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Structured Conversations

Structured Conversations

In an effort to provide ongoing professional development opportunities for SAAL members, the Professional Development Committee hosts Structured Conversations. Structured Conversations are monthly interactive assessment webinars. A listing of upcoming webinars and past records can be found below. Check the professional development calendar for a full listing of events. 

March 2023 Conversation

The SAAL  Professional Development Committee was thrilled to present "Building an Integrated Data System for STudent Affairs Data" with  Dr. Ellissa Brooks Nelson, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Annie Carlson Welch, University of Georgia; Dr. Adam R. Cebulski, Founder and CEO of transform.forward; Adam Pilipshen, Stony Brook University; and Scott Radimer, University of HoustonThe conversation was moderated/hosted by Dr. Matt van Jura, The Ohio State University.  Here is the recording.
 

Abstract

The panelists discuss their journey in building an integrated data system of Student Affairs at their institutions. The process for building an integrated data system of Student Affairs data can vary depending on institutional differences including resources, strategic goals, and leadership support.

The panelists share the process used at their institutions for building an integrated data system of Student Affairs data. Additionally, the panelists discuss how their institutions initiated the idea; key stakeholders and leveraging relationships in moving the initiative forward; and how they are using their systems to inform data analytics and visualizations to generate actionable insights. The panelists also discuss significant challenges (and solutions) they experienced in developing an integrated data system and tips and advice for folks that may be just starting to think about initiating an integrated system at their institutions. 

Second Most Recent Conversation-February 2023

The SAAL  Professional Development Committee was thrilled to present "Reframing Assessment to Center Equity" with  Drs. Gavin HenningNew England College; Anne Lundquist, Hope Center, Temple University; Ciji Heiser, Developing Capacity Coaching, LLC; and Joseph LevyNational Louis University. The conversation was moderated/hosted by Dr. Vince NixWest Texas A&M University.  Here is the recording.

Abstract
What does it mean to be equity-centered versus equity-minded? How do those dispositions impact our assessment work? Why should we care? Join two of the editors and two of the chapter-authors of the book Reframing assessment to center equity: Theories, models and practices (2022, Henning, et al.) as they covered the scholarship, proposed a model, and reviewed considerations that ought to be taken into account as we continually engage in this critical work.

As a result of this conversation, we anticipated that participants would:

  • Identify key scholarship related to the intersection of equity and assessment.
  • Differentiate equity-minded versus equity-centered assessment practice.
  • Articulate the considerations of engaging in authentic equity-centered assessment.
  • Identify strategies for applying concepts shared by the speakers today.

If you have topics and/or presenters of interest in the upcoming year, please complete the proposal form below.

Past Conversations

Structured Conversations are FREE and anyone can participate. If you are unable to attend a Structured Conversation live, recordings are available on the SAAL YouTube Channel. Visit our YouTube Channel or browse it below by clicking the playlist link on the top left of the video frame. PowerPoint slides and handouts can also be found in the SAAL Resource Repository in the folder titled "Structured Conversations."

 

 

 

 

Topic Proposals

Would you like to suggest a topic for a future Structured Conversation (SC)? The SAAL PDC welcomes your suggestions! You are also invited to apply to lead a SC and share your expertise with SAAL by completing the proposal form below. We look forward to hearing from you!