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GENERAL SYMPOSIUM WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
2015 Student Parent Support Symposium
MAY 28 – MAY 29, 2015
Breakout Session I-A
Thursday May 28, 2015
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Presentation Title: A Family Resource Center on a Community College Campus: A Model of Support for StudentParents
Facilitated by: Ms. Marni Roosevelt & Mr. Gary Huff – Los Angeles Valley College
Description: Discover the Los Angeles Valley College Family Resource Center! Explore the ground- up journey of creating the first
family resource center on a community college campus in California. Learn about funding and which programs and services have
assisted student-parents with college completion. Participate in a group activity to explore how this model can be implemented on
your campus. This workshop will be an interactive overview of programs and services that make up the FRC. Using “Communities of
Practice” protocols from the National School Reform Faculty, participants will work in small groups to explore student-parent needs
that exist at their campuses. Participants will share results that will be compiled and discussed using a 7-step strategic planning
template.
Breakout Session I-B
Thursday May 28, 2015
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Presentation Title: From Mini to Mighty: Revitalizing Services for Students with Children by Listening to Student
Voices
Facilitated by: Ms. Lisa Wittorff – Portland State University
Description: Services for Students with Children at Portland State University won the 2014 NASPA Region V Innovative Program
award. Less than 3 years ago, this program was understaffed, lacked the ability to meet student needs, and received significantly less
financial support. How did this program go from Mini to Mighty? Using a PowerPoint presentation, small and large group discussion,
and cell phone text surveying, this presentation will show you how to engage student parents, evaluate and modify your program to
suit their needs, and stretch pennies so those needs can be met.
Breakout Session I-C
Thursday May 28, 2015
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Presentation Title: Student Engagement: Successful Outcomes for Students with Dependent
Facilitated by: Ms. Tara Voit & Ms. Katherine Madison – East Tennessee University
Description: How can higher education institutions support engagement and academic outcomes for students with dependent
children? What is the student perspective of availability and access to support systems that enhance their higher education
experience? East Tennessee State University (ETSU), through a grant from the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), is conducting
research to study characteristics and commonalities of students with dependents and support system structures; juxtaposed with
challenges of life demands and achieving academic competency. Affordability, balancing school and parenting, campus based
activities and supports, and benefits of parenting have emerged as primary areas of focus in the qualitative analysis. This
presentation will discuss this analysis as well as strategies for ETSU to further invest in student retention and degree completion by
designing innovative support structures for students with dependent children.
Breakout Session I-D
Thursday May 28, 2015
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Presentation Title: The Cultural Re-Appropriation by Collegiate Black Student-Fathers; Outcomes & Theory to Practice
Platforms
Facilitated by: Mr. Karlos Marshall – University of Dayton
Description: With the increased enrollment of untraditional student-parent populations, the plight of collegiate Black studentfathers has yet to be examined. They are – Black men, Black men in college, Black fathers, college student-parents, and even
collegiate student-athletes in some cases. The facilitator will present research conducted through in-depth one-on-one
phenomenological interviews with regard to Black masculinity; fatherhood; support systems; student and parental development;
and institutional resources. Participants will be provided with national fatherhood initiative curriculum models that are being used
by community organizations and churches that can adopted then adapted for collegiate Black fathers on their campuses. Lastly,
recommendations will be provided for faculty and administrative personnel to better assist, understand, and serve this unique
student population.
Breakout Session II-A
Thursday May 28, 2015
2:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Presentation Title: The Heart of Evaluation: Numbers, Content Analysis, Focus Groups & Radical Listening
Facilitated by: Ms. Andrea Hansen – University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
Description: Conducting program evaluation research can be daunting, especially for under-resourced and high-touch student
parent support programs. This session describes evaluation methods adapted for use in the Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP), a small
pre-college program of the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Department at UW-La Crosse. Using SSP's experiences to
illustrate, the methodology, challenges, and possibilities of each method will be described and explored. We will share evaluation
results and describe how the methods can serve multiple purposes for programs. Attendees will have a chance to identify the
“naturally-occurring” evaluation opportunities that exist in their own programs. Drawing from feminist methodology, grassroots
organizing, and the radical act of listening, these methods reveal the heart of our programs, the hidden stories of personal
transformation, and activist strategies for broader change.
Breakout Session II-B
Thursday May 28, 2015
2:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Presentation Title: Current Student Parent Research & Policy Efforts
Facilitated by: Dr. Barbara Gault, Ms. Lindsay Reichlin - Institute for Women’s Policy & Research; Dr. Debra Smith &
Ms. Elizabeth Osche – Endicott College; Ms. Sarah Young & Ms. Sheila Baker – Gateway Community & Technical
College; Ms. Elise Buggs – Michigan State University
Description: In this moderated panel presentation, representatives from three organizations will share current research and policy
efforts relevant to student parents and the programs that support them. The session includes time for participant questions and
discussion following the presentations. Researchers from the Program Evaluation and Research Group will describe two current
research studies, and an upcoming project aimed at designing and testing an evaluation toolkit for student parent support programs.
IWPR researchers will discuss new research, recommendations, and policy updates including recent research on student parent
demographics and financial need, and on the declining availability of child care on college campuses. Representatives from Gateway
Community and Technical College will share key findings and recommendations from a pilot study focused on helping student
parents to access state benefits.
