you are in luck!

Russell Nolan, Associate Professor, Science, Baton Rouge Community College

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 1:30–2:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
AI for Belonging: Assets, Bias, and Leverage in Student Success

# data[].attributes.subject
AI for Belonging: Assets, Bias, and Leverage in Student Success

# data[].attributes.body
Generative AI offers powerful opportunities to advance inclusive student success in higher education. This interactive session equips faculty, staff, and leaders with practical tools to integrate AI ethically and effectively into learning environments.

Ursula Thomas, Associate Department Chair / Professor, Social Sciences / Education, Perimeter College-Georgia State University

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 3–3:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Student Navigators: Connecting Students to Resources, Retention, and Results

# data[].attributes.subject
Student Navigators: Connecting Students to Resources, Retention, and Results

# data[].attributes.body
This session explores how Student Navigator roles can transform outcomes for adult and first-generation learners by providing high-touch, wraparound support from enrollment to program completion. Positioned at the intersection of career coaching, academic advising, and resource navigation, Student Navigators address barriers that often derail persistence.

Melvin Smith, Adjunct Professor, STEM-B, Seattle Central College

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 1:30–2:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Small Steps, Big Gains: Helping Students Learn with Chunking and Scaffolding

# data[].attributes.subject
Small Steps, Big Gains: Helping Students Learn with Chunking and Scaffolding

# data[].attributes.body
Today’s college students face high levels of distraction, anxiety, and cognitive overload, making it harder to engage with complex academic content. As instructors, we must adapt our teaching to support learning without lowering expectations. This session explores how chunking and scaffolding—two evidence-based strategies—can help students process information more effectively, build confidence, and stay engaged.

Laura Hutton, Associate Professor, Teacher Education, Harford Community College

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 1:30–2:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Beyond the Bots: Smart AI Strategies for Modern Teaching

# data[].attributes.subject
Beyond the Bots: Smart AI Strategies for Modern Teaching

# data[].attributes.body
This hands-on session will explore innovative strategies to leverage AI, enhancing engagement and effectiveness across all modalities, including in-person, remote, and hybrid settings. We will cover five specific, powerful tools ready for immediate use: Google's Deep Research for enhanced content discovery, Google Notebook LM for organizing and synthesizing information, AudioPen for converting spoken ideas into refined text, Gamma AI for dynamic presentation creation, and a "new tool of the day" to surprise and inspire.

Beth Ritter-Guth, Associate Dean, Virtual Services, Northampton Community College

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 3–3:50 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Teaching, Not Just Tracking: Meaningful Strategies for Regular & Substantive Interaction (RSI)

# data[].attributes.subject
Teaching, Not Just Tracking: Meaningful Strategies for Regular & Substantive Interaction (RSI)

# data[].attributes.body
Regular and Substantive Interaction is more than a compliance checkbox—it’s essential to effective, engaging online teaching. But what does it look like in practice? And how can faculty meet accreditor expectations without increasing their workload? In this hands-on session, we’ll demystify RSI and explore practical strategies for embedding meaningful, instructor-initiated interactions into any online course.

Jennifer Duncan, Associate Professor of English, English, Perimeter College-Georgia State University; Andrea Hendricks, Senior Director, Online Initiatives, Perimeter College-Georgia State University; Kelly Shobe, Associate Professor, Kinesiology and Health, Perimeter College-Georgia State University

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 2:30–3:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
The Rise of Short-Term Credentials & Micro-Credentials

# data[].attributes.subject
The Rise of Short-Term Credentials & Micro-Credentials

# data[].attributes.body
As community and technical colleges adapt to changing learner demands and workforce expectations, short-term credentials and micro-credentials are emerging as powerful tools. This session explores how these stackable, career-focused pathways can attract both traditional students and adult learners seeking quick, practical returns on investment.

Shelby Akers, Doctoral Fellow, Education / Leadership, East Tennessee State University; Jill Channing, Associate Professor / Associate Director, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, East Tennessee State University

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 2:30–3:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Launching a Collaborative New Faculty Experience for Lasting Success

# data[].attributes.subject
Launching a Collaborative New Faculty Experience for Lasting Success

# data[].attributes.body
This session will showcase how a cross-departmental partnership—between Human Resources, Distance Education, Student Affairs, and Faculty Development—was used to design and implement a comprehensive New Faculty Experience program at Austin Community College.

Chelsea Biggerstaff, Manager, Faculty Development, Austin Community College; Theresa Glenn, Dean, Faculty Development & Evaluation, Austin Community College

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 2:30–3:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
From Classroom to Career: Experiential Learning Strategies to Boost Student Success and Confidence

# data[].attributes.subject
From Classroom to Career: Experiential Learning Strategies to Boost Student Success and Confidence

# data[].attributes.body
Community and technical college students thrive when given opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. This session explores practical, adaptable approaches to experiential learning that strengthen student engagement, confidence, and career readiness. Drawing from leadership programs, student clubs, and cross-campus initiatives, participants will discover how to design activities that develop transferable skills while fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Kandace Foreman, Assistant Professor, Business, College of Southern Maryland

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 2:30–3:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
How to Develop a New Course Over Your Summer Break

# data[].attributes.subject
How to Develop a New Course Over Your Summer Break

# data[].attributes.body
Summer break is often seen as a time for faculty to rest and recharge before the fall semester. Yet, in today’s fast-paced academic environment, we are sometimes called on ambitious projects—like developing a brand-new course—within a limited timeframe.

