Pre-Conference Workshops and Concurrent Sessions

Student Engagement - Build, Execute and Assess
Workshop Facilitator: Kaylene McTavish | Manager, Student Experience | Mount Royal University

Room: EC 1130

Student engagement has shifted, requiring student affairs professionals to adapt. Today’s students need clear permission to participate and must immediately see value in opportunities.

This dynamic pre-conference session will provide practical strategies to enhance engagement. Whether leading a peer program, organizing large-scale events, or making workshops more interactive, you’ll gain valuable insights. Through reflection, breakout activities, and real-world examples, you’ll develop new skills, foster participation, and gather formative feedback. You’ll leave with actionable takeaways to create more engaging and impactful student experiences.

Intended Audience: Peer programmers, Event organizers, Workshop providers 

Growing Campus Spaces for Meaningful Dialogue
Workshop Facilitator: Mirjam Knapik | Counsellor, Associate Professor | Mount Royal University
Room: EC 1055
Universities commonly commit to welcoming diverse identities and thoughts and supporting open engagement with a variety of ideas and world views. Some topics, however, are difficult to talk about and lead to polarization and divisiveness. There is an increasing recognition that our typical ways of approaching such topics often fall short of our goals and that we need conversational spaces that encourage mutual understanding. Join this workshop to better understand what makes talking across differences so challenging, the elements that make meaningful dialogue more possible, and experience a facilitated conversation that illustrates how dialogue for mutual understanding can unfold.
Intended Audience: Ideal for student service professionals, especially those working with student groups

Seeding student wellbeing: Career development, mental health, and guided self-assessment
Workshop Facilitators:
Michael Huston | Counsellor | Mount Royal University
Dave Redekopp | President, Life-role Development Group Ltd.
Room: EC  2010
Awareness of, and evidence for, the connection between career development and mental health has blossomed. As a student service professional in any area, you are likely aware that your work contributes to student career development and that those contributions support student well-being. Join us in the backyard garden for 1) a rootsy exploration of the connections between career development and mental health and 2) an introduction to guided career self-assessment and intentional career conversations, effective tools for bolstering student mental health through effective career development.  Seeds for your career development and well-being are included in the spring catalogue.
Intended Audience: All student services staff

Birds of a Feather sessions are informal, facilitated round-table discussions for attendees to gather with other post-secondary professionals to network, exchange ideas, and discuss trends, challenges, and best practices impacting their specific areas. Delegates can attend whichever session they feel will best support their work.

Flock A: Registration, Financial Aid, Student Awards| Facilitator: Klara James (NorQuest College) | Room: EC 1065

Flock B: Career Services & WIL | Facilitator: Kim McLachlan (Ambrose University) | Room: EC 1075

Flock C: Counselling & Wellness Supports  | Facilitator: Anna-Lisa Ciccocioppo (University of Calgary) | Room: EC 1130

Flock D: Academic Advising | Facilitator: Rachel Doe (Mount Royal University) | Room: EC 1150

Flock E: Indigenous Services | Facilitator: Trish Bruised Head (Red Crow College) | Room: EC 1160

Flock F: Recruitment, International & Admissions  | Facilitator: Connie Grove (Medicine Hat College) | Room: EC 1170

Flock G: Accessibility Supports & Inclusive Education  | Facilitator: Ron Whitford (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) | Room: EC 1145

Flock H: Student Life & Residence | Facilitator: Jennifer Fleckenstein (Red Deer Polytechnic) | Room: EC 2010

Flock I: Academic Success & Orientation & Transition  | Facilitator: TBD | Room: EC 1135

Iniskim Centre
Presenter: Marija Small Legs | Student Success Coordinator | Mount Royal University
Room: EC 1150
In this presentation, you will learn about the services and programs offered by the Iniskim Centre that support Indigenous students on campus. Our programs such as the Indigenous University Bridging program, Housing program, Indigenous Peer mentorship, Medicine Trail program, Career Services and Student Success.  Learn about the many resources that we put in place to ensure the transition from academic upgrading (UCEP) into university credit programs. We ensure that our programs and services increase the engagement and success of Indigenous students while also raising awareness of Indigenous peoples and culture. The Iniskim Centre helps students prepare to succeed in their academic pursuits and future careers while ensuring students have access to culture. Iniskim Centre is an intersectional space integrating other programs and services with the rest of the University.
Intended Audience: Institutions who work with Indigenous student populations

