Agenda
Keynote – 9-10:15 a.m. ET
Keynote session: Dialogue with Kindness: Sustaining Healthy Discussion in a Polarized Society
Keynote Speaker: Linda Cohen
Dynamic speaker Linda Cohen, The Kindness Catalyst, shares the ROI of kindness with businesses and associations through customized interactive programs for team meetings and conference keynotes. With enthusiasm and expertise, she describes how kindness is no longer a “nice to have” in the workplace, but an imperative skill for leaders and employees to cultivate. “Kindness,” says Cohen “is at the basis of every aspect of a positive company culture from recruitment and retention to morale and burnout. There is overwhelming evidence today that kindness can conquer burnout!“
Session Track 1 – 10:25-11:05 a.m. ET
Let's Chat, Chat, and Chat Some More!!! Innovative Ways to Meet Students Where They Are in Online Math Courses
Presenter: Shawntaye Adams, Community College of Baltimore County
This session examines the use of CHAT-based technologies—ChatGPT, chatbots, and group chats—to create more interactive, accessible online math courses and enhance student engagement, communication, and success in a digital learning environment.
Using a Mindset Module to Improve Growth Mindset in Students
Presenters: Dawn Levy and Dorina Tila, Kingsborough Community College, City University of New York
Explore how a Mindset Module introduced community college business students to the power of growth mindset, learn about the design process, review early findings, and workshop ways to adapt this impactful tool for your own courses.
Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) in Online Courses
Presenters: Susan Darlington, Bucks County Community College
Learn what “Regular and Substantive Interaction” (RSI) really means, why it matters for online course compliance and student aid, and how to implement practical strategies to meet RSI standards in your own teaching.
Leveraging NACE competencies and project-based learning to foster inclusivity and bridging equity gap
Presenters: Madhavi Shah, Raritan Valley Community College
This session shares strategies for integrating NACE competencies and project-based learning to foster student-centered, inclusive classrooms. Examples from biology courses will illustrate how these approaches support career readiness, growth mindset, belonging, and the success of underrepresented students.
Session Track 2 – 11:15 -11:55 a.m. ET
Pack Your AI Backpack: Top Ten (Free!) AI Tools for Teaching, Learning, & Academic Research
Presenter: Beth Ritter-Guth, Northampton Community College
Explore ten free AI tools to help transform teaching, learning, and research. This hands-on workshop introduces secure, effective options and provides a take-home toolkit for further exploration and classroom integration.
Practicing Civil Discourse with Paired Readings
Presenter: Amber Anderson, Bucks County Community College
Learn how to select texts, establish safety, and elicit meaningful class discussions that promote civil discourse, as we explore the use of paired texts and reflect on how to apply these strategies in your own teaching.
Basic Needs, Community Building & Student Success: Implementation & Impact
Presenter: Dr. Karen L. Gutshall-Seidman, Raritan Valley Community College
This session examines a student-led campus resource center at Raritan Valley Community College, highlighting strategies for resource acquisition, community partnerships, and data driven impact on student engagement, retention, and equity in higher education outcomes.
Session Track 3 – Noon to 12:45 p.m. ET
AI Lesson Planning and Quiz Construction. A guide
Presenter: Stan Timek, Bucks County Community College
Learn how to use AI to streamline lesson planning, create presentations, and design student quizzes. This hands-on session offers practical tools and strategies to boost efficiency, engagement, and instructional quality—no matter your tech experience.
Teaching STEM Smarter: Consistent, Innovative Design Across All Modalities
Presenter: Frank Pietropollo and Loryn Stoler, County College of Morris
This session highlights how structured course design, innovative instructional practices, and equitable student support at the County College of Morris enhance quality, engagement, and success in online STEM courses through the Virtual Campus initiative.
Student Research at Penn State Abington
Presenter: Terri Stiles, Penn State Abington
This session highlights the importance of undergraduate research through student presentations on current ACURA projects. Students will discuss their research topics, methods, and findings, followed by an interactive Q&A with the audience.