MAY 17

9 a.m.

Leaders Support Mental Well-Being

Conversation Leaders: Dr. Marti Trummer-Cabrera, Assistant Director of Outreach; and Dr. Norma Ngo, Director, Counseling and Psychological Services, University of Houston

Research consistently shows the importance of mental health training and leadership skills in organizational mental health and well-being. Join this session to review lessons learned from managing mental health during the pandemic. We will also discuss steps to support staff mental well-being as we transition back to campus.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

10:30 a.m.

A Call to Action: Supporting Students as they Navigate Social Justice Movements

Conversation Leaders: Dr. Aliya Beavers (she/her), Director, Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and Joshua Quinn (he/him), Coordinator of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Programs, University of Houston - Clear Lake

Student involvement with various social justice initiatives has been on the rise. As more students participate with Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ Rights, and Stop Asian Hate movements, university officials should ensure that students are not only educated about these and other movements, but that they have all of the information they need to participate without threat to their safety and livelihood. During this session, a group of panelists will provide information about how to share knowledge about social justice movements with students, how to make sure these students are equipped to participate in whatever way they are comfortable, and give more detail about how they have implemented this in work with students. Through participation in this session, attendees will learn about different movements in which students may be involved and learn about policies and procedures that will help students to safely participate. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions toward the end of the program.

Topic driven with a panel presentation and discussion with a Q&A.

1 p.m.

Black & Brown Burnout: The Realities of Racial Battle Fatigue in the Workplace

Conversation Leaders: Anneliese Bustillo (she/her), Director, Women and Gender Resource Center; and Varselles Cummings, Director, Center for Diversity and Inclusion, University of Houston

This session is intended for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOCs) to learn about racial battle fatigue and how it manifests after experiencing microaggressions, hostile environments, and systems not made for BIPOCs. The facilitators will offers tips and skills for prioritizing our well-being in the face of systemic racism while creating a space of solidarity and recognition.

Topic driven with a panel presentation and discussion with a Q&A.

2 p.m.

Fostering Bright Futures: Navigating the Course with Former Foster Youth

Conversation Leader: Kolby M. Robinson, LMSW, Assistant Director, Urban Experience Program,
University of Houston

My conversation will be based around being a support and resource for students that have experienced time in foster care and/or identify as homeless. These students are many times overlooked or grouped in to others areas and present with a unique set of needs to achieve success in college.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

3 p.m.

COVID-19, Elections, Systemic Racism, and Due Process: Lessons Learned

Conversation Leader: Iliana Melendez, Associate Dean of Students, University of Houston - Clear Lake; Branston Harris, Assistant Dean, University of Houston-Downtown

Navigating the Student Code of Conduct process can be a lot for our students to process in a regular year. There has not been anything regular about this year. We are navigating due process online, in the middle of a pandemic, engaging our students in dialogues about voting in national and local elections, all while reading, listening, and watching our nation engage in a conversation about systemic racism. Join us to talk about how you have done that this year, what you have learned, and the changes that need to happen in how we award due process in an inclusive, informed, and proactive way.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

MAY 18

10 a.m.

COVID-19 Back to Campus Health and Wellness Support

Conversation Leaders: Laura Thomas, RN, MSN, Assistant Director, UHCL Health Services, University of Houston - Clear Lake; Regina L. Pickett, RN, MSN, UHCL Health Services Director, University of Houston - Clear Lake; and Dr. Cheryl Person, Executive Director/Chief Psychiatrist, UH Main Health Center, University of Houston

Getting Back to Normal is Going to Take All of our Tools and Efforts. (COVID-19 Presentation).

Topic driven with a panel presentation and discussion with a Q&A.

1 p.m.

Using video to tell your story during a pandemic

Conversation Leader: Teeba Rose, Marketing Manager for Student Housing and Residential Life,
University of Houston

Telling your story has never been more important that during a pandemic. This is a time when few people see each other if your not on a virtual meeting, low touch and low connection. In this session we will address the best way to stay connected and to tell your story during a pandemic.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

2 p.m.

