Concurrent Sessions

Dr. Shannon Dean-Scott, Associate Professor, Student Affairs in Higher Education

Change is hard and college students go through lots of transitions during their college years that can cause disruptions to their learning and development. In this session, we will discuss Schlossberg’s transition theory and how to create strategies to support college students and all the anticipated and unanticipated transitions. Come learn ways to help students’ growth and development during times of transition and life changes.

Location: LBJ 3-3.1

Dr. Frances Disney, Senior Coordinator, First Gen Initiatives

The number of first-generation college students enrolling at universities is on the rise. At TXST, 44% of undergraduates identify as First Gen Proud. This workshop aims to expand the conversation about better understanding the motivations of and support systems for first-generation college students at TXST. You will hear about the lived experiences of current and alumni students to better inform collective efforts in supporting first-generation college students throughout their educational journey, creating an engaged campus community that identifies, supports, and celebrates first-generation college students.

Location: LBJ 3-5.1

Mr. Reagan Pugh, Keynote Speaker, B.A

What if figuring out what to do professionally has less to do with getting everything right and more to do with getting things wrong…on purpose? Instead of spending time and energy researching careers online, hoping to get selected for the right internship, or weighing interests with a career counselor – what if you created mini-experiments for yourself to rapidly experience what different careers might be like?   
In this interactive session, you’ll be guided through reflection exercises to clarify your areas of curiosity, then construct a plan for running mini-experiments in the coming months to gain real experience, make real relationships, and uncover real clarity.   
You’ll walk away confident in your ability to run unorthodox research experiences, sidestep the rules that trip up everyone else, and take control of your learning.

Location: LBJ 3-9.1

Beau Borgmeyer
Ky Smith
Samone Williams

Join us for a deep dive into how the P.U.G.S.S method helps deal with conflict resolution and how to use it in a hands-on learning experience.

Location: LBJ 3-10.1

Dr. Eleanor Close, Associate Professor, Department of Physics

Do you feel self-doubt about your ability to succeed, in your major or as a peer instructor / student resource? Do your students seem anxious about how people perceive their abilities? Understanding impostor syndrome and stereotype threat can help you thrive and support your students to do the same. Learn how common impostor syndrome is, how it relates to procrastination, and how to prevent stereotype threat from undermining our ability to do our best.   

Location: LBJ 3-13.1

[CANCELLED]

Lauren N. Ibarra Director, Transfer Initiatives

Did you know that nearly a third (30%) of current TXST students are transfer student? Join us to learn about the transfer student population and how the Transfer Center supports students before and during their transfer experience.

Location: LBJ 3-14.1

Dr. Shannon Dean-Scott, Associate Professor, Student Affairs in Higher Education

Have you ever wondered what it takes to work at a college or university? Come learn about higher education and what you’d need to make a career in this field. We’ll discuss Master’s programs and all the different types of jobs you could pursue with a degree in student affairs

Location: LBJ 3-3.1

Tyler Y. Laughlin, M.A., Assistant Director Success Coaching 

Math anxiety is a common struggle for many college students. This presentation highlights the creation and implementation of a math anxiety workshop over the course of the 2022-2023 academic year and discusses ways for tutors, SI leaders, and instructors to help students who struggle with math anxiety.

Location: LBJ 3-5.1

Dr. Rebecca Gonzalez, Psychologist, Counseling Center
Ms. Jennifer Smith, Collaborative Care Counselor, Counseling Center

Mindfulness practices offer healthy ways to connect with the present moment and ease our minds from stress and distractions. Researchers consistently find a positive link between mindfulness practices with student success and overall physical and mental wellness. Attendees will have an educational and experiential opportunity to learn more about these mindfulness skills which experts say can help you as a student, employee, and with self-management of what comes after graduation.

Location: LBJ 3-9.1

Dr. Emily Suh, Associate Professor, Curriculum & Instruction &
Blanca Estevez Posadas 

What does it mean to belong? What factors influence students’ sense of belonging? Through a student-ready college and transfer receptive culture framework grounded in student agency and autonomy, we explore factors transfer students of color identify as impacting their sense of belonging. Transfer students have important insights on the factors influencing all students’ sense of positive and negative belonging—and what educators can do to facilitate belonging as a student success initiative.

Location: LBJ 3-10.1

Mr. Ross Wood, Associate Director, Career Services

How would you feel if you possessed a nicely polished resume that projects and elevates your level of professionalism? Come learn some quick and easy tips on translating and promoting student involvement/engagement to showcase your best professional self!

Location: LBJ 3-13.1

Matt Hall, Vice President for Information Technology

Artificial intelligence has exploded in capability and accessibility, possessing astounding potential to amplify human effectiveness. This interactive session explores key concepts and real-world applications of AI. Through absorbing demonstrations and immersive activities, attendees will discover how to distinguish between AI, machine learning, and deep learning. We’ll demystify critical concepts from neural networks to natural language processing. Attendees will leave AI-fluent, able to apply techniques like prompt engineering for tasks from generating essays to creating art. We’ll have candid conversations around ethics and AI’s societal impacts. Attendees will gain insights into leveraging AI across sectors while maintaining thoughtful oversight of its rapid development. People of all backgrounds are urged to join – unlock your potential by understanding how AI can serve you. This session will equip attendees to harness the power of AI to amplify their personal and professional success and become AI masterminds overnight!

