This semester we're spotlighting each of our amazing 2025 High Impact Practice Ambassadors!

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See all of your 2025 HIP Ambassadors listed below. We welcome for the first time our LGI faculty to serve as HIP Pathway Ambassadors in partnership with TBR faculty.

First-Year Seminars/Experience
Jessica Rabb, Nashville State Community College

T. Parish Akin, Southwest Tennessee Community College

Global/Cultural Awareness

Stuart Lenig, Columbia State Community College
Amber Sullivan, Volunteer State Community College

Audie Black, Tennessee State University (HIP Pathways)

Honors Education
Sharon Grigsby, Columbia State Community College
Angie Wood, Chattanooga State Community College

Learning Communities
Tabetha Garman, Northeast State Community College

Iris Johnson Arnold, Tennessee State University (HIP Pathways)

Service Learning

Jessica Mills, Walters State Community College

Chris Rowland, TCAT Jackson

Deidra Rogers, East Tennessee State University (HIP Pathways)

Jennifer Thayer, Austin Peay State University (HIP Pathways)

Study Abroad

Emily Naff, Nashville State Community College
Cynthia Elliott, Southwest Tennessee Community College

Sergie Markov, Austin Peay State University (HIP Pathways)

Technology Enhanced Learning

Brooks Ziegler, Pellissippi State Community College

Maria Smith, TCAT Dickson

Carrie McCleese, Tennessee State University (HIP Pathways)

Undergraduate Research

Elvira Eivazova, Columbia State Community College

Gracie Rossie, Walters State Community College

Carol Swayze, Middle Tennessee State University (HIP Pathways)

Work-Based Learning

Nicole Neely, TCAT Pulaski

Jonathan Brigner, Chattanooga State Community College

Karen Russell, Tennessee State University (HIP Pathways)

What: Discussion about the basics of High Impact Practices and how they work

Who: Gracie Rossie from Walters State Community College

Chris Rowland from TCAT Jackson

Elvira Eivazova from Columbia State Community College

Carol Swayze from Middle Tennessee State University

Karen Russell from Tennessee State University

Check out the recording here!

What: Intro to Learning Mindset Strategies: Understanding Growth vs. Fixed Mindset and Practical Applications

Who: Jonathan Brigner from Chattanooga State Community College

Jessica Mills from Walters State Community College

Nicole Neely from TCAT Pulaski

Deidra Rogers from East Tennessee State University

Jennifer Thayer from Austin Peay State University

Check out the recording here!

What: Navigating Culture Shock - First-Year, First-Gen, and Education Abroad - from HIP Ambassadors

Who: Emily Naff from Nashville State Community College

Cynthia Elliott from Southwest Tennessee Community College

Audie Black from Tennessee State University

Carrie McCleese from Tennessee State University

Amber Sullivan from Volunteer State Community College

Review the recording

When: 11:00-noon CST on Friday, March 21

What: HIPs 401: Discussing the intersection of Growth Mindset and High Impact Practices

Who: Jessica Rabb from Nashville State Community College

Tabetha Garman from Northeast State Community College

Recording to come!

Love the idea of Mindset Pedagogy but need a speedier way to implement?

Or perhaps you're new to Mindset Pedagogy and don't know where to start?

If so, we've got you covered!

As you know, we have the expansive Mindset Resource Repository  which was created in collaboration with Motivate Lab to provide resources, handouts, and templates that any course instructor can use to add mindset-supportive activities, language, and best practices to their course. Check out dozens of free, ready-made resources to increase student engagement.

But if you need a faster way to match up your needs with helpful resources, then check out the new Mindset Matcher tool we're testing out! 

Just answer 2 quick questions to get a tailored list of classroom assets. In less than a minute, you could be on your way to harnessing the power of Mindset GPS for your students. Plus, we are continually adding new resources to this repository.

Please complete the short Mindset Resource Check-Out Form when you download a resource to use in your course. 

(Why we ask this: TBR received grant funding from Ascendium Education Group to support this work. As part of our grant reporting, we are tracking how many instructors/courses utilize these resources so we can continually improve our support services).

Simply put, High Impact Practices and Mindset principles represent a set of pedagogical guidelines that research has shown can improve student outcomes.

A high impact practice is a pedagogical approach which requires an investment of time and energy over an extended period that has unusually positive effects on student engagement in educationally purposeful behavior (Kuh, 2010). High impact practices are evidence-based teaching and learning practices that have been widely tested and shown to be beneficial for college students (Kuh, 2008). Characteristics of high-impact activities include: setting appropriately high expectations of students; interaction with faculty and peers about substantive matters; experiences with diversity; frequent feedback; reflection and integrative learning; real-world applications; and demonstrated competence. 

Why is it important to engage students in High Impact Practices?