Step Up Your Pronoun Game

Conversation Leaders: Jamie Gonzales (she/her), Career Counselor, University Career Services, and Juliann Losey (they/them), Gender & Sexuality Program Manager, LGTBQ Resource Center, University of Houston

This interactive dialogue gives participants the opportunity to 1) review pronouns, 2) learn about gender inclusive language, and 3) practice pronoun use that may be less intuitive based on individual socialization. Participants will also identify strategies for respectfully responding after misgendering someone.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

MAY 19

9 a.m.

Support Our International Students

Conversation Leader: Jin Zhang, Director, International Student and Scholar Services Office, University of Houston

UHV, UHCL, UHD and UH-main will join together to share the challenges, current trends and the best practices in services to our international students.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

10 a.m.

How to Build a Communication Plan That Works

Conversation Leaders: Alexsaundra Preston, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications; Elise Featherly, Communications Coordinator; Student Housing and Residential Life, University of Houston

Engaging with students is an ongoing effort that takes careful planning and strategic foresight. During this conversation, we will share the foundations of a successful communication plan, the processes you need in place to implement your plan, and how you can assess the effectiveness of your plan.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

Let's Make It Happen: Providing On-Campus Enrollment Services During the Pandemic

Conversation Leader: Patrick Lukingbeal, Executive Director, Integrated Enrollment Services, University of Houston. A small contingent of Enrollment Services staff at the University of Houston returned to the Welcome Center in August 2020 after telecommuting for several months. As part of this conversation, learn from the experiences operating the building with limited capacity, precautions for COVID, the transition to virtual appointments, and how we supported our student population.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

11 a.m.

Holding Space During a Double Pandemic

Conversation Leaders: Varselles Cummings, Director; Kendall Wright, Program Manager; Center for Diversity and Inclusion, University of Houston

2020 was a whirlwind of a year. In March the world shut down due to COVID. Though the video of his murder wasn't released until May 4, on February 23, 2020 Ahmad Aubrey was killed in Georgia, on March 13 Breonna Taylor was murdered by police in her home. Then on May 25, the world stopped as they watched an 8 minute and 46 video of then Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd's neck until his body laid lifeless. All of this on the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, so most of the world was at home watching.

All of these incidents especially the death of George Floyd brought the world and specifically our country and its institutions to a reckoning moment with regards to race and racial justice in our world. This session will explore how the Center for Diversity and Inclusion was about to Hold Space for each other and the campus community through our virtual Campus Conversations, consultations and workshops.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

1 p.m.

Stress Management - Finding your "New Normal"

Conversation Leader: Eve Esch, Executive Director, Student Centers, University of Houston

I created and presented this presentation on Stress Management during the Pandemic, as it seemed the levels of stress we were under was at an all-time high. Participants will learn about the different types of Distress, relevant models such as Yerkes-Dodson Law, Techniques to Use to Cope, Building Resiliency and identifying/sharing available resources. There are several points throughout the presentation where participants are asked to share and time at the end for open questions and conversation.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

2 p.m.

Serving those who Serve: Understanding Basic military and veteran culture to better serve our military connected students

Conversation Leader: Celina Dugas, Director of Veteran Services, University of Houston

This will be a basic overview of military and veteran culture, terminology, and best practices when working with military connected students.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

MAY 20

9 a.m.

Veterans Services - You Served Us, Let Us Serve You

Conversation Leader: Antonio Guerra III, Director, Veterans Services, University of Houston – Downtown

An open discussion over topics of their concern...there will be a brief slide presentation of how to apply, to reaching our office (with necessary documentation). Also, some internal office process about certifying Veterans students and dependents. Finally, some challenges that may arise (a multitude of concerns) and possible solutions.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

10 a.m.

Programming in a Pandemic

Conversation Leader: Oscar Allen Torres Jr., Manager, Student Recruitment, University of Houston – Victoria

I will provide a short presentation on the issue, and provide some solutions of how the UHV Recruitment Team adapted and adjusted when operations moved to virtual. After the presentation, there will be a Q&A to discuss ideas and solutions of the topic as well as general information on how to improve online programming.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

2 p.m.

