Breakout sessions are the educational backbone of the MCCA Annual Convention. Our comprehensive programming is designed to give you a full range education, from the basics that every professional needs to the innovative ideas that are changing how you work. With a wide variety of topics during each time slot, these 45 minute sessions allow you to focus on the areas that are most relevant to your needs. No matter where you are in your career, there is something for you.
Kansas City Marriott Downtown Virtual Tour
Explore our breakout session locations using the virtual tour provided by Midwest Pano!
Program Tracks
Sessions are organized by seven thematic tracks designed to help illuminate overarching focus areas and help attendees easily navigate the event.
Sessions are organized by seven thematic tracks designed to help illuminate overarching focus areas and help attendees easily navigate the event.
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Recruiting, retaining and graduating students are ongoing challenges for community colleges. Join your colleagues in exploring new strategies and best practices for increasing enrollment and driving student success from start to finish.
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
A robust economy depends upon a highly skilled workforce. These sessions explore the many ways colleges are meeting the workforce needs of their communities, particularly through apprenticeship programs and partnerships with local employers.
Learning & Teaching
College professionals continue to develop new and innovative ways of approaching learning and teaching. These sessions afford educators the opportunity to share their ideas and innovations with colleagues.
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Accountability mandates, fluctuating funding, demographic shifts, and the rapid pace of change within higher education continue to challenge college administrators to explore innovative strategies for leadership and organizational change.
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Every day, both teaching and non-teaching professionals work to advance the mission of Missouri’s community colleges and workforce partners. This ongoing track will explore innovative and forward-thinking initiatives that will impact the future of community colleges, from financial planning and human resources to continuous improvement, strategic management and everything in between.
HLC Accreditation
HLC accreditation assures quality by verifying that an institution meets standards and is engaged in continuous improvement. HLC's institutional accreditation includes all degree levels as well as on-site and online offerings. This track will ensure participants going through this process or preparing for an upcoming review will have the most up-to-date information and communication about best practices.
Special Topics
Interested in something more specific? Explore a variety of targeted topics, trends and challenges within higher education today.
Business Meetings
Wednesday, November 8
12:00 - 2:00 P.M.
Trustees
12th Street Meeting Room
Faculty
Mary Lou Williams AB
Chief Student Affairs Officers (CSAOs)
Bennie Moten AB
Classified Staff
Julia Lee AB
IE Professionals
Big Joe Turner A
Chief Academic Officers (CAOs)
Big Joe Turner B
Marketing Professionals
Lester Young A
Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs)
Lester Young B
CTE Professionals & Workforce Development Council
Jay McShann A
MCCA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council
Jay McShann B
MCCA Leadership Academy
Yardbird A
12th Street Meeting Room
Faculty
Mary Lou Williams AB
Chief Student Affairs Officers (CSAOs)
Bennie Moten AB
Classified Staff
Julia Lee AB
IE Professionals
Big Joe Turner A
Chief Academic Officers (CAOs)
Big Joe Turner B
Marketing Professionals
Lester Young A
Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs)
Lester Young B
CTE Professionals & Workforce Development Council
Jay McShann A
MCCA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council
Jay McShann B
MCCA Leadership Academy
Yardbird A
2:00 - 3:00 P.M.
P/C Council and Trustees
12th Street Meeting Room
12th Street Meeting Room
2:00 - 4:00 P.M.
Online & Instruction
Mary Lou Williams AB
Chief Information Officers (CIOs)
Bennie Moten AB
Health Sciences Deans
Julia Lee AB
IR Council
Big Joe Turner A
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
Lester Young A
SkillUP Coordinators
Lester Young B
MoAMP
Jay McShann A
Mary Lou Williams AB
Chief Information Officers (CIOs)
Bennie Moten AB
Health Sciences Deans
Julia Lee AB
IR Council
Big Joe Turner A
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
Lester Young A
SkillUP Coordinators
Lester Young B
MoAMP
Jay McShann A
Breakout Sessions
Our comprehensive program is designed to give you a full range education, from the basics that every professional needs to the innovative ideas that are changing how we work. No matter where you are in your career, there is something for you!
Our comprehensive program is designed to give you a full range education, from the basics that every professional needs to the innovative ideas that are changing how we work. No matter where you are in your career, there is something for you!
Thursday, November 9
8:45 - 9:30 A.M.
12th Street Meeting Room
Growing Leaders From Within
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Dr. Dee Coleman | Director of the MACC Kirksville Campus, Moberly Area Community College
Dr. Jeff Lashley | President, Moberly Area Community College
The MACC Leadership Group is a program designed to enhance leadership skills among faculty and staff within the community college setting. This program focuses on fostering a network of internal leaders, at all organizational levels, emphasizing collaboration, communication, and innovation. During this session we will share how the program has changed over time and is cultivating the next generation of leaders in higher education.
--- --- ---
Yardbird A
Securing Your Network and How We Can Help
Special Topics
John Riley | Cybersecurity Analyst, The Missouri Research & Education Network (MOREnet)
In today's digital landscape, securing your network is paramount to protect your organization's data and operations from an array of threats. Join us for an insightful session where we will delve into key aspects of network security and provide you with actionable insights and solutions to fortify your defenses.
--- --- ---
Mary Lou Williams AB
Tips, Tricks and Tools That Support Student Retention
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Alexis Lowery | Student Advocate, Jefferson College
Brenna Young | Coordinator Retention Services, Jefferson College
This presentation highlights how comprehensive academic and personal support services boost retention. We will highlight the cross-department collaboration of Advising/Retention, Care Team, and Counseling Services to guide students in achieving their academic, personal, and educational goals. This presentation will also show the importance of prioritizing the whole student, by recognizing that nonacademic barriers often lead to academic concerns. By connecting our two departments in retention efforts, we assist students in finding appropriate campus and community resources. The different initiatives we have put in place and will be discussing include a student self-referral form, a generalized intake form, and case management systems.
--- --- ---
Bennie Moten AB
Balancing Academic Freedom, Freedom of Expression and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Special Topics
Dr. D'Andre Braddix | Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; St. Louis Community College
Now more than ever, there is increased scrutiny on the content discussed in college classrooms, especially as it relates to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In 2023, nearly three dozen bills were proposed in legislatures across the country regarding how institutions fund DEI staff and programs and provide DEI-related content to students and employees. Understandably, many colleges and universities are struggling to reconcile their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with other institutional commitments, namely academic freedom and freedom of expression. This session will explore strategies institutions can use as they seek to balance these commitments within our shifting higher education landscape.
--- --- ---
Julia Lee AB
Community College Partnerships That Make a Regional Impact
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Kelly Asbury | Director of Small Business Development Center, State Fair Community College
Amy Jackson | Executive Director of The LearningForce, State Fair Community College
If you are not a partner with your college's workforce development unit and small business development center, you're missing out! Be part of a panel discussion involving community college leaders will share information on local resources to generate and support a skilled workforce, entrepreneurialship and collaboration.
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Andy Kirk AB
Listening to Students: Incorporating the Student Voice Into College Planning
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Calie Holden | College Director of Strategic Planning and Grant Development, Ozarks Technical Community College
Abby Rea-Hicks | Strategic Planning and Grants Coordinator, Ozarks Technical Community College
Misty Tollett | Assistant Director of Strategic Planning, Ozarks Technical Community College
Utilizing a student-centered approach to decision-making starts with an important step, hearing from students. Whether it is building a new strategic plan or deciding on food options, OTC has incorporated student feedback into the decision-making process. Utilizing active and engaging opportunities, students have played a key role in many of OTC's recent planning efforts. This session will share some of the lessons learned as well as methodologies for getting the most from your efforts to collect the student voice.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner A
Drawing Outside the Lines: How We Revitalized a Struggling Drafting Program
Learning & Teaching
Ryan Friend | Drafting & Design Technology Instructor, Ozarks Technical Community College
Rene Wade | Drafting & Design Technology Instructor, Ozarks Technical Community College
This breakout session will go into how two brand new instructors entered a struggling program and how we flipped it on its head! We will go over the many changes that were implemented to make our program into the now thriving program it is. Tips and Tricks include classroom modality, assignment structure, projects, and technology.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner B
"ANTS" Automatic Negative Thought Syndrome
Special Topics
Dee Chesnut | Retired Academic Advisor, Metropolitan Community College
Diane Mannion | Retired Continuing Education Coordinator, Metropolitan Community College (Current: Dual Credit Success Coach, North Central Texas College)
Are you aware we wrestle with 60,000 negative thought each day. Dr Daniel gives us the tools to combat this challenge.
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Lester Young A
Membership in MACADA — Benefits, Networks and New Friendships for Community College Advisors
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
David Smith | Advising Specialist; MACADA President-Elect for Southeast Missouri, Jefferson College
The Missouri Academic Advising Association, otherwise known by the acronym MACADA, is the state organization for academic advising in higher education. We consist of advisors and enrollment professionals from Missouri's community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as graduate schools. The purpose of this session is to provide participants with the wide array of professional development and networking opportunities within our organization.
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Lester Young B
Illuminating Innovations: eGlass Lightboards for All Modalities
Learning & Teaching
Tammy Palmier | Learning Experience Consultant, St. Louis Community College
Amy Pearce | Learning Experience Consultant, St. Louis Community College
Are you tired of having to turn your back on your students while teaching? With the eGlass lightboard, you won't have to anymore! The transparent surface of the eGlass lightboard allows you to maintain eye contact with your students, while also capturing your face, your writing, and digital content on a screen. Moreover, it can be effectively used to create engaging videos for online courses and in a Hyflex classroom to provide all students with a similar learning experience. Join us for a live demonstration of the eGlass lightboard, where we will showcase how the faculty and staff at St. Louis Community College and other institutions are utilizing this cutting-edge technology to enhance the learning experience for students.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann A
Deepening Partnerships: Collaboration 2.0
Special Topics
Dr. Mary Hendrick | Director of Community College Partnerships, WGU Missouri
Dr. Terrance Hopson | Midwest Regional Vice President, WGU Missouri
Christy Seawall | Lead Strategic Partnerships Manager, WGU Missouri
In this presentation we will look beyond simple transactional partnerships to the future of what could exist in collaboration 2.0. This presentation will take an inside out approach to changing the way we do business and work with our partners. Everything from ways to challenge the status quo of higher education models from the inside to creating solutions-based partnerships externally. All of which will impact retention, completion rates, and workforce development needs for our communities.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann B
What’s Next? The Comprehensive Learner Record!
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Sherry Reed | Education Solutions Specialist, Territorium, Inc.
Community Colleges are pioneering the alignment of skills to learning outcomes, learning experiences (within and beyond the classroom), and workforce skills through the use of digital credentials collected in a comprehensive learner record (CLR). This model aims to increase equity, empower learner agency, and drive employability readiness. In this interactive session, we will learn more about how the CLR helps with recruiting, enhancing programming, and retaining students. We will also consider examples from around the country to determine key lessons and inform change efforts targeting personalized skill-based learning happening in Missouri.
10:15 - 11:00 A.M.