Data from NSSE’s annual reports have consistently displayed positive gains in the percentage of students’ self-reported perceptions on educational achievement and engagement through high impact practices. The Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE) has also identified promising practices drawn from empirical evidence (CCCSE, 2011).  Furthermore, the cumulative effect of student participation in multiple high impact practices increases the probability of academic success and research has shown that HIP increases engagement for underrepresented populations (Finley and McNair, 2013) 

Learn how institutions have infused high-impact practices into the undergraduate experience.

See the flyer!

CTLE is excited to announce that we are currently accepting proposals for Summer Institute 2025! 

Scheduled for May 19th-22nd, Summer Institute presents an opportunity for faculty and staff to engage in a four-day professional learning experience. We invite you to share your knowledge and skills with Southwest administration, faculty, and staff at this important college-wide event. 

Call for Proposals

For more information or questions, please contact CTLE at ctle@southwest.tn.edu or call 901-333-4378

The Carnegie Community Engagement Elective Classification Committee in collaboration with the Experiential Learning (EXL) Scholars Program and the Assistant to the President for Community Engagement and Inclusion invites you to join us for the

 MTSU Institute of Experiential Learning

The Value of Incorporating Community Partners Into Your Teaching

Please Join Us -- LT&ITC – To Register email Carol.Swayze@mtsu.edu with your name, email and your institution

Friday, March 28 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm

EXL Institute Faculty Workshop

LT&ITC Room 348  Walker Library

Middle Tennessee State University

This workshop will showcase examples of high-impact teaching practices utilizing collaboration with community organizations.  Faculty member, Lori Kissinger, and her community partners will explain the mutual benefits of their partnership and the benefits of experiential learning for student success. Participants will be encouraged to critically consider how they can incorporate experiential learning activities into their courses and will receive guidance on certifying their courses with the EXL designation.

Community Partners include the following:

Joey Barnett, Legislative Assistant for Representative Clark Boyd

Parkre Johnson, District Human Resource Manager for Penske

Chelsy Winton, Global Infrastructure Engineer for General Mills

The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers (AACRAO) Annual Meeting is an opportunity to learn, network, and advance higher education. Professionals from a variety of higher education disciplines gather together at the AACRAO Annual Meeting to engage and discuss the ever-changing landscape of higher ed.

Collaborate with a worldwide, higher education network as it comes together to explore, engage, and learn. Each year higher education professionals face new and unique challenges in their work and the AACRAO Annual Meeting is the place to find solutions to those challenges. 

Learn more here.

The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) presents OLC Innovate, a joint conference presented by OLC and MERLOT, provides a path for innovators of all experience levels and backgrounds to share best practices, test new ideas, and collaborate on driving forward online, digital, and blended learning.

We will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Innovate conference April 1-3, 2025. Our theme for Innovate 2025, which will be presented virtually, is “The Rhythm of Innovation: Hitting the High Notes in Digital Education.”

Join us as we challenge our teaching and learning paradigms, reimagine the learning experience, and ideate on how disruptions in education today will shape the innovative classroom of tomorrow.

Learn more here.

AAC&U is excited to launch its newest event, the 2025 Conference on Learning and Student Success (CLASS).

CLASS is designed to elevate, amplify, and extend AAC&U's core work on transforming student learning and the undergraduate experience by bringing together for the first time in one program the work traditionally delivered by AAC&U’s two largest thematic conferences: the Conference on Diversity, Equity, and Student Success (DESS) and the Conference on General Education, Pedagogy, and Assessment (GEPA). CLASS is the ultimate manifestation of AAC&U “practicing what we preach”—dismantling siloes and collaborating across organizational structures to harness the collective wisdom and power of our diverse expertise and experiences to make our shared vision of educational excellence a reality.

Learn more here.

Designed to prepare and empower practitioners, administrators, and institutions to embrace and effectively utilize digital innovations, this hybrid forum will explore topics such as artificial intelligence, open learning, and ePortfolios.
Register Now

Registration for the Forum on Digital Innovation is through the CLASS registration system. 

Join Achieving the Dream (ATD) this April for a two-part webinar, Community Vibrancy: A New Era for Community Colleges. This no-cost, two-session learning event for ATD Network colleges will explore how the Community Vibrancy Framework is transforming colleges into catalysts for stronger, more equitable, and vibrant communities. 

Part One:
Transforming Community Colleges Through the Community Vibrancy Framework  
April 8, 2025 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET
Get an inside look at ATD’s visionary framework designed to help colleges expand access, strengthen student momentum, advance social and economic mobility, and connect institutional transformation with broader community impact. Join us for a deep dive into the boundary spanning Community Vibrancy Framework.

Learn more here

2025 CCCC Annual Convention

April 9–12, 2025
Baltimore Convention Center
Baltimore, MD

Program Chair: Kofi J. Adisa

Theme: “Computer Love”: Extended Play, B-sides, Remix, Collaboration, and Creativity

Learn more here.

