CCCS Internal Friday, October 18 • Broomfield, CO
2024 Education Excellence Conference
Thank you for your interest in the 2024 CCCS Education Excellence Conference. Unfortunately, we have reached full capacity, and registration has now closed early.
We are excited to announce the third annual Education Excellence Conference hosted by CCCS. This year’s event will take place at the Omni Interlocken Hotel in Broomfield on October 18, 2024.
Our theme is “Renewing Our Commitment to Teaching Excellence.” The event is free for all attendees!
Schedule
Friday, October 18, 2024
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Check-in & Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM | Welcome from Chancellor Garcia |
| 9:15 AM – 11:00 AM | Keynote Session: FORWARD: From Polarization to Progress | Katy Anthes, PEBC |
| 11:10 AM – 12:00 PM | Breakout Session 1 |
| 12:10 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM | Breakout Session 2 |
| 2:10 PM – 3:00 PM | Breakout Session 3 |
| 3:10 PM – 3:30 PM | Closing Session with Dr. Sarah Heath, Vice Chancellor for Academic & Student Affairs |
| 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Networking |
Keynote Speaker:
Katy Anthes
INTERLOCKEN AB
Through Dangers Untold: Exploring the Labyrinth of Resources from CCCS Learning Design
The Learning Design Team
The System has now fully transitioned to the Colorado Online Consortium model. As part of this model, many online courses have ‘pooled’ sections that are offered system-wide, to support students in their quest to take courses that are not offered at their home colleges. Heeding the call to ensure equity and success of all students, disciplines have set course materials for these sections. One of the issues the CCCS Learning Design team has encountered in their own journey to support instructors during this time, however, is providing a true treasure trove of resources and on-demand development for instructors of these pooled sections. To combat the growing labyrinth of ever-changing hallways of information, the CCCS Learning Design team has implemented multiple new projects to provide resources for instructors as quickly as possible.
During this presentation, members of the Learning Design team will describe each of their major projects and how they are taking on the call to lighten the load for those teaching pooled sections.
The CCCS Learning Design Team has over 50 years of combined experience working in the field of online learning.
Liz Dzabic is the Senior Professional Development Coordinator for Colorado Online, and works together with the Learning Design team.
She joined CCCS in 2010, and her 24-year background in higher education also includes quality assurance work; honors program management; teaching both full-time and adjunct; and tutoring, advising, and mentoring students.
Jason Sohvi Noska embodies a critical pedagogy with extensive experience in education.
They have worked with TRIO Programs, youth facilities, middle and high schools, community colleges, and various community organizations. Currently a Learning Designer for CCCS, they are passionate about creating effective, highly engaging, inclusive educational experiences, and exploring open pedagogy.
Kathy Sindt is a Senior Learning Designer for the Colorado Community College System.
She brings 30+ years of experience to the job, having designed and taught both face-to-face and online courses and worked to improve the use of technology in the classroom.
She has a passion for creating effective online courses and adding more inclusive, equitable, and engaging content to the online course experience for students.
Grace Whiteaker has had more careers than a cat has lives: Barista, Broadcaster, Coach, Translator, Producer, Project Coordinator, Operations, Lecturer, Administrator, Librarian, Learning Designer – all experience relevant to her 25 years in the field of Higher Education and Online Learning.
Currently Grace is a Senior Learning Designer for the CCCS Learning Design Team.
Laura Zaepfel is an instructional design professional who relies on creativity and flexibility to meet the needs of learners.
Her current focus is on adult education and gamification in a professional environment, including pop culture references in her work to increase engagement.
CENTENNIAL E – CLASSROOM
Empowering Learners Through AI: A Colorado Community College’s Journey with Collaborative AI in the Classroom
Sponsor: Boodlebox AI
In this session, we will be discussing a practical framework for responsibly integrating generative AI into class preparation, teaching, learning, and assessment.
Attendees will discover how to leverage GenAI tools while fostering critical thinking and creativity among students and faculty. Drawing from a Colorado Community College’s experience, one presenter will share their institution’s AI integration journey, addressing challenges, adoption strategies, and impact on student engagement.
