Conference Schedule

8:00am - 8:30am Check in  (APC Lobby)

8:00am - 8:30am Sponsor Exhibit Tables Open  (APC Lobby)

8:00am - 3:00pm Quiet Relaxation Room Available  (APC 194)

8:30am - 8:45am Welcome & Opening Remarks  (APC 110 BC)

8:45am - 10:00am Keynote Address  (APC 110 BC)

• Bryce D. Bunting, Ph.D. & Dallin George Young, Ph.D.

10:10am - 11:00am Educational Session I (Breakout Rooms - See Ed Session Schedules)

11:10am - 12:00pm Educational Session II  (Breakout Rooms - See Ed Session Schedules)

12:00pm - 1:15pm Lunch, Plenary Address & Award Presentation  (APC 110 BC)

Sponsor Exhibit Tables Open

• Carrie Schade Service to the Profession Award

1:30pm - 2:20pm Educational Session III  (Breakout Rooms - See Ed Session Schedules)

2:30pm - 3:00pm Closing Remarks & Updates  (APC 110 BC)

8:45-10:00 a.m. - Keynote Address (APC 110)

Rethinking a New Story of Student Transitions:  The Role of Community, Participation, and Becoming in Supporting Holistic Student Success

Bryce D. Bunting, Ph.D., Associate Clinical Professor in Counseling and Psychological Services, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education, and Director of the First-Year Experience (Brigham Young University)

Dallin George Young, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in Counseling and Human Development Services (University of Georgia)

Today’s students are nearly always in transition – they enter, choose majors, temporarily leave and return, move back and forth between work and school, and experience many more periods of change. While these transitions present challenges, they can also be the source of tremendous growth.  In this opening keynote, Dr. Dallin George Young and Dr. Bryce D. Bunting will introduce a new theory of transitions grounded in ideas of community, participation, and becoming. Conference attendees will be invited to consider how these modes of transition can (a) be used to evaluate their institution’s current approaches to supporting students and (b) inform new efforts to promote thriving among students and colleagues alike. 

10:10–11:00 a.m. - Educational Session I 

Let's Get Practical: A Guided Workshop to Support Application of the Ideas from the Keynote Address

APC 160

Dr. Dallin George Young and Dr. Bryce D. Bunting

Come join Drs. Young and Bunting in a collaborative workshop, where we’ll apply the new theory of transitions shared in the opening keynote.  In this follow up session we will work with you to roll up your sleeves and start (re)imagining ways in which you can develop innovative plans and goals for how to support students in transition across a variety of contexts, including the classroom, co-curricular experiences, peer leadership, or any other context where faculty and staff are charged with supporting student success.

From Crisis to Completion: How Embedded Emergency Funding in Success Coaching Supports Student Retention

APC 170

Ashley Carel - Coordinator of Student Success at Heartland Community College

Rebecca Schaefer - Faculty & Success Coach at Heartland Community College

Ann Schick - Faculty & Success Coach at Heartland Community College

Too often, students leave college not because they’re struggling academically, but because life happens. Financial emergencies—unexpected medical bills, car repairs, housing insecurity—can derail even the most dedicated student. At our college, we’ve embedded emergency funding into our student success coaching model to meet these challenges head-on.  This integrated approach has helped students stay enrolled, regain stability, and persist in their education.  In this session, we’ll share how our model works, the data we’ve gathered, and the powerful outcomes we’ve seen.

Creating a Sense of Belonging through an Inclusive First Year Seminar

APC 180

Elizabeth McDermott, Ph.D. - Dean of Arts & Sciences at University of St. Francis

Maribeth Hearn, Ed.D. - Co-Chair of First Year Experience & Director of Career Success Center at University of St. Francis

Catherine Nelson, Ed.D. - Co-Chair of First Year Experience & Professor, Education at University of St. Francis

This session explores a dynamic First-Year Seminar (FYS) model designed to foster student belonging, academic success, and personal growth. Grounded in high-impact practices, our program integrates culturally responsive teaching, peer mentoring, and co-curricular engagement through platforms like Suitable. Faculty development initiatives such as Friday Fellows and the Summer Institute ensure continuous improvement. Anchored by a common read, Atomic Habits, the curriculum promotes identity exploration and habit formation. Participants will learn how our FYS structure—led by faculty and staff—creates inclusive, reflective, and empowering experiences that align with national HIP criteria and support student engagement and persistence.

Building Bridges to Address Varying Experiences in First-Year Seminar: Collaboration, Challenges and Responses

APC 190

Hilarie Welsh, Ph.D. - First Year Experience Director & Associate Professor, Teacher Education at Loras College

Kim Walsh - Dean of Students & Associate Vice President for Student Development at Loras College

This presentation will focus on responses to previous challenges in the First-Year Seminar course at Loras College. Despite a common text and common Learning Outcomes, first-year students had varying experiences in their First-Year Seminar. After a successful pilot that aimed to address some of the challenges with the three-credit course, changes were implemented in all sections in Fall 2024. The presenters will share notable assignments and data that indicates improved academic and transition-related outcomes. The discussion will focus on implications and transferability to other institutions.

11:10 a.m.–12:00 p.m. - Educational Session II 

From Surviving to Thriving: Supporting First-Year Students Through Smart Start (a M³ Initiative)

APC 180

Aneisha Denison, M.Ed. - Student Recruiter at Milwaukee Area Technical College

Smart Start at Milwaukee Area Technical College is a summer bridge program supporting first-year students, especially from Milwaukee Public Schools. As part of the M³ (M-Cubed) partnership with MPS and UWM, Smart Start strengthens college readiness through admissions help, financial literacy, success coaching, orientation, and engagement activities. The program fosters belonging, academic preparedness, and wellness through collaboration with campus departments and community partners. This session highlights how Smart Start’s structure and partnerships promote equity, community, and early success. Attendees will leave with tools and replicable strategies to implement or enhance similar programs at their own institutions.

