Thursday, November 1
10:45 – 12:00 Contributed and Invited Presentations I
Trends in Transfer and Reverse Transfer
Erica Spiller, Des Moines Area Community College
Tom Paulson, University of Iowa
Kelly Friesleben, Iowa State University
The landscape of college transfer and reverse transfer is ever-changing as more colleges and universities partner with each other and improve processes within their own institutions to help individuals meet their academic goals and progress to graduation. This session will highlight some of the top trends in transfer and reverse transfer as well as allow time for questions from attendees.
The 30%: New CEOs at Iowa Higher Education Institutions - Panel Discussion
Dr. Patricia Draves, President, Graceland University
Dr. Lori Sundberg, President, Kirkwood Community College
Dr. Rachelle L. Karstens, President, Briarcliff University
According to the latest American College President Study, women comprise 30% of CEOs at America's colleges and universities. Some additional statistics: 32% of female presidents have altered their career progression to care for a dependent, spouse or partner, or parent; only 8% of women presidents lead doctorate-granting institutions; and 78% of women presidents are serving their first presidency. Join three of Iowa's newest female presidents as they share their challenges, insights, strategies, and advice to aspiring presidents and higher education leaders.
Charting Your Course, A Financial Guide for Women
Cindy Webb, Financial Consultant, TIAA
Your money shouldn't be sitting around doing nothing-and at this workshop, you won't be either. Our goal is to help give you an idea of where you are, figure out where you want to be, and of course, how you are going to get there. TIAA's workshop leader will help you: Evaluate your financial health; set financial goals; discover how to make your money work for you; learn how to put it all together to create your financial plan. Click here for her Powerpoint slides.
Women of Color Roundtable
Moderator: Jeanette Thomas, Iowa Department of Education
Panelists: Gwenne Berry, University of Northern Iowa
Rashandra Oatis, Scott Community College
Melissa Shivers, University of Iowa
Raquel Zuniga, Iowa State University
Research suggests that, given the current environment, women of color face different challenges in the workplace. Panelists will share their perspectives on the experience of women of color in higher education. Discussion will include advocacy, challenges, opportunity, and personal experiences.
1:45 – 3:00 Contributed and Invited Presentations II
Innovation in Education? Take a Step; You have to Start Somewhere
Jen Sigrist, Van Meter Schools
Andrea Stewart, Mississippi Bend AEA
In what seems like an antiquated system, teachers across the state are starting to reimagine what education can look like. Personalized, competency-based education (CBE) is gaining momentum throughout Iowa as educators make connections between state initiatives, their community goals, and what each student needs. Our presenters are two of the state's leaders in CBE and leadership council members of The Center, and will share resources and examples from school districts that are engaging in innovative practices while simultaneously dealing with constraints of the traditional system of education. The Center is a statewide collaborative network of schools and institutions of higher education, along with partner organizations, moving towards personalized, competency based education in Iowa. Participants will walk away with an understanding of what CBE is, how schools can take a step towards it by seeing multiple entry points, and gather stories to help others see why this educational system is better for our kids
The Road Less Traveled: Paths to Higher Education Administration
Rachelle Karstens, President, Briar Cliff University
Jennifer Bradley, Executive Dean, Kirkwood Community College
Kristin Woods, Director Student Success & Retention, University of Northern Iowa
Although the number of female administrators at colleges and universities is growing, the paths women must traverse to earn these administrative positions is often atypical. Hear three unique journeys, as well as strategies and tips to help you achieve your dream job in higher education.
Information Overload: Discerning Credible Voices Amid Media Dissonance
Andrea Frantz, Buena Vista University
It's human nature to avoid discomfort. We adjust the thermometer when a room is too hot or cold. We drive around to find the closest parking spot to the grocery store's entrance. And we generally avoid media coverage that makes us angry or challenges our beliefs. In terms of media literacy, the perfect storm has occurred in the United States. Thanks to widening ideological chasms, proliferation of technology and blurred lines between facts and opinion, Americans have largely become consumers of niche media- outlets and messages that affirm long-held beliefs. But vitriolic accusations of "Fake News!" for media messages that do not conform to personal truths are more than lazy-they're damaging to democracy. This interactive session will examine the perfect media literacy storm and challenge participants to consider issues of credibility and the danger of tuning out dissonance.
Stretched too Thin:” Strategies to Help Working Moms Find Balance and Lose the Guilt
Jennifer Cunningham, Kirkwood Community College
Mindy Thornton, Kirkwood Community College
Working mothers struggle to balance personal and professional lives. Guided by the book Stretched too Thin by Jessica Turner, presenters will focus on strategies to balance work and family life, and release that “mom guilt.” Discussion of real-life experiences and opportunities for reflection will help guide you to “living a life you love.”
3:15 – 4:30 Contributed and Invited Presentations III
Serving Our International Campus Community from the Perspectives of Women Leadership in Higher Education
Krista McCallum-Beatty, Iowa State University
Liz Mendez-Shannon, Iowa State University
This session focuses on the experiences from two women in leadership who navigate the systems in higher education to support immigrant and non-immigrant students, staff and faculty. Specifically, participants will learn about the systemic differences in terms of experiences and needs of this community based on immigration stories and how to support this diverse community.
Getting to the Top Together
Molly Altorfer, Common Sense Collective
Colette Atkins, Kirkwood Community College
Getting to the top is easier and more rewarding when supported by fellow women. Participants of this session will learn what it means to provide peer to peer mentorship for professional growth. All participants will walk away with a toolbox full of ways to start providing peer to peer mentorship today! Click here for their presentation.