The session will provide actionable approaches to embrace AI responsibly, equipping educators with strategies to enhance student learning and prepare for the future of work.
France Hoang, CEO of BoodleBox, is a leading entrepreneur at the intersection of education and AI.
With experience in both education and technology, France and the BoodleBox team are on a mission to enable educators and students to responsibly collaborate with GenAI in the classroom and for classwork.
France is former university trustee, college lecturer, prior founder, West Point graduate, former White House lawyer, and combat veteran.
His diverse experiences and commitment to innovative and responsible AI adoption make him a pioneering voice in the future of education technology.
CENTENNIAL F – CLASSROOM
The Top Ten Most Essential Questions We Must Ask Ourselves about AI in 2024
Brian Weaver
Ethical dilemmas. Bewilderment. Accuracy and precision. Consequences. Blurred realities and…Questions. So many questions. What else could be the topic for this dynamic roundtable discussion? Artificial Intelligence, of course.
Join a Denver Associate Professor of Communication, with a recent D2L certificate in AI Ethics and Governance (and great passion), in a lively and useful examination of the most essential questions facing not only practitioners in our highly affected field of higher education, but also all of humanity and humankind today.
The queries will be appropriate for absolute beginners or thoroughly confused, as well as our most knowledgeable, opinionated and versed.
Brian Weaver has devoted his career, approaching its 28th year, to his students.
Brian is an Associate Professor of Communication at the Community College of Denver and holds multiple degrees, including a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction.
Brian holds a Colorado Professional Educator’s License with specializations in both Speech Communication and the nature and needs of high ability and high achieving people.
He has classroom taught grades ECE – Graduate University in varieties of roles and settings, private and public.
Brian’s passion in working with students includes programming to promote student voice, and overall good health and living.
PONDEROSA – THEATER
Fostering Motivation and Engagement: Empowering Students through Self-Determination Theory in the Classroom
Megan Rector
Self-Determination Theory suggests that fostering autonomy, competence, and relatedness can significantly impact student motivation and learning outcomes. So how can we, as educators, empower students through intrinsic rather than extrinsic motivations?
In this workshop, we will delve into the core principles of SDT and explore practical techniques to apply them in our teaching practice.
By the end of the workshop, participants will walk away with a toolkit of actionable strategies to empower their students, enhance their learning experiences, and promote academic success.
Dr. Megan Rector is the Faculty Chair of the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) at Arapahoe Community College (ACC) as well as faculty in the Communication program.
With more than 15 years of teaching experience and four years working in faculty development, Megan is passionate about student engagement, equitable teaching practices, and student success.
Megan holds a BA in Public Relations and MA in Communication, both from Auburn University, and an EdD in Higher Education from the University of Denver.
SPRUCE – THEATER
Shaping a Culture of Equity and Teaching Excellence: The Role of FRCC’s New Teaching Excellence Center (the TEC)
April Lewandoswki, Catlyn Keenan, Elizabeth Griswold
Front Range Community College’s (FRCC) new Teaching Excellence Center is creating a cohesive and inspiring vision of professional learning by using a holistic approach to ensure participants experience what equity-minded teaching looks and feels like.
This year, renowned speaker and author Flower Darby guided our professional learning facilitators in reimagining their programs through an evidence-based, equity-minded teaching framework.
This interactive session will highlight our story and results while we guide attendees in imagining how the framework can shape culture at their institutions.
Let’s manifest the vision of higher education as a place where equity and teaching excellence go hand in hand.
April Lewandowski, Catlyn Keenan, and Elizabeth Griswold are the team working to bring FRCC’s new Teaching Excellence Center to life.
Sharing a collective 55-year history at FRCC, they are dedicated professionals who care deeply about students and teachers and are passionate about healthy and fulfilling work, culture building, equity, and lifelong learning.
INTERLOCKEN AB
Expanding Choice: Leveraging Zero Textbook Cost Materials to Increase Faculty and Instructor Freedom
Brittany Dudek, Marcus Elmore, Rachel Meisner
CCCS faculty and instructors can unlock new possibilities by adding open educational resources (OER) and curated library materials to their departmental and Colorado Online pooled required course materials.