Equity in Assessment

Conversation Leaders: Anneliese Bustillo (she/her), Director, Women and Gender Resource Center; Dr. Scott Radimer (he/him), Director of Assessment and Planning; Dr. Douglas Eck (he/him), Assistant Dean of Students; and Dr. Douglas Bell (he/him), Associate Director of Residence Life, University of Houston

This session will explore how to create accessible and equitable assessments and how to look at data using an equity and inclusion lens. The facilitators will offer an overview of the importance of equity in assessment practices, show examples of how to create accessible assessments, walk through a project targeted at increasing equity, and offers best practices for infusing equity into all of our assessment measures.

Topic driven with a panel presentation and discussion with a Q&A.

3 p.m.

Marketing Building Blocks

Conversation Leader: Joshua Quinn, Coordinator of Women, Gender & Sexuality Programs, University of Houston - Clear Lake

Everyone is marketing something these days in Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, but are we doing it well? UHCL’s Co-Chairs for the DSA Marketing and Communications Committee, Joshua Quinn (Coordinator of Women, Gender & Sexuality Programs) and Iliana Melendez (Associate Dean of Students), will facilitate this conversation on Marketing Building Blocks. These building blocks will provide relevant marketing dos and don’ts for participants whether you are a marketing semi-pro or just getting started. Topic areas will include branding, accessibility, social media management, collaboration building, and there will be ample opportunity to crowd source better practices from our colleagues in the virtual space. Bring your thoughts, ideas, questions, and suggestions to contribute to the discussion.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

MAY 21

10 a.m.

Using What You Have to Get to the Next Level

Conversation Leader: Ja'Nelle King, Director, Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life, University of Houston

Conversation around using the experiences, relationships, and skills you have to find strategies, connections, and opportunities to transition into a role that may not necessarily be in a straight path from the position you are currently in.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

1 p.m.

Case Management in the Time of COVID

Conversation Leader: Patrick Lukingbeal, Executive Director, Integrated Enrollment Services, University of Houston

Case management can take many forms - in the world of Enrollment Services, Integrated Enrollment Services assists escalated student issues and concerns across multiple departments (Scholarships and Financial Aid, Admissions, Registrar, etc). This was critically important the past year as students were faced with a multitude of challenges to stay enrolled.

As part of this conversation, learn about the strategies Enrollment Services took to help escalated student situations and keep them enrolled. From students living with housing and food insecurity, academic issues, significant financial challenges, and technological barriers - we had to re-envision how to help these students in a virtual environment. We will also introduce our new Case Management committee within Enrollment Services that sought a collaborative problem-solving approach to intricate student issues.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

2 p.m.

How Campus Solutions Can Help with Tracking Student Engagement

Conversation Leaders: Katina McGhee, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Campus Solutions, UH System/Assistant Vice President for Campus Solutions; Dr. Dan Maxwell, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, UH System/Associate Vice President for Student Affairs; Dr. Scott Radimer, Director of Assessment and Planning, University of Houston

Many departments within the UHS SAES offices track student engagement outside of Campus Solutions. When interested to find out more about these students’ academic history, joining the data can be challenging. Learn how UH plans to expand the use student groups in PeopleSoft Campus Solutions to join a student’s engagement and academic data and the benefits that come from doing so.

Topic driven with a panel presentation and discussion with a Q&A.

MAY 24

9 a.m.

Thriving Through a Pandemic

Conversation Leader: Lin Crowson, Assistant Director for Residential Life, Student Housing and Residential Life, University of Houston

This year put some of our work at a standstill but other work moved forward. During this pandemic, we onboarded new staff members, launched new programming collaborations, formed a cohesive and collaborative team, and opened a new residence hall. Through it all, positive attitudes and work life balance were vital. What we learned will inform how we work when we return to normal. We are looking forward to sharing this experience and learning from others.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

10 a.m.

