Call for Programs
We are pleased to announce the call for programs for the 2nd Annual Student Success Conference: an event for Rutgers University–New Brunswick faculty and staff. The conference is a collaborative initiative between Student Affairs and Undergraduate Education, with a committee comprised of representatives from all corners of the university.
Programs for consideration should be submitted no later than Friday, October 18, 2024, and should focus on those topics relevant to the student success objectives outlined in the Academic Master Plan, including: (I) creating a welcoming, equitable, and supporting learning environment for all students; (II) prioritizing on-time graduation with minimal debt for all students; and (III) expanding high-impact learning opportunities to best prepare students for future success.
Session Formats
There will be four different session formats for the conference. Each is described below and some include topics requested by last year’s participants or committee members.
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These sessions will teach a skill, strategy, or concept that is beneficial to student success work across roles. Examples include how to conduct a specific kind of assessment, how to communicate effectively with students via email and other platforms, how to use Canvas Analytics for program and course management, and many others. The goal is for participants to leave this session knowing how to apply a new skill or concept to their work. These should be interactive and presented in a workshop format, with clear learning objectives for participants.
Some suggested topics for this session format include:
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Understanding how mindset can impact our interactions with students and their approach to their work: This session would focus on how professionals and faculty can intentionally coach students into a growth mindset and discuss the importance of students being in a growth-centered environment.
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Creating effective surveys: This session would focus on best practices in assessment design, as well as some lesser-known technical skills in Qualtrics.
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Talking to students about and addressing their Basic Needs (housing, food, etc.)
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These sessions will present a narrative about a specific program, strategy, instructional method, or intervention that has demonstrated positive outcomes for students.
Any program, activity, or strategy that can be replicated by other programs could be addressed in these sessions. This is an opportunity for campus partners to learn more about the program or project and consider ways that its success can be replicated or expanded.
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These sessions are intended to be highly interactive guided discussions around a particular topic. Conversation guides, small group activities, and the creation of a shared resource could all be elements of these sessions.
Topics requested by previous participants and committee members are below:
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Examining the use of AI on campus: This session would open a discussion about how AI is being used, can be used, and shouldn’t be used to support student success. Ethical implications as well as practical implications could be included.
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Working with Neurodivergent students and/or students with disabilities.
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These sessions are an opportunity for RU-NB faculty, staff, and students to share research related to student success. These sessions should include the research aims, methods, results, and discussion. The study does not have to be published to be considered.