Each issue of The Beacon will feature an article demystifying Standards relevant to the overarching topic of the issue.
Thank you to those who joined us for the 2023 NWCCU Annual Conference held at the Hyatt Regency in Seattle, WA November 8-10. We welcomed over 500 attendees from across 160 institutions.
Dr. C. Edward Watson, Vice President for Digital Innovation, American Association of Colleges and Universities
AI literacies are rapidly emerging as essential skills for college graduates, and this highly interactive, hands-on workshop will provide participants with a comprehensive curricular and course redesign approach that will help them ensure their institution, faculty, and students are ready for the future–because the future is here. This session will offer a clear definition of AI literacy, its dimensions, and provide AI literacy rubrics. These tools will serve as the foundation upon which institutional policy, faculty professional development, course redesign, and assessment practices can be built. Those who attend will leave with the tools they need to meet higher education’s latest grand challenge.
Dr. Natasha Jankowski, Director, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
In an era of increasing accountability and calls for transparency, higher education professionals are often asked to demonstrate impact – but data alone rarely inspires action or accurately tells the story of an institution. Evidence-based storytelling bridges the gap between information and influence by combining evidence with narrative strategies to communicate meaning, motivate stakeholders, and better tell our stories.
This interactive per-conference workshop introduces the foundations of evidence-based storytelling, guiding participants through a practical framework for identifying audiences, selecting appropriate evidence, and crafting compelling arguments or narratives that resonate with targeted key constituent groups. Participants will examine and refine their own narratives or reports, discuss the role of generative AI, reflect on their different evidence needs of their audiences, and leave with tools to structure stories that connect head and heart-balancing credibility with authenticity. Whether you are reporting outcomes, advocating for a program, or sharing student success stories, this session will help you elevate your message.
Ideal for faculty, staff, assessment professionals, and institutional leaders, this workshop equips higher education practitioners with actionable strategies to turn evidence into insight, and insight into impact. Come ready to rethink how you share your work and make your data matter.
In today’s increasingly complex and politically charged landscape, leaders face unprecedented challenges in steering their institutions effectively, ethically, and with integrity. Navigating shifting political tides requires more than just strategic acumen; it demands agility, a steadfast ethical compass, and the ability to foster genuine dialogue amidst pressure. This immersive workshop is designed to equip senior leaders with the critical insights and practical tools needed to thrive in politically sensitive environments, ensuring institutional resilience and sustained positive impact.
This highly interactive workshop combines expert-led presentations with engaging group discussions and a dedicated segment will feature a dynamic Panel for Q&A, where experienced leaders will share their insights and answer participant questions, offering diverse perspectives on the challenges and successes of leading in a political context. The ability to lead with agility and ethics amidst political pressures is no longer a desired trait – it’s a necessity.
Ideal for presidents and CEOs, this workshop provides a timely and essential forum for leaders to connect, learn, and strategize on these critical issues, offering a unique blend of theoretical frameworks and practical application. Participants will leave with a clearer roadmap for building more resilient, ethical, and communicative institutions.
This interactive workshop is designed for institutional leaders – academic, assessment, and faculty – interested in exploring the potential of innovative and accelerated baccalaureate degrees.
Drawing on real-world experience, leaders from Ensign College and BYU-Idaho will share their journeys in implementing these accelerated programs. They’ll provide invaluable insights into their successes, challenges, and lessons learned during the ongoing evaluation of their initiatives.
You are encouraged to bring your own sample programs with defined program outcomes and assessment plans for collaborative discussion and feedback. This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to determine if accelerated baccalaureate degrees are right for your institution and, if so, how to design and implement them effectively to create learning experiences that truly matter.
Dr. Beth M. Duckles, Research Consultant, Social Scientist
Qualitative data offers rich insights into student experience, achievement gaps, and institutional challenges. While quantitative data describes what is happening at an institution, qualitative data is needed to better understand why and develop appropriate interventions for improvement. This workshop focuses on how to gather and use qualitative data from surveys, interviews, and focus groups to find useful and actionable insights for your campus. We will focus on how to design and conduct effective surveys, what to do with qualitative survey data when you have it, and ways you can use it to support continuous improvement at your institution. We will touch on emerging issues such as AI-assisted analysis, ways to navigate silos, and strategies for using this data for assessment.
Ideal for faculty, assessment and effectiveness professionals, and institutional leaders.
In this pivotal workshop, institutional leaders will gain a comprehensive understanding of the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the educational landscape. With over 2,000 free AI tools and resources rapidly emerging, this session is designed to help leaders discern their true value and strategic application within their institutions.
Participants will engage in practical discussions to openly address their current challenges and concerns regarding the ethical, practical, and pedagogical integration of AI. We will delve into real-world case studies, featuring insights from a pioneering institution and a leading vendor, showcasing successful collaborative efforts to leverage AI across critical systems such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Student Information Systems (SIS), and Learning Management Systems (LMS).
This interactive session will not only illuminate the vast potential of AI to enhance operational efficiency, student success, and faculty support, but also provide actionable strategies for navigating the complexities of AI adoption. Join us to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to strategically implement AI, overcome barriers, and unlock new avenues for success in the evolving world of education.