Innovation at Altitude: Continuous Improvement Summit 2024

 

April 4-5, 2024

April 4: Fully Virtual

April 5: Hybrid (Virtual and from Daytona Beach, FL)

 

Keynotes

Dr. Natasha Jankowski: Mind the Gap: Improving Student Success through Meaningful Assessment

Dr. Joe Levy: Leveraging Assessment to Support Storytelling

Dr. Laura Palucki Blake: Assessment that Makes a Difference: Ideas, Opportunities, and Issues

 

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is excited to announce the inaugural Continuous Improvement Summit. On April 4, 2024 we will welcome higher education leaders interested in assessment across the globe to a virtual assessment conference. Then, on April 5, we will conduct a full-day of hybrid professional development training for Embry-Riddle faculty, staff, and students aimed at furthering our own efforts.

In the evolving higher education landscape, we are dedicated to elevating the assessment process; as a field, we are called to Innovate at Altitude. The Summit provides an invaluable platform for challenging conversations that will push the boundaries of traditional assessment and re-imagine future trajectories for a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. At the heart of our efforts, “the end of assessment is action” (Walvoord, 2010). Our conference themes are designed to propel us from shared insight into actionable strategies. We are thrilled that you are interested in joining other forward-thinking educators to foster an environment where innovation and continuous improvement are not just goals, but a culture. Themes include:

Assessment: The Next Frontier
What interestingly-new challenges do we face in assessment today? What inventive methodologies and forward-thinking strategies are being employed on campuses to rise to these challenges? Whether we are debating the merits of historical assessment trend data, determining how to meaningfully disaggregate data, or crafting compelling continuous improvement data stories, we want to explore interestingly-new approaches to the next frontier in assessment.

Assessment as a Driver of Holistic Student Success
Assessment oftentimes carries a negative connotation with faculty and staff who wonder what happens with the data they provide on an annual basis. But, why has the narrative seemingly lagged in helping connect assessment efforts with student success outcomes? Assessment efforts offer faculty and staff insights into curriculum effectiveness and service areas needing enhancement. Through tailored feedback and adaptive learning approaches, students receive personalized pathways, fostering deeper understanding, retention, and skill development, ultimately paving the way for greater holistic success and achievements.

Empowering Faculty and Staff to Lead Improvement
Empowering faculty and staff to lead continuous improvement is imperative. When faculty and staff take the helm of improvement, they serve as agents of change, ensuring that academic offerings and student support services are dynamic and relevant. By equipping them with the right tools, training, and support, institutions can proactively cultivate a culture of innovation. We will explore how institutions have successfully forged a cadre of continuous improvement leaders and how we can prepare these leaders to have maximum impact.

Leveraging Innovative Technology
Leveraging technology in assessment transforms traditional evaluation methods, infusing them with precision, scalability, and adaptability. Modern tools offer real-time analytics, facilitating instant feedback and adaptive learning pathways. Digital portfolios, AI-driven assessments, and interactive platforms can strengthen student engagement, enable more equitable assessment, ensure comprehensive skill capture. Learn how these technological advancements can be used to innovate assessment processes, ensuring they remain relevant, efficient, and aligned with contemporary educational needs.

Expand your horizons, foster connections, and be a catalyst for change in the world of higher education assessment. Let's shape the future together.

Full Agenda

 

Thursday, April 4

 

8:15-9:15

 

Are You Asking the Right Questions about Student Success?

Rigoberto Rincones Gomez

Cultivating a Culture of Continuous Improvement with Coaching and Feedback

Allie Michael and Brandi Stoecker, Austin Peay State University

Grand Challenges in Assessment in Higher Education Project

Karen Singer-Freeman, Wake Forest University, Jessica Taylor, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and Becky Croxton, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Hidden Gems of Successful Student Learning

Janet Thiel, Georgian Court University

Leveraging Transactional Data for Continuous Improvement in Higher Education

Rob Berwick, Jacksonville University

Six Steps for Learning Improvement at Scale

Keston Fulcher, James Madison University

Student Assessment in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (and Beyond)

Kevin Yee, Laurie Uttich, and Erin Doggette, University of Central Florida

Sustainable Programmatic Assessment: Reducing Faculty Friction to Maximize Data Value

Bret Bennington and S. Stavros Valenti, Hofstra University

9:30-10:30

 

A History of Accreditation Ups and Downs

Dennis Wax and Meg Mann, Hudson Valley Community College

Assessing General Education through Guided Conversations: Insights from the Stony Brook University Spring 2023 Assessment Initiative