12th Street Meeting Room
"Regenerating Responses": How We 3 Handle ChatGPT
Learning & Teaching
Emily Lewis | English Instructor, Crowder College
Dr. Stephanie Witcher | Communications Division Chair, Crowder College
Dr. Keith Zoromski | Provost of Instruction, Mineral Area College
Hear how a Provost, Division Chair, and Instructor tackle plagiarism issues stemming from ChatGPT, as well as ways to embrace this new technology. We will discuss strategies for deterring student use, embracing ChatGPT in the classroom and workplace, and how we address inappropriate use by students. We will share perspectives from the classroom, division, and institutional level.
--- --- ---
Yardbird A
Setting a Carbon Budget
Special Topics
Lucy Williams | Sustainability Leader, FGM Architects
We are in unprecedented times and climate change has become an urgent crisis. Higher education campuses will benefit from putting a strategy in place to work towards carbon neutral operations. This presentation will cover the topic of setting a carbon budget and putting a plan in place to transition to fossil fuel free campuses. It will include recommendations on steps to take to including:
--- --- ---
Mary Lou Williams AB
Assessing Basic Needs Insecurity
Special Topics
Matt Harris | College Director of Analytics and Research Operations, Ozarks Technical Community College
Misty Tollett | Assistant Director of Strategic Planning, Ozarks Technical Community College
Research has shown the overwhelming majority entering first-year college students are highly motivated to earn their degree. However, along the way, many students face barriers to their success, which often translates to not completing their educational goal. In an effort to better understand barriers students face, Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) developed an internal basic needs security survey to assess students’ food and housing insecurity, as well as homelessness. This session will cover how colleges and universities can create their own basic needs security survey, as well as recommendations for communicating survey findings to various stakeholders.
--- --- ---
Bennie Moten AB
Building the Student Advocacy & Resource Centers at St. Louis Community College: Providing Collaborative Intrusive, Wrap-Around Services Supporting Student Success
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Jessica Etim | Basic Needs Support Specialist, Saint Louis Community College
Shannon Nicholson | Director for Community Standards and Title IX Coordinator, Saint Louis Community College
Keith Robinder | Vice President of Student Support Programs, Saint Louis Community College
Providing intrusive student support services that promote retention, persistence and student success is a fundamental tenet of the student affairs profession. Providing holistic supports centered on meeting the basic needs of students is fundamental to the ethics of social work. The field of case management in higher education exists in the intersection of these perspectives. This program will explore the successes, challenges, and lessons learned in utilizing these perspectives to create a new approach to meet the basic needs of underserved and under-resourced students in higher education.
--- --- ---
Julia Lee AB
Collaborate: Increasing CTE Awareness
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Daniel So | Division Chair of Technical Education, State Fair Community College
Through an awarded NSF Grant, SFCC partnered with Palmer Hamilton to create a Phab Lab being used as a dual recruiting and community training space to expose Middle School & High School students to CTE Programs. Come learn about what was successful and our lessons learned to continuously improve for the future!
--- --- ---
Andy Kirk AB
Microsoft PowerPoint – Let’s Add Some Pizzazz
Special Topics
Susan Burden | Director of Instructional Technology, Moberly Area Community College
Have you ever wanted to take your PowerPoint presentation “up a notch”? Do you wish you could add some professional elements that will impress your audience and add visual interest? This is the workshop for you! We will work with graphics, master slides, action buttons, creating your own PowerPoint themes, and more. Come join me for an interactive and upbeat presentation to enhance your PowerPoint skills and learn many tips and tricks along the way.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner A
If YOU Build It, They Won't Come... Creating Student-Centered Environments
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Mysha R. Clincy | Coordinator of Student Retention Programs, St. Louis Community College
This presentation will discuss creating student centered spaces that will help to get students engaged on campus.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner B
Why Do I Need This Class? Redesigning Science Courses for Future Teachers
Learning & Teaching
Jared Durden | Physical Science Instructor, Ozarks Technical Community College
Jennifer Whalen | Instructional Development Specialist, Ozarks Technical Community College
Future K through 6 instructors are required to take physics 105, an introductory survey course at OTC. Seated and online sections showed very poor retention and even poorer attitudes towards the course. When discussing an issue of plagiarism with a student, the student informed me that they did not need this class and that it was just another hoop in their real goal of teaching in a classroom. After looking back at student reflection papers, I consistently saw students asking the question, why do I need this class? I present the initial framework for a course that starts with the answer to that question and the results from my first semester implementing a curriculum geared towards inspiring and developing future teachers as advocates for science in the k through 6 classroom.
--- --- ---
Lester Young A
Universal Design for Learning Through the ADA Lens
Special Topics
Beth Azdell | Access and ADA Services Specialist, Moberly Area Community College
Stacy Donald | Director of Access and ADA Services, Moberly Area Community College
In the past few years, we have seen successes, changes, and challenges for students and instructors in relation to student access. As barriers have been identified, our instructors have been willing to adjust teaching styles and methods, when possible. Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principals in course design will help ensure that all students have reliable access to their course work and college experience. In this breakout session you will learn some tips and guidance, and be given additional resources that will help you design your course to be ADA compliant, while utilizing UDL principles that will improve student access. Improved access will also lead to more student successes!
--- --- ---
Lester Young B
Prison Education Programs: A Range of Possibilities
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Dr. Rita Gulstad | Provost, Central Methodist University
Dr. Roger McMillian | Director of the MSITM Program, Central Methodist University
Prison Education Programs are the newest of the federal programs to allow incarcerated individuals to pursue college coursework and use the Pell grant. However, there are also programs that allow individuals once released to pursue higher education. This presentation will offer viewpoints of experiences from inside and outside the walls.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann A
Closing the Floodgate: How to Retain Your Best Employees
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Anne Brackett | Chief Engagement Officer, Strengths University
Alicia Wojciuch | Chief Education Officer, Strengths University
Recently, there has been an exodus of our best talent, both experienced and young professionals. When these professionals leave, it not only hurts productivity, but you lose years of knowledge and the connections they’ve built. This negatively impacts student retention, institutional success and our field. This session will outline the causes and true cost of employee turnover. Then you’ll discover how you can start making the changes that can stem the tide to keep your most valuable assets.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann B
Revolutionizing Content Delivery to Support Equity & Student Success
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Ginny Conners | Senior Account Executive, BibliU
The traditional bookstore model is outdated. In this session, you'll discover the transformative power of Universal Learning and its impact on equity, enrollment, retention, and student outcomes. Discover how institutions nationwide have benefited from a partnership with BibliU, a pioneering platform that ensures day one access to course materials for all students, revolutionizing textbook affordability and leveling the playing field.
"Regenerating Responses": How We 3 Handle ChatGPT
Learning & Teaching
Emily Lewis | English Instructor, Crowder College
Dr. Stephanie Witcher | Communications Division Chair, Crowder College
Dr. Keith Zoromski | Provost of Instruction, Mineral Area College
Hear how a Provost, Division Chair, and Instructor tackle plagiarism issues stemming from ChatGPT, as well as ways to embrace this new technology. We will discuss strategies for deterring student use, embracing ChatGPT in the classroom and workplace, and how we address inappropriate use by students. We will share perspectives from the classroom, division, and institutional level.
--- --- ---
Yardbird A
Setting a Carbon Budget
Special Topics
Lucy Williams | Sustainability Leader, FGM Architects
We are in unprecedented times and climate change has become an urgent crisis. Higher education campuses will benefit from putting a strategy in place to work towards carbon neutral operations. This presentation will cover the topic of setting a carbon budget and putting a plan in place to transition to fossil fuel free campuses. It will include recommendations on steps to take to including:
- Establishing a benchmark
- Setting goals, targets and a timeline
- Taking action implementing a plan of such magnitude
--- --- ---
Mary Lou Williams AB
Assessing Basic Needs Insecurity
Special Topics
Matt Harris | College Director of Analytics and Research Operations, Ozarks Technical Community College
Misty Tollett | Assistant Director of Strategic Planning, Ozarks Technical Community College
Research has shown the overwhelming majority entering first-year college students are highly motivated to earn their degree. However, along the way, many students face barriers to their success, which often translates to not completing their educational goal. In an effort to better understand barriers students face, Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) developed an internal basic needs security survey to assess students’ food and housing insecurity, as well as homelessness. This session will cover how colleges and universities can create their own basic needs security survey, as well as recommendations for communicating survey findings to various stakeholders.
--- --- ---
Bennie Moten AB
Building the Student Advocacy & Resource Centers at St. Louis Community College: Providing Collaborative Intrusive, Wrap-Around Services Supporting Student Success
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Jessica Etim | Basic Needs Support Specialist, Saint Louis Community College
Shannon Nicholson | Director for Community Standards and Title IX Coordinator, Saint Louis Community College
Keith Robinder | Vice President of Student Support Programs, Saint Louis Community College
Providing intrusive student support services that promote retention, persistence and student success is a fundamental tenet of the student affairs profession. Providing holistic supports centered on meeting the basic needs of students is fundamental to the ethics of social work. The field of case management in higher education exists in the intersection of these perspectives. This program will explore the successes, challenges, and lessons learned in utilizing these perspectives to create a new approach to meet the basic needs of underserved and under-resourced students in higher education.
--- --- ---
Julia Lee AB
Collaborate: Increasing CTE Awareness
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Daniel So | Division Chair of Technical Education, State Fair Community College
Through an awarded NSF Grant, SFCC partnered with Palmer Hamilton to create a Phab Lab being used as a dual recruiting and community training space to expose Middle School & High School students to CTE Programs. Come learn about what was successful and our lessons learned to continuously improve for the future!
--- --- ---
Andy Kirk AB
Microsoft PowerPoint – Let’s Add Some Pizzazz
Special Topics
Susan Burden | Director of Instructional Technology, Moberly Area Community College
Have you ever wanted to take your PowerPoint presentation “up a notch”? Do you wish you could add some professional elements that will impress your audience and add visual interest? This is the workshop for you! We will work with graphics, master slides, action buttons, creating your own PowerPoint themes, and more. Come join me for an interactive and upbeat presentation to enhance your PowerPoint skills and learn many tips and tricks along the way.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner A
If YOU Build It, They Won't Come... Creating Student-Centered Environments
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Mysha R. Clincy | Coordinator of Student Retention Programs, St. Louis Community College
This presentation will discuss creating student centered spaces that will help to get students engaged on campus.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner B
Why Do I Need This Class? Redesigning Science Courses for Future Teachers
Learning & Teaching
Jared Durden | Physical Science Instructor, Ozarks Technical Community College
Jennifer Whalen | Instructional Development Specialist, Ozarks Technical Community College
Future K through 6 instructors are required to take physics 105, an introductory survey course at OTC. Seated and online sections showed very poor retention and even poorer attitudes towards the course. When discussing an issue of plagiarism with a student, the student informed me that they did not need this class and that it was just another hoop in their real goal of teaching in a classroom. After looking back at student reflection papers, I consistently saw students asking the question, why do I need this class? I present the initial framework for a course that starts with the answer to that question and the results from my first semester implementing a curriculum geared towards inspiring and developing future teachers as advocates for science in the k through 6 classroom.
