2016 Annual Conference

Third Annual Institute for Curricular Innovation

UConn Sky View

This conference is tailored to University of Connecticut First Year Experience instructors. But any University of Connecticut faculty, staff, or graduate student from any of our campuses interested in learning how to best serve first-year students in their classrooms is welcome to attend.

Date & Time: Wednesday, May 11, 2015 8:30AM –  3:45PM

Location: UConn, Storrs Student Union Ballroom and Breakout Rooms

2016 Conference Theme: bell hooks’ Teaching Community

Keynote: Courage in Conversations, Parisa Parsa, Executive Director of Public Conversations Project

In our world of growing understanding and sensitivity to the complex legacy of oppressions and power imbalances, open, honest dialogue feels like a minefield at best. How can we open up spaces for asking our naive questions, bringing our true uncertainties, and also live our commitment to equity and justice? For 27 years, Public Conversations Project has been bringing people together to talk about the toughest subjects – from municipalities to universities to religious communities and war-torn regions. Executive Director Parisa Parsa will share stories of dialogue at its best, and some of the key features of productive conversation across differences. The workshop to follow will offer participants an opportunity to practice shaping open, honest questions and preparing themselves for resilient listening.

Parisa Parsa has served as Executive Director of Public Conversations Project since early 2015. She has served in nonprofit leadership with marginalized communities in the areas of homelessness and domestic violence, and served as senior minister of a Unitarian Universalist congregation for 10 years. Her areas of specialty include intercultural sensitivity and organizational development.

Sessions will include: The African-American Experience, How to Facilitate Discussions on Religion (2016-2017 UConn Reads’ topic), Instructor Bias/Privilege, Service Learning, How to Work with Peer Mentors, Dos and Don’ts of Social Media Use (for Instructors and Students), and Contemporary Student Issues.

 

Conference Agenda

 

Breakfast will be served.