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Narrowing the Gulf For Underrepresented Students in Postsecondary Education March 26-27, 2009 St. Petersburg College EpiCenter 13805 58th Street N Largo, Florida Submit proposals now to present at the 10th Annual Narrowing the Gulf for Underrepresented Students in Postsecondary Education Conference. This conference focuses on concepts, ideas and practical strategies that improve classroom instruction and support services for underrepresented students and, in doing so, benefit all students. Be sure to note our newest strand, Critical Thinking Skills, just added this year. We are seeking proposals in the areas listed below. Applications are due Sept. 30. You can apply online or by faxing or e-mailing a completed application to 727-341-3242 or connell.peg@spcollege.edu.

Strand I: Disabilities

• Universal design
• Understanding ADA and how to appropriately determine accommodations for students with disabilities
• Understanding learning disabilities
• Designing accessible online courses
• Math strategies for students with learning disabilities
• Connection between ADHD and addictive behavior
• ADHD and self-determination
• Working with students with psychiatric disabilities
• Understanding Asperger’s Syndrome
• Language strategies for students with learning disabilities
• Working with specific disabilities, e.g. blind, deaf and hard of hearing, etc.
• Transitioning from high school to postsecondary and/or from community college to university
• Working with returning veterans disabled in war

Strand II: Economic, Academic and Culturally Disadvantaged Students

• Who is the “disadvantaged” student – how does this impact your teaching?
• English as a Second language – classroom techniques and strategies
• Diversity – understanding and appreciating cultural differences
• Diversity – strategies that enhance learning in a diverse setting
• Avoiding stereotyping
• counseling and academic advisement for students
• Successful strategies in working with students with multiple barriers to success
• Recruitment and retention strategies
• Strategies for success in developmental classes
• Distance learning as a practical alternative for special needs students – strategies in course planning
• Sessions on specific underrepresented groups:
— African-American males
— Hispanic Americans/latinos
— Asians/Asian Americans
— Native Americans
— Economically disadvantaged

Strand III: General Classroom Issues

• Understanding the adult learner – teaching strategies that work
• Diversity in the classroom
• Motivational techniques for marginal students
• Recruiting and retaining males
• Online classes – benefits, challenges and design strategies
• Dealing with difficult student behaviors
• Ethical considerations in decision making
• Stress management
• Career and life planning
• Civility in the classroom
• Developing a mentorship program
• Building a support system that leads to success for students
• Understanding learning differences
• Specific classroom techniques (reading, math, etc.) that help students learn
• Improving reading for adults
• Strategies that challenge students

Strand IV: Critical Thinking

• Discipline-specific strategies for teaching for critical thinking
• Innovative strategies for developing critical thinking skills in classroom and online teaching
• Teaching for critical thinking in career and technical education
• Incorporating critical thinking in student life skills courses
• Assessing the success of teaching for critical thinking
• Increasing success of students with learning disabilities by teaching for critical thinking

Conference Site

The site of this year’s conference is the St. Petersburg College EpiCenter. The EpiCenter is a joint-use facility between St. Petersburg college and Pinellas county where professionals from business, government and academia come together to provide a unique blend of information and services. The Epicenter is home to SPc’s Corporate Training program, which provides innovative business solutions and training to meet the needs of businesses and individuals. The corporate Training program offers credit and noncredit classes in professional development, technology, regulated industries, and business solutions. The EpiCenter also offers the more than 10,000- square-foot Collaborative Labs, an innovative space in which businesses can focus on planning, strategizing, problem-solving, and business development. Instructional space for several of SPC’s high-tech, two-year programs, as well as the college’s four-year Technology Management program is at the EpiCenter.

Accommodations

A block of rooms has been reserved for conference participants at the Holiday Inn Express, 13625 Icot Blvd., Clearwater, FL. This newly renovated hotel is within walking distance of the conference site. Transportation will be provided for those who prefer to ride.

Room rates: $119 per night plus tax. There are suites available at $149 a night plus tax. Guest room rates include a hot breakfast daily. Call 1-800-465-4329 after Sept. 1 and ask for a reservation with the St. Petersburg College Narrowing the Gulf group rate.

Please print and follow the instructions on the Conference Registration Form. For questions, please contact:

Peg Connell
Conference Coordinator
St. Petersburg College
(727) 341-3398
connell.peg@spcollege.edu

The conference registration fee is waived for one presenter from an organization. Applications can be submitted online or via fax or e-mail. The fax number is 727-341-3242. The e-mail address is connell.peg@spcollege.edu. The deadline for submission is Sept. 30.