The Grey Zone - Balancing procedures with exceptions in the admission & registration process
Presenters:
Eric Nyrose | Admission & Registration Officer | Red Deer Polytechnic
Jesslyn Strand | Admission & Registration Officer | Red Deer Polytechnic
Room:  EC 1160
What do you do when a situation goes beyond known procedures? While we strive to have manuals and procedures for as many of our processes as possible, new situations or exceptions arise regularly. We call this the Grey Zone. We will present our experience with this and the potential solution of using wisdom / critical thinking to move through the Grey Zone. There will be time allotted for others to share their experience in this area.
Intended Audience: Admissions, Registration, International Admissions

A New Paradigm for Service: Exercising Kind Boundaries to Encourage Students’ Growth and Personal Feelings of Capability
Presenters:
Chelsea Keen | Registration & Financial Aid Associate | Mount Royal University
Deb Payne | Assistant Registrar - Registration and Financial Aid | Mount Royal University
Room:  EC 1130
This presentation introduces a transformative approach to service provision, emphasizing the importance of setting kind boundaries to foster student growth and personal agency. By exploring the balance between support and autonomy, participants will learn practical strategies to encourage responsibility among students while conserving their energy. Utilizing frameworks such as Self Determination Theory and the GROW Model, the session will incorporate interactive exercises to differentiate between coaching and hand-holding. Attendees will leave equipped with effective communication techniques and a renewed understanding of their role as facilitators of student empowerment in an increasingly demanding educational landscape.
Intended Audience: Student Service Administrators who work with students daily

Insomnia:  Helping your students to sleep well and be well
Presenter: Sonya Flessati | Associate Professor/Counsellor | Mount Royal University
Room:  Ross Glen Hall
Sleep is a universal process we experience and periodically many of us will struggle with it.  Unfortunately, a period of poor sleep can expand into chronic insomnia.  Students comprise a population that struggles with sleep at a substantially higher rate than the general population.  Current research supports the use of psychological interventions, specifically Cognitive Behavioural Treatment of Insomnia (CBT-I), the recommended first line of treatment.  This presentation will focus on insomnia, an introduction to CBT-I, and unique considerations in working with students who struggle with the issue. Support your students to sleep well and be well!
Intended Audience: Mental health professionals who work with students, Those who work with students and want to make referrals when identifying areas of concern

Transforming Student Onboarding: A Data-Driven Approach with SAIT’s Virtual LaunchPad
Presenter: Courtney Johnston | BA Student Engagement Officer | Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Room:  EC 1135
Transitioning into post-secondary education is a critical phase where fostering belonging, preparedness and self-efficacy significantly impacts student engagement and retention (Tinto, 2017, 2017). The SAIT Business Administration Diploma Program addresses this through LaunchPad, a virtual onboarding course designed to support diverse learners. Incorporating pre-orientation modules, interactive tools in D2L Brightspace, and feedback loops, LaunchPad enhances student readiness and connection. With over 4,400 participants, LaunchPad has boosted retention rates by 6.5% and achieved up to 81% engagement. This session offers actionable insights into LaunchPad’s success and invites participants to reimagine their onboarding strategies for greater inclusivity and impact.
Intended Audience: Student service professionals, Faculty, Administrators, Orientation coordinators

Recent Changes by IRCC and their Impact on International Students
Presenters:
Connie Grove | Academic Advisor - International | Medicine Hat College
Marisa Norona | International Student Specialist, Immigration International Student Services | University of Calgary
Room: EC  1170
This presentation will provide student services personnel with a detailed understanding of the recent changes by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and to explore how these changes are impacting international students. By the end of the session, participants will be better equipped to support students navigating these changes and offer them effective support, resources and referrals.
Intended Audience: Student service professionals who work directly with international students

