Breakout Session #1: 11:15 - 12:00
Student Center 213
Professors as Parents of College Students: What We Wish Student Affairs Professionals Knew (Beginner)
Rene Couture, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director - Arkansas Tech University
Valerie Couture, Associate Professor, University of Central Arkansas
Erin Shaw, Assistant Professor - University of Central Arkansas
Nathan White, Assistant Professor - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: Parents of college students often draw the ire of higher education employees. There are multiple pejorative terms that are used to stereotype parents, and student affairs professionals typically have no shortage of outrageous parent stories. However, little is known about the experiences of parents of college students who also happen to work on campus. In this session four university professors will share their children’s experiences with student affairs professionals. Generation Z students are deeply connected to their parents and family members. Participants will learn some ways they can embrace, rather than shun, the parent and family connection, while maintaining FERPA. We will share parent stories of a prospective college student, a current student, and a recent graduate. In doing so, we will share what parents wish student affairs professionals knew, which we hope will increase self-awareness and improve job satisfaction of student affairs professionals.
Student Center 214
Where You Work Matters: Applying and Institutional Intelligence Approach to Higher Education and Student Affairs Work (Beginner)
Madison Evans, Graduate Student - University of Central Arkansas
Marquette Stricklen, Graduate Student - University of Central Arkansas
Dr. Evan Faidley, Assistant Professor - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: As you start or continue your role, it is important to remember that you are more than your institution. One's understanding of law, ethics, and values align with institutional history, culture, traditions, politics, and work expectations. Using the Institutional Intelligence Approach (IIA), this session will engage attendees in discussion about how to effectively pose the 5WH questions (who, what, when, where, why, and how) surrounding their decision-making process for oneself, others, and their institutional community.
Student Center 215
Make Space for Me: Body Positivity in Higher Ed (Intermediate)
Trey-Cean Allen, Residence Coordinator - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: Body positivity refers to the assertion that all people deserve to have a positive body image, regardless of how society and popular culture view ideal shape, size, and appearance. Body positivity is not just about challenging how society views people based upon their physical size and shape, however. It also recognizes that judgments are often made based on race, gender, sexuality, and disability. This presentation will discuss varies ways Higher Education (Institution's/Dept.) participates in excluding those who do not fit the status quo.
Student Center 225
High School to College Transitions: Improving Postsecondary Outcomes Utilizing the JAG Model (Intermediate)
Christina Shae, M.S., JAG College Success Advisor - NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Emily Aguire, B.A., Academic Advisor - NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Session Description: This session will focus on the inclusion of Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) in a community college setting and the high school to college transition. JAG College Success Specialists actively recruit disadvantaged student populations in collaboration with high school educators to improve post-secondary educational outcomes. The JAG College Model creates student belonging through case management, shared student experiences, and career connections with the goals of ensuring retention, graduation, and career entry. This trauma informed; coaching-based approach guides students to build positive campus relationships, emotional regulation skills, and develop a growth-mindset leading to success in and beyond the classroom setting.
Professors as Parents of College Students: What We Wish Student Affairs Professionals Knew (Beginner)
Rene Couture, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director - Arkansas Tech University
Valerie Couture, Associate Professor, University of Central Arkansas
Erin Shaw, Assistant Professor - University of Central Arkansas
Nathan White, Assistant Professor - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: Parents of college students often draw the ire of higher education employees. There are multiple pejorative terms that are used to stereotype parents, and student affairs professionals typically have no shortage of outrageous parent stories. However, little is known about the experiences of parents of college students who also happen to work on campus. In this session four university professors will share their children’s experiences with student affairs professionals. Generation Z students are deeply connected to their parents and family members. Participants will learn some ways they can embrace, rather than shun, the parent and family connection, while maintaining FERPA. We will share parent stories of a prospective college student, a current student, and a recent graduate. In doing so, we will share what parents wish student affairs professionals knew, which we hope will increase self-awareness and improve job satisfaction of student affairs professionals.