Chief Housing Officers (Directors, Associate Directors, and Assistant Directors) Roundtable: Hitting the Reset Button (COVID-19 Recovery)

Conversation Leader: Matthew Perry, Director for Student Housing and Residential Life, University of Houston - Clear Lake; Brandon W. Lee, MBA, Director of Residence Life, University of Houston -- Victoria

Chief Housing Officers (Directors and Associate Directors) will come together to discuss various layers to the COVID-19 pandemic and preparations for the upcoming fall semester. Discussion topics may include recruitment, programming, policies and procedures, student conduct, student engagement, etc.

Topic driven round table.

11 a.m.

Developing a Career & Professional Development Course

Conversation Leader: Charles Crocker, Director, Career Services, University of Houston - Clear Lake

Presentation and discussion of how Career Services development and implemented 2 career development courses for the College of Business since 2018. Discussion will include curriculum design, projects, and use of subject matter experts.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

1 p.m.

No in-person graduation? - That’s where we collected employment data? Getting Support through Campus Collaboration – it’s all of our problem if we cannot get data!

Conversation Leaders: Dr. Monica Thompson, Executive Director, University Career Services; Cynthia Olmedo, Assistant Director, University Career Services; Rachel Honora, Assistant Registrar; Jay Hills, Assistant Registrar; Scott Sawyer, Registrar, University of Houston

Benchmarking and leveraging resources to Streamline Employment Data Collection of Graduates during this pandemic and beyond! Creating a culture of assessment in a decentralized career services model.

Topic driven with a panel presentation and discussion with a Q&A.

MAY 25

11 a.m.

Why Investing in Professional Development Equals Success

Conversation Leaders: Don Yackley and Keith T. Kowalka, Assistant Vice Presidents for Student Affairs, University of Houston

A conversation about the benefits of professional development for current and future success. Does MEAT (Money, Energy, Attitude and Time) hold you and colleagues from a true investment in other. Strategies will be shared to facilitate individual and team development, as well as engage in conversation around success stories form others in the zoom room.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

1 p.m.

Stronger Together - Bridging the Gap Between Campus & Instructional Site

Conversation Leaders: Dr. Karla H DeCuir, Senior Director of Enrollment Management and External Affairs, Hilary Kofron, Director of Student Life; Lashon Williams, Director of Financial Aid; Freddie Cantu, Assistant Director of Diversity & Inclusion; University of Houston – Victoria

Universities with two or more locations often experience a disconnect that affects staff, faculty, and most importantly our students. Creating effective and ongoing channels of communication expands opportunities for students to receive the services they need to be successful. Additionally, building bridges across locations engages faculty and staff to become active participants toward common university goals.

Topic driven round table.

2 p.m.

Serving international students pre and post pandemic

Conversation Leaders: Ayo Ogunye, Career Counselor, and Priyanka Raut, Assistant Director, University of Houston

A panel discussion with two or three graduating international students, a career counselor and an international student advisor. University Career Services and Office of International Student and Scholar Services will share support provided to international students during the pandemic and students will share their job and internship search experience including best practices learnt. Attendees will get a better understanding of the unique challenges of international students and tips to assist these students in their professional and personal development. You will know what to say and when to say. Attendees will learn ways to respond to international student questions and identify appropriate resources for additional support.

Topic driven with a panel presentation and discussion with a Q&A.

3 p.m.

We've Got Your Back: Activating Our Allyship in Support of Our Campus Populations Under Attack

Conversation Leader: John Hudson, Director, Center for Diversity and Inclusion, University of Houston – Downtown

Ally programs of various kinds and in various iterations can be found on nearly any campus in the country. These programs serve crucial purposes, including providing support and resources for vulnerable campus populations, educating campus communities about the challenges that such populations face, as well as contributing to the overall sense of inclusion on a campus. But are our ally programs enough in our current socio-political environment? Are they contributing to positive change as effectively as possible? How can we re-vision allyship such that teams of supportive advocates function as part of an effective vanguard for social justice? Our conversation will use as a starting point the pandemic-related spike in prejudice and violence against people of AAPI heritage, as well as the alarming number of bills--nearly 200 in some 28 states according to the Human Rights Campaign, including Texas--targeting those who are transgender, particularly transgender youth and their parents. As we consider what our campuses and others are doing in response to these ongoing attacks, how might we re-imagine and reinvigorate our existing and emerging Ally Programs such that our advocacy, while faithful to the long-standing values of allyship, is activated? How can we work for positive change more effectively not only at the interpersonal level, but at the institutional and systemic levels, as well, to include active engagement in the political process? How can we transition from what is oftentimes a reactive and defensive approach to allyship to a model that is far more proactive and strategic as we work for social justice?

