23rd Annual TASS Conference
March 18-21, 2012
Embassy Suites Hotel
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Concurrent sessions will be added to this listing after each round of review and upon acceptance by the proposal review committee for presentation. Check back periodically for updated concurrent sessions
Sessions for 2012: Sessions are in alphabetical order by last name of each presenter. Where there is more than one presenter, the session is listed by the presenter's name appearing first on the proposal.
| Presenter(s): | Jane Arnold, SUNY-Adirondack (Adirondack Community College) |
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Connecting and Communicating: Professional Networking Across the High School-College Divide
Summary: The English Division of SUNY-Adirondack hosts an annual symposium for local high school teachers, providing a mix of activities, including presentations, workshops, panel discussions, and a networking lunch. Our communication also helps local students ease the high school-to-college transition.
| Presenter(s): | Jesse Arrieta, University of Texas at El Paso Cinthia Jimenez, University of Texas at El Paso Steven Varela, University of Texas at El Paso |
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iMovie and Research - Driven Digital Storytelling: Bridging Technology and Innovative Pedagogy in University Curriculum [Panel presentation]
Summary: Innovative research curriculum in a humdrum conventional research paper, out! A revision and modernization of research writing assignments using iMovie to invigorate the otherwise unengaged minds of first-year college students.
| Presenter(s): | Leticia Barajas, University of Cincinnati |
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In Between Two Worlds: Generation 1.5 Latinos
Summary: This presentation sheds light on the cultural practices, environmental factors and identity development of Generation 1.5 Latino learners. I will discuss the challenges of these non-traditional ESL students and the difficulties they encounter preparing for college. This group of Latinos tends to be fairly familiar with the U.S. culture at school but is frequently subject to cultural expectations at home, which have a significant impact in their academic performance.
| Presenter(s): | Mary Benedetti, University of Cincinnati Ting Xiao, University of Cincinnati Anita Szabo, University of Cincinnati |
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ESL Writers: How Long to Freshman Composition? [Panel presentation]
Summary: What are the characteristics of ESL writing that can help us predict how many terms of ESL instruction a student will need to adequately prepare for Freshman Composition?
| Presenter(s): | Mary Benedetti, University of Cincinnati Irene Trunick, University of Cincinnati |
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Focus Groups for Information Exchange with Undergraduate ESL Students
Summary: Brief, informal focus groups can help immigrant and international Freshmen provide you with information you need to serve them well and helps them understand the ESL services you offer.
| Presenter(s): | Kathleen Bishop, Broward College |
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Teaching with Mindfulness The Zen Buddhist Way
Summary: Learning is a process of awakening the inner wisdom through various techniques that are applied throughout the learning process. This presentation provides a road map using mindfulness, simplicity, compassion, and connectedness.
| Presenter(s): | Denise Brown, Broward College Lisa Bernstein, Broward College Hasaan Mclain, Broward College |
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How to empower students through effective peer-to-peer interventions
Summary: Join us to learn how a student-generated wellness program reaches out to students on campus. Their goal is health. Their strategies are rooted in peer empowerment and professional growth.
| Presenter(s): | James Bryson, Illinois Central College |
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Harvestibg Dreams: Empowering African American Males to Succeed
Summary: The college transition process for African American males is bleak because most are unprepared to succeed. Come and learn about an African American male program that is enhancing college success.
| Presenter(s): | Nandan Choksi, Broward College |
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Electric Reams
Summary: The way writing is taught must reflect the way in which it is used in the 21st. century. The idea of a standard writing paradigm should be replaced with a curriculum and teaching methodology that reflects current pedagogical and market realities.
| Presenter(s): | Ellafe Cockroft, Broward College |
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Active Chemistry, the Invisible Career- Engaging Pre-K to Ph.D. Minds
Summary: Active Chemistry, the Invisible Career - Recapturing Pre-K to Ph.D. Minds addresses the issue that many individuals do not know that "Chemistry is Everywhere" and what impact it has on our quality of life, activities of daily living, economy, and security of our nation. Active learning in Chemistry can be shown to be in the front lines to engage pre-K to Ph.D. students as a better way of learning math and science and prepare students for the much needed medical, allied health science, or engineering education.
| Presenter(s): | robin cunningham, Seton Hall University Majid Whitney, Seton Hall University |
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Knowing Your GPS Coordinates (General Positioning as a Student): Utilizing social and academic strategies to help students navigate their academic journeys.