--- --- ---
Lester Young A
Universal Design for Learning Through the ADA Lens
Special Topics
Beth Azdell | Access and ADA Services Specialist, Moberly Area Community College
Stacy Donald | Director of Access and ADA Services, Moberly Area Community College
In the past few years, we have seen successes, changes, and challenges for students and instructors in relation to student access. As barriers have been identified, our instructors have been willing to adjust teaching styles and methods, when possible. Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principals in course design will help ensure that all students have reliable access to their course work and college experience. In this breakout session you will learn some tips and guidance, and be given additional resources that will help you design your course to be ADA compliant, while utilizing UDL principles that will improve student access. Improved access will also lead to more student successes!
--- --- ---
Lester Young B
Prison Education Programs: A Range of Possibilities
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Dr. Rita Gulstad | Provost, Central Methodist University
Dr. Roger McMillian | Director of the MSITM Program, Central Methodist University
Prison Education Programs are the newest of the federal programs to allow incarcerated individuals to pursue college coursework and use the Pell grant. However, there are also programs that allow individuals once released to pursue higher education. This presentation will offer viewpoints of experiences from inside and outside the walls.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann A
Closing the Floodgate: How to Retain Your Best Employees
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Anne Brackett | Chief Engagement Officer, Strengths University
Alicia Wojciuch | Chief Education Officer, Strengths University
Recently, there has been an exodus of our best talent, both experienced and young professionals. When these professionals leave, it not only hurts productivity, but you lose years of knowledge and the connections they’ve built. This negatively impacts student retention, institutional success and our field. This session will outline the causes and true cost of employee turnover. Then you’ll discover how you can start making the changes that can stem the tide to keep your most valuable assets.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann B
Revolutionizing Content Delivery to Support Equity & Student Success
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Ginny Conners | Senior Account Executive, BibliU
The traditional bookstore model is outdated. In this session, you'll discover the transformative power of Universal Learning and its impact on equity, enrollment, retention, and student outcomes. Discover how institutions nationwide have benefited from a partnership with BibliU, a pioneering platform that ensures day one access to course materials for all students, revolutionizing textbook affordability and leveling the playing field.
1:00 - 1:45 P.M.
12th Street Meeting Room
Soaring to New Heights: A K-12 and Community College Model for Partnership
Special Topics
Dr. Hal Higdon | Chancellor, Ozarks Technical Community College
Dr. Grenita Lathan | Superintendent, Springfield Public Schools
This session will highlight the strong partnership between Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) and the largest public school district in the state, Springfield Public Schools (SPS). From career center programs including aviation and healthcare, to the Middle College partnership, to embedded advisors in the high schools, the two entities are working together to ensure all students in the district have access to opportunities. Superintendent Grenita Lathan and Chancellor Hal Higdon have forged a partnership that serves as a model for all K-12 and community college collaborations.
--- --- ---
Yardbird A
The Suicidal Student: When Policy and Procedure Aren’t Enough
Special Topics
Stacey Gillette | Social Science Instructor, Mineral Area College
Ellen Miller | Social Science Assistant Professor, Mineral Area College
Often, higher education professionals are sitting across from a student in crisis, and the most feared crisis is the suicidal student. Many times, giving a crisis line number is not enough or is not what is needed in that moment. This presentation will explore how to recognize suicidality in students and give teachers the tools on how to effectively handle this while adhering to policies that are set by the college campuses which they work. This presentation will include teaching of myths about suicide and how to have a direct conversation with a student about suicide. Participants will then role-play with a partner having this conversation. We will be utilizing the S.A.V.E protocol developed by the Veteran’s Administration for suicidal individuals.
--- --- ---
Mary Lou Williams AB
High School 2.0: What Is Early College?
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Aleesha Coke | Director of Site Operations and Student Affairs, Moberly Area Community College -Columbia
Michele McCall | Dean of Enrollment and Student Affairs, Moberly Area Community College
Dru Nash | Advanced Studies Coordinator, Columbia Public Schools
Dual credit allows high school students to complete college-level courses, but an Early College program takes this a step (or two!) further. Moberly Area Community College introduced the Early College program with Columbia Public Schools in the fall of 2020, and the program has since grown and flourished. This session will present the steps MACC took to collaborate with CPS, outcomes of graduates, and how MACC and CPS plan to grow the program moving forward.
--- --- ---
Bennie Moten AB
From SI to Embedded Tutoring — Meeting Students Where They Are
Learning & Teaching
Elizabeth Busekrus-Blackmon | College Writing Center Supervisor, St. Louis Community College
Cindy Clausen | Manager of Academic Success & Tutoring, St. Louis Community College
Sally Kloppe | Tutor Coordinator, St. Louis Community College
Onaedo Onejeme | Math Tutoring Supervisor, St. Louis Community College
Academic Success & Tutoring supervisors from St. Louis Community College share how they are removing obstacles to help-seeking by embedding tutors in the classroom. Evidence of increased engagement and reduced unsatisfactory outcomes encouraged us to add ETs to A&P and chemistry labs with biology next in our sights. Lessons learned and shared include getting faculty buy-in, selecting and training tutors, and collecting data.
--- --- ---
Julia Lee AB
Responding to the Needs of First-Gen College Students Through Data-Driven Programming
Special Topics
Carson Mowery | Coordinator of Campus Life and Leadership, East Central College
The Campus Life and Leadership Office conducted a survey measuring the impacts of perceived campus climate and interpersonal influences on retention and belonging for first-generation female community college students. Within those findings, it became clear that students would benefit from visible first-generation student programming at East Central College. Learn how the findings were used and scaled to establish an institutional definition for first-gen students to capture them in our student demographic data, programming and recognition pieces, a pilot mentorship program, and more. Furthermore, you'll learn about the ways programming designed for identity groups or special populations positively impacts all students by providing implications for scaling programs to benefit every student.
--- --- ---
Andy Kirk AB
Strategic Plan Week: A Week to Remember!
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Ed Foley | Executive Director of Enterprise Project Management, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness; Metropolitan Community College
Amie Kendall | Senior Project Lead, Metropolitan Community College
The breakout session will detail Metropolitan Community College (MCC)’s efforts to keep its strategic plan, MCC Reimagined, top of mind through an interactive Strategic Plan Week! Held April 14-19, 2023, the week consisted of daily interactive activities* focused on different elements of MCC Reimagined. Due to its success in bringing together employees from across the college to celebrate strategic plan progress and anticipate future goals, Strategic Plan Week will become an annual college tradition. Session presenters will detail steps taken to plan and promote Strategic Plan Week, feedback received from participants across the college, and lessons learned that will be utilized to make next year’s Strategic Plan Week even more impactful. Participants will walk away from the session with tangible ideas on how they can host a Strategic Plan Week at their own institutions.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner A
HLC 101: How to Avoid Panic When the HLC Visits Your College
HLC Accreditation
Julie Smith | Academic Advisor, Metropolitan Community College
Is your college preparing for a visit from the HLC? Are you brand new to the regional accreditation process and feeling anxious about interacting with HLC team members? If your answer to these questions is yes, then this session is for you! During the HLC 101 session, attendees will be provided with a basic overview of what the HLC does, why we as educators should care about the HLC, and the Criteria for Accreditation. (There will be a fun HLC knowledge quiz with prizes for the winners!) We will then discuss general best practices for interacting with HLC team members, presented as the “Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts for Your HLC Visit.” I have attended the HLC Annual Conference nearly dozen times during my 20-year career in higher education and collaborated with college leadership at a Kansas HLC-accredited college to prepare for reaccreditation visits and focused visits. My experience includes serving as the primary author for the Kansas college’s 2008 and 2016 Self-Study Reports. I know what it takes to have a successful reaccreditation visit, and I am excited to share my knowledge with novices who are just starting to learn about this process.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner B
An Academic Service Learning Success Story: A Partnership Between Teacher Education and Adult Education and Literacy
Learning & Teaching
Ken Boning | Professor of Teacher Education, Jefferson College
Julie Johns | Director of Adult Education and Literacy, Jefferson College
Amy Kausler | Professor of Psychology and Academic Service Learning Coordinator, Jefferson College
The Jefferson College Teacher Education Program partners with the College’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Program in an academic service-learning project where aspiring teachers in Teaching Profession With Field Experience assist AEL staff by tutoring adult learners to help them prepare for the HiSET or to improve their English language skills. Learn about how aspiring teachers and adult learners benefit greatly from this experience. Through the use of interactive technology and thought-provoking dialogue, participants will be encouraged to reflect upon their use of high impact educational experiences and share ideas for new ways to incorporate best practices, such as academic service learning, into their classes.
--- --- ---
Lester Young A
Beyond the Data: Changing the Narrative About the Enrollment Cliff
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Megan Silvey | Director of Student Communications, University of Missouri - Columbia
The enrollment cliff we've been hearing about for years is now upon us. Demographic shifts and changes to the college going rate are forcing institutions to think differently about the value of higher education and how we sell it - not just to students, but our stakeholders from policy-makers to families to donors. Come prepared to stare down some data and exchange ideas about how we can use the enrollment cliff as a launching pad to create new narratives about what sets our institutions apart, the relevance and value of higher education in our state, and the transformative power of higher education for individuals and communities.
--- --- ---
Lester Young B
Shared Governance Through Four Frames
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Dr. Keith Zoromski | Provost of Instruction, Mineral Area College
Dt. Stephanie Witcher | Communications Division Chair, Crowder College
Are you more symbolic or human resource? Do you think in the political or structural frame? In this session, the multi-institutional presenters will outline the "Four Frames" (Bolman and Deal, 1984) from faculty and administrative perspectives to help participants understand that through shared governance and supported organizational change, we can reframe issues to find new solutions.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann A
Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) and Missouri State University (MSU): Neighbors Supporting Transfer Students
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Dr. Kelly Wood | Associate Provost of Student Success, Missouri State University
Dr. Tracy McGrady | Provost & Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Ozarks Technical Community College
Two institutions in southwest Missouri have forged a partnership to improve transfer student access and success. In this session, Drs Kelly Wood and Tracy McGrady will discuss the long-term partnership between their institutions. Dr. McGrady serves as the Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at OTC and Dr. Wood as the Associate Provost of Student Success at MSU. In 2019, their institutions established a comprehensive master articulation agreement that involved the development of 2+2-degree plans for programs that students can begin at OTC and finish at MSU. Many institutions engage in these agreements, but OTC and MSU have taken their relationship much further. The presenters will share several examples of intentional steps taken by their institutions to improve transfer policies, processes, and services for students. The goal of this session is for audience members to identify successful strategies they may be able to establish with their transfer institutions to improve transfer student success.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann B
Massive Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Incentives = Increased Workforce Demand
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Mariah Presley | Education & Industry Partnerships Manager, Trane
Keven Ward | Strategic Programs Consultant, Trane
John Wiemann | Vice President of Workforce & Strategic Initiatives, St. Charles Community College
How are you preparing to equip the workforce of the future? Over the next decade, spending on climate will more than triple historic levels based on federal appropriations and authorizations dedicated to clean energy technologies through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). IRA incentives and apprenticeship requirements combined with unprecedented funding for energy efficiency, solar, thermal energy storage, and decarbonization will increase workforce demand across high-skill career paths that are already facing a critical talent shortage and further shape the future of advanced energy careers across the country. Are you ready?
