Morning Pre-Conference Block

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Power BI: From Data to Actionable Insights

By: Patricia Rios, University of Texas at El Paso, CIERP (Center for Institutional Evaluation, Research and Planning)

Abstract: Research is a cornerstone in the field of higher education. Evaluating data and data pipelines is crucial for transforming a wealth of knowledge into actionable insights. This introductory workshop will demonstrate how moving and cleaning data through the ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) process, building data visualizations to explore trends, and organizing dashboards can support assessment and decision-making. This workshop focuses on creating a foundation of understanding for participants that can be further developed to make data more accessible, engaging, and actionable for stakeholders at their institutions. Participants must have their own laptop with Power BI installed. 

 

 

Learning, Leveling, and Support; Pushing the Pig up the Scale

By: Dr. Keston Fulcher, Improvement Strategist, James Madison University & Dr. Dan Stroud

Director of Assessment, West Texas A & M

Abstract: In 2011, a faculty member and a few of his students  have taken up the mantle of Student Learning Improvement. After Dr. Trudy Banta and Dr. Charles Blaich threw out the  gauntlet in their article, “Closing the Assessment Loop” (2011) which stated “that too few faculty are … studying assessment findings to see … improvements”, Keston has worked to build understanding of this shortfall in the field of higher education. 

After more than a decade, the Fulcher led Learning Improvement Community  (LIC ), in partnership with the Assessment Institute in Indianapolis, has taken an aggressive leap toward achieving greater things on a national scale through focused leadership and growing participation. Join Keston and Dan as  they introduce learning  opportunities at scale with LIC driven collaborations between institutions from Indiana, to Arizona, to Texas, to North Carolina in 2027. This could be the opportunity your institution has been seeking.

 

 

Project Management for Reaffirmation: Practical Frameworks from Compliance Certification to the On-Site Visit

By: Dr. Divya Bhati, Professor, Department of Urban Education, University of Houston-Downtown

Abstract: Accreditation and reaffirmation initiatives require disciplined project management to navigate complex timelines, multiple stakeholders, compliance expectations, evidence collection, and on-site review preparation. This interactive workshop introduces practical strategies for planning, coordinating, and executing accreditation activities across decentralized institutional environments. Participants will explore approaches to establish accountability, manage communication, track progress, mitigate risks, and sustain momentum throughout the accreditation cycle. Drawing on real-world reaffirmation experiences and lessons learned, the session highlights methods for organizing documentation, aligning campus partners, leveraging project management tools and dashboards, and preparing faculty and staff for review team interactions. Through applied examples and guided activities, attendees will examine frameworks for milestone planning, evidence management, and review team coordination that can be adapted to a variety of institutional contexts. Participants will leave with actionable tools, templates, and best practices to strengthen collaboration, improve efficiency, reduce accreditation-related stress, and support successful accreditation outcomes and continuous improvement efforts.

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Lunch Break

 

Afternoon Pre-Conference Block

 

Assessment 101: A Toolkit for New Professionals

By: Jon Hill, Student Learning Coordinator, Texas A&M University & Dr. Corbin Franklin, Assessment Coordinator, Texas A&M University

Abstract: Whether you are new to assessment or looking to strengthen your existing knowledge, this interactive pre-conference session is designed for you. Assessment can often feel complex and overwhelming, but this workshop will demystify the process by guiding participants through each stage of the assessment cycle. Through examples from both academic and student affairs programs, attendees will explore how assessment can be intentionally designed, implemented, analyzed, and used to drive meaningful improvement. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and collaborative case studies that provide practical experience applying assessment concepts to real-world scenarios. From developing assessment plans to translating findings into actionable, data-informed insights, this session emphasizes skills that can be immediately applied in professional practice. Attendees will leave with a scalable framework, practical tools, and increased confidence to implement intentional and sustainable assessment processes that support student learning, program effectiveness, and continuous improvement at their institutions.

 

Smoothing the Road to a Strong Core Curriculum: Leveraging Assessment Thinking for Continuous Program Improvement

By: Dr. Stephen Biscotte, Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Curriculum, Virginia Tech & Dr. Tisha Paredes, Paredes Accreditation & Assessment Consulting 

Abstract: Whether you are embarking on a full core curriculum redesign journey or looking to strengthen your existing program, ongoing improvement requires ongoing "assessment thinking". Drawing directly from the facilitators’ upcoming guidebook, this hands-on workshop provides a practical roadmap for each of the journey’s four essential phases: laying the foundation, program design, implementation, and sustained engagement. This is not abstract theory – it is an in-the-weeds guide packed with interactive prompts, games, and frameworks to leverage assessment data, foster collaboration, and navigate detours and institutional shifts. Ideal for assessment professionals, administrators and faculty leaders alike, you will leave with pro tips, actionable templates, and "if only I knew then" revelations to drive transparent, data-informed continuous core improvement on your campus

 

Building Strategic Planning Skills for Assessment Professionals

By: Dr. Pamleyn Shefman, Executive Director Planning and Assessment, University of Houston - Clear Lake

Abstract: This session will focus on the strategies and skills assessment professionals can use from creating an all-encompassing strategic plan through the implementation and tracking of progress of the plan. Time will be spent on applying the steps of the strategic planning process. Recommended for those both new to strategic planning and those looking for ideas on how to breathe new life into their current strategic plan.