Pre-Conference Workshop

Graphic of a kayak with paddle and workshop title From Rapids to Calm Waters - Navigating the Student Journey

Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 12:30 - 5:00 p.m. in Southmoreland on the 1st floor
Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza
Hotel check-in is at 3:00 p.m.

What is the schedule for the workshop?

12:30 p.m. - Lunch Buffet
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Presentation
2:00 - 2:10 p.m. - Break
2:10 - 3:45 p.m. - Presentation/Facilitated Work Time
3:45 - 4:00 p.m. - Break (drinks and snacks provided)
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Presentation/Facilitated Work Time

The workshop and lunch will be in Southmoreland on the 1st floor.

What should I bring?

Attendees should bring their laptop and power cord. Any other necessary materials will be provided.

What will I learn?

"A dream is like a river; Ever changin' as it flows; And the dreamer's just a vessel; That must follow where it goes; Trying to learn from what’s behind you; And never knowing what’s in store; Makes each day a constant battle; Just to stay between the shores”- Garth Brooks

Embark on an immersive workshop exploring the student journey as a metaphorical river voyage. Imagine prospective and current students facing the challenges of their academic paths, and together, we'll assess whether it's a journey filled with obstacles or smooth sailing.

What can I expect?

In this interactive session, we will dive into the internal student support structures, examining the challenges and opportunities that shape their educational voyage. Together, we'll explore whether their path resembles "a constant battle" with formidable rapids or if it unfolds into serene and calm waters.

Key Highlights:

  • Identify obstacles students may encounter during their academic journey.
  • Explore strategies and support systems that can turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
  • Discuss the opportunities at your institution in creating a conducive and empowering learning environment.

Embark on this exploration of the student journey, where we navigate through the complexities toward the calm waters of student success.

Who is presenting?

Kevin ShrinerKevin Shriner, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Digital and Online Learning, University of Nebraska - Lincoln.

As a first-generation college student, and Pell Grant recipient, Kevin is deeply committed to the opportunity of a college credential to a diverse population regardless of socioeconomic status. His passion stems from over 30 years of strategy development, consulting, teaching, and team leadership experience within higher education and education companies.

In 2004, Kevin became involved in online learning and has continued to make an impact in this area. He has assisted over 800 institutions in applying enrollment strategies, marketing insights, and market data on developing, launching, and strategically planning academic programs to meet the educational requirements of students and provide pathways to workforce outcomes.

He currently serves the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as the inaugural Assistant Vice Chancellor of Digital and Online Learning. Kevin’s role at UNL is to lead the development, integration, and implementation of a comprehensive, transformative, and inclusive strategy for online and digital education.

More about the pre-conference workshop:

This pre-conference workshop is funded by the GP IDEA Humans Sciences Board of Directors. Attendance is free but limited to three faculty in each human sciences program and four campus coordinators. Lunch and afternoon refreshments are included. In addition, the Board is covering the cost of attendees' hotel rooms on Sunday night (they must be staying at the conference hotel).