We’ll walk you through the process of discovering and using these free, high-quality resources, helping you create dynamic and affordable learning experiences that resonate with your students.
Brittany Dudek, MLIS, is the Director of Library and OER Services for CCCS.
Marcus Elmore, Ph.D, MLIS, the CCCS Access Services Librarian, is responsible for maintaining the information infrastructure for the shared CCCCS Online Library.
He grew up in Boulder, and is a graduate of the University of Colorado, Indiana University, and the University of Denver.
Marcus became a librarian after a career as a college English instructor; as a result, he is particularly interested in the ways in which libraries and librarians impact students’ learning experiences and contribute to their success.
Rachel Meisner is the Learning Resources Coordinator for CCCS.
Together they ensure the Colorado Online and CCCS community have access to the CCCS Online Library.
CENTENNIAL E – CLASSROOM
Implementing an Advising Syllabus at CCD
Joy Schalders-Burton, Gary Cooper-Sperber, Kat Reinhardt, Cassandra Otero
NOTE: This session was specifically designed to be most relevant for advisors and advising department leaders.
Over the past two years, CCD Academic Advisors developed and implemented an Advising Syllabus to guide the student/advisor partnership, outline the student learning outcomes and steps on the journey, and empower students with resources and information.
In small discussion groups, CCD advisors sit with our colleagues to share this syllabus, how we use it, and the impact it’s had on our practice.
We invite participants to bring and share copies of their own syllabi! We’ll discuss why a syllabus is an essential tool and how to make it a living document, and share ideas and tips for maximum effectiveness.
A diverse group of CCD Academic Advising team members, ranging from new advisors to seasoned advisors to members of the leadership team.
We represent multiple pathways, educational, personal, and professional backgrounds, and varying levels of experience with the syllabus.
We utilize a shared-governance model, and value what each person brings to the table.
CENTENNIAL F – CLASSROOM
Using a Trauma-Informed Approach to Create Empowering Experiences
Priscila Rodriquez
As higher education professionals, we strive to create empowering experiences for those we work with and serve, which often requires the foundation of a psychologically safe and supportive environment. One practical and integrative approach that can be used to create this foundational environment is the utilization a trauma-informed approach.
In this workshop, we will work together to define trauma and a trauma-informed approach; learn about three guiding principles to support the implementation of a trauma-informed approach; and collaborate to consider the integration of a trauma-informed approach in your classroom or work place environment.
The ultimate goal of this workshop is to provide you with some actionable practices that can inform the interactions you have with others, and inform your own self-advocacy.
Priscila Rodriguez is a two time graduate from the University of California Santa Cruz and holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Latin American and Latino Studies, and Politics; as well as a Masters’ Degree in Education.
She currently serves the community as the Director of Career & Transfer Services at Front Range Community College.
Priscila was trained in the utilization of a trauma-informed approach while working as a Youth & Family Support Counselor at Seneca Family of Agencies, a non-profit that supports youth and families in navigating the juvenile justice system and/or the foster care system.
Priscila is passionate about learning about embodiment, trauma (and it’s various manifestations), and somatic practices that can support our collective healing and empowerment.
PONDEROSA – THEATER
Breaking Barriers in Online STEM Education
Sponsor: Science Interactive | Duane Cagle, PhD, Saonti Chakraborty, PhD
Session Description
Join Duane Cagle, Senior Scientist at Science Interactive and Saonti Chakraborty, Ph.D. to discuss challenges and opportunities surrounding online learning in STEM. Dr. Chakraborty, Physics Instructor and Department Chair of Computer Technology, Engineering and Physics, at the Community College of Aurora, will share how distance learning in STEM doesn’t come at the expense of “missing out.” But rather, it opens doors to high-quality, accessible educational opportunities for all students.
By sharing their experiences and data on the state of online labs, Duane and Dr. Chakraborty will share ideas for breaking through barriers in quality, inclusivity, accessibility, student success, and more.
Actionable items for attendees:
- Promote Inclusivity: Use tips from the session to make hands-on STEM learning more accessible to all students.
