15th Annual Academic Excellence Symposium:

Pedagogical tools and strategies for intentional student engagement: The pandemic challenged us to transform our classrooms. The tools that helped us navigate lockdown have created new challenges. What kind of strategies have stuck? How do we engage our students in the various modalities—online, hybrid, hyflex, and face-to-face? How have the “rules of engagement” changed for faculty and students since the pandemic?

Managing conflict and navigating change: Higher education is undergoing seismic shifts as colleges and universities navigate enrollment challenges, evolving partnerships with the federal and state governments, and new expectations from students whose only engagement with post-secondary studies have been during the pandemic. How do we manage conflict in our classrooms and on our campuses? How do we promote the healthy exchange of ideas and the opportunity for debate within our classrooms? What kind of changes have we implemented as a result of higher ed's shifting landscape?

Communication as a strategy to foster persistence and retention: Which messaging strategies and tools have we found to be successful at engaging students, providing effective feedback, and offering hope and encouragement? How do we create a feedback loop with our students that fosters a safe space for them to respond to feedback and improve their performance? What kind of communication strategies are successful with students across the college?

Online student success: No matter what modality a student chooses, chances are, at least part of a student's learning experience will take place online. Which new tools have you found that have helped to engage with students in the online learning environment?

Innovative approaches to closing achievement gaps: Crossing the finish line looks different across the various educational opportunities, whether that be a certificate, an AS degree, and AA degree, a BS degree, and the opportunity to transfer to a university. How are faculty in various programs supporting success among vulnerable student populations? Which strategies have been employed by the institution to facilitate student support across the college? When do we focus on diversity? How do we scale up successful strategies?

Building resiliency and overcoming burnout: Self-care, wellness, mindfulness—the language of mental health has permeated our culture for good reason. How have we integrated wellness practices into our pedagogy? What are the tangible benefits of wellness-focused leadership? How are you prioritizing self-care?