Shaping Change: A Student-Driven Approach to Progress
Presenters:
Andrew Mackereth | Manager, Residence Services | Mount Royal University
Kira Hessel | Residence Life Coordinator | Mount Royal University
Room:  EC 1130
This session explores how Freeman’s Theory of Stakeholder Engagement can empower student voices as part of the change process. Through discussion, modeling, and interactive strategies, we will demonstrate how involving students in decision-making benefits not only them but also your organization or institution. By fostering meaningful student engagement, we create a more inclusive and effective environment for change. Join us to learn practical approaches that amplify student perspectives and drive impactful transformation.
Intended Audience: New and experienced Higher Education professionals that work directly with students, student experience, and processes

Supporting the Class of 2025: A Pilot Project to Grow Post-Secondary Attainment and Success
Presenters:
Jennifer Fleckenstein | Associate Dean, Enrolment Management | Red Deer Polytechnic
Tracy McClelland | Student Recruitment Coordinator | Red Deer Polytechnic
Sheila Johnson |Career Connections Division Practitioner |Chinook 's Edge School Division
Lisa Seidel | Career Connections Division Teacher | Chinook's Edge School Division
Room:  EC 1170
Red Deer Polytechnic and Chinook’s Edge School Division have partnered on a pilot project aimed at increasing post-secondary attainment for the Class of 2025. This session will explore targeted interventions designed to support students who are interested in post-secondary but have not yet applied, as well as those navigating the next steps after applying. Attendees will gain insights into strategies for increasing applications and improving applicant-to-admit conversion rates, as well as improving overall student preparedness and success. Join us to learn how collaboration and strategic outreach can help more students successfully transition to post-secondary education.
Intended Audience: Anyone involved in enrolment management or student success activities

Home Away From Home: Global Community Creation on Campus
Presenters:
Tessa Kostashuk | Settlement and Transition Coordinator | Mount Royal University
Kristen Chappell | International Student Support and Immigration Advising Coordinator | Mount Royal University
Room:  Ross Glen Hall
Building a sense of belonging is essential for student success, particularly for international students navigating a new country. The International Student Support Centre/Global Student Lounge (ISSC) at MRU provides a welcoming space where domestic and international students connect, engage in peer-driven programming, and form meaningful relationships. This session will explore strategies for fostering a global community on campus, including space utilization, collaborative programming, and student leadership. Throughout guided discussion, real-world examples, and activities participants will leave with practical ideas to enhance international student engagement at their institutions.
Intended Audience: Student services staff in international education and international student advising, Open to anyone wanting to create community on campus

Harm Reduction in Action: Grounding in Core Principles to Foster a Safer Campus Substance Use Culture
Presenter: Naomi Den Haan | Harm Reduction Student Support Advisor | University of Calgary
Room: EC  1075
The University of Calgary’s Harm Reduction Student Support Advisor acts as a campus resource for both students hoping to reflect on their relationship with substances as well as for campus events and health promotion programming reflective of an evidence-based Harm Reduction approach. This interactive presentation aims to provide student support staff with evidence-based information about Harm Reduction and an opportunity to creatively develop potential action steps that can be applied in their campus settings.
Intended Audience: Student support staff with health promotion or case management portfolios, Those who make decisions about programming and resource implementation on campus

Leveraging AI in Student Services: Enhancing Efficiency & Support
Presenter: Heather Seyl Miyashita | Academic Programs Coordinator | University of Alberta
Room: EC 1135
This interactive session invites student advising professionals to explore diverse AI-driven tools transforming student support. Instead of a single case study, the presentation features brief overviews and live demos of individual AI applications that improve processes and streamline resource matching. Designed as a collaborative brainstorming opportunity, participants will share experiences, discuss challenges, and generate innovative ideas to enhance student advising. A dedicated wiki will serve as a dynamic repository of shared resources, best practices, and ongoing conversation beyond the session.
Intended Audience: Everyone

