Conversations

Conversations on First-Year Student Success

Each semester, OEP partners with faculty, staff, and students to present Conversations on First-Year Student Success, a forum for faculty and staff to discuss issues that shape first-year students at IU Bloomington. This programmatic series aims to facilitate candid conversations about relevant first-year student topics through the collective knowledge and experiences of faculty and staff participants.

Whether your schedule permits you to attend one session or many, we look forward to facilitating dialogue that will strengthen our collective ability to understand and serve first-year students effectively.

Upcoming Conversations

What's Up With Transfer Students

Wednesday, March 5 │ 3:30–4:30 p.m.

Students transfer to our campus from a variety of institutions: Other IU campuses, community colleges, in-state, out-of-state, and even international. They come from 4-year, 2-year, public, and private schools and bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. Learn about their challenges and some of the programs and resources built to support their experience.

Presenters: Shauna Melvin, Undergraduate Academic Advisor, College of Arts and Sciences; Kelly Waggoner, Senior Associate Director, Admissions; and Bailey Moss, Associate Director, Admissions and Hoosier Link Coordinator

Past Conversations

Free Speech and Student Safety

Tuesday, September 17

Our students are actively engaged in issues they are passionate about and can sometimes be at odds with other students, policies, and procedures. Campuses across the country are faced with the challenges associated with free speech and, as evidenced in recent months, IU is no exception. Attend to learn more about how IU works to keep students and the IU community safe while supporting the right to free speech.

Presenters: Kathy Adams Reister, Associate Vice Provost for Student Life and Dean of Students; and Cedric Harris, Assistant Dean for Student Support and Bias Education

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Supporting Rural Students

Thursday, October 24

Like other underserved groups, rural students have unique strengths and challenges that affect their success at IU. This session will explore what defines "rural," the unique experiences and qualities of rural students, and strategies to support their success at IU.

Presenters: Colleen Rose, Director of Student Engagement, IU Center for Rural Engagement

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When Things Go Awry: Student Behavior and Conduct

Wednesday, November 13

College is a time students truly are transitioning into adulthood. This journey sometimes includes poor decision making—engaging in behaviors that violate policy, challenge community norms, or are self-destructive. Our conduct professionals will share behavior trends and how the conduct process supports student success and retention.

Presenters: Libby Spotts, Senior Associate Dean of Students, Director, Office of Student Conduct; Lisa Young, Associate Director of Care and Conduct, Residence Life; and Anna Krause, Associate Director, Office of Student Conduct

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AI: Tools for Staff and Students

Wednesday, February 5

GenAI is becoming increasingly important in our everyday lives. Join the UITS team to learn how you can leverage GenAI in your role at IU. They will provide tips and tricks for boosting collaboration and productivity, as well as crafting effective prompts to achieve your desired results. In addition, you'll gain insights into how students are using GenAI both in and outside the classroom.

Presenters: Tom Mason, UITS Faculty Engagement Outreach and Katie Thompson, UITS/DEPI, Student Outreach and Engagement Consultant

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Conversations

Conversations on First-Year Student Success

Upcoming Conversations

Past Conversations

Office of First Year Experience Programs social media channels