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Opening Luncheon

Shepherd Union Ballroom C 

Conversation with President Mallett
Interviewed by: Megan Van Deventer

Snapshot Sessions

Shepherd Union 305

Exploring the transition from traditional, text-based planning documents to visual platforms for
scaffolding in higher education
Presenters: Robin Haislett & Colleen Packer

This Snapshot session explores transitioning traditional, text-based planning into visual scaffolding for higher education. We’ll demonstrate how transforming a speech-planning assignment across 25 general education sections into dynamic Adobe Express webpages boosted student ownership, metacognitive engagement, and digital literacy. Attendees will explore the pedagogical benefits of visual metaphors, receive a brief tutorial on building an Adobe Express webpage, and engage in dialogue on modernizing foundational assignments to cultivate digital competencies without sacrificing core academic goals. 

Shepherd Union 305

Thoughtfully adapting Generative AI in your pedagogy
while preserving student self-efficacy 
Presenter: Robin Haislett

As Generative AI becomes widely adopted in higher education, students face an unspoken crisis of confidence: When AI aids the process, who owns the result? Grounded in Clance's Imposter Phenomenon framework, this session explores how AI integration impacts student self-efficacy, authorship, and false accusations in writing and communication courses. Combining research with qualitative observations from º£½ÇÉçÇø students, we examine the line between technological leverage and voice sanitization. Attendees will gain insight into how students internalize AI-assisted success and leave with practical strategies to enhance human agency.

Shepherd Union 312

“Make Methods Matter”: Research Methods as a Skill (Not Just a Requirement)
Presenters: Hailey Gillen Hoke

Explores how to help students better understand research methods as a transferable skill rather than just a degree requirement. In an era of declining media literacy, instructors emphasize asking better questions, evaluating claims, interpreting data, and recognizing limitations. Shares practical strategies connecting research methods concepts to students' professional, personal, and everyday lives.

Shepherd Union 312

An analog format in the digital age: improving comprehension by student-driven group work using pen and paper
Presenter: Olof Nilsson

The overhaul of the lecture format in an upper-division microbiology class with the aim of improving student comprehension. Instead of a standard lecture format, students now have a pre-Monday required reading. Monday and Wednesday students work in groups, engaging with the most important topics of the week. Fridays are reserved for lecture time and questions. This approach led to more questions asked, an 8% increase in the average score for the first exam, and the lowest grade was 10% higher.

Shepherd Union 321

The Adaptive Studio: Balancing Innovation and
Well-Being in Higher Education 
Presenters: Kristen Arnold & Ashley Badali

How can programs adapt to new technology and changing student demographics without burning out faculty? This Snapshot session explores Weber State University’s multi-year shift to an adaptive Interior Design studio. By pairing full-time administrative faculty with active industry practitioners, the program reduced friction for working adults while preserving accreditation standards. Attendees will examine student readiness data and walk away with actionable strategies to build flexible, burnout-resistant academic models in their own disciplines.

Shepherd Union 321

People. Place. Story: Design as Meaning-Making —
Embracing the Process, Nuances, and the Creative Consciousness
Presenter: Thi Nguyen

The presentation showcases a series of senior design projects that invite students to create not from a brief, but from a place and its people — resisting predetermined outcomes and leaning into their curiosity and creative consciousness. Students learn to trust the process as a generative space — not a problem to resolve, but a condition to work with. Through observational research, students develop a personal relationship with their surroundings before deciding what can be made. Through conversations with the people who inhabit the place, students move beyond personal observation and interpretation, using design as a form of collective meaning-making.

Deep Dive Session

Shepherd Union 316

Adapting to a New Gen Ed: Launching Information Literacy across the Curriculum
Presenters: Angela Beatie, Miranda Kispert, and Ernesto Hernandez

When the general education requirement for information literacy (IL) ended at Weber State, the Stewart Library needed to adapt our instructional delivery while keeping what matters: students' ability to critically locate, evaluate, and synthesize information. As a first step, librarians partnered with the Composition Program to embed IL into the ENGL 2010 (Intermediate College Writing) curriculum. But they didn’t stop there. Three librarians aimed high and developed a suite of embeddable asynchronous Canvas learning units to launch IL skills across the º£½ÇÉçÇø curriculum. These modules scaffold learning within discrete topics, utilize micro learning methods, and prioritize flexibility for faculty. Much more than passive video watching or multiple- choice quizzes, they incorporate targeted pre- and post-tutorial activities to encourage active reflection and practical application. Come see Bite Sized Pedagogy in action, engage in a hands-on session to embed a module into your own course, and brainstorm new topics your students need to support their learning.