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

Roundtable Discussion on COVID-19 Related Emergency Grant Programs at UH System Schools

Conversation Leaders: Briget Jans, Executive Director, Scholarships and Financial Aid, University of Houston; LaTasha Goudeau, Director, Office of Financial Aid, UH Downtown; Holly Nolan, Executive Director, Office of Student Financial Aid, UH Clear Lake; Lashon Williams, Director, Office of Financial Aid, UH Victoria

Financial aid administrators at all campuses will discuss the receipt of COVID-19 related emergency funding and how students were assisted with those funds.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

4 p.m.

Student Success in a Post-Pandemic Reality

Conversation Leader: Douglas Eck, Assistant Dean of Students, University of Houston

Expecting to flip the switch and everything goes back to normal this fall? Indicators from the past year indicate we need to prepare for everything from navigating campus, accessing support, deficits in learning, changes in student behavior, and so much more. But are we ready? What are you thinking about? What are you preparing for? What can we help each other define and strategize for over the summer? Facilitator will through some ideas into the meeting space and ask for attendees to contribute to the list. We will then spend time discussing ways to proactively plan and address these concerns moving forward.

Topic driven round table.

MAY 26

9 a.m.

Are We Career Ready yet? Updated NACE Competencies and Behaviors Employers Desire in New Graduates

Conversation Leaders: Dr. Monica Thompson, Executive Director, University Career Services, University of Houston; Kathy Knapp, Director, University of Houston – Downtown; Chuck Crocker, Director, University of Houston – Clear Lake; Amy Hatmaker, Director, University of Houston -- Victoria
Monica, Executive Director, Kathy Knapp, Director of UH Downtown, Chuck Crocker, Director Uh Clear Lake, and Amy Hatmaker, Director UH Victoria. Sharing data and framework on core competencies that shape career readiness for college graduates which broadly prepare students for success in the workplace and lifelong career management.

Topic driven with a panel presentation and discussion with a Q&A.

10 a.m.

Gender Identity During the Job Search

Conversation Leaders: Luisa Beck, Associate Director, Career Services; Lin Burgess, Career Counselor II, Career Services, University of Houston - Clear Lake

The presentation will cover gender expression from the perspective of the job seeker and from the perspective of the employer. Gender pronouns, interview attire, and resources will also be discussed.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

1 p.m.

Latinas in Leadership – The “Latina-ness” Challenge

Conversation Leader: Dr. Karla Hernandez DeCuir, Senior Director of Enrollment Management & External Affairs, University of Houston – Victoria

Latinas are raised in a collectivist culture focused on being selfless, generous, and helpful. Latina’s reluctance to self-promote and to challenge authority figures, including their boss, can be misconstrued and make them look less qualified for advancement. Those who are assertive are often described as spicy or as having a Latin temper which leads to a focus on being more Latina-ness at work. Latinas are great leaders but are top leadership roles truly welcoming of Latina leaders?

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

2 p.m.

Restorative Practice for Health and Well-Being

Conversation Leader: Reuben Parrish, Director UH Wellness, University of Houston

Introduction to what Restorative Practice is and how it can improve the dynamics of your department, team or group you lead. Restorative Practices in Higher Education facilitate well-being by prioritizing and strengthening a sense of community, connectedness to the institution, your department, belonging, equity, and collective efficacy. People with a greater sense of community are more likely to act in healthy ways and work with others to promote well-being for all.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

3 p.m.