Location: LBJ 3-14.1

Mr. Jason O'Brien, Senior Program Coordinator, Bobcats Bounce Back

When a student ends up outside good academic standing, the system begins working against them. In this session, we'll explore academic standing as a system and analyze the complex interplay of expectations, motivations, adversities, and policies that affect it. Throughout the process, we’ll make note of various leverage points that asset-minded student success professionals can use to help students achieve academic recovery.

Location: LBJ 3-3.1

Julie Eckert, M.Ed., MCHES, Assistant Director, Texas State University Health Services

Have you ever been concerned about a situation and wanted to help...but didn't? This presentation builds on concepts from the Stand Up, Speak Up module all new students are required to watch for Bobcat Preview. Students will practice skills and gain the confidence to speak up and reduce the potential of harm caused by alcohol poisoning, drug overdose, and interpersonal violence. These skills will help students become proactive upstanders and contribute to a healthier campus.

Location: LBJ 3-5.1

Dr. Rebecca Gonzalez, Psychologist, Counseling Center
Ms. Jennifer Smith, Collaborative Care Counselor, Counseling Center

Mindfulness practices offer healthy ways to connect with the present moment and ease our minds from stress and distractions. Researchers consistently find a positive link between mindfulness practices with student success and overall physical and mental wellness. Attendees will have an educational and experiential opportunity to learn more about these mindfulness skills which experts say can help you as a student, employee, and with self-management of what comes after graduation.

Location: LBJ 3-9.1

Ms. Rene LeBlanc, Writing Services Coordinator, SLAC
Aaron Emerich, Supplemental Instructor, SLAC
Theo Wright, Writing Center Tutor
Maria Castro Duomolin, Writing Center Tutor

Neurodiversity offers a map for moving beyond stigma into community. Learn from presenters how they experience life in academia and beyond and how the tools they have developed can be used to chart a course in the neurotypical world for all learners.

Location: LBJ 3-10.1

Mr. Ross Wood, Associate Director, Career Services

Go beyond just doing a “cut and paste” of your resume profile to better brand and showcase yourself as a young professional and discover some quick tip strategies to use LinkedIn for career exploration, networking, and job and internship searching.

Location: LBJ 3-13.1

Dr. Kama Davis, Attorney, Attorney for Students Office

The Attorney for Students office provides limited scope legal representation to currently enrolled Texas State students in a number of areas of law including: landlord/ tenant and housing, immigration, expunctions, victim services, employment issues, and more. Students learn to self-advocate, translate these skills to future endeavors and careers, and educate and assist others.

Location: LBJ 3-14.1

Savannah Wenzel, M.A. Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX

This presentation will cover your rights under Title IX and the TSUS Sexual Misconduct Policy and your reporting responsibilities as a student employee at Texas State University.

Location: LBJ 3-3.1

Julie Eckert, M.Ed., MCHES, Assistant Director, Texas State University Health Services

Have you ever been concerned about a situation and wanted to help...but didn't? This presentation builds on concepts from the Stand Up, Speak Up module all new students are required to watch for Bobcat Preview. Students will practice skills and gain the confidence to speak up and reduce the potential of harm caused by alcohol poisoning, drug overdose, and interpersonal violence. These skills will help students become proactive upstanders and contribute to a healthier campus.

Location: LBJ 3-5.1

Dr. Deb Balzhiser, Director, University Writing Center

This session helps the audience think about and write personal statements. It explains the purpose, goals, and key aspects of successful personal statements. Through examples of introductory, middle, and end paragraphs, the audience can see key aspects successful statements have in common.

Location: LBJ 3-9.1

Jess Williams, Director, Research & Learning Services

Finding, organizing, evaluating, and ethically using information are critical skills for both academic and career success. Because these information skills are often integrated throughout the curriculum, it can be a challenge to identify best practices. Learn strategies to improve how you research online, organize your digital life, and distinguish between misinformation and quality resources. Time-and-money-saving resources, tools, and expertise from the University Libraries will be shared.

Location: LBJ 3-10.1

Camrie Pipper, M.A., Ed Specialist, University Writing Center
Jess Meurer, M.A.T., Doctoral Student, Curriculum & Instruction
Lori Wischnewsky, M.Ed., Doctoral Student, Curriculum & Instruction

Step into a realm of innovation and empowerment with our conference session and go beyond familiar suggestions like lists and planners, offering a fresh perspective on supporting ADHD college students in their academic pursuits. This session will demonstrate how to move beyond the constraints of rigid structures and explore flexible, personalized approaches. Attendees will gain practical insights into fostering creativity, adaptability, and resilience in their support strategies.

Location: LBJ 3-13.1

Dr. Brian Smith External Funding Coordinator, The Graduate College

Miss Cathlin Noonan, Fellowship Advisor, IDEA Center

National fellowships offer students funding and support for their own research and advancement, but the acceptance rate for some of these awards can be as low as 1-2%. Learn how the iterative process of crafting fellowship applications contains unique pathways to success, ones in which the rewards go beyond financial benefits. In this presentation, we’ll discuss the fellowship landscape, including highly recommended opportunities for all students, and the ways in which students arrive at success through the revision and resiliency cultivated in the fellowship application process.

Location: LBJ 3-14.1