- Enhance the Hands-On Lab Experiences: Apply ideas shared to improve the quality and engagement of labs in online science courses.
- Boost Student Success: Use data and strategies to improve student outcomes.
Duane Cagle holds a BS and MS in Biology from the University of Memphis and a PhD in Vertebrate Zoology from Colorado State University. His research projects focused on developmental and ecological physiology. He has taught a variety of lab courses ranging from cell biology to field ecology. In 2011, he joined Science Interactive where he has developed and authored experiments in all life science categories in the library including biology, anatomy and physiology, genetics, environmental science, and microbiology.
SPRUCE – THEATER
I am… A Mindset Workshop
Nadine Donoho
“I Am” Mindset Workshop: Empowering faculty and students to break free from negative beliefs. This interactive workshop teaches a simple technique to replace negativity with positivity, fostering confidence and resilience.
Learn how to stop that broken record of self-doubt and embrace a more empowering mindset.
Nadine Donoho, MA, is a Professor of Communication with a 20-year background in Marketing & Communications.
As a Faculty member at Pueblo Community College, she combines her practical experience with a passion for exploring the relationship between communication, mindset, and personal development.
Her expertise empowers students to excel in their academic and professional pursuits.
INTERLOCKEN AB
Designing for Excellence: Active Learning Institute (ALI) Alums Share Their Experiences
Kerri Mitchell, Eric Salahub with Guest Teaching Panel
Over 160 faculty and instructors from CCCS schools have completed the Active Learning Institute (ALI) over the last two years! Come to our session to hear from a diverse panel of recent ALI graduates who will talk about comprehensive course redesigns they implemented this semester.
Panelists will address what active learning means to them and share examples of how they are using active learning to promote engagement and increase student success. Panelists will also take questions from the audience and provide advice on how you can get started on your active learning journey.
Kerri Mitchell is writing faculty at Front Range Community College (FRCC). She is the co-creator and co-director of the Active Learning Institute, facilitating ongoing trainings and workshops for faculty and instructors at FRCC (since 2017) and within the Colorado Community College System (since 2022). Kerri also served as an Instructional Coach at FRCC from 2019 to 2022.
Through her coaching work and facilitation of the Active Learning Institute, Kerri has helped hundreds of Community College teachers across Colorado improve their teaching to cultivate greater learning and success for students.
In 2018, Kerri received the Colorado Community College System’s Outstanding Faculty Award.
Eric Salahub has been at Front Range Community College in Fort Collins Colorado since 1999 where he teaches philosophy.
Over the past 10 years, Eric’s main teaching and research focus has been Active Learning, and he is the co-creator and director of the Active Learning Institute.
Since 2022, Eric has co-facilitated Active Learning Institutes for teachers across the 13 Colorado Community Colleges.
CENTENNIAL E – CLASSROOM
Advancing Continuous Improvement in Student Affairs Using CAS Standards
Derek Grubb, Dr. Lisa Fowler, Dr. Armando Burciaga
This presentation will explore how the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) can be leveraged to foster continuous improvement in Student Affairs. Presenters will share processes, insights, and outcomes of implementing the CAS Standards at Red Rocks Community College (RRCC).
Attendees will leave with strategies and tactics to implement CAS Standards in their own institution or program, driving excellence and inclusivity in student services.
Dr. Lisa Fowler has been in higher education administration for 28 years beginning as a director of accessibility services then as a dean of students, associate vice president of enrollment management and now a vice president of student affairs.
Since coming to RRCC, she has led large initiatives such as establishing the Call Center, Student Health Clinic and the Student Recreation Center. She led the student affairs division at her previous institution through CAS Standard assessment and is excited about the current work the Student Affairs Division is doing at RRCC.
Lisa earned her doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of Georgia, her Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Tennessee and Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Maryville College.
Dr. Armando Burciaga is currently the Dean of Students at Red Rocks Community College (RRCC), providing oversight and leadership to seven departments within Student Affairs.
He has worked in the realm of higher education for nearly 20 years starting out as an admission counselor for incoming college students. His experiences include higher education administration and leadership, grant development, student affairs, student engagement initiatives, Title IX and oversight of curriculum development.
