Agenda

Preconference Concurrent Session 1 | Cardinal Room:
Designing Learning Communities for Deep Integration and Authentic Belonging

Julia Metzker, Evergreen State College; Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, Clark Atlanta University; Jillian Kinzie, Indiana University, National Survey of Student Engagement; Rita Sperry, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

When students participate in well-designed learning communities, they experience the power of integrative learning—connecting ideas across courses and linking academic knowledge to real-world issues—while simultaneously developing a strong sense of belonging through shared intellectual experiences and meaningful relationships. This interactive session examines the symbiotic relationship between integrative learning and belonging in learning communities, drawing on NSSE data and institutional examples to demonstrate their impact on student success. Using a mapping tool, participants will assess components of their learning community programs and then brainstorm strategies to foster both integrative learning and belonging. Attendees will leave with actionable frameworks for enhancing both integrative learning and belonging in their learning community programs, adaptable to diverse institutional contexts.

Preconference Concurrent Session 2 | Gold Room:
Reframing Assessment: Demonstrating Learning Community Impact through Data-Informed Narratives

Matt Pistilli and Elizabeth Housholder, Office of Assessment, Research, and Divisional Effectiveness, Iowa State University

This session explores the vital role of assessment in capturing and communicating the impact of learning communities (LCs) on student success and development. Participants will examine why this work matters, identify meaningful indicators of success beyond traditional metrics like retention and graduation, and explore a range of qualitative and quantitative approaches to assessment. Emphasis will be placed on using assessment data to tell a more comprehensive story of student learning and growth. Attendees will review sample projects and tools for collecting and using data, consider whom to engage in the process, and analyze methods ranging from simple to complex. The session will conclude with guided time to develop a personalized action plan, empowering participants to begin or enhance assessment efforts in their own institutional contexts.

ISU Campus Tour:
Join a current student tour guide for a walk around campus! Learn about traditions, student life and all six undergraduate colleges. This tour will also include stops in the Library and the Student Innovation Center. (NOTE: This tour requires walking throughout campus both indoors and outdoors)

Christian Petersen and Grant Wood in the Art on Campus Collection:
Join University Museums curators to take a walking tour of some of the highlights of the Art on Campus Collection. The tour will focus on the work of Christian Petersen, the country’s first permanent artist in residence on a college campus, and Grant Wood, one of Iowa’s most iconic artists. Discover how these sculptures and murals work to create a visual history of Iowa State’s campus and legacy and learn how the public art collection has grown into one of the largest in the country. (NOTE: This tour requires walking throughout campus both indoors and outdoors)

Iowa State Brewing Lab Tour
A tour of the Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute will feature information about Iowa State’s brewing science laboratory and the enology of wine and winemaking.  The Brewing Lab & Brewing Project enables students to acquire practical skills and knowledge in brewing science.  In collaboration with the Iowa State Foundation, the Brew Laboratory as launched a program to develop unique beer flavors exclusive to Iowa State University.  The tour will include wine and beer samples with a light snack. (NOTE: This tour requires walking to the building on campus from shuttle drop off and the tour is indoors). 

Janine Graziano, retired Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning and Professor of English

Doing What’s Important in Learning Communities: How AI Can and Can’t Help

As we’ve all experienced, technology has its benefits and drawbacks, both academically and socially. For example, ChatGPT can drastically reduce the time needed to do research, but it’s easy to be lulled into accepting and not critically analyzing what it produces. And while technology has certainly made physical distance between people “irrelevant” (well…maybe not ALL the time! 🙂), digital natives are reporting high levels of loneliness and anxiety. The theoretical framework and logistical structures provided by Learning Communities promote the building of strong relationships. But it takes more than theory and togetherness for real relationships to develop and grow. Please join us to see how ChatGPT can be used to explore what we do (or need to do) in learning communities, why this work is important, and how AI can and can’t help.