Concurrent Sessions

SASP 2023 - Lighting the Way to Student Success

Saturday, February 25, 2023
 

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    • Registration and Breakfast
    • Notes for the Day at 8:45 am
    • Location: LBJ Grand Ballroom

    • Conference Welcome and Opening Session
    • Presentation of Conference Theme by Victor Vizcarrondo Velez (SLAC)
    • Introduction of Welcome Speaker by Dr. Victoria Black (University College)
    • Welcome Remarks by Dr. Kelly Damphousse, Texas State University President  

  • 10:00 am - 10:50 am - Concurrent Sessions

    • Carlton J. Fong, Assistant Professor, Department of Curriculum & Instruction

      Understanding student motivation and help-seeking is fundamental to supporting college student success. We will debunk various myths surrounding how students are motivated in college and how they seek help. We will also discuss various strategies to maximize students’ motivational beliefs and help-seeking tendencies.

      Location: LBJ 3-.3.1

    • Carolyn T. Chang, Director, Title III Generación STEM

      So you are planning (or thinking) of applying to graduate school. There are so many factors to consider when starting to think about graduate school applications. In this session we will go over the general timeline of the application process, general information about choosing programs to apply to, general application components, and some strategies and tips to help guide you through the process.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-5.1

    • HT Hill-Troglin Cox, Doctoral Candidate, Developmental Education
      Rachel Shaffer, Graduate Student, School Psychology

       

      This session is designed to invite open dialogue, discovery, and recognition of system barriers of preconceived biases for students with hearing loss.  Furthermore, attendees will develop strategies for building positive relationships with Deaf/deaf students for practitioners in learning centers, professors in the classroom, staff members, and other stakeholders across the campus. Participants will discuss accommodations, legal frameworks, and responsibilities; with the goal to facilitate equitable access to language environments to support academic, personal, and social success. 

       

      Location:
      LBJ 3-9.1

    • Ross Wood, Assistant Director - Career Education, Career Services

      How would you feel if you possessed a nicely polished resume that projects and elevates your level of professionalism?  One of the department’s Career Educators will share some quick and easy tips on translating and promoting student involvement/engagement experience, showing how students may distinguish themselves from the job search mob.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-10.1

    • Rafael R. Almanzar, Director for Peer Mentoring & First Gen Student Success

      Higher education institutions are experiencing an influx of racially minoritized students enrolling at historically levels (Ponjuan & Hernandez, 2020). However, racially minoritized students, who are often first-generation college students, continued to lag in degree completion compared to White students (NCES, 2019). Dr. Laura Rendon argued that higher education institutions must change to support these students who are entering a world that was not designed with them in mind. Rendon’s (1994) validation theory is an assets-based framework that helps higher education institutions understand how to work with these students by building supportive relationships. In this session, participants will learn and understand Rendon’s validation theory, learn about the challenges racially minorized students face, and learn how to cultivate inclusive practices and approaches that foster student success.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-13.1

    • Kacy Wycoff, Writing Consultant, University Writing Center
      Manar Naser, Writing Consultant, University Writing Center

      This presentation introduces toxic positivity and offers ways to improve support strategies while combating harmful language in a way that fosters student growth. The skills that audience members learn can be used to lessen student stress and encourage them to utilize support services.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-14.1

  • 11:00 am - 11:50am - Concurrent Sessions

    • Victoria Black, Associate Dean for Academic Services, University College

      When was the last time you were in a Mentoring relationship? Did you know how to engage in the partnership? What to expect? Did you understand your role in the partnership? When we talk about mentoring, we talk about malleable mindsets, we talk about shaping and inspiring the life of others, but how many times do we shift that mindset and really think about what it takes to be mentorable? Mentorability is the willingness to engage in a mutually beneficial and developmental relationship. This session will focus on your role as a mentee and how to maximize your current and next developmental relationship.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-3.1

    • Victor M. Vizcarrondo Velez, Assistant Director for Instructional Programs, SLAC
      Esra Nizami, Graduate Assistant for Outreach, SLAC

      Technology has become a part of everyday life for many people around the world. If smart home devices, smart phones, and computer applications are used daily to help us manage our lives, who’s to say they can't help make being a college student a little easier. In this session, participants will learn about various unique technological devices and digital tools that can be incorporated into a student’s time management and organization, studying, and testing practices. Example tools and features that will be discussed include: advanced functions via Outlook, popular smart phone applications, and rethinking smart watch faces.

      Locations:
      LBJ 3-5.1

    • Rene LeBlanc, Writing Services Coordinator, SLAC

      In an era fraught by social justice challenges, neurodiversity embraces students, staff, and instructors using language that cultivates growth. This presentation focuses on how neurodiversity can move students and educators from a legacy of stigma toward a future of inclusivity and learning by replacing divisive language and sharing stories.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-9.1

    • Sherry Yang, Career Counselor, Career Services

      A counselor will describe the process and philosophy of undergraduate career development.  An overview of the TXST career center’s services and programs will also be provided, helping students choose their professional next steps, and how Career Services can help all along the way.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-10.1

    • Rebecca Gonzalez, Practicum Program Coordinator
      Jennifer Smith, Collaborative Care Counselor, Counseling Center

      College is a time filled with many changes and challenges. Thoughts and feelings can be confusing and difficult to manage, especially during transitional life events such as attending college. Mindfulness practices offer healthy ways to connect with the present moment and have been linked with student success and wellness. Learn to kNOW the NOW as Counseling Center staff present an introduction to mindfulness concepts and share simple techniques which can be practiced daily to help support both personal and academic wellness.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-13.1