Armando earned his Doctorate in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University, a Master’s degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor’s degree from CSU-Pueblo in Mass Communications.
Derek Grubb, is currently the Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success at Red Rocks Community College (RRCC), and stewards seven departments within Student Affairs.
With a passion for student success, he leads strategies that shape the academic journeys of over 12,000 students each year. Derek Grubb is a seasoned data-informed decision maker, bringing a wealth of experience in institutional research and effectiveness, grant programs, and campus housing.
He earned his Master’s of Science in Student Affairs in Higher Education and Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science from Colorado State University..
CENTENNIAL F – CLASSROOM
The Landscape of Concurrent Enrollment (CE) – Populations, Practices, and Pathways – where do we go from here?
Shari Culver, Vicki Aycock, Michele Brown, Monica Fuglei
Over the last several years, many of our colleges have seen dramatic growth in Concurrent Enrollment populations, with some colleges serving more high school students than traditional students. What are the data trends on this population? What does the recent Community College Research Center data highlight for best practices? And how can we continue to push for pathways in CE?
Join a team of ACC CE staff from Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to learn more about this growing population and how we’re working to provide a quality experience for high school students and high school instructors in this space.
Vicki Aycock is the Dean of Educational Partnerships at Arapahoe Community College (ACC). Recently promoted to the Dean role, she previously served as the Associate Dean for Instructional Operations and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director for seven years at ACC.
Her current role provides guidance for various partnerships at ACC, including Colorado Online, Concurrent Enrollment, Instructional Operations, and other strategic collaborations to leverage the college’s instructional pathways for students.
Michele Brown is serving in her 3rd year as Dean of Enrollment Management at Arapahoe Community College and has over 30 years of experience in Student Affairs at 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities.
Prior to moving to Colorado, Michele served 20 years in Admissions and Enrollment at Oakton Community College in Illinois. She also has Admissions experience from Illinois Institute of Technology and University of Illinois at Chicago, as well as 2 years of Advising experience at University of Southern California.
Michele’s degrees include a Master of Science in Higher Education from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois State University. Michele has served on national and statewide committees including the National Association of College Admission Counseling and the Illinois Board of Higher Education Dual Credit Task Force. She has presented at dozens of professional conferences and has consulted at multiple community colleges on recruitment and enrollment strategies.
Shari Culver has over 20 years in education serving a variety of populations and institutions from community college to private university to adult education centers. She has worked in undergraduate and graduate admissions, recruitment, career services, academic advising, 2-4 year transfer services, and concurrent enrollment. She holds a Bachelor’s in English and a Master’s in Intercultural Studies.
Culver currently serves Arapahoe Community College (ACC) as the Associate Dean of Concurrent Enrollment. ACC’s Concurrent Enrollment population is the second largest in the state of Colorado with over 9300 students and comprising 60% of the ACC headcount. Culver is an innovative leader who has a passion for not only serving students but also for compassionately leading a team towards maximizing their strengths and making the group stronger than its individual parts.
Monica Fuglei is the Concurrent Enrollment Faculty Chair and an English Department Faculty member at Arapahoe Community College.
Since joining ACC in 2009, she has held various roles, including serving as the CE Liaison for the English Department.
Monica is passionate about supporting instructors and departments, focusing on innovative and equity-minded strategies to expand and support concurrent enrollment instruction.
She believes in fostering inclusive educational environments that empower both students and educators.
PONDEROSA – THEATER
Empowering Native American Students – the Pikes Peak State College First Nations Promise
Dr. Lance Bolton, Jodi Tekubie, Krista Wallace, Maria de la Cruz
In less than a year, Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) launched a promise program offering financial, academic, and social support to Native American students. This session explores how the college collaborated with philanthropic foundations, the local Native American community, students, and faculty to develop and implement the program.
Attendees will gain insights into the program’s vision, strategies for securing initial funding, key steps in implementation, and methods for supporting students through academic coaching and community-building efforts.
Dr. Lance Bolton, President of Pikes Peak State College, is in his 14th year of service at the college.
He is dedicated to making higher education accessible and is committed to developing innovative programs that promote equitable outcomes.
