Conference Schedule

Friday, November 8, 2024

Time Event
09:00 am – 09:30 am PST Welcome Session
09:30 am – 10:15 am PST Keynote Speaker: Patrick Turner, Ed.D.
10:15 am – 10:30 am PST Coffee Break
10:30 am – 11:20 am PST Breakout Session 1
11:30 am – 12:00 pm PST Lunch
12:00 pm – 12:50 pm PST Breakout Session 2
01:00 pm – 01:50 pm PST Breakout Session 3
02:00 pm – 02:30 pm PST Closing Session
02:30 pm – 03:30 pm PST Mixers (Student & Faculty/Staff/Admin)

Saturday, November  9, 2024

Time Event
09:00 am – 09:30 am PST Welcome Session
09:30 am – 10:15 am PST Student Keynote Speakers
10:15 am – 10:30 am PST Coffee Break
10:30 am – 11:20 am PST Breakout Session 4
11:30 am – 12:00 pm PST Lunch
12:00 pm – 12:50 pm PST Breakout Session 5
01:00 pm – 01:50 pm PST Breakout Session 6
02:00 pm – 02:30 pm PST Closing Session

Conference Breakout Sessions (at a glance)

Breakout Session 1 (Friday 10:30 am – 11:20 am PST)

Session Title Details
1.1 Q&A with Keynote, Dr. Patrick Turner Presenter: Dr. Patrick Turner, New Mexico State University (NM)

Moderator: Janice Levasseur, East Tennessee State University (TN)

Join special guest Dr. Patrick Turner for an in-depth discussion of topics related to the keynote address.

1.2 Using Various CLTs in Sessions for STEM Classes Presenters: Catalina Rodriguez & Kellien Baker, Chaffey College (CA)

Are your S.I. sessions for STEM classes feeling static or repetitive? Join our breakout presentation to learn about the importance of collaborative learning techniques for students and how to implement them!

1.3 Accessible Visuals Presenters: Alicia Chavira & Tyler Mendel, Mt. San Jacinto College (CA)

Join us to discover how to integrate assistive technology into your sessions to enhance learning and improve accessibility. Learn effective strategies for creating an inclusive environment through universal design practices that benefit all students. Together, we can break down barriers and reduce the stigma surrounding assistive technology.

1.4 Motivation is in Session Presenter: Maya Hall, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (TN)

As a student, it can be difficult to balance everything on your plate, whether you are holding or attending S.I. Sessions. With this in mind, I hope to provide you with the proper techniques and tools to be your own motivational guide through the tough times.

Breakout Session 2 (Friday 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm PST)

Session Title Details
2.1 Future Ready: Conversations Around New Era Academic Support Moderator: Arezoo Marashi, Moreno Valley College | WCSI Conference Executive Planning Team (CA)

Join us for a lively roundtable discussion where higher education academic support professionals dive into the exciting transformations reshaping our field! Share insights, tackle challenges, and brainstorm strategies to enhance academic support. Let’s collaborate, innovate, and prepare to meet the evolving needs of our students in this new era!

2.2 Adapting Sessions According to Attendance Presenters: Marcos Herrera, Maddy Salbato, Cayley Crow, & Bradley Lauritson, Chaffey College (CA)

Have you ever planned out a session you felt confident about, only for it to fall flat due to unexpected attendance? In this presentation, we provide strategies and tools for attendance-flexible session planning and mid-session improvisation!

2.3 Back to the Future: Using Your Flux Capacitors to Incorporate Pop Culture and Technologies Presenter: Amber DeFreitas, Palomar College (CA)

Are students looking tired, rundown, or disengaged in your SI and tutoring sessions? Put the POP back into learning with creative strategies that utilize pop culture references to keep students active and engaged.

2.4 Imposter Syndrome Isn’t Just for Imposters Presenters: Rachel Sasson & Dr. Crystal Kiekel, Los Angeles Pierce College (CA)

Ever felt like an imposter when comparing yourself to others or when working with students? You may have experienced imposter syndrome! In this presentation, we explore what it is, how common it is, and how to reduce it to improve our relationships with students.

Breakout Session 3 (Friday 01:00 pm – 01:50 pm PST)

Session Title Details
3.1 Exploring the Academic Multiverse: Championing Neurodiversity in Student Learning Presenter: James Graham, California State University, San Bernardino (CA)

Expand your DEI superpowers by exploring the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent students. Discover effective support strategies, identify inclusion barriers, and learn how to cultivate a sense of belonging, creating an equitable learning environment where all student heroes can thrive and achieve their full potential.

3.2 Re-Imagining SI: A Multi-Instructor Approach Presenters: Amy Wassing & Vanessa Jimenez, California State University, San Bernardino (CA)

ONE SI Leader, EIGHT different instructors? Sounds sus, but no cap! Join CSUSB Lecturer/Transition Coordinator, Amy Wassing, and SI Leader, Vanessa Jimenez, to learn how this works. Discover how to foster a sense of community through shared experiences, aligned content, and full support. Come re-imagine your team’s rizz!

3.3 Game On: Boosting Engagement Through Interactive Sessions Presenters: Mohamed Ahmed & Valentino Tenorio, Moreno Valley College (CA)

Designing collaborative learning activities that encourage attendance, participation, and engagement can be tough. Gamification of these activities addresses this by reframing seemingly daunting lecture topics as exciting challenges. This workshop will demonstrate how to incorporate games into student learning with the help of technology like Artificial Intelligence.