    • Lucy Reasons, Senior SI Leader, SLAC

      Adopting a growth mindset has positive implications in academic achievement, personal relationships, and career performance. But how does the language we use affect the adoption of a growth mindset? As student support personnel, it is important to be intentional in the language we use to help students shift towards a growth mindset and achieve their goals. Participants will learn about the importance of a growth mindset, gain specific strategies for using growth-oriented language, and practice these strategies in activities with other participants.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-14.1

    • Lunch and Keynote
    • Speaker Introduction by Lindley Workman Alyea, Director, SLAC
    • Keynote by Dr. Saundra McGuire
      • Assistant Vice Chancellor & Professor of Chemistry (Retired)
      • Director Emerita, Center for Academic Success, Louisiana State University  

  • 1:40 pm - 2:30pm - Concurrent Sessions

    • Jonathan Lollar, SDSII, The IDEA Center

      Brain-based learning is a strategy that is founded on students obtaining a basic understanding of how the brain is naturally designed to learn. The physical functions of the brain—i.e., how neurons connect to create neural networks, neuroplasticity, and information processing—are illuminated so that students can be empowered to create their own learning and study strategies. Students can also use brain-based learning strategies to stave off burnout, increase concentration, adapt study strategies to the level of learning needed for different academic tasks. Attendees will obtain a foundational understanding of brain-based learning, gain tools for teaching others to use brain-based learning effectively, and create a set of guiding questions to help students think about how to implement brain-based learning into their own academic habits. 

      Location:
      LBJ 3-3.1

    • Saundra McGuire, Professor Emerita, LSU

      Join Dr. Saundra McGuire for an information follow-up question and answer session.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-5.1

    • Gabriella Medrano, Peer Education Coordinator, University College

      Students tend to not focus much on their finances in college because they do not know where to begin. Actions and plans around finances tend to be more reactive than proactive but having the necessary “tools” in their “toolbox” could aid in being more proactive. In this session, participants will learn the tools and services that Bobcat Gold (a free service provided by Texas State University) has to offer to support themselves and the students they work with to achieve financial goals.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-9.1

    • Daniel A. King, Senior Lecturer, Department of Communication Studies

      You know how some things are just inseparable? In this session, we will examine the ever-present role of leadership in both our personal and professional lives. More specifically, we are going to change the paradigm by which we view leadership, because it's inaccurate to say that communication is simply a PART of leadership...Leadership IS Communication.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-10.1

    • Jasmine Austin, Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Studies

      In this interactive training, participants will learn how to be proactive and respond to our students in a way to disrupt or positively influence the outcome of a potentially negative situation. In this training, we will identify 8 contributors to conflict, learn 5 strategies for approaching difficult conversations, and practice the 3 D’s for handling difficult conversations that may be unmanageable. The practical skills taken from this session will ensure we are better serving our students, especially during the difficult conversations.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-13.1

    • Andru Adams, Learning Assistant, Physics

      Spatial reasoning skills are utilized throughout multiple STEM fields and can be overlooked as an important tool in ones toolbelt. This session will engage in activities designed around training spatial thinking with thoughtfully designed problems meant to test your skills.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-14.1

    • Dessert Break & Program Browse Session
    • Location: LBJ Ballroom  

  • 3:30 pm - 4:20pm - Concurrent Sessions

    • Paige Haber-Curran, SAHE Program Coordinator, CLAS

      The presenter, author of the book Emotionally Intelligent Leadership: A Guide for Students, will focus this session on the important topic of emotional intelligence. In this hands-on session attendees will learn about the topic of emotional intelligence and will identify strategies to enhance one’s own emotional intelligence in order to better navigate their lives personally and professionally as well as serve and support others.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-3.1

    • Austin Allen, Recruiting Coordinator, The Graduate College

      Are you thinking about furthering your education by attaining a graduate degree? Are you wondering how different this is from undergraduate studies? Learn about the benefits of graduate school and tips on how to apply!

      Location:
      LBJ 3-5.1

    • Michelle Sotolongo, Coordinator, TXST Monarch Center for Immigrant Students

      This session explores best practices for effective campus support of undocumented and mixed-status students in U.S. higher education. We will discuss elements of building an “undocufriendly” campus, learning opportunities, TXST initiatives, and ally networks. Participants will leave the session more confident in their knowledge and ability to assist students who approach them for help.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-9.1

    • Kiersten Leander, Hays County EMS

      Join Hays County EMS in this session designed to help guide you through an emergency on campus. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about medical emergencies common to the University environment, learn initial steps of patient stabilization during an emergency, and practice appropriate responses by listening to a scenario and walking through a “call.”  

      Location:
      LBJ 3-10.1

    • Deb Balzhiser, Director, University Writing Center

      This session helps the audience think about and write personal statements. It explains the purpose, goals, and key aspects of successful personal statements. Through examples of introductory, middle, and end paragraphs, the audience can see key aspects successful statements have in common.

      Location:
      LBJ 3-13.1

    • Lexie Kerr, Learning Assistant, Biology
      Hannah Castro, Learning Assistant, Chemistry & Biochemistry

      Encouraging a growth mindset through metacognition is a concrete way to help students thrive in the long term by monitoring their own understanding and learning from setbacks and challenges. In this interactive session, participants will analyze their own metacognitive skills and discuss ways to promote student metacognition and growth mindset

      Location:
      LBJ 3-14.1

    • Conference Wrap Up, Evaluations, & Door Prizes
    • Princeton Review Scholarship Raffle
    • Location: LBJ Grand Ballroom