Join us to learn more about:
Soaring to New Heights: A K-12 and Community College Model for Partnership
Special Topics
Dr. Hal Higdon | Chancellor, Ozarks Technical Community College
Dr. Grenita Lathan | Superintendent, Springfield Public Schools
This session will highlight the strong partnership between Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) and the largest public school district in the state, Springfield Public Schools (SPS). From career center programs including aviation and healthcare, to the Middle College partnership, to embedded advisors in the high schools, the two entities are working together to ensure all students in the district have access to opportunities. Superintendent Grenita Lathan and Chancellor Hal Higdon have forged a partnership that serves as a model for all K-12 and community college collaborations.
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Yardbird A
The Suicidal Student: When Policy and Procedure Aren’t Enough
Special Topics
Stacey Gillette | Social Science Instructor, Mineral Area College
Ellen Miller | Social Science Assistant Professor, Mineral Area College
Often, higher education professionals are sitting across from a student in crisis, and the most feared crisis is the suicidal student. Many times, giving a crisis line number is not enough or is not what is needed in that moment. This presentation will explore how to recognize suicidality in students and give teachers the tools on how to effectively handle this while adhering to policies that are set by the college campuses which they work. This presentation will include teaching of myths about suicide and how to have a direct conversation with a student about suicide. Participants will then role-play with a partner having this conversation. We will be utilizing the S.A.V.E protocol developed by the Veteran’s Administration for suicidal individuals.
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Mary Lou Williams AB
High School 2.0: What Is Early College?
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Aleesha Coke | Director of Site Operations and Student Affairs, Moberly Area Community College -Columbia
Michele McCall | Dean of Enrollment and Student Affairs, Moberly Area Community College
Dru Nash | Advanced Studies Coordinator, Columbia Public Schools
Dual credit allows high school students to complete college-level courses, but an Early College program takes this a step (or two!) further. Moberly Area Community College introduced the Early College program with Columbia Public Schools in the fall of 2020, and the program has since grown and flourished. This session will present the steps MACC took to collaborate with CPS, outcomes of graduates, and how MACC and CPS plan to grow the program moving forward.
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Bennie Moten AB
From SI to Embedded Tutoring — Meeting Students Where They Are
Learning & Teaching
Elizabeth Busekrus-Blackmon | College Writing Center Supervisor, St. Louis Community College
Cindy Clausen | Manager of Academic Success & Tutoring, St. Louis Community College
Sally Kloppe | Tutor Coordinator, St. Louis Community College
Onaedo Onejeme | Math Tutoring Supervisor, St. Louis Community College
Academic Success & Tutoring supervisors from St. Louis Community College share how they are removing obstacles to help-seeking by embedding tutors in the classroom. Evidence of increased engagement and reduced unsatisfactory outcomes encouraged us to add ETs to A&P and chemistry labs with biology next in our sights. Lessons learned and shared include getting faculty buy-in, selecting and training tutors, and collecting data.
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Julia Lee AB
Responding to the Needs of First-Gen College Students Through Data-Driven Programming
Special Topics
Carson Mowery | Coordinator of Campus Life and Leadership, East Central College
The Campus Life and Leadership Office conducted a survey measuring the impacts of perceived campus climate and interpersonal influences on retention and belonging for first-generation female community college students. Within those findings, it became clear that students would benefit from visible first-generation student programming at East Central College. Learn how the findings were used and scaled to establish an institutional definition for first-gen students to capture them in our student demographic data, programming and recognition pieces, a pilot mentorship program, and more. Furthermore, you'll learn about the ways programming designed for identity groups or special populations positively impacts all students by providing implications for scaling programs to benefit every student.
--- --- ---
Andy Kirk AB
Strategic Plan Week: A Week to Remember!
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Ed Foley | Executive Director of Enterprise Project Management, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness; Metropolitan Community College
Amie Kendall | Senior Project Lead, Metropolitan Community College
The breakout session will detail Metropolitan Community College (MCC)’s efforts to keep its strategic plan, MCC Reimagined, top of mind through an interactive Strategic Plan Week! Held April 14-19, 2023, the week consisted of daily interactive activities* focused on different elements of MCC Reimagined. Due to its success in bringing together employees from across the college to celebrate strategic plan progress and anticipate future goals, Strategic Plan Week will become an annual college tradition. Session presenters will detail steps taken to plan and promote Strategic Plan Week, feedback received from participants across the college, and lessons learned that will be utilized to make next year’s Strategic Plan Week even more impactful. Participants will walk away from the session with tangible ideas on how they can host a Strategic Plan Week at their own institutions.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner A
HLC 101: How to Avoid Panic When the HLC Visits Your College
HLC Accreditation
Julie Smith | Academic Advisor, Metropolitan Community College
Is your college preparing for a visit from the HLC? Are you brand new to the regional accreditation process and feeling anxious about interacting with HLC team members? If your answer to these questions is yes, then this session is for you! During the HLC 101 session, attendees will be provided with a basic overview of what the HLC does, why we as educators should care about the HLC, and the Criteria for Accreditation. (There will be a fun HLC knowledge quiz with prizes for the winners!) We will then discuss general best practices for interacting with HLC team members, presented as the “Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts for Your HLC Visit.” I have attended the HLC Annual Conference nearly dozen times during my 20-year career in higher education and collaborated with college leadership at a Kansas HLC-accredited college to prepare for reaccreditation visits and focused visits. My experience includes serving as the primary author for the Kansas college’s 2008 and 2016 Self-Study Reports. I know what it takes to have a successful reaccreditation visit, and I am excited to share my knowledge with novices who are just starting to learn about this process.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner B
An Academic Service Learning Success Story: A Partnership Between Teacher Education and Adult Education and Literacy
Learning & Teaching
Ken Boning | Professor of Teacher Education, Jefferson College
Julie Johns | Director of Adult Education and Literacy, Jefferson College
Amy Kausler | Professor of Psychology and Academic Service Learning Coordinator, Jefferson College
The Jefferson College Teacher Education Program partners with the College’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Program in an academic service-learning project where aspiring teachers in Teaching Profession With Field Experience assist AEL staff by tutoring adult learners to help them prepare for the HiSET or to improve their English language skills. Learn about how aspiring teachers and adult learners benefit greatly from this experience. Through the use of interactive technology and thought-provoking dialogue, participants will be encouraged to reflect upon their use of high impact educational experiences and share ideas for new ways to incorporate best practices, such as academic service learning, into their classes.
--- --- ---
Lester Young A
Beyond the Data: Changing the Narrative About the Enrollment Cliff
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Megan Silvey | Director of Student Communications, University of Missouri - Columbia
The enrollment cliff we've been hearing about for years is now upon us. Demographic shifts and changes to the college going rate are forcing institutions to think differently about the value of higher education and how we sell it - not just to students, but our stakeholders from policy-makers to families to donors. Come prepared to stare down some data and exchange ideas about how we can use the enrollment cliff as a launching pad to create new narratives about what sets our institutions apart, the relevance and value of higher education in our state, and the transformative power of higher education for individuals and communities.
--- --- ---
Lester Young B
Shared Governance Through Four Frames
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Dr. Keith Zoromski | Provost of Instruction, Mineral Area College
Dt. Stephanie Witcher | Communications Division Chair, Crowder College
Are you more symbolic or human resource? Do you think in the political or structural frame? In this session, the multi-institutional presenters will outline the "Four Frames" (Bolman and Deal, 1984) from faculty and administrative perspectives to help participants understand that through shared governance and supported organizational change, we can reframe issues to find new solutions.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann A
Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) and Missouri State University (MSU): Neighbors Supporting Transfer Students
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Dr. Kelly Wood | Associate Provost of Student Success, Missouri State University
Dr. Tracy McGrady | Provost & Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Ozarks Technical Community College
Two institutions in southwest Missouri have forged a partnership to improve transfer student access and success. In this session, Drs Kelly Wood and Tracy McGrady will discuss the long-term partnership between their institutions. Dr. McGrady serves as the Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at OTC and Dr. Wood as the Associate Provost of Student Success at MSU. In 2019, their institutions established a comprehensive master articulation agreement that involved the development of 2+2-degree plans for programs that students can begin at OTC and finish at MSU. Many institutions engage in these agreements, but OTC and MSU have taken their relationship much further. The presenters will share several examples of intentional steps taken by their institutions to improve transfer policies, processes, and services for students. The goal of this session is for audience members to identify successful strategies they may be able to establish with their transfer institutions to improve transfer student success.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann B
Massive Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Incentives = Increased Workforce Demand
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Mariah Presley | Education & Industry Partnerships Manager, Trane
Keven Ward | Strategic Programs Consultant, Trane
John Wiemann | Vice President of Workforce & Strategic Initiatives, St. Charles Community College
How are you preparing to equip the workforce of the future? Over the next decade, spending on climate will more than triple historic levels based on federal appropriations and authorizations dedicated to clean energy technologies through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). IRA incentives and apprenticeship requirements combined with unprecedented funding for energy efficiency, solar, thermal energy storage, and decarbonization will increase workforce demand across high-skill career paths that are already facing a critical talent shortage and further shape the future of advanced energy careers across the country. Are you ready?
Join us to learn more about:
- Tax credits, cash incentives, and other financial options available to tax-exempt entities such as schools, colleges and universities to incentivize clean energy.
- The impact the IRA could have on the workforce demand for skilled labor in these areas.
- How other educational institutions are already leveraging the IRA to stay ahead of the curve.
2:30 - 3:15 P.M.
12th Street Meeting Room
Athletic Viability: Sports CAN Pay for Themselves … Mostly
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Dr. Joe Gilgour | President, Mineral Area College
Mineral Area College implemented a program called Athletic Viability in 2019. In 2019, the “big 5” sports at MAC were costing over $1,000,000 with $0 return on investment. This program required athletic programs to meet a viability score to reduce the net loss for the college. The results have been very successful.
--- --- ---
Yardbird A
Breaking Barriers and Building Support: Unveiling the Missouri Colleges Statewide CCSMART Results
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Crystal Berry | Vice President, 25th Hour Communications
Join us at the Missouri Community College Association Conference to delve into the strategies and outcomes of the Missouri Colleges FIRST statewide branding initiative. This project aimed to raise awareness among Missourians, the Missouri Legislature, our community college partners, and our campuses. Its dual objective was to eliminate the #ccstigma and champion increased funding for community colleges. Join us as we unveil the results!
--- --- ---
Mary Lou Williams AB
The Creation, Implementation and Integration of a Student Services Plan
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Carrie Greer | Director of Admissions, Jefferson College
Dr. Kimberly Harvey-Manus | Vice President of Student Services, Jefferson College
Kathy Johnston | Director of Enrollment & Retention, Jefferson College
Stacey Wilson | Registrar, Jefferson College
Brenna Young | Coordinator of Retention Services, Jefferson College
Members of Jefferson College Student Services will discuss the creation and implementation of the Student Services Integrated Plan. Developed with the student life cycle of recruitment, enrollment, persistence, retention, and completion as the foundational structure, this Plan is a critical component of enrollment management. The integration of this plan with other plans on campus, as well as with the Strategic Enrollment Management & Retention Committee, will be discussed. Assessment of progress and continuous development will also be reviewed.
--- --- ---
Bennie Moten AB
Gaming to Learn
Learning & Teaching
Arlena Ayers | Medical Assistant Instructor, Ozarks Technical Community College
Becky Stevens | Medical Assistant Program Manager, Ozarks Technical Community College
We have created fun and engaging games to play in the classroom that assist with learning and knowledge use and retention. This could be used for multiple programs, especially those that require certification at the end.
