espresso shot of access: student support techniques

2/25/2025 12:15 PM - 1:15 AM

join a self-styled academic apothecary in a practice-based overview of ways of thinking, knowing and applying disability theory to the everyday exclusionary circus of higher education. Using a combination of lived experience expertise (as a schizophrenic student, graduate student, and course lecturer) and light theoretical modeling, sarah discusses how to bring beloved community lessons into your office, hot desk, teams meeting, classroom or counseling centre. This seminar is targeted for student-facing staff and faculty, but features additional context-building to be inclusive of new/current graduate students, high school staff, collegiate team support roles, and general coffee-drinkers.

Integrating evaluations into Student Affairs and Services: Can generative AI be used ethically and reliably in the analysis?Jessica Jeong

2/25/2025 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Presenter: Jessica Jeong

Many Student Affairs and Services professionals regularly provide programming for students. Informal surveys are often gathered for feedback from students at the end. Often, a knowledge gap may exist in clarifying which information should be gathered and how to effectively analyze and utilize this information for data-driven decision making and improved programming (Schuh, 2013). Qualitative information, like student quotes through interviews, are often collected but not analyzed extensively because of its labour-intensive process. This knowledge exchange session will be a hands-on introduction on conceptualizing the main “ingredients” of effective evaluations and exploring the ethical and reliable use of generative AI in the analysis.

From Understanding to Action: Bridging Gaps in Understanding the Autistic Student Experience

2/26/2025 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Presenter: Jay Haukenfrers

This session aims to bridge the gap in understanding and supporting Autistic and neurodivergent students in higher education. Participants will learn how their language can enhance student identity development, as well as academic engagement and success. The session will also explore key differences in Autism, such as social and behavioral characteristics and learning preferences, while providing tools to foster more supportive academic environments. Attendees will leave feeling more confident in their ability to implement inclusive practices that promote well-being, and a sense of belonging for Autistic and neurodivergent students in higher education.

UDL Implementation: Understanding why we’re stalling

2/27/2025 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Presenter: Frederic Fovet

This session will guide participants on a collective reflection related to the factors that support and hinder cross-campus UDL implementation. The session will be fully interactive and participatory in format but will also weave, into the discussions, findings from a large SSHRC funded qualitative study carried out among 41 tertiary instructors in Ireland, examining how these individuals maintained motivation and drive with UDL after having taken an initial UDL professional development component. The session will invite participants to explore implications for their own campus.

Welcoming All Learners: The Responsibility of Student Affairs in Providing Hospitable Environments

2/27/2025 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Presenter: Sarah van Sloten

Consider some important aspects of providing a welcoming environment for all students. What might these considerations mean to the student with whom we are interacting? This discussion will focus on setting-up a physically and culturally welcoming space, along with the importance of your various interactions with students from the time they first seek to meet with you, until they leave your office. Setting up the best-possible circumstances for these interactions can help facilitate more meaningful engagement. By understanding more about how we can accommodate the variety of students who meet with us, we can better anticipate ways in which to be flexible and limber in providing support. Sometimes even small actions we take may be what enrich a student’s sense of belonging. In looking critically at our own practices, we can find the best ways to provide attainable services that foster openness, trust, and a collaborative spirit.

Building An Inclusivity Bridge: Supporting Students, Educating Employers & Paving The Path To The Professional World

2/25/2025 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Presenter: Fabio Bonfim & Heather Wakely

Western University's Careers & Experience department is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment for students with disabilities as they transition from education to the workforce. Through funding from the Ontario Post-secondary Access & Inclusion Program (OPAIP), Careers & Experience has developed a comprehensive approach to enhancing career services and employer engagement for students with disabilities. Key initiatives include personalized career coaching, targeted career events, employer education on best hiring practices, and barrier-free work-integrated learning opportunities. Learn how these initiatives, along with innovative resources and strategic marketing, have helped create a more inclusive, accessible professional landscape for students and graduates.

What a TRIP! Helping Students Develop a TRauma-Informed Perspective (TRIP)

2/26/2025 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Presenter: Beth Needham

This Showcase will include a survey of Beth Needham’s recent project created in partnership with Trent University’s Teaching & Learning Commons and the Department of Criminology. CRIM 4240Y is a virtual practicum course where students address real-world Criminology issues. Beth Needham developed resources for CRIM 4240Y related to students’ adopting a Trauma-Informed Perspective (TRIP) to help students explore trauma-related concepts through videos, arts-based, and reflective “Heartwork” assignments. These modules, designed as “TRIPs through nature,” aim to enhance critical thinking, empowerment, and resilience while addressing challenging topics. The resources are also available in an open-access Pressbook for use beyond the classroom.

Creating Spaces for Autistic Students in Postsecondary for Socializing and Learning

2/27/2025 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Presenter: Brittany van Beilen & Sabrina Paglia & Taite Lehow

A student’s ability to integrate themselves into their postsecondary community and find a sense of belonging can often be difficult; this can be particularly challenging for autistic students. Autistic students may struggle to navigate social interactions with their peers and/or mentors and to form and maintain meaningful relationships on campus, impacting their postsecondary experience. This session will look at how postsecondary staff can support in providing spaces for autistic students to build community, engage in peer led discussions that address the needs of those in the school community, and to support in the removal of barriers in these environments.