Student Center 214
Where You Work Matters: Applying and Institutional Intelligence Approach to Higher Education and Student Affairs Work (Beginner)
Madison Evans, Graduate Student - University of Central Arkansas
Marquette Stricklen, Graduate Student - University of Central Arkansas
Dr. Evan Faidley, Assistant Professor - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: As you start or continue your role, it is important to remember that you are more than your institution. One's understanding of law, ethics, and values align with institutional history, culture, traditions, politics, and work expectations. Using the Institutional Intelligence Approach (IIA), this session will engage attendees in discussion about how to effectively pose the 5WH questions (who, what, when, where, why, and how) surrounding their decision-making process for oneself, others, and their institutional community.
Student Center 215
Make Space for Me: Body Positivity in Higher Ed (Intermediate)
Trey-Cean Allen, Residence Coordinator - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: Body positivity refers to the assertion that all people deserve to have a positive body image, regardless of how society and popular culture view ideal shape, size, and appearance. Body positivity is not just about challenging how society views people based upon their physical size and shape, however. It also recognizes that judgments are often made based on race, gender, sexuality, and disability. This presentation will discuss varies ways Higher Education (Institution's/Dept.) participates in excluding those who do not fit the status quo.
Student Center 225
High School to College Transitions: Improving Postsecondary Outcomes Utilizing the JAG Model (Intermediate)
Christina Shae, M.S., JAG College Success Advisor - NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Emily Aguire, B.A., Academic Advisor - NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Session Description: This session will focus on the inclusion of Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) in a community college setting and the high school to college transition. JAG College Success Specialists actively recruit disadvantaged student populations in collaboration with high school educators to improve post-secondary educational outcomes. The JAG College Model creates student belonging through case management, shared student experiences, and career connections with the goals of ensuring retention, graduation, and career entry. This trauma informed; coaching-based approach guides students to build positive campus relationships, emotional regulation skills, and develop a growth-mindset leading to success in and beyond the classroom setting.
Breakout Session #2: 1:00 - 1:45
Student Center 213
From the Top Down: Supporting Neurodivergent Professionals, Graduate Students, and Beyond (Beginner)
Kara O'Donnal, Residence Coordinator - University of Central Arkansas
Lynn Halliday, Residence Coordinator - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: When employees, including neurodivergent individuals, feel supported and valued, job satisfaction and retention rates tend to increase. This positive work environment contributes to a healthier and more productive academic community. Join us in learning about common types of neurodiversity and practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent individuals in the workplace, while fostering an inclusive and diverse organizational culture.
Student Center 214
Wellness Outdoors (Beginner)
Millie Goins, Assistant Director of Student Wellness and Programs - University of Central Arkansas
Garrett Payne, CSPA Practicum Student - University of Central Arkansas
Jake Bridgers, Campus Outdoors Student Employee - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: Health and well-being are foundational to college student success. We serve a population of people who are at the most vulnerable age, 18-25 , for mental health challenges. Higher education is an environment that is a unique social incubator. Student affairs has the ability to support, develop, and enrich lives with a variety of intersecting approaches. Positive associations between mental health and movement have been proven. Further associations between nature based or outdoor recreation indicate improvements in affect, cognition, well-being and decreases anxiety and depression symptoms. I will share how a program that I developed promotes greater community and inclusion in our outdoor experiences by offering skills and resources in a group setting to build community and introduce the outdoors to individuals who are underrepresented or missing from these spaces in a way that meets their needs while enhancing DBIE.
Student Center 215
Reigniting the Passion for the Field of Student Affairs (Intermediate)
Dana Tribble, Assistant Professor - Arkansas Tech University
Aubrey Holt, Director of Assessment, Division of Student Affairs - Arkansas Tech University
Session Description: We would love to have a round table conversation with others in the field of student affairs to learn more about:
Student Center 225
Wait, We Actually Use That Data! How to Use Data from Surveys to Impact Campus Culture (Intermediate)
Dr. Veneta Fricks, Associate Dean of Students - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: Students participate in surveys what seems to be a ton of times throughout the year, but what happens with the results? This session will show how you can use results from surveys to drive a campus social norming campaign, grant proposals, programming, social media, and campus partnerships. Participants will get the inside scoop on how UCA got 2,239 students to participate in the social norming survey to include give-aways, programming, and marketing using ZERO departmental dollars!
