Providing feedback and addressing challenging conversations with students, faculty, and staff is a crucial yet often uncomfortable part of academic and professional environments. This interactive session will explore strategies for delivering constructive feedback with clarity and empathy while fostering growth. Presenters will discuss common challenges, share a structured approach to difficult conversations, and demonstrate practical techniques through role–play scenarios. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to enhance communication, support development, and maintain a positive and productive learning and working environment.

In recent years, the demand for testing accommodations for students with disabilities has increased significantly. Yet, a critical question arises: are educators extending these necessary accommodations into the classroom? Research indicates that students who require additional time or resources to process assessment information likely need similar support during instruction. This discrepancy highlights an urgent need to bridge the gap between testing accommodation and classroom practices. This session will explore practical strategies to align classroom practices with the principles of disability pedagogy. Participants will examine biases, learn to create accessible materials and understand the broader implications of accommodating students beyond legal compliance. By embracing this framework, educators enhance equity and foster a culture of respect, dignity, and belonging for all students.

Curating engaging and effective stories could enhance scenario–based learning, increase student motivation and active participation, foster higher–order thinking skills, and deepen understanding of course material. This session will give educators the knowledge and tools to create effective, engaging, inclusive, and meaningful learning experiences.

This presentation will continue the dialogue with an update and overview of the proposed 2025 accreditation standards and their implications for programs and the profession. Emphasis will be placed on the progress thus far, the next steps, and the timeline for completing the revision. Time will be allotted for questions and comments from members of the audience.

A rubric is an assessment tool that outlines specific criteria and standards for evaluating a student’s performance on an assignment or task. Rubric–based assessment has many benefits for learners and educators alike. This presentation will provide an overview of the key components required to design effective assessment rubrics.

This presentation will discuss the complexities of state, institutional, and programmatic accreditation to develop and launch an entry–level bachelor’s degree at a community college. This course will explore the challenges encountered and discover effective strategies for creating an educational pathway that prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to become future leaders.