Summary: This presentation will highlight Seton Hall University's S.H.A.R.P. mentoring approach. College personnel will be provided with practical techniques to assist at risk students in their transition from high school to college and successful "navigation" of their college careers.
| Presenter(s): | Susan Delker, The Community College of Baltimore County |
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Scaling Up at CCBC: Going Above and Beyond with an Academic Success Course
Summary: In this session administrators and faculty will learn how CCBC has reframed and implemented the way we approach preparing our students for college success. The creation of a mandatory 1 credit course to help prepare all students academically and socially for the challenges of college is a unique and scalable approach touching a significant majority of our students. Participants will hear about the collaborative development process, the creation of the financial literacy component, the implementation of the special sections for African American males, and development of customized health professions sections. Challenges, the solutions, and outcomes will be presented.
| Presenter(s): | Linda A. Desjardins, Northern Essex Community College |
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"Meeting" Needs: Embedding Meeting Management/Behavior and Oral Communications Skills into Existing Classes
Summary: Don't call it a class; call it a meeting. Then run it like one. This session will explain why, demonstrate the "meeting" strategy, and provide nuts-and-bolts hand outs: "How to Chair a Meeting" and "Participants' Responsibilities." Be prepared to participate!
| Presenter(s): | Thomas Dinsmore, UC Clermont College |
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"Homegrown" English placement is the way to go
Summary: This study looks at the ways one develops and evaluates "homegrown" prompts for placing students into preparatory and college-level, beginning English composition courses. Examples will be provided.
| Presenter(s): | Marcial Echenique, Broward College |
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Reading or Math; which should be first for developmental students?
Summary: The order in which math and reading course are taken by college students have is a critical success factor for developmental students. This presentation will evaluate the policies implemented at Broward College.
| Presenter(s): | Sue Epstein, Drexel University Dana D'Angelo, Drexel University |
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Now THAT'S What I Call Business!
Summary: Drexel University has expanded the Business program to include specific, interest-based electives. Students are finding that there are many more career opportunities than what the textbook covers! We will share best practices for incorporating these electives.
| Presenter(s): | Sharon Ferrett, Humboldt State University Sarah Pennisi, Humboldt County Schools |
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Building Community and Empathy
Summary:
Summary:
Many of us in higher education are concerned about the high attrition rate of first year students and the lack of community, connection and fragmentation that we see occurring on college campuses. This session will start with the question: Is there a need to build community on college campuses? What are the problems that may indicate a need to address authenticity?
This discussion will center around how academic communities can build a sense of community and help students, faculty and staff find greater meaning in their lives. We will discuss ways that campus administrators, faculty and staff may be perceived as unfair or incongruent in terms of stated values and goals and everyday behavior or practices. We will look at ways to explore shared values and beliefs and help students discover what is most important for them. Participants will be encouraged to offer practical tips for making the college campus more hospital, open and supportive. We will discuss resources and opportunities are available or can be created to reduce isolation, celebrate diversity, promote dialogue, and provide a safe place to discuss values, beliefs and authenticity. Additional questions will include: What are simple ways that we can increase a sense of belonging, cooperation and joy? How can we integrate a search for purpose, meaning and basic values such as kindness, empathy, tolerance, civility, and respect for diverse views? How do we create balance and self-renewal while we live with accelerating change, pressures, stress and competition?
We will look at situations where each of us has felt it was necessary to compromise our values. We will also explore ways that faculty and staff can create opportunities to discuss values and issues of authenticity. We will discuss how each of us has created balance and wholeness in our lives. How do we own and celebrate who we are and prepare for whom we are to become?
Presenter:
Sharon K. Ferrett, Ph.D.
