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 and 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 a.m.
9:30-10:30 a.m.
| 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 |
10:45-11:45 a.m.
| A History of Accreditation Ups and Downs | Dennis Wax and Meg Mann, Hudson Valley Community College |
| Assessing General Education Through Guided Conversations | 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 | 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 Assessment Through Meta-Assessment | Katelyn Stalboerger and Vanessa Finnegan, Auburn University |
| Using Tech to Support Student Wellness | Andrina Musser, EAB |
Noon-1 p.m.: Keynote Address
| Assessment that Makes a Difference: Ideas, Opportunities and Issues | Laura Palucki-Blake, Harvey Mudd College |
1:15-2:15 p.m.
| Assessing and Showcasing Teaching Effectiveness | Amy Cicchino and Claudia Cornejo Happel, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University |
| Assessing General Education in a Multi-Campus Context | Debra Bourdeau, Taylor Mitchell, Meghan Velez, Michele Gazica and Andrea Irish, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University |
| Empowering Improvement Through Faculty Development for Competency-Based Nursing Education | Rebekah Greene and Tara Serwetnyk, University of Rochester |
| Growing Assessment Partners for Innovation in Student Services | Serena Murphy, Georgia Southern University |
| Navigating the Higher Education Market: Enrollment Operations Assessment | 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 CAS Standards for Improvement in Student Services | Dan Bureau, Louisiana State University |
2:30-3:30 p.m.
| 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 | Wendy Broyles and Richard Ledet, Troy University |
| Enhancing Student Success Through Proactive AI Texting | 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 |
| Advocating for Student-Led Assessment in Student Affairs | Glenn Phillips, Watermark, and Ciji Heiser, Co-Creating Action |
3:45-4:45 p.m.
| Balancing Flexibility With Accountability | Lindsey Ives and Taylor Joy Mitchell, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University |
| Building on the Boyer Blueprint | Brian Smentkowski, University of Idaho |
| Centering DEI in Academic Program Review | Shawntae Mintline, Wayne State University |
| Driving the Assessment of Teaching to Improve Teaching | Shawn Simonson, Boise State University |
| Rethinking Assessment in the Age of AI | Zachari Swiecki, Monash University |
| Systematic 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
8-8:45 p.m.: Coffee and Continental Breakfast
8:45-8:55 p.m.: Welcome Address
9:00-9:45 p.m.: 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 p.m.: 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 a.m.-Noon: Keynote Address
| Mind the Gap: Improving Student Success Through Meaningful Assessment | Natasha Jankowski, New England College |
Noon-12:15 p.m.: Lunch Served
12:15-1:15 p.m.: Keynote Address
| Leveraging Assessment to Support Storytelling | Joe Levy, Excelsior University |
1:30-2:15 p.m.: Awards and Launch of New Assessment Management
2:30-3:15 p.m.: 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 p.m.: 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 p.m.: 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 p.m.: 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 p.m.: The Future of Continuous Improvement at Embry-Riddle