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) hosts one of the most significant professional development experiences for community college leaders and providers engaged with the two-year college sector. This experience includes high-energy keynote presentations and breakout sessions addressing the sector’s most pressing issues and opportunities, technology showcases, peer-to-peer sharing sessions, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

Key audiences:

Community college CEOs, executives, managers, faculty, trustees, thought leaders, foundation representatives, federal agency representatives, and business and industry partners

Faculty: instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, professor
Entry-level: administrative assistant, advisor, analyst, chair, coordinator, counselor, designer, operator, specialist
Manager: dean, director, executive director
Executive: assistant vice president, associate vice president, vice president
Chief Executive Officer: campus president, chancellor

Learn more here

Join Achieving the Dream (ATD) this April for a two-part webinar, Community Vibrancy: A New Era for Community Colleges. This no-cost, two-session learning event for ATD Network colleges will explore how the Community Vibrancy Framework is transforming colleges into catalysts for stronger, more equitable, and vibrant communities. 

Part Two:

Using Community Vibrancy To Cultivate Abundance in Mind, Practice, and Mobility  

April 22, 2025 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET 

The ATD Community Vibrancy Framework is already empowering community colleges to make groundbreaking changes with a tremendous impact on their students and communities. Hear firsthand from two pioneering colleges that tested the ATD Community Vibrancy Framework. Learn how they are spanning boundaries to uplift individuals, families, and entire communities.

Learn more here.  

Fostering innovation in digitally driven education

Digital Universities US 2025 is designed to provide actionable insights, strategies and inspiration relevant to your unique journey. Attendees will explore ways to build an institutional culture that embraces innovation in teaching and learning, develops intentional digital solutions to improve the student and faculty experience, and overcomes barriers to equitable access.

Together, we will uncover opportunities for growth through proven best practices and work towards a more forward-thinking academic landscape – one that meets the diverse needs of today’s institutions and empowers students to thrive in a digital age.

Learn more here.

2025 North American Career Education Convention

The  North American Career Education Convention is the largest gathering of private career education professionals in North America. This event features well-known keynote speakers, experts leading concurrent sessions, and an environment to connect and network with others in the sector. Year after year, the Convention attracts a diverse audience of sector leaders from across the country.

Join us in person for the 2025 North American Career Education Convention, we look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!

Learn more here.

The future of exceptional undergraduate education requires fewer siloes, more connection.

Designed to enhance and improve undergraduate education, the AAC&U Institute on Connecting the Undergraduate Experience, or iCUE, is focused on identifying and capitalizing on points of connection among strategic goals, programmatic outcomes, and discrete learning experiences. The institute’s customizable curriculum allows participants to develop, broaden, or advance campus change initiatives by concentrating, singly or in combination, on a range of topics, including career preparation, general education, high-impact practices, and ePortfolios. The emphasis throughout is on collaboration across departments and divisions, alignment of goals and resources, and integration at conceptual and strategic levels. During this intensive multiple-day engagement—away from day-to-day distractions and as a part of cross-silo campus teams—participants gain perspective, engage with experts and faculty mentors, and think expansively.  

iCUE itself represents and embodies the generative possibility of cross-silo connection by integrating four previously offered AAC&U institutes—the Curriculum-to-Careers Institute; the Institute on ePortfolios;  the Institute on High-Impact Practices; and the Institute on General Education, Pedagogy, and Assessment—into a single, comprehensive program guided by national experts in all these areas.

Learn more here.

The Teaching Professor Conference is the place for educators who are passionate about the art and science of teaching. It’s an exhilarating three-day event focused on the latest research-based, classroom-tested best practices to enhance your knowledge. Join hundreds of educators from around the world! 

Learn more here.

Gain the leadership competencies you need in the age of AI

The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education. Leaders and educators must prepare for AI's transformative impact on teaching, research, and institutional operations. Unprecedented challenges and opportunities are rapidly emerging, and new leadership skills and approaches are required to navigate this new landscape successfully.

The Symposium on AI Leadership will bring together academic administrators, faculty, and technology experts to explore AI's transformative potential in higher education. This intensive symposium will equip institutional leaders with knowledge and strategies for effectively integrating AI across academic, administrative, and strategic domains. Participants will have a unique opportunity to network with peers, explore AI-driven solutions tailored for academia, and gain strategic tools to lead their institutions into an AI-enabled future.

Learn more here.

The Institute on Experiential Learning and Engaged Dialogue is an intensive program dedicated to equipping institutional teams with strategies to foster experiential learning and engaged dialogue to prepare students for encounters on campus, in the community, and in their future careers. Teams will explore ways to help students develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes that position them for success in their future lives and careers. High-impact experiential learning is central to the Institute curriculum, and teams will explore strategies and practices that can be integrated into all disciplines across curricular and co-curricular experiences and will prepare students for democratic engagement.  

This transformative experience provides participants with time, resources, and expert guidance to design initiatives encouraging students to navigate diverse perspectives, build meaningful connections, work constructively across differences, and engage actively, productively, and ethically with communities. Through workshops, case studies, and facilitated conversations, teams will explore methods to create equitable and impactful learning environments that prepare students for full civic participation in local and global contexts.