From the Top Down: Supporting Neurodivergent Professionals, Graduate Students, and Beyond (Beginner)
Kara O'Donnal, Residence Coordinator - University of Central Arkansas
Lynn Halliday, Residence Coordinator - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: When employees, including neurodivergent individuals, feel supported and valued, job satisfaction and retention rates tend to increase. This positive work environment contributes to a healthier and more productive academic community. Join us in learning about common types of neurodiversity and practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent individuals in the workplace, while fostering an inclusive and diverse organizational culture.
Student Center 214
Wellness Outdoors (Beginner)
Millie Goins, Assistant Director of Student Wellness and Programs - University of Central Arkansas
Garrett Payne, CSPA Practicum Student - University of Central Arkansas
Jake Bridgers, Campus Outdoors Student Employee - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: Health and well-being are foundational to college student success. We serve a population of people who are at the most vulnerable age, 18-25 , for mental health challenges. Higher education is an environment that is a unique social incubator. Student affairs has the ability to support, develop, and enrich lives with a variety of intersecting approaches. Positive associations between mental health and movement have been proven. Further associations between nature based or outdoor recreation indicate improvements in affect, cognition, well-being and decreases anxiety and depression symptoms. I will share how a program that I developed promotes greater community and inclusion in our outdoor experiences by offering skills and resources in a group setting to build community and introduce the outdoors to individuals who are underrepresented or missing from these spaces in a way that meets their needs while enhancing DBIE.
Student Center 215
Reigniting the Passion for the Field of Student Affairs (Intermediate)
Dana Tribble, Assistant Professor - Arkansas Tech University
Aubrey Holt, Director of Assessment, Division of Student Affairs - Arkansas Tech University
Session Description: We would love to have a round table conversation with others in the field of student affairs to learn more about:
- What do your SAA/HESA grad programs entail?
- How do you recruit and retain?
- Are there graduate assistantship opportunities? If so, what does this experience entail?
- How can we enhance the partnership between the academic program and division?
- What can we, as professionals in the field, do differently to boost morale?
Student Center 225
Wait, We Actually Use That Data! How to Use Data from Surveys to Impact Campus Culture (Intermediate)
Dr. Veneta Fricks, Associate Dean of Students - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: Students participate in surveys what seems to be a ton of times throughout the year, but what happens with the results? This session will show how you can use results from surveys to drive a campus social norming campaign, grant proposals, programming, social media, and campus partnerships. Participants will get the inside scoop on how UCA got 2,239 students to participate in the social norming survey to include give-aways, programming, and marketing using ZERO departmental dollars!
BREAKOUT SESSION #3: 2:00 - 2:45
Student Center 213
Sense of Belonging & Studying Abroad: Supporting International Students' Mental Well-Being (Beginner)
Dr. Evan Faidley, Assistant Professor - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: International students are more likely to experience mental health challenges, due to acculturative stress, loneliness, language barriers, cultural misalignment, and adjustments to American higher education expectations. In this session, attendees will gain a better understanding of international students' multiple identities, cultural dimensions, and needs during their U.S.-based college experience. By the end of the session, attendees will consider ways to best design and deliver quality experiences for international students as they navigate uncertainty and ambiguity.
Student Center 214
Engaging Students in 2024 (Beginner)
Tiffany Turner, Assistant Director of Operations - University of Central Arkansas
Jaclyn Austin, Associate Director of Student Life - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: We all know the correlation between student engagement and student success, but recently lower student engagement has impacted student activities, organizations, and institutions across the country. What’s the cause? Covid, declining enrollment, a lack of sense of belonging? How do we overcome the roadblocks to encourage our students to get involved, foster their leadership, and emerge prepared for the workforce? We will delve into these barriers and the opportunities we have as student affairs professionals to better engage our students where they are throughout this presentation.
