Embedded Files
Seminar Series Schedule
Seminar Series Schedule
The 2026 MN AHEAD Summer Seminar will be taking place at Macalester College in the Kagin Commons in the ballroom
Click on the day of the week to learn more about what each session has to offer.
Tuesday, June 9th
Tuesday, June 9th
Use Drop down for full agenda
8:00am-12:00: Equity Committee preconference:
8:00am-12:00: Equity Committee preconference:
8:00am-8:30am pre-conference check in
8:30am-9:00am Committee Welcome and Pre-Conference Overview
9:00-10:20 The Humanity of Students, Faculty, and Us
Reframing Students Autonomy and Decision Making - With Molly Tast and Julie Bauch
Discussing the nuance of student's right to "fail"
Discussing Responses and Reactions to Critiques of Accommodations - With the Equity Committee
Specifically, the "Accommodation Nation" article from The Atlantic, AHEAD's response, and impacts across campuses
Minnesota Paid Family Medical Leave (FMLA) and Staff Community and Self Care - with Thryn Arnov and the Equity Committee
10:20-10:30am Break
10:30-12:00 Panel Roundtable Case Study Discussions
Follow this link to submit a case study that you believe would be related to one of more of the three topics above. We will use these case studies to discuss how we actually implement the theories we are discussing.
12:00-1:00: Lunch on own
12:00-1:00: Lunch on own
A list of nearby places to eat is listed here.
1:15-2:00: Conference check-in and ice breakers
1:15-2:00: Conference check-in and ice breakers
2:00-2:30 Official welcome by Shammah, Alyssa and Javier
2:00-2:30 Official welcome by Shammah, Alyssa and Javier
2:30-3:30: Keynote speaker, Dr. Ashlee
2:30-3:30: Keynote speaker, Dr. Ashlee
3:30-3:45: Break
3:30-3:45: Break
3:45-4:45: Changes in Section 504 and Title II, Judy Risch
3:45-4:45: Changes in Section 504 and Title II, Judy Risch
This session provides a practical, up-to-date look at enforcement trends from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and what they signal for institutions. It will highlight recent OCR cases, emerging themes in complaints and resolutions, and the areas drawing the most scrutiny—particularly around digital accessibility, effective communication, and equitable access.
The session will also include a focused update on Section 504 regulations and Title II regulations, including the current status of federal review, potential changes, and what institutions should be preparing for now. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of risk areas, compliance expectations, and actionable steps to strengthen their accessibility and disability compliance programs.
End of day wrapup and optional happy hour!
End of day wrapup and optional happy hour!
Networking/Happy hour sponsored by Everway
Networking/Happy hour sponsored by Everway
5:30-7:30pm
After a full day of ideas, insights, and inspiration, keep the momentum going with a relaxed networking happy hour hosted by Everway. Enjoy complimentary drinks and light bites while connecting with fellow attendees, swapping perspectives, and unwinding in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to spark new collaborations or simply recharge, this is the place to be. We’d love to see you there!
Where:
253 Kellogg Blvd
St. Paul, MN 55102
Right next door to the host hotel for the conference: The Courtyard by Marriott St. Paul Downtown
Time:
5:30-7:30pm (at the conclusion of the conference day)
Parking for the Social Event:
Free valet parking is available on non-event days. Pull into the entrance of the Courtyard by Marriott and let the valet know you're going to The Eagle Street. You'll receive a 2-hour parking voucher.
Wedneday June 10th
Wedneday June 10th
Use drop down for full agenda
8:00 am-8:15 am - Check In and start breakfast
8:00 am-8:15 am - Check In and start breakfast
8:30-9:15: Breakfast with the board
8:30-9:15: Breakfast with the board
9:15-10:00: Morning connection
9:15-10:00: Morning connection
10:00-11:30 MN NAMI, Molly Peterson (She/Her)
A one-hour overview of trauma, its impacts on the brain, and the guiding principles of a trauma-informed approach. Trauma has long been described as a unique and personal outcome of adverse events or experiences, but exposure is more widespread in our communities than ever before. For those living with a mental illness or substance use disorder, exposure is even more common. Communities and employers can build awareness and take action to create trauma-informed and responsive spaces where people feel safe and valued.
10:00-11:30 MN NAMI, Molly Peterson (She/Her)
A one-hour overview of trauma, its impacts on the brain, and the guiding principles of a trauma-informed approach. Trauma has long been described as a unique and personal outcome of adverse events or experiences, but exposure is more widespread in our communities than ever before. For those living with a mental illness or substance use disorder, exposure is even more common. Communities and employers can build awareness and take action to create trauma-informed and responsive spaces where people feel safe and valued.
11:30-12:30 Lunch
11:30-12:30 Lunch
12:30-1:30 Breakout session
Creating Accessible Math in Microsoft Word, Darrin Evans
In this presentation participants will learn how to create accessible math content using Microsoft Word. We will go over screen reader and Word settings to ensure the most accessible outcome. Participants will also receive a handout that expands on the presentation.
12:30-1:30 Breakout session
Creating Accessible Math in Microsoft Word, Darrin Evans
In this presentation participants will learn how to create accessible math content using Microsoft Word. We will go over screen reader and Word settings to ensure the most accessible outcome. Participants will also receive a handout that expands on the presentation.
1:45-2:45 University of Minnesota, the Land of 10,000+ exams
Attendees will review the challenges and opportunities that the UMN DRC Testing Center experienced in the 20205/2026 academic year.
1:45-2:45 University of Minnesota, the Land of 10,000+ exams
Attendees will review the challenges and opportunities that the UMN DRC Testing Center experienced in the 20205/2026 academic year.
Attendees will have a chance to engage in an open dialogue aimed at idea sharing and collaboration on topics related to positive changes we can implement for more inclusive and sustainable operations in testing centers.
Attendees will have a chance to engage in an open dialogue aimed at idea sharing and collaboration on topics related to positive changes we can implement for more inclusive and sustainable operations in testing centers.
2:45-3:30 Mini AHEAD talks
2:45-3:30 Mini AHEAD talks
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