Diana Jernigan-Breedy, State University of New York at Stony Brook

Assessment Past & Future: Where We are Headed

Josie Welsh, Letourneau University

Continuous Improvement through Holistic and Multi-Modal Assessment of the Student Experience

Christina Sax, Maryland University of Integrative Health,

Leveraging Institutional Data to Inform Institutional Decisions

Kelli Rainey, NACUBO

Manage Up: Understanding and Working with Campus Leadership

Ginny Cockerill, Greenville Technical College

Using Innovation and Creativity to Redesign the Approach for Applying Assessment Competencies through Meta-Assessment

Katelyn Stalboerger and Vanessa Finnegan, Auburn University

Using Tech to Support Student Wellness

Andrina Musser, EAB

10:45-11:45

 

Assessment of First- and Second-Year Retention – A Holistic Approach to Student Success

Marie Valentin, Jacksonville State University

Developing Faculty Leaders through Professional Learning Communities

Diana Maughan and Tasha Toy, Utah Tech University

Foundations of Trust: Securing Buy-In for Assessment with Open Conversations

Terrance Cao, Pepperdine University

Grid Reports as an Innovative Training Tool for Training and Providing Feedback

Kevin Harris, Tennessee Tech University

Helping Your Data Speak for Itself: Strategies for Effective Data Visualization

Ginny Cockerill, Greenville Technical College

The VALUE Scoring Collaborative: Authentic Assessment at Your Fingertips

Beth Perkins, Jessica Chittum, and Kathryne McConnell, American Association of Colleges and Universities

Trauma-Informed Educational Practices

Kevin Clark, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

What’s Missing in Persistence Models? Integrating Basic Needs and Belongingness

Gavin Henning, New England College and Anne Lundquist, Hope Center

12:00-1:00

 

Keynote Address

 

Assessment that Makes a Difference: Ideas, Opportunities, and Issues

Laura Palucki-Blake, Harvey Mudd College

1:15-2:15

 

Assessing and Showcasing Teaching Effectiveness

Amy Cicchino and Claudia Cornejo Happel, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Assessing General Education in a Multiple-Campus Institutional Context

Debra Bourdeau, Taylor Mitchell, Meghan Velez, Michele Gazica, and Andrea Irish, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Empowering Improvement by Fostering Faculty Development for Competency-Based Nursing Education and Assessment Purposes

Rebekah Greene and Tara Serwetnyk, University of Rochester

Growing Assessment Partners to Stimulate Innovation & Improvement in Student Services

Serena Murphy, Georgia Southern University

Navigating a Rapidly Changing Higher Education Market: Enrollment Operations Assessment for Competitive Success

Alby Salsa, Raven Eye Consulting

Strategies to Advance Equity through Assessment Practice

Gavin Henning, New England College and Anne Lundquist, Hope Center

The AI-Infused Higher Education Classroom

Kevin Clark, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Using the CAS Standards for Improvement in Student Services

Dan Bureau, Louisiana State University

2:30-3:30

 

Assessing and Improving Your Student Experience

Elliot Felix, brightspot

Creating a Culture of Assessment

Jake Carver, Lincoln Memorial University

Data Visualizations: A Tool, not a Magic Bullet

Resche Hines, TriviumBI

Engaging Faculty and Staff in Intercultural Competency Training, or Let's do a Podcast

Wendy Broyles and Richard Ledet, Troy University

Enhancing Student Success through Proactive AI Texting: A Continuous Improvement Approach

KayDee Perry, The University of Olivet, Justin Schuch, Western Illinois University, and Will Miller, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Supercharged Curriculum Mapping for Faculty and Staff

Paul Antonellis, Endicott College

Utilizing PowerBI in Program Review Process

Huda Sarraj, Joe Levy, and Meghan Deyoe, Excelsior University

Why Aren’t the Students Doing It? Advocating for Student-Led Assessment in Student Affairs

Glenn Phillips, Watermark and Ciji Heiser, Co-Creating Action

3:45-4:45

 

Balancing Flexibility with Accountability: Assessing a Writing in the Disciplines (WID) Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)

Lindsey Ives and Taylor Joy Mitchell, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Building on the Boyer Blueprint: An Evidence-Based Approach to Student and Institutional Success?

