Session 1 (9:30 - 11:30 AM)

Scholarly Publication I - Telling your Story for a Scholarly Audience; How to Write and submit to Journal Publications   

Melissa Elston - Palo Alto College  

Nathan Mitchell - Prairie View A & M University 

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Two members of the Scholarly Resources and Activities Committee have put together a workshop aimed at helping TxAHEA professionals develop a presence in the world of writing and publication. And after attending this session, it’s likely that many will want to attend part II in the third session of the day. 

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Beyond the Buzz: Using AI to Transform Assessment Design, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement 

Dayna Oschenwitz  - Southern Methodist University 

Brooke Guelker – Southern Methodist University 

Susana Adoboe – Southern Methodist University 

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As artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT become more accessible, they’re sparking both excitement and anxiety across higher education. This session explores how generative AI can be a powerful asset in redesigning student learning outcomes, assessments, and—critically—assessment reporting. 

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Session 2 (Noon - 2pm)

The Spark Before the Improvement Climb: Cultivating the Will to Improve 

Keston Fulcher - James Madison University 

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The first step toward meaningful improvement is fostering the collective will to improve. In this interactive workshop, the co-author of Improving Student Learning at Scale will share practical strategies to kickstart this crucial process. Participants will explore how to identify key stakeholders, determine the best sequence for engaging them, and discover effective approaches for inspiring others to get on board. Walk away with tools to build momentum and drive lasting change in student learning at scale. 

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Getting Ready for the Stages of QEP 

Tammy Braswell – University of Houston - Clear Lake

Anne Dayton – University of Houston 

Christina Williams – University of Houston 

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Join this session where you can learn more about what is a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) and the many QEP stages an institution will go through. Presenters will share stories on getting large stakeholder input, drafting and submitting a plan to SACSCOC, implementation across the years, and the final impact report.  This session will 1) explore methods for getting ideas generated and the drafting and submitting your plan, 2) provide examples of the assessment planning, 3) explore frameworks for implementation, 4) address evaluating learning outcomes including skill development, career readiness, and personal growth through a mixed-methods assessment, and 5) highlight different QEP’s design, challenges, successes, and lessons learned, offering practical insights for your campus’ QEP. 

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Session 3 (2:15 - 4:15 PM)

Building Strategic Planning Skills for Assessment Professionals 

Pamelyn Klepal Shefman,  University of Houston-Clear Lake 

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

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From Submission to Review: Navigating the Journal Publication Process in Assessment Research 

Nick Curtis – University of Wisconsin – Madison 

Robin Anderson – James Madison University 

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This pre-conference workshop will demystify the peer review process for assessment research, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of what happens when an article is submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. Facilitated by Nick Curtis, Editor-in-Chief of Research & Practice in Assessment (RPA), and Robin Anderson, Senior Associate Editor of RPA, the session will explore how to effectively frame and structure research article submissions to receive the best feedback from the review process and maximize the chances of acceptance. Participants will gain valuable insight into the peer review process—designed to be formative and developmental—and learn what reviewers are looking for, using RPA's evaluation rubric as an example. We will also highlight essential traits of a successful journal reviewer and offer guidance on how to become a reviewer for academic journals. This interactive session invites attendees to engage with the editorial process and explore the behind-the-scenes workings of academic publishing.