--- --- ---
Julia Lee AB
Diversity Hiring and Unconscious Bias
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Dr. D'Andre Braddix | Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; St. Louis Community College
Tara VanDeVoorde | Executive Director of Talent Management & Operations, St. Louis Community College
The presentation will provide the structure that STLCC is using to infuse diversity hiring and unconscious bias training into our faculty hiring process.
--- --- ---
Andy Kirk AB
Nurturing Excellence: Empowering New Faculty Through a Year-Long Academy
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Sue Gochis | Vice Chancellor of Student Success and Engagement and President of MCC Blue River Campus, Metropolitan Community College
Drew Wilkerson | Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Metropolitan Community College
This session will lead you through the Metropolitan Community College Academic Affairs Team’s journey to develop and implement a year-long academy for new full-time faculty. You will leave with ideas for how to support new faculty at your own college and have the chance to share your ideas about how to best support new faculty.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner A
Bringing Liberal Arts to Technical Education: Our Journey With Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) and Healthcare Education
Learning & Teaching
Danielle Beumer | Radiologic Technology Program Director, State Fair Community College
Elizabeth Keehart Bertani | Radiologic Technology Clinical Coordinator, State Fair Community College
A discussion about the inclusion of Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) in a Radiologic Technology curriculum. We will describe the assignment we created and the process of completion. We will share our justification and what we hope for students to get out of the activity, as well as the research behind the inclusion of VTS in a curriculum. Lastly, we will share the student outcomes we have seen so far.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner B
YOU Are NOT Just an Accommodation!
Special Topics
Linda Ladendecker-Corley | ADA Coordinator/Accessibility Resource Office Coordinator, Jefferson College
Connie Nash | Director of Academic Services/ADA Coordinator, Jefferson College
This presentation is about Jefferson College's transformation from just being a Disability Support Services Office to an Accessibility Resource Office through internal and external collaborations and partnerships. This included creating an ADA Review Committee with members across all constituent groups on campus as well as other departments and the community. The Core Team consists of faculty and staff. The charge of this committee is to assist with ADA continued compliance, while the Core Team has the additional responsibilities of the grievance process, policy and accommodation review. Examples will be given as to the process in instituting this committee as well the collaborations that have increased our students' experiences at Jefferson College, where a holistic approach has been adopted in assisting students during their college tenure.
--- --- ---
Lester Young A
Transfer Representative: Are You a Recruiter, an Academic Advisor or Both?
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Christy Hummel | Associate Director of Transfer Admission, Webster University
Navigating the transfer process can be confusing for many students. As a Transfer Representative, you will find yourself in situations that may feel like more of an advising appointment; evaluating transcripts and giving course recommendations. Learn how Transfer Representatives can best serve their students by working in collaboration with Academic Advising.
--- --- ---
Lester Young B
ACT Reading Comprehension Scores and Testing Outcomes
Learning & Teaching
Jenifer Goodson | EMS Program Director, East Central College
Did you know the average incoming Freshman is reading at the 6th or 7th grade level? Reading comprehension affects not only classroom participation, exam pass rates, licensing pass rates, but also workforce participation. Do we need to start looking at more than just composite scores to help our students?
--- --- ---
Jay McShann A
Mental Health in Higher Education
Special Topics
Dr. Joe Parisi | President, Missouri Valley College
Dr. Adrianne Fuller-St. John | Director of Master of Arts in Community Counseling, Missouri Valley College
Elizabeth Bellamy | Vice President of Academic Affairs, Missouri Valley College
Dr. Joe Alsobrook | Vice President for Strategic Initiatives & Online Operations, Missouri Valley College
Post-pandemic stress has exacerbated the emotional well-being of students and colleges and universities are becoming increasingly challenged to respond. Equally important is the mental health of all employees, which can ultimately impact student success. This interactive session will examine data-driven strategies for supporting student and employee well-being, mental health, and resilience.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann B
The Future of Manufacturing: Human and Robot Collaboration
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Chad Whited | Midwest Director of Business Development, Advanced Technologies Consultants (ATC)
Easy-to-use collaborative robotics solutions, where human workers and robots share their skills, are entering the market, thus becoming the new frontier in industrial robotics. With the demand for skilled workers at an all-time high, companies are looking to this new wave of robots to quickly enhance the efficiency of their existing workforce, and streamline the onboarding of new employees. Come learn how Universal Robots (UR) is leading the way in cobot integration and how these systems are impacting the future of Missouri's manufacturing and the skills new workers will need to be successful.
Athletic Viability: Sports CAN Pay for Themselves … Mostly
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Dr. Joe Gilgour | President, Mineral Area College
Mineral Area College implemented a program called Athletic Viability in 2019. In 2019, the “big 5” sports at MAC were costing over $1,000,000 with $0 return on investment. This program required athletic programs to meet a viability score to reduce the net loss for the college. The results have been very successful.
--- --- ---
Yardbird A
Breaking Barriers and Building Support: Unveiling the Missouri Colleges Statewide CCSMART Results
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Crystal Berry | Vice President, 25th Hour Communications
Join us at the Missouri Community College Association Conference to delve into the strategies and outcomes of the Missouri Colleges FIRST statewide branding initiative. This project aimed to raise awareness among Missourians, the Missouri Legislature, our community college partners, and our campuses. Its dual objective was to eliminate the #ccstigma and champion increased funding for community colleges. Join us as we unveil the results!
--- --- ---
Mary Lou Williams AB
The Creation, Implementation and Integration of a Student Services Plan
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Carrie Greer | Director of Admissions, Jefferson College
Dr. Kimberly Harvey-Manus | Vice President of Student Services, Jefferson College
Kathy Johnston | Director of Enrollment & Retention, Jefferson College
Stacey Wilson | Registrar, Jefferson College
Brenna Young | Coordinator of Retention Services, Jefferson College
Members of Jefferson College Student Services will discuss the creation and implementation of the Student Services Integrated Plan. Developed with the student life cycle of recruitment, enrollment, persistence, retention, and completion as the foundational structure, this Plan is a critical component of enrollment management. The integration of this plan with other plans on campus, as well as with the Strategic Enrollment Management & Retention Committee, will be discussed. Assessment of progress and continuous development will also be reviewed.
--- --- ---
Bennie Moten AB
Gaming to Learn
Learning & Teaching
Arlena Ayers | Medical Assistant Instructor, Ozarks Technical Community College
Becky Stevens | Medical Assistant Program Manager, Ozarks Technical Community College
We have created fun and engaging games to play in the classroom that assist with learning and knowledge use and retention. This could be used for multiple programs, especially those that require certification at the end.
--- --- ---
Julia Lee AB
Diversity Hiring and Unconscious Bias
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Dr. D'Andre Braddix | Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; St. Louis Community College
Tara VanDeVoorde | Executive Director of Talent Management & Operations, St. Louis Community College
The presentation will provide the structure that STLCC is using to infuse diversity hiring and unconscious bias training into our faculty hiring process.
--- --- ---
Andy Kirk AB
Nurturing Excellence: Empowering New Faculty Through a Year-Long Academy
Strategic Planning & The Community College Workplace
Sue Gochis | Vice Chancellor of Student Success and Engagement and President of MCC Blue River Campus, Metropolitan Community College
Drew Wilkerson | Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Metropolitan Community College
This session will lead you through the Metropolitan Community College Academic Affairs Team’s journey to develop and implement a year-long academy for new full-time faculty. You will leave with ideas for how to support new faculty at your own college and have the chance to share your ideas about how to best support new faculty.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner A
Bringing Liberal Arts to Technical Education: Our Journey With Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) and Healthcare Education
Learning & Teaching
Danielle Beumer | Radiologic Technology Program Director, State Fair Community College
Elizabeth Keehart Bertani | Radiologic Technology Clinical Coordinator, State Fair Community College
A discussion about the inclusion of Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) in a Radiologic Technology curriculum. We will describe the assignment we created and the process of completion. We will share our justification and what we hope for students to get out of the activity, as well as the research behind the inclusion of VTS in a curriculum. Lastly, we will share the student outcomes we have seen so far.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner B
YOU Are NOT Just an Accommodation!
Special Topics
Linda Ladendecker-Corley | ADA Coordinator/Accessibility Resource Office Coordinator, Jefferson College
Connie Nash | Director of Academic Services/ADA Coordinator, Jefferson College
This presentation is about Jefferson College's transformation from just being a Disability Support Services Office to an Accessibility Resource Office through internal and external collaborations and partnerships. This included creating an ADA Review Committee with members across all constituent groups on campus as well as other departments and the community. The Core Team consists of faculty and staff. The charge of this committee is to assist with ADA continued compliance, while the Core Team has the additional responsibilities of the grievance process, policy and accommodation review. Examples will be given as to the process in instituting this committee as well the collaborations that have increased our students' experiences at Jefferson College, where a holistic approach has been adopted in assisting students during their college tenure.
--- --- ---
Lester Young A
Transfer Representative: Are You a Recruiter, an Academic Advisor or Both?
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Christy Hummel | Associate Director of Transfer Admission, Webster University
Navigating the transfer process can be confusing for many students. As a Transfer Representative, you will find yourself in situations that may feel like more of an advising appointment; evaluating transcripts and giving course recommendations. Learn how Transfer Representatives can best serve their students by working in collaboration with Academic Advising.
--- --- ---
Lester Young B
ACT Reading Comprehension Scores and Testing Outcomes
Learning & Teaching
Jenifer Goodson | EMS Program Director, East Central College
Did you know the average incoming Freshman is reading at the 6th or 7th grade level? Reading comprehension affects not only classroom participation, exam pass rates, licensing pass rates, but also workforce participation. Do we need to start looking at more than just composite scores to help our students?
--- --- ---
Jay McShann A
Mental Health in Higher Education
Special Topics
Dr. Joe Parisi | President, Missouri Valley College
Dr. Adrianne Fuller-St. John | Director of Master of Arts in Community Counseling, Missouri Valley College
Elizabeth Bellamy | Vice President of Academic Affairs, Missouri Valley College
Dr. Joe Alsobrook | Vice President for Strategic Initiatives & Online Operations, Missouri Valley College
Post-pandemic stress has exacerbated the emotional well-being of students and colleges and universities are becoming increasingly challenged to respond. Equally important is the mental health of all employees, which can ultimately impact student success. This interactive session will examine data-driven strategies for supporting student and employee well-being, mental health, and resilience.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann B
The Future of Manufacturing: Human and Robot Collaboration
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Chad Whited | Midwest Director of Business Development, Advanced Technologies Consultants (ATC)
Easy-to-use collaborative robotics solutions, where human workers and robots share their skills, are entering the market, thus becoming the new frontier in industrial robotics. With the demand for skilled workers at an all-time high, companies are looking to this new wave of robots to quickly enhance the efficiency of their existing workforce, and streamline the onboarding of new employees. Come learn how Universal Robots (UR) is leading the way in cobot integration and how these systems are impacting the future of Missouri's manufacturing and the skills new workers will need to be successful.
3:30 - 4:15 P.M.