Breakout Session 4 (Saturday 10:30 am – 11:20 am PST)

Session Title Details
4.1 Defying Gravity: Through Wicked Challenges to Wonderful Outcomes Presenter: James Graham, California State University, San Bernardino (CA)

Discover how the Theory of Planned Behavior and other change models can foster a Growth Mindset within academic support environments. Learn evidence-based strategies to encourage student resilience and engagement, empowering them to embrace challenges and enhance their academic success. Join us to unlock the power of behavior change!

4.2 Hidden Truths: Using a Cultural Web Model to Review a SI Programme Presenters: Liesl Smith, Nelson Mandela University & Dr. Charl Nel, North-West University (South Africa)

This workshop seeks input from SI practitioners on the potential of using Johnson and Scholes’s Cultural Web in identifying hidden challenges and successes in SI programmes. The aim is to introduce the model to assist practitioners in gaining a multi-faceted understanding of their programme’s culture.

4.3 Making Virtual Reality in Supplemental Instruction a Reality Presenter: Larissa Szwez, University of Arizona (AZ)

Explore how Virtual Reality (VR) enhances visualization in STEM courses through Supplemental Instruction (SI). This session highlights benefits, practical applications, and lessons learned from the University of Arizona’s VR-integrated SI sessions, offering valuable insights for attendees aiming to improve student engagement and understanding in STEM education.

4.4 Know Thyself to Change Yourself Presenters: Reese Holland & Janice Levasseur, East Tennessee State University (TN)

This presentation inspires attendees to explore personality types and their impact on personal and professional growth. By fostering self-awareness, participants will unlock their potential as adaptable leaders, navigating roles with confidence and authenticity. Ultimately, this journey promotes individual growth while also empowering those around us.

Breakout Session 5 (Saturday 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm PST)

Session Title Details
5.1 Q&A with Student Keynotes Presenters: Reese Holland, East Tennessee State University (TN) and Humberto Gonzalez, Moreno Valley College (CA)

Join special guests Reese Holland and Humberto Gonzalez for a more in-depth discussion of topics related to the keynote address.

5.2 Mandatory SI! Presenter: Jacob Otero, California State University, San Bernardino (CA)

Join us for an insightful presentation on the latest upcoming trend of mandatory Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions. Learn about effective strategies to engage reluctant participants, motivation, and creating a supportive learning environment for all participants. SI leaders will gain practical tools to manage diverse student needs and garner meaningful participation from those reluctant to ensure their success.

5.3 Integrating AI Into Supplemental Instruction: Personal and Programmatic Guidelines to Ethical Usage of AI Presenters: Sarah Amos & Chantè Evans, International Center for Supplemental Instruction (MO)

This interactive session explores the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Supplemental Instruction and Academic Support Programs. Participants will engage in discussions on AI’s benefits and challenges, develop personalized AI policies, and review the International Center for SI’s best practices and recommended tools. This session is ideal for SI practitioners with all experience levels looking to enhance their AI understanding and application.

5.4 Preparing STEM Students for Tomorrow: Active Learning in SI for a New Era Presenter: Brandon Felihkatubbe, Moreno Valley College (CA)

Join us to explore how active learning can reshape STEM Supplemental Instruction sessions. I’ll share hands-on activities and engaging strategies that create inviting environments, spark curiosity, and empower students to thrive in their academic journeys.

Breakout Session 6 (Saturday 01:00 pm – 01:50 pm PST)

Session Title Details
6.1 Centralizing In-class Academic Support Models: Bringing Supplemental Instruction and Embedded Tutoring Together Presenter: Kathalena Rios & David Rowell, Mt. San Jacinto College & Arezoo Marashi, Moreno Valley College (CA)

In higher education, institutions have many choices to consider for their in-class academic support services. Some institutions implement SI/PASS, others use embedded tutoring, and some utilize a combination of both. In this session, we will share how we have brought the two models together under a centralized program. Join us as we examine the similarities and differences between SI and Embedded Tutoring programs, course selection strategies, and common training methods to fit the needs of both models. Let’s discuss and explore options for providing equitable in-class academic support.

6.2 The Google Hub: Using Google Forms to Streamline Performance Tracking for SI Leaders Presenters: Rachel Hawley & Christine Sheikh, Metropolitan State University Denver (CO)

Discover innovative methods and best practices for efficiently tracking the performance of Supplemental Instruction leaders through Google Forms. Learn about key data collection techniques, feedback mechanisms, and best practices to enhance SI program effectiveness and SI leader satisfaction. Audience: Administrators.

6.3 Bridging the Gap: AI as a Learning Tool, Not a Cheating Tool, in Higher Education Presenter: Humberto Gonzalez, Moreno Valley College (CA)

In the era of Artificial Intelligence, resisting its use in education only delays progress. This workshop will challenge the perception of AI as a cheating tool, showing how it can empower students and enhance teaching. Join us to explore how AI is a vital tool for becoming future-ready in higher education.

6.4 The Benefits of Mentor Leaders in SI Programs Presenters: Cayley Crow, Dustin Heath, Kellien Baker, Nicole Cromwell, Chaffey College (CA)

SI directors often have difficulties engaging with each of their leaders as much as they would like to. Chaffey College has solved this problem by promoting veteran leaders to the position of Mentor Leader and assigning them a small group of students they will support throughout the semester. Come learn how your program could also benefit from near-peer mentors!

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