**CANCELLED** Time has Changed: Looking at Time Management Differently
Presenter: Ciara Spaan | Academic Advisor - Faculty of Science and Technology | Mount Royal University
Room: -
Student services professionals are all experts in time. From access and inclusion to academic advising, to student services workshops, we support students at any stage with how to best manage and utilize time effectively. Time has changed in recent years and many students' prioritization, sense of urgency, and scheduling agency have become disconnected with their academic journey. This workshop will provide a different approach to time management. It will bridge what student services experts are asking and what students need. Participants will explore how to communicate time, bring human experience back into time management, and help to make student's time meaningful.
Intended Audience: Student support services, Academic advising, Indigenous services and supports, Accessibility and inclusion

Productivity - Leading with Positivity
Presenter: Monica Arcilla | Project Lead | Athabasca University
Room:  EC  1145
Our vibrant post-secondary settings are like a greenhouse - our leaders are nurturing gardeners! Both leaders and team members work together to co-create an environment in which all thrive. This presentation will explore the power of positivity in group dynamics, how to initiate this process, and ways to foster a safe space for open discussions. Attendees will also gain practical techniques and tools to uplift their teams during times of change and uncertainty.
Intended Audience: Leaders and staff members whose teams are undergoing change

The Power of Team Structure: Growing Stronger Together
Presenters:
Kaylee Butler | Enrolment Services Advisor - SME for Fees and Finance | University of Calgary
Loyce Sakuhuni | Enrolment Services Advisor - SME Student Record | University of Calgary
Chloe Arlapen | Enrolment Services Advisor - International Student Financial Advisor | University of Calgary
Room:  EC 1160
This round-table discussion will explore the impact of team structure on success and growth in post-secondary environments. We will showcase our approach, which integrates student staff, general advisors, and subject matter experts. We will discuss how this combination enhances team dynamics and student outcomes. We’ll share how this model has led to positive results and how it adapts to challenges. Attendees will also have the opportunity to share their own experiences with team structures. By the end, participants will gain valuable insights on optimizing their teams for greater success in student services.
Intended Audience: Enrolment Services style teams

1 Million Students - Reflections from a Decade of Recruitment
Presenter: Mike Sawchuk | Team Lead - Recruitment | St. Mary's University
Room:  EC 1170
With 10 years of recruitment experience, I look back on the journey and the things I have learned along the way while recruiting students. Expect stories, advice, and laughter.
Intended Audience: New & veteran recruiters, Student service professionals curious about recruitment's inner workings, and Managers looking to keep employees long-term

From Problem to Plan: Leveraging Theoretical Frameworks for Effective Program Development
Presenter: Kristin Fulton | Manager, Student Learning Services | Mount Royal University
Room:  Ross Glen Hall
Do you have a problem you’re trying to solve with a new student initiative? Want to make sure your plan delivers real results? Building a solid theoretical framework into your initiative might be just the game-changer you’re looking for!

Together, we’ll explore a structured approach to development and show how theoretical frameworks are an efficient way to strengthen your initiatives. Using our peer learning program as a real-life example, we’ll demonstrate this scholar-practitioner approach in action. Walk away with practical strategies for selecting and integrating relevant theoretical frameworks into every stage of your planning—delivering the real results your students are counting on.
Intended Audience: Early and mid-career professionals who plan, deliver, and assess student programs

Your role in experiential learning: how student service professionals contribute to student development
Presenters:
Hana Curties | Manager, Strategic Global Partnerships | University of Calgary
Courtney Warren | Manager, Student Life | Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Room:  EC 1130
Student service professionals play a vital role in students' academic, personal, and professional growth. This session explores how they can serve as mentors in experiential learning by leveraging Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle. Using case studies from UCalgary International and NAIT Student Life, we’ll explore strategies for fostering reflection, skill-building, and learning articulation. Through hands-on exercises, participants will gain tools to create impactful learning opportunities within their offices. Attendees will leave empowered to recognize their mentorship role, guide students in reflective learning, and enhance informal learning spaces to support student success in an evolving educational landscape.
Intended Audience: Academic Advisors, Career Services Professionals, Student Engagement Professionals, Student Experience Advisors and Practitioners, and Student Volunteer Coordinators