Dr. Bolton firmly believes in the transformative power of education and that everyone should have access to its opportunities.
The First Nations Promise Program, the latest philanthropically supported initiative he has championed, reflects this vision and dedication.
Jodi Tekubie, PPSC Assistant Director of Enrollment Services, is dedicated to dismantling the obstacles that students encounter during the enrollment process.
She is passionate about creating policies and procedures that are not only easier for students to navigate but also centered around their needs.
As a First-Generation Native American student herself, Jodi holds the First Nations Promise Program close to her heart. She is committed to ensuring that Native American students receive the representation and support they deserve in higher education.
Her work is driven by a deep understanding of the unique challenges these students face and a steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.
Maria de la Cruz, Associate Dean of Business and Technology, has been a longtime advocate for issues affecting Native Americans and women.
As a multi-racial, Native woman, Maria advocated for issues in Washington D.C such as ceremonial practices for incarcerated Natives, access to ancestral grounds, and human rights violations against Native populations.
In Colorado, she was instrumental in the passage of the Midwifery Act, revolutionizing birth practices.
Within education, she served on the CDHE Equity Champions Coalition, contributed to the inaugural CDHE Report on Educational Equity and presented findings at the Statewide Day of Dialogue.
Krista Wallace, Coordinator of the Promise Programs at Pikes Peak State College (PPSC). She holds a Masters in Student Affairs in Higher Education from UCCS.
With a deep passion for educational equity, Krista has dedicated her career to supporting underrepresented students, particularly those from BIPOC communities.
Her experience spans over a decade, beginning as a work-study in 2014, and she now leads initiatives that provide free tuition, fees, and books to eligible students in the Promise Programs.
Krista is committed to making higher education accessible and empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals.
SPRUCE – THEATER
Be Curious, Not Judgmental: An Investigation of Artificial Intelligence
Kathryn Skulley, Ph.D & Chris Tombari, Ph.D.
Bring your laptops. In this roundtable style conversation, we will explore together how to optimize Artificial Intelligence (AI) in assessment. As fellow educators and explorers, we are curious what you know and don’t know about AI. How can we start to talk about AI in an organized and useful fashion?
Participants will leave with the following:
- More questions than they came with and a desire to experiment and want to continue the conversation,
- some ideas of how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in assessment, and
- tools with which to move forward.
Kathryn Skulley, Ph.D., is Dean of Assessment, Strategy, and Performance Excellence/Accreditation Liaison Officer at Community College of Aurora (CCA) and a long-time adjunct instructor at Front Range Community College.
Dr. Skulley, an early adopter and implementer of new technology, loves to explore how we can use new tools in our work to make things easier.
She has implemented Artificial Intelligence (AI) use into all facets of her work from accreditation to strategic planning, to presentations to teaching to assessment to writing emails, guidelines, and processes.
Chris Tombari, Ph.D. is Director of Strategic Initiatives at Community College of Aurora (CCA) and an adjunct instructor for English Composition in CCA’s English department.
An unabashed computer nerd, Chris voraciously reads about emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) trends and technologies for the workplace and education.
In the classroom, he actively researches and explores ways to integrate AI that preserve student critical thinking, voice, and creativity while introducing new skills and efficiencies.
Sponsors
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Event Venue
Omni Interlocken Hotel
Address: 500 Interlocken Blvd, Broomfield, CO 80021
Lodging
We are pleased to partner with the Omni Interlocken Hotel, offering a special discounted rate of $179 per night for conference attendees. Reservations are limited, so book your room as soon as possible to secure this rate.
Alternative Lodging Options
| Pin | Hotel Name | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homewood Suites by Hilton Broomfield Boulder | .7 miles |
| 2 | Renaissance Boulder Flatiron Hotel | .8 miles |
| 3 | Hilton Garden Inn Broomfield Boulder | .8 miles |
| 4 | TownePlace Suites Boulder Broomfield/Interlocken | .9 miles |
| 5 | Hyatt House Boulder/Broomfield | 1.3 miles |
| 6 | Holiday Inn Express & Suites Denver Northwest | 1.5 miles |