Student Center 215
Turning the Tide Together: Reigniting Programming for Students as a Division (Intermediate)
Dr. Veneta Fricks, Associate Dean of Students - University of Central Arkansas
Margaret McGowen, First Year Experience Graduate Assistant & Dean of Students Practicum Student - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: Of course COVID put a damper on student engagement, but it's time to turn the tide! Our students are beginning to get involved again, and that includes showing up to campus initiatives. No, numbers for department hosted programs and initiatives might not be what they used to be. Yes, budgets are tight. However, as Student Affairs divisions we should be working together to have the greatest impact on students possible. This session will showcase how UCA's Dean of Students office was able to collaborate with departments in the division, community partners, faculty and even students to host a large-scale program. From pooling resources to exhausting all marketing possibilities and creating assessments that serve as guides for the future, this event review will uncover the magic of what can happen on campus when our divisions work together!
Sense of Belonging & Studying Abroad: Supporting International Students' Mental Well-Being (Beginner)
Dr. Evan Faidley, Assistant Professor - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: International students are more likely to experience mental health challenges, due to acculturative stress, loneliness, language barriers, cultural misalignment, and adjustments to American higher education expectations. In this session, attendees will gain a better understanding of international students' multiple identities, cultural dimensions, and needs during their U.S.-based college experience. By the end of the session, attendees will consider ways to best design and deliver quality experiences for international students as they navigate uncertainty and ambiguity.
Student Center 214
Engaging Students in 2024 (Beginner)
Tiffany Turner, Assistant Director of Operations - University of Central Arkansas
Jaclyn Austin, Associate Director of Student Life - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: We all know the correlation between student engagement and student success, but recently lower student engagement has impacted student activities, organizations, and institutions across the country. What’s the cause? Covid, declining enrollment, a lack of sense of belonging? How do we overcome the roadblocks to encourage our students to get involved, foster their leadership, and emerge prepared for the workforce? We will delve into these barriers and the opportunities we have as student affairs professionals to better engage our students where they are throughout this presentation.
Student Center 215
Turning the Tide Together: Reigniting Programming for Students as a Division (Intermediate)
Dr. Veneta Fricks, Associate Dean of Students - University of Central Arkansas
Margaret McGowen, First Year Experience Graduate Assistant & Dean of Students Practicum Student - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: Of course COVID put a damper on student engagement, but it's time to turn the tide! Our students are beginning to get involved again, and that includes showing up to campus initiatives. No, numbers for department hosted programs and initiatives might not be what they used to be. Yes, budgets are tight. However, as Student Affairs divisions we should be working together to have the greatest impact on students possible. This session will showcase how UCA's Dean of Students office was able to collaborate with departments in the division, community partners, faculty and even students to host a large-scale program. From pooling resources to exhausting all marketing possibilities and creating assessments that serve as guides for the future, this event review will uncover the magic of what can happen on campus when our divisions work together!
BREAKOUT SESSION #4: 3:00 - 3:45
Student Center 213
Being Me: Men of Color in Higher Education (Beginner)
Myron Kuykendall, Associate Director for Residence Life - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: Being a male of color in higher education can be overwhelming at times when you consider all of the responsibilities: mentorship to minority student groups, finding your identity, and producing at a high overall work level to name a few. Stats show that men of color are becoming less involved on college campuses at the staff and faculty levels. Why is that? This presentation and round table discussion will look to answer and present some of the issues that plague this demographic. Let's talk about it......
Student Center 214
Are You Looking for a Different Leadership Experience? Learn More about Arkansas Council for Women in Higher Education (ACWHE) (Beginner)
Aubrey Holt, Director of Assessment, Division of Student Affairs - Arkansas Tech University
Dana Tribble, Assistant Professor - Arkansas Tech University
Session Description: We would love you to join us for a round table conversation to learn more about the Arkansas Council for Women in Higher Education (ACWHE). This state-wide organization strives to create networking and professional development opportunities for women in higher education. As an organization that is growing its membership, we would appreciate the voices from across the state to ensure initiatives are meeting the needs of the state holistically.