Understanding the History of Gender Bias in Order to Create a World Where it No Longer Exists
Nancy Cobb, University of Northern Iowa
As the United States experiences a unique time when women are gaining voices that are being heard and believed, it is important to understand the complexities of the prevalence of gender bias (which leads to discrimination and harassment). The presenter will provide a brief history of the biased rhetoric and policies that have existed for thousands of years. Participants will then be asked at their tables to share their own experiences and solutions with each other and the larger group. The session will conclude with practical advice on how to combat gender bias in the academic workplace.
Working with Students in Distress Workshop
Barry A. Schreier, University of Iowa
You are in your office, thinking about a recent interaction with a student that has left you troubled. Many things are running through your mind. Is this a big deal? Should I call someone about this? Can I help this student myself? Should I even get involved? "Working with Students in Distress" helps Staff and Faculty respond to students in distress. Faculty and staff want to help students when they are in distress, but sometimes struggle with right words and best approaches. "Working with Students in Distress" is designed to provide: 1. Language and practical skills to help Staff and Faculty navigate challenging interactions; 2. Signs of what distress looks like; 3. Ideas of what to do and what not to do; and 4. Simple language to assist with having the confidence to act when a student is in distress.
Friday, November 2
8:45 – 10:00 Contributed and Invited Presentations IV
The Changing Job Market: Are We Preparing Students with the Necessary Skills?
Moderator: Kim Pfiffner, Principal Financial Group
Jennifer Meier, Iowa Economic Development Authority
Sarah Goblirsch, University of Northern Iowa
Kaly Etten, Rockwell Collins
What do our higher education institutions need to be doing to prepare students to have the skills necessary to compete in today's job market? What are key aspects in preparing entry-level workers as well as workers for management and other administrative roles? The moderator and panelists will discuss thoughts on how our institutions can best meet the needs of both our students and the job market and whether we are hitting the mark. Then they will respond to questions from the audience.
The Role of University Police on Campus: What You Need to Know
Helen Haire, University of Northern Iowa
Campus safety personal are facing unprecedented challenges and expectations. Learn what you need to know about the university police and campus safety, and what they wish you knew.
What it Means to be a Change Agent: How We Become Effective in this Important Role
Julie Keehner, Higher Education Consultant and Presenter
As President Obama once said, "Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." While we all realize that this is true, it isn't always (or often) easy to assume the role of 'change agent.' How do we prepare for this role and how do we become effective at it? In this interactive session, we will discuss how effective and long-lasting change occurs, as well as the costs and benefits to those who serve as agents of change. We will also draw from the experiences of participants as we discuss strategies for institutionalized change that becomes part of the culture and what all of us have learned when we have decided to become the 'change that we seek.'
Retention Initiatives: Best Practices; What does success look like? How do we track it internally?
Mirra Anson, University of Iowa
Daniele Martinez, University of Iowa
Bobbi Miller, Kirkwood Community College
A panel discussion on successful retention initiatives and internal tracking strategies that can be applied to students at all types of institutions. Mirra Anson and Danielle Martinez from the University of Iowa will discuss their Excelling@Iowa program and the sophisticated system that utilizes data analytics to target their messaging and support. Bobbi Miller at Kirkwood Community College will discuss the new initiatives they've implemented recently and their success in meeting students where they are.
10:15 – 11:30 Contributed and Invited Presentations V
Strengthening Emotional Intelligence to enhance effectiveness in the classroom
Marilynn Jerome, Purdue University Global
What you think of what makes a person "intelligent", what comes to mind? Many equate intelligence with book smarts, a specific skill set, or one's ability to think critically/analytically. This presentation will expand on those concepts and reflect on the concept of "emotional intelligence" or "EI". Participants will learn what emotional intelligence is, why it is important in human relationships and person well-being, as well as learn how to assess their level of "EI" and expand upon it. Presentation concludes with dialogue about applying EI to improve classroom management and relationship development.
Prioritizing and Triaging: Inbox Decision Making Simulation
Paula O'Loughlin, Coe College
We all know the experience of an overflowing inbox and too many phone calls to return and emails, but the challenge becomes even greater and the potential effects on the institution way more significant when you become a senior administrator. This session is not a "how to handle email" lesson so much as it is a way to see how you prioritize as you move up the ranks of administration. Drawn from real life examples, this is a simulation where you will face the competing calls for your attention and you can see how you would respond to the challenges and compare and contrast how the triage changes for a senior administrator. This session will be invaluable for those who are curious whether they are ready to become senior administrators.
Using an appreciative approach to reframe challenges into opportunities
Chrystal Stanley, Drake University
Everything we do comes down to solving problems. To be successful and a leader in our field, we not only have to solve problems; we need to be innovative. Taking on these challenges is an important part of growing and developing as a person. However, we don't always see it like that. The downside when we take on new challenges it that we also have to face the possibility of failure. Rather than seeing the opportunity in the situation we focus on what it might be like to fail. This session will teach you how to use an appreciate approach to view those challenges as opportunities and will provide you with a process for solving problems based upon positive psychology.
Meeting the changing needs of students- new reforms/disruptive change in student services
Jane Bradley, Hawkeye Community College
For several years, higher education has been focused on "meeting students where they are" with respect to college preparedness. While this concept is still important in higher education, it is becoming more and more apparent that colleges and universities need to also "meet students at who they are" in order to support student success. With enrollments in decline, the retention of college students is more important than ever. This presentation will provide an overview of how institutions of higher education are evolving in identifying students in need and how they are supporting the success of today's college students.