The institute focuses on practical approaches to engaged dialogue, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, empathy, and active listening in educational and community settings. Teams will examine and reimagine current practices, identifying ways to create inclusive spaces where students can critically engage with complex issues and diverse viewpoints. Sessions led by national experts will highlight how experiential learning, when embedded across disciplines and co-curricular experiences, can empower students to apply their skills in real-world situations. By the end of the institute, teams will leave with actionable plans to foster dialogue and engagement, supporting students in becoming thoughtful, informed contributors to society.

Learn more here.

About The Event

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) are excited to announce the return of the Joint Conference for Elementary Literacy and Mathematics! 

Back by popular demand, this unique event offers elementary teachers and leaders another opportunity to refine their skills in both mathematics and language arts. Participants will dive into teaching practices and strategies that foster connected learning across these essential domains, building on the success of last year's conference while offering fresh insights and approaches for the year ahead. 

Learn more here.

About the Event

Join the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics for the 2025 Annual Meeting in Atlanta this fall, October 15–18. 

This year’s meeting will honor the historical and contemporary contributions of mathematics educators to classrooms and communities. Together, we’ll celebrate and elevate the creative teaching practices that have transformed math learning for each and every student. 

Here are just a few of the reasons you will want to attend: 

• Inspiring education sessions from leading mathematics educators 

• Expert keynote speakers and leaders in mathematics education 

• Networking, games, giveaways and great ideas 

• New advances, technologies, and ideas on display in our exhibit hall  

NCTM is committed to ensuring that our events are fully accessible to all persons. Visit our Accessibility & Inclusion section for more details.  

Learn more here.

Accelerating Online Learning Worldwide

The Accelerate 2025 conference, hosted by the Online Learning Consortium, showcases groundbreaking research and highly effective practices in online and digital learning across K-12, higher education, and corporate L&D. This event is designed to empower and support leaders, instructional designers, educators, and training professionals by offering a wide range of sessions and activities. These are specifically curated to address the unique challenges and shared goals of our entire community, helping to shape the evolving landscape of digital learning and workforce development.

Learn more here.

What: Effective Alternative Text Digital Accessibility Training

When: March 28, 9:00 CST

Where: Click to join

Question? Contact Amie Nephew, Director of Accessibility at 615-366-2223 or email amie.nephew@tbr.edu 

Date & Time:  Apr 1, 2025 10:00 AM in Central Time (US and Canada)

As we move beyond the crisis narrative in collegiate mental health, it’s time to shift our focus toward long-term solutions. Developing a strategic, realistic, and forward-thinking approach is essential to creating sustainable, effective mental health programs that support students. 

With higher education leaders and mental health decision makers in one place, we aim to have a frank discussion about lessons learned, led by panelists who collectively represent thousands of colleges and universities and millions of students. 

Join us on Tuesday, April 1, at 11:00 am EST for an insightful conversation to increase awareness for diverse strategic goals along with actionable ideas and accessible tools for designing your mental health strategy. We’ll explore key concepts for building a 10-year strategic plan that moves institutional mental health programs beyond a reactive mindset. 

Concepts will include: 

- Defining your goals and outcomes alongside your limits 

- Understanding the full range of strategy threads from specialized clinical care to population-level support 

- Alignment between mission, resources, and stakeholders 

- The role of third-party vendors  

Reserve your spot now!

Foundations: Exploring the Illusion of Learning with AI and Open Education as Pedagogy from Achieve the Dream

Friday, April 4, 2025| 12:00 Noon CST / 1:00 PM EST

Registration Link: https://achievingthedream-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oRri0UQNTi-ZshXW9Q-iw  

Join your Tennessee colleagues as we kick off the webinar series by uncovering the critical role Generative AI tools and Open Educational Resources (OER) can play in promoting authentic student engagement and how to avoid common pitfalls such as superficial "illusions of learning." In this foundational session, you'll discover core capabilities (and limitations) of tools like ChatGPT and explore ways AI and OER can complement each other in meaningful ways. Together with peers, you'll exchange practical insights, share real-world examples, and discuss how best to guide students beyond simply accessing information to truly processing and internalizing their learning. 

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Achieving the Dream

Spring Webinar Series: Harnessing AI & OER for Authentic Learning 

Fridays at 12:00 Noon CST / 1:00 PM EST April 4, April 18, and May 2, 2025

Join Tennessee higher education faculty for an engaging three-part webinar series designed to help educators integrate generative AI tools within open educational pedagogy which means prioritizing genuine student learning and avoiding the superficial "illusions of knowing." Each webinar progressively builds on foundational knowledge, moving from initial understanding of generative AI and OER to practical assignment design, to assessments and finally to a reflexive practice. Participants will leave equipped with actionable approaches to effectively leverage AI in educational spaces. 

Who Should Attend? 

• Faculty looking to integrate AI tools responsibly and effectively. 

• Librarians and instructional designers interested in OER and open pedagogy.