Professor, Liberal Studies/ OLLI Program
Humboldt State University
sharonferrett@gmail.com
| Presenter(s): | Sharon Ferrett, Humboldt State University |
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Creating a Template Senior Capstone Course
Summary: Summary
The transition from high school to college is major and most colleges are implementing programs to help students be successful. Many of us in higher education are also concerned about the transition from undergraduate student life to the world of employment or graduate school after graduation. Two major questions will guide our discussion:
First: To what extent can faculty, advisors, and staff help students engage in the process of reflection, self-assessment, and analysis of the meaning of the undergraduate experience and its applicability to real life problems, successful employment and living a successful life after college? Would a capstone course be an effective tool to help students reflect and make connections between college, work and the larger world? If so, what could a template be created that would serve as a model that various schools could modify?
Second: What would a successful capstone course look like? How can we design a course that would facilitate integration, reflection, and closure of the college experience? Could components of a capstone course be woven into other courses starting with the freshman year; building upon experiences and to that end, help students to transition into the world of work or graduate school?
This discussion session will look at how we can help students engage in the process of self-reflection and explore the interrelationship between disciplines. Questions will include: What components are essential to address learning outcomes? How can we ensure that students demonstrate critical thinking and creative problem solving? Is an application project the best way to demonstrate speaking and writing skills? Would a portfolio be an effective tool for reflection and assessment? What questions would help students define and articulate goals, intellectual gains realized the impact of liberal arts and general education courses and the importance of major classes to these goals?
We will look at how a capstone course could be integrated with other programs, courses, and activities on the college campus and in the community.
| Presenter(s): | Adrienne Foster, Ph.D., West Los Angeles College |
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LEARN: Leading and Energizing African American Students to Research and Knowledge
Summary: The LEARN project at West Los Angeles College which addresses the needs of African American students will be presented and discussed. Highlights of the Project will focus on the research about learning styles and the need to develop faculty learning communities to help meet the needs of students of color.
| Presenter(s): | Rosemary Franklin, University of Cincinnati |
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Avoiding Plagiarism in Academic Writing for ESL students: a collaboration with the library
Summary: Presents the need for library collaboration in teaching research and academic writing in order to avoid plagarism. Foreign students are not aware of the concept of plagarising and need to be taught the concept of attribution in research writing. Librarians with special training in ESL can be used in a collaborative academic environment.
| Presenter(s): | Zachary Hausrath, University of Cincinnati |
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Academic writing through gaming: Using existing software in innovative ways
Summary: Co-create a five-paragraph essay in this interactive session as the researcher walks through a new and engaging writing workshop, set in a virtual world.
| Presenter(s): | linda howdyshell, Broward College |
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They aren't your father's students!
Summary: Students today learn differently than most of the Baby Boomer teachers. This session will provide strategies so technogeneration students will be more successful students.
| Presenter(s): | Deborah Kellner, University of Cincinnati |
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Reading Strategies for College and Beyond
Summary: This session will include the preparation and practices for reading academic textbooks. Attendees will learn self directed strategies that turn the disinterested reader into an engaged successful learner.
| Presenter(s): | David Lewis, Nova Southeastern University Michelle Tenam-Zemach, Nova Southeastern University |
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Technology-Enhanced Mentoring
Summary: This session discusses the advantages and disadvantages of mentoring via Elluminate. This approach supports procedural learning in a computer environment. A demonstration will be presented.
| Presenter(s): | Lisa Liseno, Florida State University |
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Techniques for teaching the 2 step process of critical thinking using current event videos and readings
Summary: Teaching critical thinking skills outside a formal critical thinking course is important, but challenging. This session provides ideas for teaching college students these skills in a concise, yet stimulating way.
| Presenter(s): | Cathy Lysy, Boston University Carla Romney, Boston University |
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All About IT: Interactive Tablet PCs in STEM
Summary: This use of tablet PCs to promote student engagement in introductory mathematics classes (face-to-face and distance learning) will be discussed. Testimonials will be highlighted.
| Presenter(s): | Aiesha Motley, The University of Akron Ronda Williams, The University of Akron |
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"Supporting Multicultural College Students: What's the Recipe for Success?"
