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Conference Theme

Torch of Excellence

Innovative Practices for Meaningful Engagement and Effective Assessment

This theme underscores the transformative role of innovation in shaping education and emphasizes the dual focus on faculty-student engagement and assessment.

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  • Innovative Practices

    The theme highlights the need for creative, forward-thinking approaches to teaching and learning. It encourages participants to explore new strategies, tools, and technologies that enhance interaction, communication, and collaboration between faculty and students in all learning environments—whether virtual, hybrid, or face-to-face.

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  • Meaningful Engagement

    Engagement goes beyond simple interaction; it involves building authentic relationships and creating a sense of belonging within the academic community. This aspect of the theme challenges educators to prioritize meaningful connections that inspire students to actively participate in their learning journey, fostering motivation, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of course content.

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  • Effective Assessment

    Assessment is critical for measuring learning outcomes, but it is most effective when it aligns with student-centered practices. The theme calls for rethinking traditional assessment methods, emphasizing approaches that are fair, equitable, and reflective of students’ diverse learning styles. Effective assessment should not only evaluate knowledge but also encourage self-reflection, growth, and continuous improvement.

 

By combining these elements, the theme invites educators, researchers, and academic leaders to share ideas, collaborate, and develop actionable strategies that drive educational innovation while maintaining a focus on the student experience. Ultimately, the goal is to inspire practices that ensure academic rigor, enhance engagement, and support meaningful learning for all students.

Keynotes and Session Information

 

In order to create a successful and productive conference experience during our 3-day event, we thought it was essential to ensure the sessions provided are accessible for all attendees. To that end, we will feature themed plenary/keynote sessions emphasizing:

  • The Link Between Engaged Faculty & Student Academic Engagement in Learning

  • The Future of Faculty-Student Engagement in a Digital World - Scot Pansing - Keynote Speaker

  • Reimagining Assessment: Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement

 

In addition, we will present Breakout Panel Discussions, Interactive Workshops, and Virtual Poster Sessions with thought leaders in higher education with additional learning opportunities emphasizing:

  • Accreditation

  • Analytics and Metrics

  • Assessment in Online Courses and Programs

  • Faculty/Professional Development

  • Graduate/Professional Education

  • HIPs in the States/High-Impact Practices

  • Institution-Wide Data Collection/Use

  • Strategy and Planning

  • Student Affairs and Co-Curricular Programs and Services

  • Student Partnership and Engagement in Assessment

  • Use of Technologies in Assessment

 

Virtual Poster Sessions: Featuring assessment methods, practices, and findings that are best shared in a visual format encouraging real-time/future one-on-one conversations.

Keynote Image
scot_pansing 3.png
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