• Administrators and department chairs exploring innovative teaching strategies and policies. 

Key Takeaways

• Practical Tools & Templates: Sample assignments, rubrics, and reflection prompts you can implement immediately. 

• Deepened Pedagogical Insight: A nuanced understanding of how AI can both support and hinder authentic learning.

• Community Connection: Access to a supportive network of Tennessee educators committed to open and student-centered teaching practices. 

When: 11:00-noon CST on Tuesday, April 8

Where: HIPs 501 Call Link (via Zoom)

What: Discussion of effective ways to share the basics and benefits of HIPs with various stakeholders.

Who: Stuart Lenig from Columbia State Community College

Sergei Markov from Austin Peay State University

 Angie Wood from Chattanooga State Community College

 Sharon Grigsby from Columbia State Community College

  Iris Johnson from Tennessee State University

Register to join a call

When: 11:00-noon CST on  Friday, April 11

Where: HIPs 601 Call Link (via MS Teams)

What: Discussion of how technological tools can be leveraged across various courses.

Who: Parish Akin from Southwest Tennessee Community College

Maria Smith from TCAT Dickson

 Brooks Ziegler from Pellissippi State Community College

Register to join a call

Practical Integration: Designing AI-Enhanced OER Assignments

Friday, April 18, 2025 | 12:00 Noon CST / 1:00 PM EST 

Registration Link: https://achievingthedream-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W1aJorpTSGWV73UHxilWg

 In this interactive session, you’ll work alongside other Tennessee educators to dive deeply into designing assignments that thoughtfully integrate Generative AI into OER-based curricula and discover concrete strategies for developing learning activities that move students beyond passive consumption toward deeper critical thinking and reflection. Through hands-on activities and collaborative discussion, participants will explore innovative assignment ideas, address ethical considerations and academic integrity, and exchange practical approaches for ensuring access to AI tools. Participants will leave equipped with ready-to-use ideas and creative strategies for integrating AI meaningfully into learning environments. 

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Achieving the Dream

Spring Webinar Series: Harnessing AI & OER for Authentic Learning 

Fridays at 12:00 Noon CST / 1:00 PM EST April 4, April 18, and May 2, 2025

Join Tennessee higher education faculty for an engaging three-part webinar series designed to help educators integrate generative AI tools within open educational pedagogy which means prioritizing genuine student learning and avoiding the superficial "illusions of knowing." Each webinar progressively builds on foundational knowledge, moving from initial understanding of generative AI and OER to practical assignment design, to assessments and finally to a reflexive practice. Participants will leave equipped with actionable approaches to effectively leverage AI in educational spaces. 

Who Should Attend? 

• Faculty looking to integrate AI tools responsibly and effectively. 

• Librarians and instructional designers interested in OER and open pedagogy.

• Administrators and department chairs exploring innovative teaching strategies and policies. 

Key Takeaways

• Practical Tools & Templates: Sample assignments, rubrics, and reflection prompts you can implement immediately. 

• Deepened Pedagogical Insight: A nuanced understanding of how AI can both support and hinder authentic learning.

• Community Connection: Access to a supportive network of Tennessee educators committed to open and student-centered teaching practices. 

What: Math & Science content Text Digital Accessibility Training

When: April 25, 9:00 CST

Where: Click to join

Question? Contact Amie Nephew, Director of Accessibility at 615-366-2223 or email amie.nephew@tbr.edu 

Ensuring Authentic Learning in Open Education in an AI Era 

Friday, May 2, 2025 | 12:00 Noon CST / 1:00 PM EST 

Registration Link: https://achievingthedreamorg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CN1zOwE_SjGXprQr9vQTfg

Participants will conclude the series by collaborating with Tennessee colleagues to develop effective assessment and reflexive practices in AI-enabled learning environments. This session emphasizes authentic assessments designed to capture genuine student understanding—moving beyond surfacelevel AI outputs to true synthesis of knowledge and learning. Attendees will explore tools like e-portfolios and reflective journals, discuss strategies for fostering productive struggle and student agency, and brainstorm sustainable practices to continually refine OER and AI-enabled activities. By the end of this webinar, you will have engaged with assessment frameworks and actionable reflection techniques, while strengthened your network of peer educators committed to meaningful, authentic student learning. 

===================

Achieving the Dream

Spring Webinar Series: Harnessing AI & OER for Authentic Learning 

Fridays at 12:00 Noon CST / 1:00 PM EST April 4, April 18, and May 2, 2025

Join Tennessee higher education faculty for an engaging three-part webinar series designed to help educators integrate generative AI tools within open educational pedagogy which means prioritizing genuine student learning and avoiding the superficial "illusions of knowing." Each webinar progressively builds on foundational knowledge, moving from initial understanding of generative AI and OER to practical assignment design, to assessments and finally to a reflexive practice. Participants will leave equipped with actionable approaches to effectively leverage AI in educational spaces. 

Who Should Attend? 