Snapshot Sessions

Shepherd Union 305

Experiential Learning and Civic Engagement: Assessing the Impact of Political Impact Projects in Human Rights Pedagogy
Presenters: Stephanie Wolfe & Stephanie Speicher

This presentation explores Political Impact Projects (PIPs)—a pedagogical framework that bridges human rights theory and civic engagement through a six-stage experiential learning model. Drawing from five semesters of undergraduate implementation, we examine how PIPs position faculty as mentors while empowering students as co-developers of community-centered advocacy. Analyzing student reflections and project outcomes, we share how PIPs build civic agency, practical skills, and lasting advocacy commitments, providing a scalable model for authentic human rights education.

Shepherd Union 305

Formative Assessment through Iterative, Reflection-Based Activities
Presenters: Sebastian Fischetti & Rachel McClure

Effective learning relies on accurate self-assessment, but students often overestimate their comprehension, a gap which AI can exacerbate. To help physics and astronomy students calibrate their learning, we implemented formative assessments focused on reflection, revision, and verbalizing thought processes. In this presentation, we showcase examples from both large lower-division and small upper-division courses, sharing anecdotal successes and implementation challenges to illustrate how targeted self-reflection builds genuine understanding.

Shepherd Union 312

What Does it Matter and Why is it So Hard to Ask? Ethical Inquiry in Higher Education and its Incentive Structures
Presenter: Joseph Mulligan

What matters in higher education at this historical moment when many young adults report diminished meaning, purpose, and sense of belonging? Informed by research on young adult mental health, this presentation examines the inherent goods of a liberal arts education and the social, economic, and cultural forces that make ethical inquiry increasingly prohibitive. Within this framework, pedagogical strategies (course design, lesson plans, qualitative assessment) are explored that create space for sustained reflection on questions of meaning and value.

Shepherd Union 312

Community Engaged Learning: Centering Human Connection in the Age of AI
Presenters: Katie Kassler & Teresa Holt

Presenters will discuss the importance of keeping community engaged learning (CEL) in the classroom as pressures to adopt AI increase. Topics include how CEL is worth keeping and adapting with purpose in the age of AI, an overview of pathways, approaches, and learning outcomes of CEL, and instructions for applying for a CEL course designation.

Deep Dive Sessions

Shepherd Union 316

Adapt in a Flash, Retain What Lasts: 60-Second Micro-Pedagogy for Active Classrooms
Presenter: Colleen Packer

Sustaining student attention requires intentional adaptation. "Adapt in a Flash" introduces playful pedagogy through high-impact, 60-second micro-activities for any discipline. By integrating low-stakes, interactive breaks, instructors reset focus, deepen community, and boost retention without sacrificing lecture time. Grounded in cognitive science, this session demonstrates how small, purposeful adaptations protect what matters most: active student engagement, curiosity, and deep learning.

Shepherd Union 321

Leveraging Student Choice to Increase Engagement

Presenters: Matt Christiansen & Katrina Marriott

Our students are evolving and changing. Engagement strategies that worked in the past are failing to get students engaged. When students are given choices about how they will engage with the class and content, they are more likely to remain engaged throughout the semester. In this session we provide a basis for student autonomy, share examples of student choices supporting engagement, and brainstorm choices that each participant can take back to their classes.
 

Snapshot Sessions

Shepherd Union 321

Adapting the Textbook: Student and Faculty Experiences with OER in Anatomy and Physiology
Presenter: Justin Burr

In June 2026, the AAC&U identified open educational resources (OER) as its 12th high-impact practice. This presentation explores student and faculty experiences with adapting undergraduate anatomy and physiology education through a course-specific OER textbook and OER-enabled pedagogy. Using a phenomenological approach, this study examined perceptions related to affordability, enrollment, and student success. Students perceived OER as improving affordability and access, while faculty recognized substantial cost savings without negative effects on student success.

Shepherd Union 321

Adapting laboratory instruction to evolving educational environments while preserving the educational experiences that matter most to student learning
Presenter: Jordan West

This presentation examines how anatomy and physiology laboratory instruction can successfully adapt to evolving educational environments while preserving the educational experiences that matter most to student learning. As higher education continues to expand online and hybrid offerings, instructors face the challenge of maintaining the engagement, conceptual understanding, and skill development traditionally associated with hands-on laboratories. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of the literature and original student perception data collected from undergraduate anatomy and physiology students, this session demonstrates how evidence-based instructional design can support meaningful learning regardless of delivery modality.

Deep Dive Sessions

Shepherd Union 305

From Case Analysis to Proficient Problem Solving: A Maturity Model for Undergraduate Education
Presenters: François Carrier, Ben Neve, & Hugo DeCampos

While AI reshapes higher education, solving complex, ambiguous problems remains an enduring educational priority. Case-based teaching builds these competencies, but undergraduates need structured developmental support. This presentation introduces the Case Analysis Maturity Model (CAMM)—a framework grounded in expertise research that outlines five developmental stages and four key learning outcomes. Attendees will learn how to scaffold case analysis from simple, guided scenarios to complex, autonomous problem-solving, guiding undergraduates from novice to proficient thinkers.

