Opportunity Within the Classroom Conference - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Opportunity Within the Classroom Conference Networking Breakfast Buffet -  Opportunity registration required.

Meeting led by Joseph Baynesan, about LEO KCP Program

Opportunity Within the Classroom Conference Opening Keynote: RJ Smith

"Bagodowe - Revitalizing Anishinaabe Traditional Lacrosse"

Opportunity Conference

 Angie Stebbins - "Mental Health and Resilience"
General Session 

UNITED

Caroline Laporte, Bimadoshka Pucan, Brett Maybee, Riley Diehlman, Chris Shawa - "The Role of Universities in Mitigating the Harm of Self-Indigenizing Settlers in Academia" 
Moderator: Justin Schapp

Opportunity Conference

Emily Meir and Cat Hardenbergh panel - "Care Team 101"

Opportunity Conference 

Presentation 1: Mary Brundage - "First Generation Services - Best Practices in Action" 
 

Presentation 2: Mike Rutledge - "Veterans on Campus"

Opportunity Conference 

Presentation 1: Dr. John Girdwood - "Renovating the House that Tendaji Built to Sustain Opportunity in Flint"

Abstract: Tendaji Ganges institutionalized college access at the University of Michigan-Flint when he founded the Office of Educational Opportunity Initiatives in 1995.  He directed the office for two decades, supporting thousands of students toward achieving their dreams.  The office endured several years of hardship during changes at the university from 2015 through the pandemic but recently experienced a revitalization with the addition of new King-Chavez-Parks grants and several new managers who matriculated through King-Chavez-Parks programs.  This session will describe how college access programs were rebuilt over the past 5 years at UM-Flint to ensure long term sustainability for the future.  Session participants will learn how to respond to change, engage new stakeholders, and strategize a plan for sustainability.

Presentation 2: Dr. Regina George - “Learning From and With Generation Z”

Abstract: Most of our students from high school to graduate school were born between 1990 and 2010, the population group identified as Generation Z. While our pedagogy and practices may look very much as they did 50 years ago, changes have been significant in other ways related to the field of education. We are aware that the educational terrain has shifted and that we are changing with it. We are challenged to identify these changes and measure how we respond to maximize learning and growth for both educators and learners. We will review the characteristics and attributes of Gen Z, especially their unique approach to learning and living. They have been shaped growing up in the digital age, contending with a dramatically shifting financial landscape, increased environmental awareness and climate anxiety, and that COVID-19 thing. What do they have to share with their insight and experience? What are their needs and expectations about learning and education? How do we work together building on our strengths with compassion and understanding to be better as a people?

Opportunity Conference 

Presentation 1: Janice R. Jones - "Hidden In Plain Sight: Uncovering the Complexities of Self-Advocacy for All Students"

Abstract: Self-advocacy is more challenging in practice than it is in theory. A review of the literature on
self-advocacy in education resulted in nearly all the existing research situating self-advocacy
within disability studies. While it is undoubtedly true that self-advocacy is a critical skill for
students with disabilities, we believe that all students should be effective self-advocates. The
purpose of this presentation is to unpack the complexity of self-advocacy. Through open
dialogue, we seek to distill our best thinking concerning common trends, attitudes, myths,
student perceptions of challenges, barriers to self-advocacy, and institutional support.
 

Presentation 2: Omar Brown - "If You Build a Great Team, Success Will Come."

Abstract: The importance of building a strong student centered culture and who should be involved.

Opportunity Conference 

Presentation 1: Dr. Johnathan Glenn - "The Fight for Retention: The Alma College Model."

Abstract: The journey from freshmen year to graduation and the process we used to assist students.

Presentation 2: Megan Lays - Gwinn Community Schools and Gear UP 

Opportunity Conference 

Presentation 1: Derek Anderson - "Curriculum Controversies Teachers Face Today"

Presentation 2: Dr. Chris Kobus -"Strategies for engaging community college transfer students from partner institutions" 

Abstract: Engagement includes not just email blasts but reaching out through phone calls and getting instructors to announce opportunities for appealing with support services. Support services are tailored to individual students but generally include coaching, mentoring, and tutoring. Success rates for students in the MICUP cohorts are Oakland University are shown to be the same as high achieving FITIACs.

Opportunity Conference

Presentation 1: Deni Brenes - "Student Success Panel on Best Practices"

Presentation 2: Christina L. Dillard - "You are In"

Abstract: When students feel invested in their learning, they are more likely to actively engage in their education, take action to improve their learning, and demonstrate ownership over their learning journey. This investment leads to greater academic achievement which initiates prospects for successful college and career pathways. In this session, participants will learn how Saginaw Valley State University GEAR UP Early Admission Program (EAP) gives students opportunities to invest in their learning and their post-secondary pathways.

Opportunity Conference 

Presentation 1: Shannon Bohjanen and Joe Lubig - "Laddering Into Success: A high school to university learning and apprenticeship model"

Presentation 2: Ms. Eula Muckleroy - "Striving for Grant Success in Small Institutions with Decentralized Teams"

Abstract: Coordinating grant-funded programs in small institutions with decentralized staff presents unique challenges, requiring flexibility, proactive planning, and cross-campus collaboration. This presentation shares key lessons learned, including the importance of staying adaptable, setting clear goals with scheduled check-ins, and building strong relationships with essential university offices such as accounting and institutional research. Attendees will explore strategies to align grant requirements with institutional priorities, streamline reporting processes, and make data-driven decisions despite limited centralized support.

Bagodowe Revitalization Event - RJ Smith, Chris Shawa, NMU Women's Lacrosse Coach Lindsey (LeMay) Majkrzak, & Justin Schapp. 

Unveiling of Bagodowe Goal Posts, teaching of Bagodowe game, and exhibition Bagodowe game.

Opportunity Within the Classroom Conference Keynote: Dr. Luvelle Brown 
Open to Opportunity and UNITED Conferences attendees

"Standing Strong for Education: Reclaiming Courage and Unity in Our Schools"

Abstract: Our nation is rocked by ideological divisions threatening both the work of educators and the core of our democracy. Individuals and groups are attacking public education and implementing policies antithetical to education in a democratic society. The current times call on each of us to understand what is at risk and to summon the courage to stand up for the pursuit of justice, equity, and a meaningful democracy. But how do we develop and express that personal courage to support schools in the cultivation of respect, access and opportunities for all, and providing students with the knowledge and skills to sustain and strengthen our democratic society? At the state and local levels, how do we change the culture of educational endeavors from divisive to collaborative? During this session, Luvelle Brown will share research, case studies and strategies used for engaging with and managing polarized situations in school communities, while providing participants with practical tools and strategies for responding and reclaiming the narrative, and instilling courage to change the culture in your schools and your community.

   NMU Wellbeing Fair

Opportunity Conference

Presentation 1: Jaime VanEnkevort, Olivia. Kyle, and Sierra - "Using choice boards as a teaching practice to facilitate understanding and collaboration on "controversial" or seemingly polarizing topics"

Presentation 2: Olivia Lubig and Jaime VanEnkevort - "Rurality and Queerness"