Cultivating Awareness and Support for Students with Eating Disorders
Presenters:
Chantelle Jensen | Mental Health Nurse (RN BN)| Mount Royal University
Patti Paccagnan | Mental Health Nurse (RN BN) | Mount Royal University
Room:  EC 1075
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect millions of individuals worldwide. In Canada alone, over 2.7 million people are impacted by diagnosed eating disorders. Of these 2.7 million individuals, only 10% seek treatment and support. This leaves millions of individuals struggling silently alone. A lack of awareness and education contributes to delayed diagnosis, stigma, and ineffective support for those struggling. This presentation seeks to provide information on the devastating impact of eating disorders on student’s academic and personal lives, while offering resources and supports to address this issue.
Intended Audience: Diverse group of professionals and individuals who play a critical role in recognizing, addressing, and supporting individuals affected by eating disorders, along with welcoming the individuals themselves

Money Doesn't Grow on Trees
Presenter: Blanquita Rebolone de Colley | Financial Empowerment Coach | Bow Valley College
Room:  EC 1150
Many of us grew up hearing that "money doesn’t grow on trees," but that was often the extent of our financial education. Our relationship with money develops over time, shaped by personal experiences. For many students, post-secondary education is their first real experience managing finances, yet they’re expected to handle student loans, RESPs, savings, and other income sources responsibly. Financial empowerment equips students with the skills and confidence to take control of their finances, build a healthy relationship with money, and navigate financial challenges effectively, setting them up for success both during their studies and beyond.
Intended Audience:  Student Affairs, Financial Aid Advisors, Academic Advisors, Career Services, Mental Health Professionals, Recruitment, Marketing

Transforming Early Intervention: A Proactive Support Model for Student Success
Presenter: Michelle Richards | Early Support Analyst  | Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Room:  EC 1160
This presentation outlines the recently developed Early Support Program, an innovative shift from traditional early alert systems to a proactive, supportive framework designed to assist students before challenges escalate. Our session will explore how the program reduces stigma, integrates with the newly implemented Anthology CRM to streamline support, and identifies at-risk students through a collaborative, data-informed process. Attendees will learn strategies for securing institutional buy-in, training stakeholders, and utilizing program data to drive continuous improvement. By the end of the session, participants will have actionable tools to adapt similar interventions within their own institutions.
Intended Audience: Academic advisors

Navigating Housing: Year One Insights and Impact of UCalgary’s Off-Campus Housing Program
Presenter: Justin Orthner | Off-Campus Housing and Transition Coordinator | University of Calgary
Room:  EC 1075
The transition to off-campus living presents unique challenges for students, from finding safe and affordable housing to navigating rental agreements and insurance. This session will explore the first year of the Off-Campus Housing Program at UCalgary, highlighting key findings, successes, and lessons learned. Attendees will gain insights into how the program has supported students and addressed common housing concerns. Join us for an engaging discussion on building a stronger, more supportive housing network for students.
Intended Audience: Post Secondary staff and community members who are working with or concerned about student well-being and the rising cost of living and housing

The Key to Successful Collaboration - Fostering Meaningful Interdepartmental Relationships
Presenter: Sarah Dunnet | First-Year Transition Coordinator | Mount Royal University
Room:  Ross Glen Hall
This presentation will explore how fostering strong, collaborative connections across campus departments directly contributes to enhancing the student experience and driving the achievement of departmental goals and outcomes.

Drawing on personal experience from both Alumni Relations and the Orientation & Transition team, I will share practical strategies for cultivating effective interdepartmental relationships. These initiatives have shown that collaboration is not just a tool for success but the key to achieving both student success and departmental excellence.