Summary: This presentation will explore a commonly addressed issue in higher education. How do we retain multicultural students and how can we get these students connected on our campuses? The presentation will specifically look at retention rates for multicultural students across the board and a statistical breakdown according to campus type. These best practices include learning communities, academic progress/advising, peer mentoring and service learning which help keep students connected and ultimately matriculate at a higher rate.
| Presenter(s): | Joseph Munoz, UTEP Haydee Saucedo, UTEP |
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Multiple Methods of Teaching-Freshmen Success Course
Summary: How to use a variety of teaching methods to engage first year freshmen into the learning process. In addition, sharing ideas on how learning can be fun, exciting, and incorporating learning activities that reinforce learning objectives.
| Presenter(s): | Samantha Nowak, Upward Bound Erika Warning, Upward Bound Sarah Dahlstrom, Upward Bound |
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How to Best Prep for Tests {Focus group}
Summary: Do your students struggle, stress, and need direction on ACT's, SAT's, and even everyday tests and quizzes? Are you always on the search for a way to better serve the student, teach them proper study skills and prepare them for test success? We have some great tips, programs, and activities we use with students to get them ready for the smallest exam, all the way to their ACT's! Don't miss this opportunity to raise the bar!
| Presenter(s): | Samantha Nowak, Upward Bound Erika Warning, Upward Bound Sarah Dahlstrom, Upward Bound |
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The Success of Job Shadowing [Panel presentation]
Summary: Do your students need more career direction? Do they think they know "what they want to be when they grow up," ony to find it's not the right career choice? We've got some great tips, tricks, and networking opportunities to share with you to make it much easier to plan and implement job shadowing experiences for your 9-12th grade students! Help them make the right decision for their future!
| Presenter(s): | Kevin O'Connor, Providence College |
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Helping Students Find Value in the Use of Study Skills and Learning Strategies
Summary: This session will focus on helping students connect self-awareness and the use of study skills and learning strategies with personal academic success.
| Presenter(s): | Joan Raines, Middle Tennessee State University Lawanna Fisher, Middle Tennessee State University |
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Taking the Distance Out of Distance Learning
Summary: Participants will examine technologies including videos and pencasts that can be used in mathematics. They will see examples of these technologies and discuss ways to incorporate them into their courses.
| Presenter(s): | Angela M. Reeves. Ed.D., L.P.C., M.S.W., Mott Community College |
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Tools To Greater Classroom Effectiveness by Incorporating An Ethnic Perspective
Summary: Today's classrooms have students with personal, behavioral, and educational challenges, non-traditional and ethnic backgrounds. This session enhances areas in which faculty has complete control: the classroom, instructional objectives and methodology.
| Presenter(s): | Amoy Reid, Broward College Carole Comarcho, Broward College Sherrie Sacharow , Broward College |
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Lessons Learned: A Right Start to Finishing What you start! [Panel Presentation]
Summary: This presentation will discuss the lessons learned from the Faculty Advisor program sponsored by the The Student Affairs Programs and Services Council (SAPSC) that the students and faculty members participated in for Fall 2011.
| Presenter(s): | Richard Reiss, Kent State University/Glenville State College |
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Throwing Shakespeare out of the Classroom
Summary: This is a new approach to teaching the works of William Shakespeare through performance. This is a hands on performance based method I call "Cultural Kinesthetics."
| Presenter(s): | Alfredo Sandoval-Flores, University of Wisconsin-Parkside Amy Castelic, University of Wisconsin-Parkside Chris Zanowski, University of Wisconsin-Parkside |
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Engaging At Risk, First-Year Students with Project Success A First Year Learning Community
Summary: Project Success is the Student Support Services TRIO First-Year Structured Learning Community Experience used to link at-risk students, subject areas, peer mentors, peer tutors, instructors from multiple courses, service learning, and advisors into a single community of learners for the purposes of developing basic skills and participating in the benefits of a collaborative learning environment.
Unique features of the program include extended class time with instructors and or tutors for academic skill courses: reading, writing, and math. The program also includes a summer bridge component, and an Introduction to Critical Thinking class (which also serves as an extended orientation for students). Audience members will learn how to construct a learning community and learn about a learning community's evolution over time.
| Presenter(s): | Shannon Sawyer, University of North Texas |
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Academic Success Program: Regaining Good Standing
Summary: The Academic Success Program is a mandatory, ninety minute workshop for UNT students on Academic Alert (CGPA below 2.0). Using this model, I discuss ways other campuses may implement successful intervention programs for their students.
| Presenter(s): | Patricia Schade, Northern Essex Community College Ellen Grondine, Northern Essex Community College |
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College Success, Achieving the Dream, and Strengths
Summary: As part of the Achieving the Dream Initiative, Northern Essex CC piloted a new kind of College Success Seminar. We'll share our results and how we have combined study skills with strengths.
| Presenter(s): | Patricia Schade, Northern Essex Community College Bill Zannini, Northern Essex Community College Paul Cavan, Northern Essex Community College |
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Want Better Student Writers? Get them to do the Reading!