• Faculty looking to integrate AI tools responsibly and effectively. 

• Librarians and instructional designers interested in OER and open pedagogy.

• Administrators and department chairs exploring innovative teaching strategies and policies. 

Key Takeaways

• Practical Tools & Templates: Sample assignments, rubrics, and reflection prompts you can implement immediately. 

• Deepened Pedagogical Insight: A nuanced understanding of how AI can both support and hinder authentic learning.

• Community Connection: Access to a supportive network of Tennessee educators committed to open and student-centered teaching practices. 

Where: Austin, Texas

When: May 24-27, 2025

(from NISOD)

Join us at NISOD’s International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence, the premier event dedicated to inspiring educators in higher education! Taking place May 24-27, 2025, in vibrant Austin, Texas, this transformative conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside community and technical college faculty, administrators, and staff from across the nation and beyond. Attendees can expect dynamic sessions, hands-on workshops, and powerful keynote addresses, all focused on enhancing student success and advancing teaching and leadership skills. Don’t miss your chance to be part of an empowering experience that celebrates and strengthens our educational community. 

Conference information

Call for proposals

What: OER Digital Accessibility Training

When: May 30, 9:00 CST

Where: Click to join

Question? Contact Amie Nephew, Director of Accessibility at 615-366-2223 or email amie.nephew@tbr.edu 

What: Social Media Digital Accessibility Training

When: June 20, 9:00 CST

Where: Click to join

Question? Contact Amie Nephew, Director of Accessibility at 615-366-2223 or email amie.nephew@tbr.edu 

What: AI and Accessibility 

When: August 1, 9:00 CST

Where: Click to join

Question? Contact Amie Nephew, Director of Accessibility at 615-366-2223 or email amie.nephew@tbr.edu 

The Office of Academic Affairs is hosting a virtual training session on TCAT academic affairs. This training is ideal for individuals new to the academic affairs role, those supporting academic affairs, or anyone needing a refresher. The topics covered will include Academic Affairs and personnel policies, the role of subcouncils, how to propose academic actions, common academic affairs due dates, academic and banner workflows, the responsibilities of the curriculum chair, the curriculum revision process, and an overview of Curriculog and Acalog. Please feel free to forward this invitation to others who may benefit. 

Questions? Reach out to Dr. Tachaka Hollins, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs tachaka.hollins@tbr.edu 

Review the CTE Policy Watch from the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)

Subscribe to CTE Policy Watch

Review the DC Digest

The Association for Career and Technical Education is the largest national education association dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for careers. Our mission is to provide educational leadership in developing a competitive workforce, and we strive to empower educators to deliver high-quality career and technical (CTE) programs that ensure all students are positioned for career success. Please contact us at publicpolicy@acteonline.org. 

SCORE is thrilled to open applications for the Future Forward Innovation Grant. Available to Tennessee’s most innovative education-to-work leaders, the grant supports the design, launch, and scaling of pathway models intended to increase student access to careers that enable economic independence. Awardees will receive up to $75,000, a year of strategic consulting from SCORE, and cohort-style learning opportunities.EGIN YOUR APPLICATION

To be considered, models must demonstrate the following qualities:

• Student-centered: The pathway must create an accelerated opportunity for students to earn an “impact credential,” that is, a credential that data show offers a clearer pathway toward a high-wage, high-demand career.

• Market-driven: The pathway must be developed with an employer or industry partner to meet a specific workforce need.

• Education and employer partnership: The pathway must be created through collaboration among K-12, postsecondary education, workforce training, and/or community partners working alongside an employer or industry partner.

The application deadline is April 11. Grantees will be notified in May.

Questions before beginning your application?

More detailed information, as well as the application, can be found on the grant landing page. SCORE also welcomes interested applicants to attend a webinar this Friday, March 7, 9-10 a.m. CT. We will explain key grant and fellowship features, discuss the application process, and answer your questions. The webinar will be recorded and available for later viewing. Reach out to us at innovationgrant@tnscore.org with any questions.

Ready to accelerate student success in Tennessee? Apply today or share this opportunity with innovative leaders in your community!

2024-25 Grant Officer Training Series

Open to all TBR Employees

Uniform Grant Guidance: Review the recording. 

Grant Writing Under Uniform Guidance: Download the presentation materials. Review the recording

Logic Models: Download the presentation materials. Review the recording

May 6 1:00-2:00 pm CST: Procurement Provisions Under Uniform Guidance click to join

July 1 1:00-2:00 pm CST: Top 10 Audit Findings and What To Do About Them click to join

See the flyer. Check out the listings in our Professional Development Calendar of Events

Questions? Contact Josh Koller, Director of Assessment in the Office of Student Success at josh.koller@tbr.edu 

Friday Accessibility Office hours for TCATs and Community Colleges

Questions? Reach out to Amie Nephew at amie.nephew@tbr.edu

Click to join

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helena, our hearts are with all those affected, particularly those residents of Northeast Tennessee. Many within the TBR family—our students, faculty, and staff—have been directly impacted by the catastrophic flooding. Homes have been damaged, families displaced, and lives disrupted. As we begin to understand the scale of the damage fully, it’s clear that our community needs our help.