Shepherd Union 312

Communicating Understanding: Redesigning Summative Assessment Using Adobe Templates
Presenter: Mylynn Felt

The proliferation of AI tools has made the traditional final paper an unreliable summative assessment method. This presentation will share the technique recently adopted in COMM 2110: Interpersonal and Small Group Communication classes. This year, 2110 is using an updated Signature assignment to assess the humanities learning outcomes taught throughout the course, requiring students to select a mass media artifact to analyze using a theory from the course. Students have the option to choose their delivery method: creating a website, podcast, video, research poster, or the traditional research paper. This session will demonstrate how the design templates look, will allow participants to remix the templates and experience what students would, and will provide a short demonstration for how to create your own template using Adobe Express.

Shepherd Union 316

Rebooting Rubrics: Transforming Grading to Benefit Instructors and Students
Presenters: Rieneke Holman, Leigh Shaw, Jamie Wankier Randles, & Gail Niklason

Rubrics are an established and powerful tool that faculty across disciplines can leverage to provide students from general education to capstone courses with a meaningful learning experience. Rubrics benefit students and faculty by ensuring transparent, consistent evaluation and reducing the time required to provide helpful quantitative and qualitative feedback. In this hands-on, interactive workshop, we explore how well-designed rubrics richly assess knowledge, skills, and attitudes across disciplines. Participants practice creating an analytic rubric with an expert team to clarify expectations, foster equity, and strengthen faculty-student trust.

Shepherd Union 312

CETL Plenary

BREAK

Shepherd Union 321

Poster Session
with Hors d'oeuvres Provided by The Walker Institute

Afternoon Sessions

Shepherd Union 305

Creating Safe-to-fail Spaces: Using Conversational AI for Simulation in Online Learning
Presenters: Monica Bottelberghe, Laura K. Jones, Eric Bottelberghe

Conversational AI was used to create an adaptive simulation where students practice difficult conversations and motivational interviewing in a safe space until feeling competent for real-life application. Including personalized feedback and multiple practice scenarios, research with 186 participants showed 92.5% agreed they learned valuable skills, 93% felt it applied to their job, and over 90% reported high satisfaction. Offers an effective, accessible solution for dynamic simulated learning.

Shepherd Union 305

Rooted in Purpose, Nurturing Tomorrow: Embedding Sustainability Across Disciplines (Snapshot Session)
Presenters: Heather Root, Alice Mulder, Hal Crimmel, Megan De León, & Vincent Bates

Students arrive seeking ways to build meaningful careers while making a positive community impact. This session highlights curricular changes developed to incorporate environmental, social, and economic sustainability across five academic fields (Botany, English, Geography, Computer Science, and Teacher Education). Presenters showcase practical strategies for integrating ecological awareness, social responsibility, and sustainable problem-solving into coursework without replacing core discipline content.

Shepherd Union 312

Citizens & Scholars Faculty Institute on Civil Discourse
Presenters: Leah Murray, Cathy Copeland, and Rachel Piontak

This session will engage faculty in experiential learning that builds the skills, confidence, and shared frameworks necessary to facilitate dialogue across difference in their classrooms and academic communities. It will serve as the launch of Weber State University’s collaboration with the Institute for Citizens & Scholars (C&S) to conduct a faculty institute focused on civil discourse, civic development, and inclusive teaching practices. This offering is designed to strengthen faculty capacity to design and sustain learning environments that model dialogue across difference, foster inclusive exchange, and integrate diverse perspectives through intentional pedagogy and practice.

Shepherd Union 316

Small Shifts, Big Impact: Intentional Course Adaptations to Enhance Student Confidence, Student Success, and Career Readiness
Presenter: Isabel Asensio

Change in higher education requires intentionality. As we adapt to evolving student needs and the changing landscape of career readiness, we must design courses that make the learning process transparent. This session showcases four high-impact, low-barrier course adaptations implemented to foster student engagement, reduce assessment anxiety, encourage self-regulated learning, and explicitly connect academic work to professional skills. Participants will actively workshop their own syllabi and course materials to integrate these transparent, purpose-driven adaptations.

Shepherd Union 316

Podcasting Triangles: An Efficient, Fun, Interactive, AI-Resistant Reading Checks (Snapshot Session)
Presenter: Elaine Schnabel

This presentation covers an assignment created, used, and refined over the last year in both in-person and online classes. This assignment is an adaptation of teaching in the face of AI-written summaries and quiz responses. It adapts to the reality that students are often pressed for time and Utah’s political polarization makes them nervous about talking about personal or political topics. In this presentation, I’ll review how my ‘podcasting triangles’ assignment meets this need (and decreases faculty labor). It focuses on keeping what matters: assignments that challenge students, but also make learning fun, communal, interactive, and efficient to grade.

Shepherd Union 321

Thrive Closing Celebration and Awards Reception