Participants will gain insight into the tangible benefits of interdepartmental collaboration, learn actionable strategies to strengthen these relationships and hear real-world examples of how effective collaboration has resulted in positive student outcomes and program success.
Intended Audience: Everyone

Lessons Learned from the First Year of MRU's After Hours Peer Support Centre
Presenters:
Sarah Dubreuil Karpa | Coordinator After Hours Peer Support | Mount Royal University
Julia Nicholls | Coordinator After Hours Peer Support | Mount Royal University
Room:  EC  1145
This presentation will share findings from the first year of MRU’s After Hours Peer Support Centre (AHPSC), designed to support students in distress outside traditional service hours. The program is grounded in five frameworks: peer support, supportive listening, solution-focused, trauma-informed care, and collaborative care. We will discuss the design, execution, and adjustments made in the first year, including volunteer recruitment, training, and program changes. Additionally, we will introduce a mixed-methods research project evaluating the program’s effectiveness in providing experiential learning for student volunteers, aiming to assess both their theoretical and practical community support skills.
Intended Audience: Student service providers, Volunteer and practicum organizers

Rooted to Grow: Using Intuition in Life Design and Career Decision-Making
Presenters:
Anna-Lisa Ciccocioppo | Senior Counsellor | University of Calgary
Liliana Gonzalez | Career Development Specialist, EDIA | University of Calgary
Room:  EC 1130
Growing your intuition will enhance your ability to support yourself and your students. This interactive workshop will encourage the exploration of three types of intuition (emotional, somatic, and cognitive) and how they can be instrumental in life design, including making good decisions (career, academic, personal). Intuition can lead to congruency with your authentic self and increased life satisfaction. You will have the opportunity to reflect on how learnings from this session could apply to your work as a post-secondary student service professional.
Intended Audience: All Student Services, Counsellors, and Advisors (academic and career)

Accessibility Technology is for Everyone!
Presenter: Dave Campbell | Accessibility Technology Strategist | Red Deer Polytechnic
Room:  EC 1170
Looking to be a more productive learner? Work smarter, not harder! This demonstration of the assistive technologies being used by students with accommodations will show you how to incorporate a variety of study tools into your own workflow. Everything from using note-taking software to record meetings to creating AI-powered podcasts from academic articles. This session will also examine Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and why its applications beyond traditional accessibility contexts are so important. Bring your own device and be ready to sign up for a variety of tools with free trials that you can play around with!
Intended Audience: Everyone

Designing Towards a Strong Advisor Training Program
Presenters:
Joel Viehweger | Academic Advisor | Mount Royal University
Ryan Owchar | Academic Advisor | Mount Royal University
Room:  Ross Glen Hall
How do you create a structured and effective training program that can be used by any new academic advisor across a university campus? Join us as we share updates, lessons learned, and learning instruments created on our journey in establishing an effective advisor training framework. Currently, we are knee-deep in developing learning outcomes, assessment tools, and learning activities grounded in research-based curriculum development, instructional design, and educational theories. Journey with us as we explore the challenges we faced, the solutions we found, and the frameworks we created for developing meaningful assessments as we begin prototyping our initial learning materials.
Intended Audience: Academic advisors and student services professionals who are interested in curriculum design

Cultivating Career Confidence: Empowering Students Through Social Cognitive Career Theory-Based Career Coaching
Presenter: Rachel Sisson | Team Lead, Career Coaching | University of Alberta
Room:  EC 1130
Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) offers a framework for understanding how individuals navigate career decisions, particularly in the dynamic landscape of post-secondary education. This presentation explores the critical role of career coaching in enhancing students’ self-efficacy, goal-setting, and outcome expectations while equipping them to overcome barriers, build professional networks, and align career choices with skills, personal values and interests. By applying SCCT principles, career educators can help students develop confidence, resilience, and adaptability—key traits for success in today's rapidly evolving job market. This session will provide actionable insights for those who support students in making informed, empowered career decisions.
Intended Audience: Career Educators and Advisors, WIL, Experiential Learning, Co-op, Internship, Student Success Professionals