Peer Leading with Purpose: A Collaborative Model for Supporting First-Year Students in Introductory Psychology

APC 170

Vittoria Sipone, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor, Psychology at Concordia University Wisconsin

Sthephany Escandell - Assistant Professor, Psychology at Concordia University Wisconsin

This session presents a collaborative initiative at Concordia University Wisconsin that embeds trained Peer Leaders into introductory psychology classrooms. As a core elective, this course often includes non-psychology majors who may have limited interest in the subject, making support from experienced psychology students especially valuable. Peer Leaders are simultaneously enrolled in an Educational Psychology course to learn pedagogical theory and instructional practice. Through weekly reviews, student-led lectures, and “How-To-College” workshops, Peer Leaders support first-year students academically and interpersonally. Attendees will learn how this model enhances engagement, fosters belongingness, and supports student success in introductory courses.

What happens when students are given time to pursue what truly sparks their curiosity?

APC 158

Brad Garner - Digital Learning Scholar in Residence at Indiana Wesleyan University

What happens when students are given time to pursue what truly sparks their curiosity? This session explores the transformative potential of The Genius Hour, in higher education, a student-driven approach that invites learners to explore passion projects within academic contexts. Participants will discover how The Genius Hour, based on Google’s 20% rule, fosters autonomy, creativity, and deeper engagement—while aligning with course outcomes. Practical strategies, inspiring examples, and adaptable frameworks will be shared to help faculty implement this powerful model in any discipline. Reimagine learning as a space where curiosity thrives and students become co-creators of their educational journey.

Community Engagement: Bridges for Community Support

APC 160

Will McDonner - Assistant Director, Residence Life at University of Evansville

This session focuses on the value of community partners: how they can support your office, your students, and the greater institution. From building bridges that open the door to resources, to engaging students during their first day on campus, this presentation will showcase the New Student Day of Service at the University of Evansville and other key partnerships in Evansville, IN. Following a short presentation, there will be a brief workshop aimed at supporting you and your students in community outreach.

Helping New Students Thrive: Early Engagement with the MyECC Experience App

APC 190

Amybeth Maurer - Assistant Dean, Student Experience & Engagement at Elgin Community College

Ali-Reza Kashani - Student Life Coordinator, First Year Programs at Elgin Community College

Early engagement helps students not just succeed but thrive. In this session, we will explore how Elgin Community College uses the MyECC Experience app to connect new students to campus life, resources and each other starting before their first day. This personalized mobile platform gives students easy access to events, student activities and essential services, helping them build a sense of belonging from the start. Learn how we have leveraged the mobile app to create a more connected and informed student community, and walk away with ideas for using mobile engagement to support student transition, retention and long-term success.

1:30–2:20 p.m. - Educational Session III

Realigning THRIVE: Empowering Student Success and Belonging Through Choice

APC 158

Kate Mester, MAT, MLS - Student Success Instructional Assistant Professor at Illinois State University

This session explores the intentional updating and realignment of Illinois State University’s THRIVE (FYE) course to the University’s new strategic plan & NACE Competencies. The updated and hybridized Thrive course introduces new Student Learning Outcomes through four foundational pillars that include empowered student choice in activities and interactive technology, resulting in a reflective e-portfolio assignment model. Attendees will gain insight into the redesign process, learn strategies for aligning co-curricular programming with institutional goals, and explore scalable practices for fostering student engagement, well-being, and lifelong learning.

Supporting ELL Student Success: Faculty-Staff Innovation Using AI and Translation Technology

APC 160

Jessica Chrisman-DeNegri - Student Technology & Library Services Specialist at Waubonsee Community College

Randy Hines - Associate Professor, Computer Aided Design & Drafting at Waubonsee Community College

This session demonstrates how cross-department collaboration and innovative technologies can expand access for English Language Learners. At Waubonsee Community College, a Technical Drawing instructor partnered with Student Technology and Library Services to support an ELL student who brought strong undergraduate experience but was navigating courses in a new language. The team integrated AI-powered translation, transcription, text-to-speech, and other tools to adapt instruction and provide real-time support, enhancing the student's classroom and college experience. Presenters will share strategies, coordination practices, and measurable outcomes that participants can adapt to foster ELL success across disciplines.

Empowering DEI Peer Educators in First-Year Experiences: Campus Culture Through Shared Stories

APC 170

Matthew Rillie, MBA - Coordinator of Education & Community Development at Columbia College Chicago

This session explores how DEI-trained peer educators can transform first-year experiences through storytelling, identity-affirming activities, and facilitated dialogue. Drawing from Columbia College Chicago’s “Our First Year” podcast, participants will hear real student voices and examine strategies for building inclusive, student-centered programming. Attendees will engage in collaborative design activities and leave with tools to implement peer-led initiatives that foster belonging, resilience, and cultural understanding. This workshop offers a practical, student-informed model for campuses seeking to center equity and connection in their first-year support structures.

Empowering Educators, Empowering Students: Building a Culture of Support and Belonging

APC 180

Nour Al Naber, Ed.D. - Assistant Professor, Business at Waubonsee Community College

Discover strategies for building supportive campus environments through faculty and staff development. This session shares coaching models, generational insights, and practical resources that empower educators to strengthen student engagement, foster belonging, and create thriving communities.