Student Center 215
Knowing When to Grow and When to Go: Navigating Transition in Higher Education (Intermediate)
Alex Smith-Todd, Assistant Director of Student Affairs - University of Central Arkansas
Maria Negrete Padron, Associate Director of the Office of Diversity and Community - University of Central Arkansas
Lucee Lugo, Associate Director of Student Life - University of Central Arkansas
Sherita Kern, Associate Director of Career Services - University of Central Arkansas
Travis Johnson, Assistant Director of the Office of Diversity and Community - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: Join this dynamic panel of Student Affairs practitioners as we have an engaging conversation on the decision making process when navigating transitions within a career in Higher Education. Sometimes those decisions are not easy to make or maneuver, so we are excited to share our journeys in hopes it will help create momentum, motivation and mindfulness.
Student Center 225
Enhancing Victim Services: A Collaborative Approach (Intermediate)
Sydney Gavin-Herron, Coordinator of Student Conduct & Deputy Title IX Coordinator/Investigator, University of Arkansas at Monticello
Session Description: This session provides a comprehensive approach to student well-being, focusing on victim services and a coordinated response to reported incidents. Speakers include experienced professionals from the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus. This session will benefit a wide-range audience, as it covers topics related to victim support, prevention, and interdepartmental collaboration. Attendees will emerge from this session as practitioners who are motivated to prevent gender and relationship violence.
Being Me: Men of Color in Higher Education (Beginner)
Myron Kuykendall, Associate Director for Residence Life - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: Being a male of color in higher education can be overwhelming at times when you consider all of the responsibilities: mentorship to minority student groups, finding your identity, and producing at a high overall work level to name a few. Stats show that men of color are becoming less involved on college campuses at the staff and faculty levels. Why is that? This presentation and round table discussion will look to answer and present some of the issues that plague this demographic. Let's talk about it......
Student Center 214
Are You Looking for a Different Leadership Experience? Learn More about Arkansas Council for Women in Higher Education (ACWHE) (Beginner)
Aubrey Holt, Director of Assessment, Division of Student Affairs - Arkansas Tech University
Dana Tribble, Assistant Professor - Arkansas Tech University
Session Description: We would love you to join us for a round table conversation to learn more about the Arkansas Council for Women in Higher Education (ACWHE). This state-wide organization strives to create networking and professional development opportunities for women in higher education. As an organization that is growing its membership, we would appreciate the voices from across the state to ensure initiatives are meeting the needs of the state holistically.
Student Center 215
Knowing When to Grow and When to Go: Navigating Transition in Higher Education (Intermediate)
Alex Smith-Todd, Assistant Director of Student Affairs - University of Central Arkansas
Maria Negrete Padron, Associate Director of the Office of Diversity and Community - University of Central Arkansas
Lucee Lugo, Associate Director of Student Life - University of Central Arkansas
Sherita Kern, Associate Director of Career Services - University of Central Arkansas
Travis Johnson, Assistant Director of the Office of Diversity and Community - University of Central Arkansas
Session Description: Join this dynamic panel of Student Affairs practitioners as we have an engaging conversation on the decision making process when navigating transitions within a career in Higher Education. Sometimes those decisions are not easy to make or maneuver, so we are excited to share our journeys in hopes it will help create momentum, motivation and mindfulness.
Student Center 225
Enhancing Victim Services: A Collaborative Approach (Intermediate)
Sydney Gavin-Herron, Coordinator of Student Conduct & Deputy Title IX Coordinator/Investigator, University of Arkansas at Monticello
Session Description: This session provides a comprehensive approach to student well-being, focusing on victim services and a coordinated response to reported incidents. Speakers include experienced professionals from the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus. This session will benefit a wide-range audience, as it covers topics related to victim support, prevention, and interdepartmental collaboration. Attendees will emerge from this session as practitioners who are motivated to prevent gender and relationship violence.