Empowerment Self-Defense at the University of Calgary: Innovation, Partnership and Evidence-Based Programming
Presenters:
Paula Russel | Manager - Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Support | University of Calgary
Rachel Piazza | Founder of Feminist Self-Defense
Room:  EC 1170
Paula Russel (University of Calgary) will lead a hybrid experiential session, sharing her offices’ innovative partnership with Rachel Piazza and her Feminist Self-Defense program, offering ongoing empowerment self-defence (ESD) programming to students at the University of Calgary. In addition to presenting the merits of ESD as a violence prevention modality and discussing her innovative train-the-trainer partnership with the Feminist Self-Defense program, she will guide participants through elements of empowerment self-defence programming, including verbal and physical boundary-setting strategies.
Intended Audience: Student services professionals working in Wellness Services, SGBV Prevention and Support Services

The University of Calgary Food Hub: A Collaborative Partnership for Campus Food Security
Presenters:
Heather Ramshaw | Food Hub Coordinator | University of Calgary
Alex Pagels | Campus Food Hub Programs Assistant | University of Calgary
Room:  EC 1075
Food insecurity is a growing concern among students and campus communities. The University of Calgary Campus Food Hub initiative emerged as a response to issues of access and affordability of nutritious food. By establishing a collaborative space focused on food security, the Campus Food Hub brings together a diverse group of campus partners—including student associations and clubs, campus services, and community groups—to provide sustainable and accessible solutions for students. This session will highlight the partnership-driven model behind the Campus Food Hub, its goals, and the impact of campus collaboration on enhancing food security for students.
Intended Audience: Student Experience and Support Staff; International Student Support Staff; Graduate Student Support Staff

Helping Students Build Social Courage in Academic Situations
Presenters:
Kaitlin van Geel | Counsellor (Instructor) | University of Calgary
Michella Thai | Graduate Practicum Counsellor | University of Calgary
Room:  EC 1145
University students are at high risk of experiencing concerns with their mental health. One mental health issue commonly seen in post-secondary settings is social anxiety. Social anxiety often includes symptoms such as concerns about being judged, worries about embarrassment when around others, and avoidance of social situations. Research suggests that since the pandemic, such symptoms may be seen in students more commonly. The proposed presentation will provide professionals with strategies to help students navigate social anxiety that can arise in various academic scenarios, such as speaking with professors and working in groups.
Intended Audience: Any staff member who works with students who want to build social courage

Exploring the TransferAlberta & Pathways Resources You Need for Student Mobility Success
Chalaing Gray, Articulation Coordinator | ACAT Secretariat/Learner Pathways | Alberta Advanced Education
Eric Dohei, Operations Facilitator | ACAT Secretariat/Learner Pathways | Alberta Advanced Education
Room:  EB 1011

We will engage with student advisors and student services participants to illustrate the Transfer Alberta website and the Search Tool functionality and data/information access, including details surrounding Transfer Decisions, High School Transitions, and Dual Credit. Our focus will be on demonstrating the use of the tool and navigation of the site contents to guide student mobility. We welcome you to engage with us by bringing questions and suggestions about FAQs, common messaging, definitions, and data. We will bring an interactive demo of the Transfer Credit Evaluation System (TCES) where you can follow along as we work through how the data can be used in day-to-day work with student mobility. We encourage you to bring a device to follow along and to raise your own examples and questions that we can help you navigate in the session. We will have a test account participants can use to support your ease of engagement in the site. Updates will also be shared on new features and initiatives for Transfer Alberta, Learner Pathways, and Articulation Committees including the Student Advisor Articulation Committee.

Academic Advising Reimagined: Creating Transformational Student Supports
Presenters:
Bri Harvie | Associate Director, Academic Advising | Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Catharine Lindland | Director, Student Services | Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Room:  Ross Glen Hall
Academic advising plays a crucial role in supporting student success and aligning with institutional goals. This session highlights the transformation of academic advising at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), which shifted from a decentralized advising model to a Central Coordination, Decentralized Delivery (C²D²) model. This hybrid approach combines centralized oversight for consistency and alignment with decentralized service delivery to preserve school-specific advising. The session outlines the review process, key implementation strategies, and the benefits of the C²D² model, including enhanced student support, increased advisor empowerment, and improved alignment with institutional goals. Attendees will gain insights into fostering collaboration, training advisors and ensuring continuous improvement in academic advising practices.
Intended Audience: Student Services Administrators, individuals interested in pan institutional change