Brian Smentkowski, University of Idaho

Centering DEI in Academic Program Review

Shawntae Mintline, Wayne State University

Driving the Assessment of Teaching to Improve Teaching and to then Enhance Learning

Shawn Simonson, Boise State University

From Outcomes to Process: Rethinking Assessment in the Age of AI

Zachari Swiecki, Monash University

Measuring Program Impact and Assessing Student Learning: A More Systematic Approach to Program Improvement for Graduate Medical Students

Cameron Kiosoglous, Drexel University

Noncognitive Skills and Holistic Student Success

Ross Markle and Charles Trenk, DIA Higher Education Collaborators

Tracking Student Engagement Using Dashboards

Tierney Mathis, Florida Atlantic University

Friday, April 5

 

8:00-8:45: Coffee and Continental Breakfast

8:45-8:55: Welcome Address

9:00-9:45: Concurrent Sessions

Navigating the Future: The Role of Leadership in Shaping Higher Education Assessment

Shanan Gibson, Dean, O’Maley College of Business

Aaron Clevenger, Assistant Provost for International Education

Kelley George, Associate Professor, College of Aviation

Tara Matusik, Assistant Dean of Student Support

Elevating Insight: Best Practices in Surveys and Course Evaluations for Indirect Assessment Measures

Michael Chronister, Director of Survey Research

Kim Brantley, Senior Research Analyst

EJ Walicki, Executive Director Housing and Residence Life

Teresa Michaelson, Director of Counseling Center

10:00-10:45: Concurrent Sessions

Charting New Territories: Launching an Effective Administrative Program Review

Naima Wells, Director of Administrative Assessment

Deborah Prosser, Hunt Library Director

Jim Solti, Vice Chancellor for Student Success

Aaron Clevenger, Assistant Provost for International Education

Demystifying Learning Outcomes & Assessment

Claudia Cornejo Happel, Associate Director of CTLE

Matt Sharp, Associate Professor of Communication

11:00-12:00 Keynote Address

Mind the Gap: Improving Student Success through Meaningful Assessment

Natasha Jankowski, New England College

12:00-12:15 Lunch Served

12:15-1:15 Keynote Address

Leveraging Assessment to Support Storytelling

Joe Levy, Excelsior University

1:30-2:15 Awards and Launch of New Assessment Management

2:30-3:15: Concurrent Sessions

 

Student Success Starts Here: Writing Impactful Learning Outcomes for Student-Facing Administrative Units

Naima Wells, Director of Administrative Assessment

The Verdict on Value: Employing Juried Assessments for Learning Assurance

Amy Cicchino, Associate Director for CTLE

Debra Bourdeau, Associate Dean for Student Success and Academics

Angela Cheatham, Associate Professor of Management

Meghan Velez, Assistant Professor, Humanities and Communication

Michele Gazica, Department Chair of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Andrea Irish, Assistant Professor of Psychology

Taylor Mitchell, Associate Professor of Composition and Humanities

Lindsey Ives, QEP Director

3:30-4:15: Concurrent Sessions

Soaring High: Celebrating Success in Academic Assessment at Embry-Riddle

Tiffany Phagan, Executive Director of Academic Assessment

Amy Grubb, Associate Professor of Security Studies & International Affairs

Mark Gianinni, Assistant Professor of Aeronautical Science

Brian Roggow, Associate Dean of the College of Aviation

Rob Deters, Associate Professor, School of Engineering

Navigating Excellence: Celebrating Success in Administrative Assessment at Embry-Riddle

Naima Wells. Director of Administrative Assessment

Amy Deahl, Director of Student Union Operations and Events

Kathy Quinto, Director of the Project Management Office

Sarah Thomas, Director of Library Services

4:20-5:00: Featured Session

Tech-Enabled Assessment: Tools to Elevate Academic and Administrative Efforts

Jeff Ferner, Director of Academic Technology Systems

Carey Hansard, Associate Dean of Strategy and Operations

Taylor Udy, Learning Systems Analyst

Tracy Parodi, Instructional Technologist

5:15-6:00: Concurrent Sessions

Measuring Mastery: Best Practices in Rubric Design

Taylor Mitchell. Associate Professor of Composition and Humanities

Josh Caulkins, Director of CTLE

Angie Atwell, Executive Director, RCTLE

Welcome to Assessment! A Primer for Academic and Administrative Excellence

Naima Wells. Director of Administrative Assessment

Tiffany Phagan, Executive Director of Academic Assessment

6:15-6:30: The Future of Continuous Improvement at Embry-Riddle