Session 1: How An Idea Becomes a Class

Speakers: Caleb Simmons, Morgan Johnson, Jennifer Zaur, Matthew Romanoski, Lisa Elfring, Neda Fletcher, Melody Buckner, and Kate Johnson

Regardless of how promising an idea for a course might be, faculty and administrators must consider several nuanced issues of belonging – and their ultimate relationship to student success – before building that course into an online academic program. Does the program belong in the online environment in the first place? Which kinds of learning activities and technology belong in the program’s courses? How do these factors impact faculty sense of belonging as online instructors, which in turn defines the student experience?

Join faculty and curriculum and instructional support staff from UAGC, the U of A, and Arizona Online for a series of sessions that address the process of bringing an academic program online through the lens of questions like these. Each presentation outlines a phase of online program development from two perspectives – de-centralized and centralized – that are designed to optimize targeted types of student success outcomes. The series will culminate with a panel discussion about the shared focus each approach has on student learning.

Day 1: Building Inclusive, Career-Aligned Programs that Foster Belonging for Student Success 

In an increasingly competitive job market, designing academic programs that not only prepare students for their careers but also foster a strong sense of belonging is essential to their success. This session explores innovative strategies for program-level development that integrate industry insights, employer feedback, and student perspectives. We will examine how inclusive, relevant programs are created and when to update courses to ensure they not only equip students with the skills they need but also cultivate a supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and included. Attendees will learn about effective frameworks for decision-making in program development and continuous improvement processes that promote both career readiness and a deep sense of belonging, enhancing the overall student experience. 

Join us to discover how to create programs that empower students and prepare them for meaningful futures in an inclusive academic community.

#UAGCFacultyAffairs
#UAGCFacultyDevelopment
#UAGCTLC2024
#Belonging
#HigherEducationConference2024