Co-Curricular Engagement: Meeting Students Where They Are
Presenter: Caitlin Kane | Experiential Learning Facilitator | Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary
Room:  EC 1160
Student engagement can be a challenge, especially now when students are busier than ever. Join the Werklund School of Education’s Experiential Learning Facilitator on their journey to make experiential learning opportunities more accessible to students, both on-campus and across Western Canada.

Based on years of observation and student feedback, two programs were implemented for Education students to help deepen their connection between theory and practice. These programs utilize existing experiential learning program management technology so students can asynchronously complete the programs, on their own time, at their own pace, wherever they are.
Intended Audience: Anyone who builds, develops, or implements programming for students

Student Self Service, AskAU generative AI
Presenters:
Kerri Michalczuk | Manager, Student Services | Athabasca University
Carla Yeaman | Program Manager & Business Lead, Frontline Learner Service Transformation | Athabasca University
Room:  EC 1170
Athabasca University (AU) has recently implemented a functional, generative AI Application for the purpose of improving student self service. University websites are large and difficult to navigate and students often have to contact various university departments for commonly asked information. The AU AskAU is a human-like, conversational AI. Our AskAU AI bot scans multiple knowledge entries, and AU websites to provide students with detailed information. This AI allows students to ask multiple questions, download the conversation transcript, and fall through to a live frontline staff member if needed. The AI provides detailed monthly analytics, and reporting and can be synchronized with other student service systems.
Intended Audience: Student service staff, supervisors and administrators

You Belong Here: Building Community by Fostering Connections
Presenter: Shannon Macelli | Recruitment & Community Engagement Officer | St. Mary's University
Room:  EC  1150 **PLEASE NOTE THERE HAS BEEN A ROOM CHANGE**
At St. Mary’s University, we treat everyone like family. From first encounters with our recruitment team to beyond their university journey, a personalized approach is paramount with every student connection. In this session, we will explore the impact a positive first encounter, student mentorship, and staff intervention can have on the success of a student. Through sharing stories and brainstorming meaningful ways to influence connection on campus, we will learn from each other on how important the feeling of belonging is for student success.
Intended Audience: Student service professionals who work in recruitment or directly with students

Supporting Diverse Students in Diverse Ways
Presenters:
Janet Miller | Counsellor | Mount Royal University
Hayl Balla | Student | Mount Royal University
Room:  EC 1130
Please join us for a dialogue about supporting and celebrating some of the magnificent diversity of our student body. We’ll discuss findings from our qualitative research project “Listening to the Lived Experiences of Students with Chronic Pain”, and share reflections from our weekly “Wellness Wind Down” group held in our Student Association’s Pride Centre. You'll have a chance to share what's happening on your campus, with the goal of sharing information and resources designed to support diversity and intersectionality.
Intended Audience: Open to all student service areas; particularly counselling, health services, mental health, access, inclusion, EDI

Life Design: An approach to supporting student career & personal development
Presenters:
Victoria Hirsche | Life Design and Work-Integrated Learning Specialist | University of Calgary
Liliana Gonzalez | Career Development Specialist, EDIA | University of Calgary
Room:  EC 1145
In our student support roles, we often encounter students wrestling with difficult decisions or challenges. The Centre for Career and Personal Development at UCalgary introduced Life Design on our campus to help students understand and apply design thinking to map possibilities for a meaningful life. This included the development of a suite of programming and workshops for students, as well as opening the Life Design Hub space. Our offerings were adapted from the “Designing Your Life” curriculum that was first developed at Stanford University. In this presentation we will share our journey of introducing Life Design to students and our campus, and help you better understand how design thinking can be used to support personal, career, and academic growth for students.
Intended Audience: Student services professionals, particularly with interest in career/academic advising, as well as holistic wellness support for students