TBR is coordinating with local agencies and organizations to offer immediate assistance to those within the TBR family who were affected. While we’re focused on providing critical support, the road to recovery will require sustained resources.

This is where we need you. Your donation to the Foundation for the College of Tennessee’s Flood Relief Fund, regardless of size, can make an immediate difference. Every contribution helps to provide emergency aid, including food, shelter, and supplies for those most affected by the disaster.

Please consider supporting these relief efforts by making a donation today. The fund is accessible through the Flood Relief Fund tab at the top of TBR.edu or directly at:

https://www.tbr.edu/advancement/tbr-emergency-assistance-fund

Walters State Community College  https://ws.edu/give/index.aspx and Northeast State Community College https://givebutter.com/NESCCFlood  have also established storm relief funds.

Those effected also need bottled water. If you’d like to donate water, you can take it to any Community College, TCAT or the TBR Central Office first floor lobby for distribution.

Every act of generosity brings hope and strength to the recovery process.

Join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to our college family in Northeast Tennessee.

-- Flora W. Tydings, Chancellor

If a student, advisee, or other member of your institution's community is active duty military, a veteran, military spouse or family, the resources below could prove invaluable:

• Crisis Resources:

  • Veterans' Crisis Line Service

  • Veterans' Crisis Line Chat

• Consult with Veterans Affairs (VA) Resources:

  • VA Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program

  • VA PTSD Consultation Program

• Learn about additional VA Mental Health Resources:

  • VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Website

For more information, check out the Veterans and Military Families Support page at TBR.

You an also contact Dr. Regina Watkins, Director of Veteran Enrollment and Benefits at regina.watkins@tbr.edu 

October 2024

A new report sheds light on the mental health challenges community college students face, which can affect their academic performance and even cause them to drop classes or stop out.

More than half (56%) of students responding to one survey on which the report is based said that emotional or mental difficulties had hurt their academic performance over the previous four weeks. And more than one-third (37%) indicated mental health issues could cause them to withdraw from classes or college.

In addition, three in 10 respondents said they would not know where to go if they needed help with their mental health, with 42% saying they needed help but never sought it.

The report comes from the Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE), located at the University of Texas at Austin. It is based on the results of two surveys: the 2023 Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) — administered to more than 60,000 public two-year students from 149 institutions — and the 2023 Survey of Entering Student Engagement (SENSE), which included almost 14,000 students from 61 institutions.

A focus area for colleges

The findings show that colleges can do more to better understand and address their students’ mental health needs and well-being, says CCCSE Executive Director Linda Garcia.

“Community colleges have an opportunity to be the place where students find the mental health support they need,” she said in a release accompanying the report.

In the foreword to the report, Russell Lowery-Hart, chancellor of the Austin Community College District (Texas) and a member of CCCSE’s advisory board, added that the report’s findings should challenge colleges to build a culture of care and support systems for students who need help.

“Institutions can no longer afford to simply send emails explaining what services and supports are available,” he wrote. “Even when students know how to access the needed help, they typically will not engage it.”

The report notes that both returning and new students face similar mental health challenges, indicating that colleges should intervene early and continue to support students throughout college.

“The importance of early intervention is further supported by the fact that roughly 40% of community college students do not persist from their first fall enrollment to the following fall,” it says.

A breakdown of findings

The report provides the results of both surveys, which asked students about depression, anxiety, effects of mental health issues on academics and more. It also breaks down responses by gender, race/ethnicity and self-reported grade point average (GPA).

For example, nearly two-thirds (63%) of women and 47% of men reported that emotional or mental difficulties hurt their academic performance in the previous four weeks. While students who identify as another gender comprise a small percentage of respondents, most of those students (85%) reported trouble with their academics due to mental health issues, the report says.

A higher percentage of women (39%) than men (29%) also said their mental health issues or emotional well-being are likely (somewhat likely, likely or very likely) to cause them to withdraw from classes. Again, students with another gender identity had a much higher rate, 63%.

The report also observes that students reporting lower GPAs are more likely to say that mental health difficulties hurt their academic performance. Seventy percent of students with self-reported GPAs of a “C” or lower said they had one or more days when emotional or mental health difficulties hurt their academic performance, compared to about half (52%) of students with GPAs of a “B” or higher.

Students’ POV on services

In both surveys, students gave overall high marks for their colleges’ efforts to make their mental health and well-being a priority. Students who likely have a depressive or general anxiety disorder were much less inclined to believe their college prioritizes these disorders, the report says, again noting the importance of providing information about available resources early in students’ interactions with their college and throughout their college experience.

What’s of particular concern is that 30% of CCSSE respondents and 35% of SENSE respondents said they would not know where to go for help with mental health issues if they needed it. Hispanic/Latino students (30%) were the most likely to report they would not know where to turn for help.