Well-being Programs within Campus Recreation

Conversation Leaders: Brian Mills, Director, Campus Recreation & Wellness, University of Houston – Clear Lake; and Kim Clark, Executive Director, Campus Recreation, University of Houston

Holistic well-being continues to gain momentum within collegiate recreation. Learn how two campus recreation programs have integrated holistic well-being opportunities within their departments. This session will explore programs, development opportunities, and unique collaborations.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

MAY 27

10 a.m.

Student Success & Enrollment Services during COVID-19: Lessons for the Future

Conversation Leader: Scott Sawyer, University Registrar, University of Houston

This conversation will explore lessons learned during COVID-19 that impact student success. With a focus on retention- the panel conversation will include campus partners from Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. The conversation will include ample opportunity for questions.

Topic driven with a panel presentation and discussion with a Q&A.

3 p.m.

It's Not Extra: Advancing Diversity & Inclusion in Campus Activities

Conversation Leaders: Dr. Tina Powellson, Director; Katy Kaesebier, Associate Director; Michael Crook, Assistant Director, Center for Student Involvement, University of Houston

Campus activities professionals can advance institutional diversity and inclusion goals through intentional, yet simple, thoughtful planning. The Center for Student Involvement at the University of Houston has implemented a number of improvements addressing gaps in services, programs, and resources. Presenters will share progress thus far, plans for the future, and how you can incorporate the lessons we have learned into your own work. This fast-paced session will provide you with the ideas and a process to make your campus activities more inclusive and effective.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

Latinas REACH: A Model for Supporting Latina Graduate Student Success

Conversation Leader: Laura Zavala-Membreno, Psychological Counselor, Counseling and Psychological Services; Hope Pacheco, Assistant Dean of Students, Dean of Students; and Anneliese Bustillo (she/her), Director, Women and Gender Resource Center, University of Houston

Latinas REACH (Realizing Educational Attainment as a Community of Hermanas) was created at the University of Houston in Fall 2019 as a collaboration between Student Outreach and Support, Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Women and Gender Resource Center. This initiative provides a community for Latina-identified graduate students to connect, share experiences, and receive support and resources. REACH fills a much-needed gap in the Latina graduate student experience that continues to be filled with personal narratives of discrimination, stereotyping, alienation, and competing demands. As a counterspace, REACH also serves to dismantle institutional racism through the power of story and social support. This presentation will share lessons learned to date from REACH, how the group was formed, how it has been adjusted to safely support students during COVID, and challenges as well as future directions. 

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

MAY 28

10 a.m.

Revealing the Non-Secrets! A Conversation on Things We Do At Work

Conversation Leader: Jose Vazquez, Assistant Director, Student Activities, University of Houston – Downtown

Let's talk about what drives our organizational successes and how we can identify opportunities for growth! In this conversation, participants will develop connections with peers in similar roles, identify practices from other departments, and share questions regarding challenges they are experiencing.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

11 a.m.

Design for Non-Designers

Conversation Leaders: Sandi Martin, Director of Marketing and Communications, Office of the VP; and Lauren Adams, Assistant Director of Marketing and CreationStation, Student Centers, University of Houston

Learn the tips and tricks to create outstanding graphics for social media, web and print when you have little to no design experience. We'll cover the different social media platforms, some dos and don'ts, and outline some free resources that'll help you step up your design game.

Topic driven with a short presentation on the issue/best practice/specific topic followed by an open conversation.

1 p.m.

Using Text Messaging to "Nudge" Students

Conversation Leader: Chris Cheatham, Executive Director, Marketing and Communications for Enrollment Services, University of Houston

The idea of texting as a method of nudging students has become an area of intense interest in higher education. As one think tank stated, Nudging is, essentially, the tech-based equivalent of a Post-It note -- a short, targeted text sent directly to a student. A text nudge can be a reminder for students to complete and submit their FAFSA. It can be an invitation to attend an open house or new student orientation. It can also be a reminder about class registration approaching--with links to resources. Join us for a virtual round table discussion about the benefits of using text messaging as a nudge for students on your campus. Hear from fellow Student Affairs and Enrollment Services colleagues within the UH System who have successfully leveraged this communication medium to assist students. Come with your questions, and/or, suggested best practices.

Topic driven round table.