12th Street Meeting Room
A Different Perspective on ChatGPT and Its Significance in Education
Special Topics
Feng Hou | Chief Information Officer, St. Louis Community College
Dr. Chris DeGeare | Vice President of Academic Affairs, Jefferson College
The presentation "A Different Perspective on ChatGPT and its Significance in Education" aims to shed light on a common misunderstanding surrounding generative AI. Instead of focusing on the overstated abilities or the exaggerated fears, we explore how tools like ChatGPT and AGI, when appropriately utilized, can significantly enhance human cognitive capabilities. Drawing on the wisdom of Einstein's quote, we argue that these AI systems might hold the key to addressing problems too complex for our current level of thinking. Through a nuanced exploration of ChatGPT's role in education, we propose that AI can help us grasp concepts and solve problems that our current pedagogical methods cannot reach, thereby elevating our collective intelligence to a new level. I believe that we may currently be misunderstanding the true significance of generative AI, we are either exaggerating its functions or being overly cautious. In my view, if used appropriately, ChatGPT and even AGI can enhance humanity's overall thinking ability and collective level of intelligence, helping us understand many things that we cannot comprehend in our current environment.
--- --- ---
Yardbird A
Showcasing Your College with Interactive Google Street View Technology
Special Topics
Holly Adkins | Director of Operations, Midwest Pano
During this exciting session, we’ll review what it takes to optimize your online presence through Google. Every college can greatly benefit from Midwest Pano's expertise in creating interactive 360° virtual tours to showcase what they offer! As a Google-certified agency, Midwest Pano has the knowledge and skills to help you effectively promote your facilities to potential and current students. With a virtual tour, people can get a comprehensive view of your campus and learn about all it offers. It makes life easier for those who cannot visit in person before enrolling and those who are deciding whether to visit/enroll. In this presentation, Holly Adkins will speak to the importance of:
--- --- ---
Mary Lou Williams AB
Vikings Care … By Using Mental Health Data to Improve Persistence and Retention Efforts
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Kristine Bogue | Director of Student Compliance, Jefferson College
Dr. Kimberly Harvey-Manus | Vice President of Student Services, Jefferson College
Joan Masters | Senior Project Director of Missouri Partners in Prevention, University of Missouri
Mental health continues to be a top reason why students consider leaving higher education. Learn how Jefferson College’s Vikings Care student wellness subcommittee uses annual wellbeing survey data in their strategic planning process to improve student mental health and address concerns related to persistence and retention. This session will highlight the continual strategic planning process...which includes identifying strategic priorities, creating action plans/goals, assessing, and evaluating around mental health and student wellness. This session will also cover how Jefferson College uses statewide resources to support on-campus efforts related to wellbeing and student success.
--- --- ---
Bennie Moten AB
Listen Up! The Surprising Outcomes of a Good Old-Fashioned, Campus-Wide Listening Tour
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Dr. Autumn Porter | Dean, Student Services, State Fair Community College
Following the inauguration of SFCC's new College President, the Executive Leadership Team was tasked with interviewing employees about their experiences at the college. All. The. Employees. After months of genuinely listening to the preferences, needs, joys and frustrations of everyone on the payroll, the data was reviewed and analyzed through a phenomenological lens. Our process and findings were inspiring for the SFCC team and can be replicated on your campus as well.
--- --- ---
Julia Lee AB
“Mercy Win From Within” — An Innovative Program for Healthcare Workforce Development
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Karla Herrington | Manager of Clinical Excellence, Mercy Hospital South
Dr. William Hubble | District Dean of Health Sciences, St. Louis Community College
Kim Kraft | Student Placement Coordinator for Nursing, St. Louis Community College
St. Louis Community College (STLCC) and Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, Missouri, have created an innovative healthcare workforce development pilot program supporting and funding college students through our nursing and health sciences programs. This is a “earn while you learn” apprentice model that could be replicated at other institutions. The program will offer students additional resources resulting in a decrease in student debt, an increase in student retention, flexible student employment while in school, and a guaranteed full-time job upon graduation.
--- --- ---
Andy Kirk AB
Pro-fresh-ionalism: Rethinking and Refreshing What Defines Professional Standards
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Saranda Lund | Student Services Specialist, Jefferson College
Jessie Montgomery | Student Services Specialist, Jefferson College
Jenna Schwartz | Student Services Specialist, Jefferson College
As part of this presentation, we will discuss the significant shifts in what is considered "professional" as well as the inherent discrimination and bias in traditional professionalism standards, how the conversation about professionalism has accelerated over the past three years, and how to foster a new definition of professionalism and its benefits.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner A
Using Technology to Broaden Student Horizons: Annotated Images and Photo Essays
Learning & Teaching
Dana Prewitt | Assistant Professor of Sociology, St. Charles Community College
Interactive technology tools may assist instructors in their goals of making course concepts applicable to students’ lives and/or bring different worlds to students. Technology tools help instructors bring spaces and experiences to life for students without the need for travel. On the other hand, technology also helps students solidify and illustrate their understanding. Project-based assignments can serve as an important opportunity to explore settings around them, and identify how patterns such as inequality might manifest in everyday life (Dundas, Hansen, Outram, and James 2017; Cabaniss and Parrotta, 2022), which can be particularly important in teaching student concepts related to health. This breakout session will include discussion of accessible technology tools to help students identify and discuss course concepts. Using social determinants of health as a model, I discuss how tech tools such as H5P and reflective assignments can help students creatively apply course content to their lives.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner B
Preparing Your College for an Active Shooter
Special Topics
Jason Fitzwater | Law Enforcement Instructor, Mineral Area College
Dr. Rich Flotron | Associate Dean of Students and Campus Safety Director, Mineral Area College
Zak Jackson | Law Enforcement Instructor, Mineral Area College
Active shooter situations are unpredictable, and they evolve quickly. If you or your college find yourself in the middle of such an event, your survival can depend on the way you respond. In most cases, active shooters use firearms, and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Because active shooter situations often end before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.
--- --- ---
Lester Young A
Begin With the End in Mind — Blending Career and Academic Advising
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Mysha R. Clincy | Coordinator, Student Retention Programs, St. Louis Community College
This interactive session will teach participants how to infuse career planning with academic and program planning.
--- --- ---
Lester Young B
Enhancing Student Engagement, Confidence and Knowledge Retention Through Daily Bell Work
Learning & Teaching
Ross Lowrance | Computer Information Science Instructor, Ozarks Technical Community College
In my 100 and 200-level CIS courses at OTC, I have successfully implemented a daily Bell Work activity. Students spend the first 15-20 minutes of each class answering thoughtfully designed questions related to the day's material. This practice has significantly enhanced student engagement, knowledge retention, and confidence. Now, I invite you to join me in a session to explore the benefits and strategies of implementing daily Bell Work in your own courses. Discover how this simple yet effective technique can create a supportive learning environment and empower students to actively participate and succeed in their studies.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann A
Preparing for a Capital Campaign
Special Topics
Ross Pfannenstiel | Executive Vice President, Kinetic
Community colleges can and should be able to raise money well above their budget, if they are willing to learn and implement new strategies for undergoing a capital campaign. An essential first step is the Pre-campaign Study. This process comprises gathering objective internal and external assessments including an operational review of systems; case for support; questions posed to individuals who know the organization well and to others in the general community in order to assess the nonprofit’s visibility and reputation; collection of insights; analyzation of data; and tailored recommendations that must be accomplished prior to launching a capital campaign.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann B
Strengthening Student Outcomes Through Effective Teaching
Learning & Teaching
Paul Grillos | Partnership Director, Association of College and University Educators
Antwan Daniels | Chemistry Instructor, Metropolitan Community College
Tom Grady | Faculty Director for the Center for Teaching Excellence, Kansas City Kansas Community College
Research shows that educators who use evidence-based teaching practices in their classrooms can positively impact student outcomes. Through a certification in ACUE’s Effective Teaching Practice Framework, endorsed by the American Council on Education (ACE), educators are equipped with these teaching practices, which are proven to increase student persistence and completion while improving their own confidence and engagement.
During ACUE’s Strengthening Student Outcomes Through Effective Teaching session, hear from faculty leaders in the Kansas City area as they share their experiences implementing ACUE’s evidence-based teaching practices and the positive impact they have had on students at their institutions. Discover how your institution can partner with ACUE and commit to teaching excellence!
A Different Perspective on ChatGPT and Its Significance in Education
Special Topics
Feng Hou | Chief Information Officer, St. Louis Community College
Dr. Chris DeGeare | Vice President of Academic Affairs, Jefferson College
The presentation "A Different Perspective on ChatGPT and its Significance in Education" aims to shed light on a common misunderstanding surrounding generative AI. Instead of focusing on the overstated abilities or the exaggerated fears, we explore how tools like ChatGPT and AGI, when appropriately utilized, can significantly enhance human cognitive capabilities. Drawing on the wisdom of Einstein's quote, we argue that these AI systems might hold the key to addressing problems too complex for our current level of thinking. Through a nuanced exploration of ChatGPT's role in education, we propose that AI can help us grasp concepts and solve problems that our current pedagogical methods cannot reach, thereby elevating our collective intelligence to a new level. I believe that we may currently be misunderstanding the true significance of generative AI, we are either exaggerating its functions or being overly cautious. In my view, if used appropriately, ChatGPT and even AGI can enhance humanity's overall thinking ability and collective level of intelligence, helping us understand many things that we cannot comprehend in our current environment.
--- --- ---
Yardbird A
Showcasing Your College with Interactive Google Street View Technology
Special Topics
Holly Adkins | Director of Operations, Midwest Pano
During this exciting session, we’ll review what it takes to optimize your online presence through Google. Every college can greatly benefit from Midwest Pano's expertise in creating interactive 360° virtual tours to showcase what they offer! As a Google-certified agency, Midwest Pano has the knowledge and skills to help you effectively promote your facilities to potential and current students. With a virtual tour, people can get a comprehensive view of your campus and learn about all it offers. It makes life easier for those who cannot visit in person before enrolling and those who are deciding whether to visit/enroll. In this presentation, Holly Adkins will speak to the importance of:
- Having up-to-date information on Google
- Including relevant keywords and incorporating Google Posts
- Having reviews and feedback
- Updating your photos and adding a Google virtual tour
--- --- ---
Mary Lou Williams AB
Vikings Care … By Using Mental Health Data to Improve Persistence and Retention Efforts
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Kristine Bogue | Director of Student Compliance, Jefferson College
Dr. Kimberly Harvey-Manus | Vice President of Student Services, Jefferson College
Joan Masters | Senior Project Director of Missouri Partners in Prevention, University of Missouri
Mental health continues to be a top reason why students consider leaving higher education. Learn how Jefferson College’s Vikings Care student wellness subcommittee uses annual wellbeing survey data in their strategic planning process to improve student mental health and address concerns related to persistence and retention. This session will highlight the continual strategic planning process...which includes identifying strategic priorities, creating action plans/goals, assessing, and evaluating around mental health and student wellness. This session will also cover how Jefferson College uses statewide resources to support on-campus efforts related to wellbeing and student success.