Less than one-quarter (23%) of CCSSE respondents reported not needing help for their mental health and emotional well-being over the past year; among those who said they did need help, 42% never sought help, the report says. Hispanic/Latino students (46%) were more likely to say they had never sought help in the past year compared to other racial/ethnic groups, including Black/African American (43%), Asian (41%) and White (41%) students.

In terms of barriers to seeking help, one-third of students (32%) cited a lack of resources, such as money, time and transportation, with 19% saying they do not know what kind of help they need, and 12% saying they worry about what others would think of them. Another 7% said they do not know where to seek help. CCSSE observed that 30% of students responded “Other” to this question, which the center says suggests that colleges should dive deeper via interviews and focus groups to determine those factors.

Five questions to ask

CCSSE reports five questions to help guide colleges in this area. They are:

• Do our students believe their mental health and well-being are a priority at our college?

• Do our students know where they can seek help on our campus?

• If our students need help, how often do they seek it?

• What barriers prevent our students from seeking help?

• How do our students want to receive help?

The report includes some promising practices in the sector, from technology-focused approaches, such as free teletherapy apps at Arizona’s Cochise College, to comprehensive efforts with additional counselors and outreach campaigns, like those at Alamo Colleges in Texas and Hudson County Community College in New Jersey.

If a student, advisee, or other member of your institution's community is active duty military, a veteran, military spouse or family, the resources below could prove invaluable:

• Characteristics of Student Veterans

  • Veterans' Affairs: Student Demographics and Characteristics

  • Advising Military Students on Higher Education

  • TBR Veteran Mental Health training with Dr. Neil Duchac

• Crisis Resources:

  • Veterans' Crisis Line Service

  • Veterans' Crisis Line Chat

• Consult with Veterans Affairs (VA) Resources:

  • VA Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program

  • VA PTSD Consultation Program

• Learn about additional VA Mental Health Resources:

  • VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Website

For more information, check out the Veterans and Military Families Support page at TBR.

You can also contact Dr. Regina Watkins, Director of Veteran Enrollment and Benefits at regina.watkins@tbr.edu 

Have questions about Artificial Intelligence? Or is there a topic you'd love to see in a Tech Talk Tuesday session?

If so, there's good news! You can reach the AI Training Collaborative at TBR by emailing the team at:

ailearning@tbr.edu 

and they'll be happy to assist.

Welcome to our dedicated resource hub for TBR educators exploring the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning. On this site, you will find recaps of our Tech Talk Tuesday sessions--including links to meeting recordings. Additionally, we have included a vetted resource repository of examples, articles, videos, and tools. Lastly, included is an AI Playbook, which contains best practices collected from leaders in the field as well as various educational institutions, organizations, and industry. As AI is rapidly changing, expect constant updates to this site. 

Learn more here.

ailearning@tbr.edu

As part of their ongoing series, the TBR AI Training Collective offers their session on Microsoft Copilot. Review the session summary and link to the recorded session below:

Session Summary:

• Microsoft Copilot is a conversational chat interface that generates text, images, and writes code.

• Copilot is continuously learning and evolving with user engagement.

• Access to Copilot can be through various platforms, such as the Edge browser, co-pilot website, and Windows 11.

• Copilot is 

  • embedded in Microsoft 365 for enhanced productivity and collaboration.

  • part of the broader Copilot ecosystem, including Windows Copilot and Being Copilot.

• Copilot can be used 

  • to create flyers. The tool assists in generating templates, writing copy, and helping with the layout.

  • to create image description generation for accessibility, specifically focusing on providing alternative text for images within Microsoft Word. 

  • to easily create screenshots. The tool allows users to capture and analyze images, potentially aiding in the brainstorming process.

• Copilot was utilized in an educational context for generating competency statements for an early World History class as part of a competency-based education (CBE) project.

Link to recording on Microsoft Copilot

Now you can check out the recorded sessions of Tech Tuesdays presented by the TBR AI Training Collective. Every presentation is recorded and the team even provides a quick overview of key takeaways.

For instance, check out the Session 11: "AI as Study Buddy and Tutor" recap:

• Avoid entering personally identifiable information (PII) into AI platforms.

• You can "turn off" training data in some GAI models. Search the site for the information and steps! In ChatGPT, click the icon that accesses your account. Click Settings, and then click Data Control. Toggle Improve Model for Everyone to OFF.

• AI tools can help personalize student learning, but it’s important to choose the right tool that fits the student’s needs, learning style, and timing.

• AI applications can explain difficult concepts, offer interactive quizzes, provide guided problem-solving, and show real-world applications, supporting but not replacing human instruction.

• Demonstrations showed how AI can serve as study buddies or tutors by generating explanations and study material based on specific prompts.

• Creative uses of AI include generating flashcards, quizzes, debates, study schedules, and even educational songs, with an emphasis on matching the right tool to the right learner.

Learn more here.