Summary: It's not surprising that students who understand what they are reading write better essays, and have a higher level of engagement. We'll share some simple strategies to enhance reading comprehension and improve writing.
| Presenter(s): | Sandra Seay, East Carolina University |
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A Tonic for Staying the Course: Advising Strategies for Family Breadwinners
Summary: The focus of this interactive session is on information and information delivery strategies especially relevant for the retention of students who are family breadwinners in addition to often being first-generation.
| Presenter(s): | Michelle Tenam-Zemach, Nova Southeastern University David Lewis, Nova Southeastern University |
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Weekly Lesson Pages: How to develop and structure your online course
Summary: This presentation will offer participants an effective and meaningful approach to developing and structuring their e-learning course. A series of example weekly lesson pages will be reviewed.
| Presenter(s): | Franklin Thompson, University of Nebraska at Omaha |
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Utilizing Multicultural Dispositions to Prepare Culturally Competent Teachers
Summary: This presentation will discuss the pros and cons of the dispositions movement in teacher education, as well as the development of two assessment tools developed by the presenter to help prepare teachers to be culturally competent.
| Presenter(s): | Franklin Thompson, University of Nebraska at Omaha |
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Multicultural Best Practices: Moving Beyond Feel-Good Education
Summary: This presentation will discuss multicultural teaching strategies and techniques that explain high ratings on traditional end-of-semester teacher evaluations by students, as well as two multicultural assessment tools developed by the presenter.
| Presenter(s): | Franklin Thompson, University of Nebraska at Omaha |
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Interactive Strategies that Enhance the Instruction of Multicultural Education
Summary: This workshop examines various interactive strategies aimed at getting students to make a head-to-heart connection when studying diversity education. The goal is to provide suggestions for supplementing a traditional lecture-only approach. It will benefit educators who wish to encourage students to become reflective learners.
| Presenter(s): | Joyce Walsh-Portillo, Broward College |
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Greater Emotional Intelligence = Greater Success for FTIC Students
Summary: Even "smart" students need emotional intelligence to thrive in the environment of higher education. This presentation will demonstrate how FTIC students can benefit from basic emotional intelligence skills
| Presenter(s): | Janis Walter, University of Cincinnati Richard Stackpole, University of Cincinnati Susan Bourke, University of Cincinnati |
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It Takes A Village - A Team Approach in Assisting First Generation Students to Succeed
Summary: First generation students present unique issues in education which may prevent them from succeeding. Our panel of faculty, advisors and administrators discuss issues, methods and practices including data mining for dealing successfully with first generation students. Join our panel to hear our "It Takes a Village" approach.
| Presenter(s): | Sycora Wilson-James, The University of Texas at El Paso |
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My word is bond: Using Learning Contracts to set academic and personal goals
Summary: Getting students to set academic and personal goals during their first semester of college is a challenge. A Learning Contract is a tool that helps students set and achieve goals.
| Presenter(s): | Ting Xiao, University of Cincinnati |
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Teacher Beliefs and Practices in Preparing ESLs for College Academic Writing
Summary: Academic writing skills are crucial for college ESLs' academic success. What do teachers believe is important in ESL writing? How do their beliefs impact their instructional practices? How do these practices prepare students for effective academic writing?
| Presenter(s): | Chris Zanowski, University of Wisconsin-Parkside |
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The Four-Year Tribal College Experience and Its Impact on American Indian Students and Their Return to Their Reservation Communities as Graduates: A Study in Culturally-Based Education.
Summary: The study seeks to understand the factors contributing to American Indian student success at the bachelors' degree level which also translates into positive impacts on the reservation community. The study includes use of a multi-case, limited life history of participants representing three four-year tribal colleges. Audience members will give voice to interviewees' first hand experience.