Arathi Sharada Balagangadharan, Instructor, Economics, Perimeter College-Georgia State University; Leah Edwards, Instructor, Economics, Perimeter College-Georgia State University; Walter Johnson, Instructor, Economics, Perimeter College-Georgia State University; Fan Wang, Assistant Professor, Economics / Clinical, Perimeter College-Georgia State University

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 2:30–3:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
New Age Community & Workforce Partnerships in Public Service

# data[].attributes.subject
New Age Community & Workforce Partnerships in Public Service

# data[].attributes.body
New Age Community & Workforce Partnerships in Public Service is a call to action to teachers and learners to become more tech savvy. As of 2024, the world has over 3.5 million unfilled Cybersecurity jobs. The cyber-skills and talent shortage continues to widen at an alarming rate. – Half of the smallest organizations say they either do not have or are unsure as to whether they have the skills they need to meet their cyber objectives.

Deborah Le Blanc, Professor, Public Administration, National University

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 3:30–4:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Using MyOpenMath to Improve Retention and Student Success in Introductory Physics Courses

# data[].attributes.subject
Using MyOpenMath to Improve Retention and Student Success in Introductory Physics Courses

# data[].attributes.body
This session focuses on leveraging openly licensed materials (OER) from MyOpenMath to improve retention and student success in introductory physics. Built by and for community college faculty, MyOpenMath offers a wealth of robust, freely available tools specifically designed to enhance student learning in STEM.

Taha Mzoughi, Associate Professor, Physical Sciences, Perimeter College-Georgia State University

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 3:30–4:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
From Interdepartmental to Cross Campus Collaboration: Scaling High Impact Practices Through Collaborative Social Science Expos

# data[].attributes.subject
From Interdepartmental to Cross Campus Collaboration: Scaling High Impact Practices Through Collaborative Social Science Expos

# data[].attributes.body
In an era of increasing demand for experiential learning, how can social and Health science educators go beyond traditional lectures to foster deeper student engagement and skill development? This session will showcase a five-year initiative at a community college that successfully integrated two high-impact practices: a social science video contest and a regular "social science hour."

Melissa Mesman, Associate Professor, Health Sciences / Allied Health, Seminole State College of Florida; Modupe Soremi, Professor, Economics / Social Sciences, Seminole State College of Florida

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 3:30–4:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Empowering First-Year Success: An AI Integration Blueprint for Engagement, Learning, and Course Design

# data[].attributes.subject
Empowering First-Year Success: An AI Integration Blueprint for Engagement, Learning, and Course Design

# data[].attributes.body
This session showcases a multidisciplinary redesigned First Year Experience (FYE) course for MDC Online that integrates AI tools such as Copilot and Packback to enhance student engagement, learning, and retention. Grounded in Bloom’s Taxonomy, the course encourages students to move beyond basic understanding and application toward analyzing, evaluating, and creating.

Vellisse Pagan Grimes, Professor, Psychology / Student Life Skills, Miami Dade College

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 3:30–4:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Mixing It Up: Exploring Dynamic Delivery Formats for Faculty Development

# data[].attributes.subject
Mixing It Up: Exploring Dynamic Delivery Formats for Faculty Development

# data[].attributes.body
In today’s rapidly changing educational landscape, faculty development needs to be as flexible and innovative as the learning environments we create for our students. This engaging and interactive session will explore various formats and modalities for delivering professional development to faculty, ranging from traditional workshops to online modules, microlearning, hybrid sessions, and beyond.

Matthew Evins, Director, Academic Technology, Austin Community College; Sara Schulz, Manager, Academic Technology Projects, Austin Community College

Schedule: Wednesday, 10/22/2025, 3:30–4:20 p.m. Central Time

# data[].attributes.headline
Empowering Community College Faculty and Staff to Support Student Mental Health Through Mental Health First

# data[].attributes.subject
Empowering Community College Faculty and Staff to Support Student Mental Health Through Mental Health First

# data[].attributes.body
Community college students face high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide risk, yet faculty and staff often feel unprepared to respond. This session presents statewide findings from a quantitative study examining the impact of Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training on community college affiliates’ mental health knowledge, beliefs, and confidence. Participants will learn what MHFA is, how it works, and practical strategies to integrate it into professional development, onboarding, and student leadership programs. Emphasis will be on creating sustainable, college-wide approaches that reduce stigma, strengthen early intervention, and promote a culture of mental health awareness and support, helping students persist and thrive while empowering faculty and staff as confident first responders.

Jane Chappell, Doctoral Candidate, Community College Leadership, Morgan State University; Christine Harrington, Professor, Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership, and Policy, Morgan State University

Schedule: Thursday, 10/23/2025, 3–3:50 p.m. Central Time