--- --- ---
Bennie Moten AB
Listen Up! The Surprising Outcomes of a Good Old-Fashioned, Campus-Wide Listening Tour
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Dr. Autumn Porter | Dean, Student Services, State Fair Community College
Following the inauguration of SFCC's new College President, the Executive Leadership Team was tasked with interviewing employees about their experiences at the college. All. The. Employees. After months of genuinely listening to the preferences, needs, joys and frustrations of everyone on the payroll, the data was reviewed and analyzed through a phenomenological lens. Our process and findings were inspiring for the SFCC team and can be replicated on your campus as well.
--- --- ---
Julia Lee AB
“Mercy Win From Within” — An Innovative Program for Healthcare Workforce Development
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Karla Herrington | Manager of Clinical Excellence, Mercy Hospital South
Dr. William Hubble | District Dean of Health Sciences, St. Louis Community College
Kim Kraft | Student Placement Coordinator for Nursing, St. Louis Community College
St. Louis Community College (STLCC) and Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, Missouri, have created an innovative healthcare workforce development pilot program supporting and funding college students through our nursing and health sciences programs. This is a “earn while you learn” apprentice model that could be replicated at other institutions. The program will offer students additional resources resulting in a decrease in student debt, an increase in student retention, flexible student employment while in school, and a guaranteed full-time job upon graduation.
--- --- ---
Andy Kirk AB
Pro-fresh-ionalism: Rethinking and Refreshing What Defines Professional Standards
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Saranda Lund | Student Services Specialist, Jefferson College
Jessie Montgomery | Student Services Specialist, Jefferson College
Jenna Schwartz | Student Services Specialist, Jefferson College
As part of this presentation, we will discuss the significant shifts in what is considered "professional" as well as the inherent discrimination and bias in traditional professionalism standards, how the conversation about professionalism has accelerated over the past three years, and how to foster a new definition of professionalism and its benefits.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner A
Using Technology to Broaden Student Horizons: Annotated Images and Photo Essays
Learning & Teaching
Dana Prewitt | Assistant Professor of Sociology, St. Charles Community College
Interactive technology tools may assist instructors in their goals of making course concepts applicable to students’ lives and/or bring different worlds to students. Technology tools help instructors bring spaces and experiences to life for students without the need for travel. On the other hand, technology also helps students solidify and illustrate their understanding. Project-based assignments can serve as an important opportunity to explore settings around them, and identify how patterns such as inequality might manifest in everyday life (Dundas, Hansen, Outram, and James 2017; Cabaniss and Parrotta, 2022), which can be particularly important in teaching student concepts related to health. This breakout session will include discussion of accessible technology tools to help students identify and discuss course concepts. Using social determinants of health as a model, I discuss how tech tools such as H5P and reflective assignments can help students creatively apply course content to their lives.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner B
Preparing Your College for an Active Shooter
Special Topics
Jason Fitzwater | Law Enforcement Instructor, Mineral Area College
Dr. Rich Flotron | Associate Dean of Students and Campus Safety Director, Mineral Area College
Zak Jackson | Law Enforcement Instructor, Mineral Area College
Active shooter situations are unpredictable, and they evolve quickly. If you or your college find yourself in the middle of such an event, your survival can depend on the way you respond. In most cases, active shooters use firearms, and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Because active shooter situations often end before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.
--- --- ---
Lester Young A
Begin With the End in Mind — Blending Career and Academic Advising
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Mysha R. Clincy | Coordinator, Student Retention Programs, St. Louis Community College
This interactive session will teach participants how to infuse career planning with academic and program planning.
--- --- ---
Lester Young B
Enhancing Student Engagement, Confidence and Knowledge Retention Through Daily Bell Work
Learning & Teaching
Ross Lowrance | Computer Information Science Instructor, Ozarks Technical Community College
In my 100 and 200-level CIS courses at OTC, I have successfully implemented a daily Bell Work activity. Students spend the first 15-20 minutes of each class answering thoughtfully designed questions related to the day's material. This practice has significantly enhanced student engagement, knowledge retention, and confidence. Now, I invite you to join me in a session to explore the benefits and strategies of implementing daily Bell Work in your own courses. Discover how this simple yet effective technique can create a supportive learning environment and empower students to actively participate and succeed in their studies.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann A
Preparing for a Capital Campaign
Special Topics
Ross Pfannenstiel | Executive Vice President, Kinetic
Community colleges can and should be able to raise money well above their budget, if they are willing to learn and implement new strategies for undergoing a capital campaign. An essential first step is the Pre-campaign Study. This process comprises gathering objective internal and external assessments including an operational review of systems; case for support; questions posed to individuals who know the organization well and to others in the general community in order to assess the nonprofit’s visibility and reputation; collection of insights; analyzation of data; and tailored recommendations that must be accomplished prior to launching a capital campaign.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann B
Strengthening Student Outcomes Through Effective Teaching
Learning & Teaching
Paul Grillos | Partnership Director, Association of College and University Educators
Antwan Daniels | Chemistry Instructor, Metropolitan Community College
Tom Grady | Faculty Director for the Center for Teaching Excellence, Kansas City Kansas Community College
Research shows that educators who use evidence-based teaching practices in their classrooms can positively impact student outcomes. Through a certification in ACUE’s Effective Teaching Practice Framework, endorsed by the American Council on Education (ACE), educators are equipped with these teaching practices, which are proven to increase student persistence and completion while improving their own confidence and engagement.
During ACUE’s Strengthening Student Outcomes Through Effective Teaching session, hear from faculty leaders in the Kansas City area as they share their experiences implementing ACUE’s evidence-based teaching practices and the positive impact they have had on students at their institutions. Discover how your institution can partner with ACUE and commit to teaching excellence!
Friday, November 10
8:45 - 9:30 A.M.
12th Street Meeting Room
Creating Access to the IT Workforce
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Dr. Julie Fickas | Campus President and Chief Academic Officer, St. Louis Community College
Bill Mitchell | Executive Director, Access Point
The Information Technology workforce has traditionally required a bachelor's degree for access. Come and learn about this innovative public/private partnership that is creating a new pathway into these careers.
--- --- ---
Yardbird A
Using Electronic Forms to Save Time in the Registrar's Office
Special Topics
Joni Oaks | Registrar, North Central Missouri College
Using Etrieve to replace paper forms and physical student files has improved productivity and efficiency in the registrar's office. Forms are easy to use for students and staff. No more lost paper forms, or filing cabinets full of confidential information. This session will show the process of creating forms, and show the workflow, from start to finish.
--- --- ---
Mary Lou Williams AB
Expanding Access: Supporting Students for Success
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Sarah Bargo | College Director of Student Care & Engagement, Ozarks Technical Community College
Amy Hager | Director of Financial Aid, Moberly Area Community College
Angel Mefford | Director of Financial Aid, State Fair Community College
Dena Norris | Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Financial Services, Metropolitan Community College
How do we help our students after they “get in” to our colleges/universities? While there are many reasons that may lead a student to fall behind or become at-risk, taking the time to plan and implement key student retention strategies will help prepare students to navigate obstacles, take advantage of campus resources, and feel fully supported in knowing where and how to reach out for help when needed. In this session our panelists will share various strategies to identify students who may be struggling, as well as programs their campuses provide for mental health services, food and housing insecurities, and ADA services. We will explore best practices for building connections and communicating support services to help our students succeed.
--- --- ---
Bennie Moten AB
A Bag of Tricks for Your Classroom
Learning & Teaching
Brett Butler | MHPC OTA Program Director, State Fair Community College
As our students change so must the way we teach. This may mean moving away from the traditional lecture and into a more hands on learning techniques that engage our transitional and on-line students.
--- --- ---
Julia Lee AB
A Reimagined Commitment to Institutional Effectiveness
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Ed Foley | Executive Director of Enterprise Project Management, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness; Metropolitan Community College
Amie Kendall | Senior Project Lead for Office of Enterprise Project Management, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness; Metropolitan Community College
Over the past several years, Metropolitan Community College (MCC) has revamped its institutional effectiveness efforts to be more collaborative, transparent, and aligned with other planning cycles across the college. As a result, the college has cultivated a strong culture of continuous improvement that consistently yields a 100% compliance rate with meeting Institutional Effectiveness Plan (IEP) deadlines. Throughout this session, the presenters will detail the steps they took and the resources they utilized to make the IEP cycle engaging, user-friendly, and impactful to college operations. Additionally, they will discuss the steps they’ve taken to gain buy-in from IEP participants and engage the college community in their continuous improvement work. Finally, they will detail the way the IEP cycle operationalizes the strategic plan and complements other planning cycles at the institution, resulting in truly integrated planning across the college. You’ll walk away from this presentation with a start to your own IEP… and potentially some classic 80s’ tunes stuck in your head!
--- --- ---
Andy Kirk AB
Implementation of a Successful Pathway Advising Structure
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Kathy Johnston | Director of Enrollment & Retention, Jefferson College
Stacey Wilson | Registrar, Jefferson College
Join Jefferson College on their journey to implement a pathway advising structure. This structure includes being a part of a larger Enrollment Services team that provides the one-stop-shop foundation to support students. The development of technology needed to incorporate holistic case management was essential. Positive student satisfaction response affirms progress. Lessons learned, assessment needs, and continuous campus-wide collaboration and opportunities will also be discussed.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner A
The CURE for All Virtual Labs — Course Based Undergraduate Research at OTC
Learning & Teaching
Patrick Casey | Chemistry Faculty, Ozarks Technical Community College
Diann Thomas | Chemistry Faculty, Ozarks Technical Community College
Dick Wells | Bioclinical Science Faculty, Ozarks Technical Community College
While adapting our traditional science content for our Chemical Laboratory Technician TAACCCT grant in 2015, we started realizing how much personal and academic growth students experienced by having novel hands-on laboratory opportunities. When the grant ended, we continued daydreaming about creating opportunities for our science students who were curious to learn what scientific academic research was really like. Coming out of so many fully online semesters during the height of the pandemic, it was clear the time was right to pull this idea out of our dreams and make it a reality. In the Spring 2023 semester we launched 3 standalone undergraduate research courses. Join us to hear about how they went (spoiler: amazingly!), what we learned, and our goals to grow this student engagement opportunity moving forward.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner B
Enhancing Your Campus's Global Awareness Through the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program
Special Topics
Agnes Brekke | Visiting Scholar-in-Residence, Metropolitan Community College
Ryan Crider | Vice President of Instruction and Student Services, Metropolitan Community College
Eric Sullivan | Arts & Humanities, Education and Exploratory Division Chair; Metropolitan Community College
During the 2022-23 academic year, MCC-Longview applied for and was awarded a visiting scholar through the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence program. Our scholar will be in residence at MCC during the Fall 2023 semester. In this session, the proposal writer and administrative supervisor chiefly involved will provide an overview of the application process, as well as the strategic vision that led to our pursuit of this opportunity. We will also share the logistical challenges involved and how we problem-solved to overcome those challenges. In addition, we will report on the ways in which we have leveraged our scholar-in-residence to impact programming at MCC and within the community, and how this programming has enhanced the learning experience for all stakeholders. Finally, the scholar-in-residence will share their own reflections on the process and what they have gained from their residency. Our goal will be to provide other colleges with insight to the Fulbright S-I-R process and encouragement to pursue similar opportunities for their own campuses.
--- --- ---
Lester Young A
2 Minutes or Less: How to Help Students Regulate Their Nervous System
Special Topics
Stacey Gillette | Social Science Instructor, Mineral Area College
Ellen Miller | Social Science Assistant Professor, Mineral Area College
Balancing school and other responsibilities while navigating being an adult is challenging for any person enrolled in college courses. 77% of college students experience severe psychological distress during their coursework with another 35% having a diagnosis of anxiety. This makes the chances of higher learning professionals dealing with a student experiencing a panic attack extremely high. This presentation will focus on the TIP (temperature, intense physical exercise, paced breathing with paired muscle relaxation) skill taught in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to interrupt a student’s physiological process during an anxiety attack. This will be a hands-on presentation with practice of the skill in the breakout session.
--- --- ---
Lester Young B
The First Year Experience: A Co-Curricular Model
Special Topics
Victoria Cannon | Director of New Student Programs, St. Louis Community College
Dedra Duncan | Coordinator of Student Orientation and Transition, St. Louis Community College
Sarah Kelly | Districtwide Orientation Coordinator, St. Louis Community College
Mariah Palmer | Coordinator of Student Orientation and Transition, St. Louis Community College
In Fall 2022, St. Louis Community College's New Student Programs department launched a co-curricular First Year Experience (FYE) Program, designed to provide students with core learning competencies in the absence of a required first-year course. The FYE experience is key to student success, as noted in research conducted by Maria Jose Sa “a smooth and supported process of student transition from secondary to tertiary education is one of the key variables in higher education student retention and paramount for preventing student dropout.” During this session, STLCC’s team will discuss the program curriculum, challenges, and successes they faced in implementation, and early outcomes and findings from the program’s first cohort.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann A
I Read a Leadership Book So You Don't Have To: A Leader's Legacy by Kouzes & Posner
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Steven Fouse | Executive Director of rootED Missouri, Ozarks Technical Community College
Leadership, not just supervision or management, is a daunting task. As leaders, we want to leave a legacy – something that will live on after us. Kouzes & Posner’s book A Leader’s Legacy tackles this idea and provides helpful tools for all leaders regardless of title or position. In this interactive session, we’ll discuss the four areas in which leaders leave a legacy: significance, relationships, aspirations, and courage. You’ll have the opportunity to share your insights and experience in leadership, and you’ll leave this session with highlights from the book and practical tips to leave the legacy you want to leave.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann B
Unifying Student Leadership Organizations Through Yearly Training/Teambuilding
Special Topics
Adrian Jameson | Director of Housing, Three Rivers College
Heather King | Coordinator of Admission and Recruitment, Three Rivers College
Creating a multi-organization training for student leaders to complete during the summer prior to fall semester. Allowing multiple groups of students, with different backgrounds, to train together to encourage unification across the campus.
Creating Access to the IT Workforce
Workforce Development: Partnerships & Apprenticeships
Dr. Julie Fickas | Campus President and Chief Academic Officer, St. Louis Community College
Bill Mitchell | Executive Director, Access Point
The Information Technology workforce has traditionally required a bachelor's degree for access. Come and learn about this innovative public/private partnership that is creating a new pathway into these careers.
--- --- ---
Yardbird A
Using Electronic Forms to Save Time in the Registrar's Office
Special Topics
Joni Oaks | Registrar, North Central Missouri College
Using Etrieve to replace paper forms and physical student files has improved productivity and efficiency in the registrar's office. Forms are easy to use for students and staff. No more lost paper forms, or filing cabinets full of confidential information. This session will show the process of creating forms, and show the workflow, from start to finish.
--- --- ---
Mary Lou Williams AB
Expanding Access: Supporting Students for Success
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Sarah Bargo | College Director of Student Care & Engagement, Ozarks Technical Community College
Amy Hager | Director of Financial Aid, Moberly Area Community College
Angel Mefford | Director of Financial Aid, State Fair Community College
Dena Norris | Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Financial Services, Metropolitan Community College
How do we help our students after they “get in” to our colleges/universities? While there are many reasons that may lead a student to fall behind or become at-risk, taking the time to plan and implement key student retention strategies will help prepare students to navigate obstacles, take advantage of campus resources, and feel fully supported in knowing where and how to reach out for help when needed. In this session our panelists will share various strategies to identify students who may be struggling, as well as programs their campuses provide for mental health services, food and housing insecurities, and ADA services. We will explore best practices for building connections and communicating support services to help our students succeed.
--- --- ---
Bennie Moten AB
A Bag of Tricks for Your Classroom
Learning & Teaching
Brett Butler | MHPC OTA Program Director, State Fair Community College
As our students change so must the way we teach. This may mean moving away from the traditional lecture and into a more hands on learning techniques that engage our transitional and on-line students.
--- --- ---
Julia Lee AB
A Reimagined Commitment to Institutional Effectiveness
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Ed Foley | Executive Director of Enterprise Project Management, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness; Metropolitan Community College
Amie Kendall | Senior Project Lead for Office of Enterprise Project Management, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness; Metropolitan Community College
Over the past several years, Metropolitan Community College (MCC) has revamped its institutional effectiveness efforts to be more collaborative, transparent, and aligned with other planning cycles across the college. As a result, the college has cultivated a strong culture of continuous improvement that consistently yields a 100% compliance rate with meeting Institutional Effectiveness Plan (IEP) deadlines. Throughout this session, the presenters will detail the steps they took and the resources they utilized to make the IEP cycle engaging, user-friendly, and impactful to college operations. Additionally, they will discuss the steps they’ve taken to gain buy-in from IEP participants and engage the college community in their continuous improvement work. Finally, they will detail the way the IEP cycle operationalizes the strategic plan and complements other planning cycles at the institution, resulting in truly integrated planning across the college. You’ll walk away from this presentation with a start to your own IEP… and potentially some classic 80s’ tunes stuck in your head!
--- --- ---
Andy Kirk AB
Implementation of a Successful Pathway Advising Structure
Enrollment, Retention & Completion
Kathy Johnston | Director of Enrollment & Retention, Jefferson College
Stacey Wilson | Registrar, Jefferson College
Join Jefferson College on their journey to implement a pathway advising structure. This structure includes being a part of a larger Enrollment Services team that provides the one-stop-shop foundation to support students. The development of technology needed to incorporate holistic case management was essential. Positive student satisfaction response affirms progress. Lessons learned, assessment needs, and continuous campus-wide collaboration and opportunities will also be discussed.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner A
The CURE for All Virtual Labs — Course Based Undergraduate Research at OTC
Learning & Teaching
Patrick Casey | Chemistry Faculty, Ozarks Technical Community College
Diann Thomas | Chemistry Faculty, Ozarks Technical Community College
Dick Wells | Bioclinical Science Faculty, Ozarks Technical Community College
While adapting our traditional science content for our Chemical Laboratory Technician TAACCCT grant in 2015, we started realizing how much personal and academic growth students experienced by having novel hands-on laboratory opportunities. When the grant ended, we continued daydreaming about creating opportunities for our science students who were curious to learn what scientific academic research was really like. Coming out of so many fully online semesters during the height of the pandemic, it was clear the time was right to pull this idea out of our dreams and make it a reality. In the Spring 2023 semester we launched 3 standalone undergraduate research courses. Join us to hear about how they went (spoiler: amazingly!), what we learned, and our goals to grow this student engagement opportunity moving forward.
--- --- ---
Big Joe Turner B
Enhancing Your Campus's Global Awareness Through the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program
Special Topics
Agnes Brekke | Visiting Scholar-in-Residence, Metropolitan Community College
Ryan Crider | Vice President of Instruction and Student Services, Metropolitan Community College
Eric Sullivan | Arts & Humanities, Education and Exploratory Division Chair; Metropolitan Community College
During the 2022-23 academic year, MCC-Longview applied for and was awarded a visiting scholar through the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence program. Our scholar will be in residence at MCC during the Fall 2023 semester. In this session, the proposal writer and administrative supervisor chiefly involved will provide an overview of the application process, as well as the strategic vision that led to our pursuit of this opportunity. We will also share the logistical challenges involved and how we problem-solved to overcome those challenges. In addition, we will report on the ways in which we have leveraged our scholar-in-residence to impact programming at MCC and within the community, and how this programming has enhanced the learning experience for all stakeholders. Finally, the scholar-in-residence will share their own reflections on the process and what they have gained from their residency. Our goal will be to provide other colleges with insight to the Fulbright S-I-R process and encouragement to pursue similar opportunities for their own campuses.
--- --- ---
Lester Young A
2 Minutes or Less: How to Help Students Regulate Their Nervous System
Special Topics
Stacey Gillette | Social Science Instructor, Mineral Area College
Ellen Miller | Social Science Assistant Professor, Mineral Area College
Balancing school and other responsibilities while navigating being an adult is challenging for any person enrolled in college courses. 77% of college students experience severe psychological distress during their coursework with another 35% having a diagnosis of anxiety. This makes the chances of higher learning professionals dealing with a student experiencing a panic attack extremely high. This presentation will focus on the TIP (temperature, intense physical exercise, paced breathing with paired muscle relaxation) skill taught in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to interrupt a student’s physiological process during an anxiety attack. This will be a hands-on presentation with practice of the skill in the breakout session.
--- --- ---
Lester Young B
The First Year Experience: A Co-Curricular Model
Special Topics
Victoria Cannon | Director of New Student Programs, St. Louis Community College
Dedra Duncan | Coordinator of Student Orientation and Transition, St. Louis Community College
Sarah Kelly | Districtwide Orientation Coordinator, St. Louis Community College
Mariah Palmer | Coordinator of Student Orientation and Transition, St. Louis Community College
In Fall 2022, St. Louis Community College's New Student Programs department launched a co-curricular First Year Experience (FYE) Program, designed to provide students with core learning competencies in the absence of a required first-year course. The FYE experience is key to student success, as noted in research conducted by Maria Jose Sa “a smooth and supported process of student transition from secondary to tertiary education is one of the key variables in higher education student retention and paramount for preventing student dropout.” During this session, STLCC’s team will discuss the program curriculum, challenges, and successes they faced in implementation, and early outcomes and findings from the program’s first cohort.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann A
I Read a Leadership Book So You Don't Have To: A Leader's Legacy by Kouzes & Posner
Leadership & Institutional Transformation
Steven Fouse | Executive Director of rootED Missouri, Ozarks Technical Community College
Leadership, not just supervision or management, is a daunting task. As leaders, we want to leave a legacy – something that will live on after us. Kouzes & Posner’s book A Leader’s Legacy tackles this idea and provides helpful tools for all leaders regardless of title or position. In this interactive session, we’ll discuss the four areas in which leaders leave a legacy: significance, relationships, aspirations, and courage. You’ll have the opportunity to share your insights and experience in leadership, and you’ll leave this session with highlights from the book and practical tips to leave the legacy you want to leave.
--- --- ---
Jay McShann B
Unifying Student Leadership Organizations Through Yearly Training/Teambuilding
Special Topics
Adrian Jameson | Director of Housing, Three Rivers College
Heather King | Coordinator of Admission and Recruitment, Three Rivers College
Creating a multi-organization training for student leaders to complete during the summer prior to fall semester. Allowing multiple groups of students, with different backgrounds, to train together to encourage unification across the campus.