Breakout Session II-C
Thursday May 28, 2015
2:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Presentation Title: Building Single Parent Student Success
Facilitated by: Ms. Renee Hill & Ms. Kimberly Rhyan – Columbus State Community College
Description: Columbus State Community College continually develops diverse statewide and local community partnerships with
agencies and organizations to transform our approach to meeting single parent’s needs. These partnerships are supported by interdepartmental and academic collaboration. The Dean of Student Life and Director of Student Engagement and Leadership will share
their collaborative efforts of their history and future plans for building of support for single parents, as a model for replication at
other colleges. Columbus State’s Strategic Plan guides student success initiatives; this work has been building steadily over the past
five years, which has focused on strategic priorities, plans and partnerships. The PowerPoint presentation will also include an
experiential exercises (Legos!) to reinforce creative solutions for widening support through partnerships with local and national
organizations.
Breakout Session II-D
Thursday May 28, 2015
2:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Presentation Title: Importance of Financial Literacy: Benefits for Single Parent Families and Implications for Academic
Personnel and Social Workers
Facilitated by: Mrs. Jocelyn Fetalver – Family Scholar House
Description: This presentation explores the challenges single parent students face in their pursuit of self-sufficiency while
developing their financial literacy. Those who serve student parents (academic personal and social workers) will engage in their own
financial empowerment and be able to engage their student in a financial empowerment conversation that is supportive and nonjudgemental. The presentation will also share the Financial Success curriculum which is a part of the Family Scholar House Financial
Education Program and helpful resources that are presented to single parent families.
Breakout Session III-A
Thursday May 28, 2015
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Presentation Title: The Journal-Based Practicum as a Site of Support: An Academic Mentoring Model for Student
Parent Success
Facilitated by: Ms. Adina Gianelli & Ms. Joanne Levenson – University of Massachusetts
Description: Facilitated by the supervisors of a life writing-based student parent practicum in a Massachusetts university, this
presentation explores the role of such a model in supporting student parent success within and beyond the university setting. We
will address issues such as the role of such a program in keeping student parents motivated, challenged, and engaged in their dual
roles; how to generate faculty and administrator support for such a model; the opportunities and challenges attendant to running
this type of program; and ways to broaden the scope and reach of such an intervention. While highlighting an innovative, student
development theory-driven approach to supporting student parents academically and socially, this presentation will offer
participants an opportunity to ask questions, experience reflexive life writing firsthand, and contemplate the implementation of such
a program in their own institutions.
Breakout Session III-B
Thursday May 28, 2015
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Presentation Title: Creating a Student Parent Leadership Development Program: Benefits, Challenges & Strategies
Facilitated by: Dr. Sandra Posey – Metropolitan State University of Denver
Description: Heartwing was created as a support and leadership development program for student parents. This presentation will
explore the benefits of such a program, possible models, challenges to implementation, and strategies to face them. Currently in its
pilot year, Heartwing faced numerous obstacles and operates on a shoestring budget -- testament to the fact that a beneficial
program can be implemented with minimal staffing and funds. Utilizing a strengths-based approach, we promote a positive self
conception of student parents as emergent leaders who bring vital qualities to the campus community. In this presentation and
discussion we will cover the challenges we faced in implementing the program and how we met those challenges and then move to
discussing how similar programs might be created in other institutional settings, collaborating to create a set of recommendations
and strategies.
Breakout Session III-C
Thursday May 28, 2015
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Presentation Title: Utilizing Survey Data & Informal Interviews to Increase Student Parent Programming in a Campus
Child Care Center
Facilitated by: Ms. Donna Long – University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Description: The yearly implementation of a formal measurement tool to assess programming needs in early educational settings is
an effective means to assure the continuous improvement of services. Quality campus child care settings with developmentally
appropriate parent outreach coupled with effective administrative leadership foster improved outcomes for both student parents
and their children. A student parent programming survey followed up by informal individual student parent interviews was
implemented in a rural campus child care center to determine the programming needs of enrolled student parents. Survey and
interview results data were used to develop a calendar of outreach events and activities. The researcher will demonstrate through a
case study review the outcomes achieved with the implementation of the programming activities which improved student parent
satisfaction within the program.
Breakout Session III-D
Thursday May 28, 2015
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Presentation Title: Program Effectiveness: Does it Really Matter
Facilitated by: Ms. Jade Watters – The University of Alabama
Description: Growing numbers of student parents and parent support programs in higher education institutions warrant program
evaluation on behalf of universities and colleges. Programs should undergo regular self-evaluations to ensure that their stated goals
are effectively being reached and that student parents are truly benefiting from program efforts. This workshop will present a
variety of methods (highlighting the importance of self-report from student parents) to evaluate program effectiveness. Methods
utilized by The University of Alabama Graduate Support Program (GPS), the recipient of the American Council on Education
Leadership Award, will be emphasized. Methods will include targeted focus groups, surveys, and thesis data results. Featured
techniques will be characterized by feasibility, relevance to large and small campuses, and cost-effectiveness. Interactive activities
will be implemented by attendees to practice acquired evaluation knowledge.
Breakout Session IV-A
Friday May 29, 2015
9:40 AM – 10:55 AM
Presentation Title: Telling it Like it is: Sharing Life Stories of Student Parents Through Public Performance
Facilitated by: Ms. Gloria Lane – Lakeland Community College; Ms. Chris Seibert – Cleveland Public Theater
Description: An innovative partnership between the Cleveland Public Theater and the Women’s Center at Lakeland Community
College gives student parents the opportunity to turn some of their most poignant life experiences into written stories, anecdotes
and poetry during a weekly writing workshop. After receiving professional coaching, the students perform each piece in an
exhilarating evening of spoken word to the campus and the public. Come hear four program participants present their original
vignettes live. Next, discover firsthand how each individual was deeply affected by their involvement. Then learn how this event
gave the campus community the chance to hear the stories of student parents and better understand this special segment of our
college population. The writing/acting coach and the program coordinator will help you consider how a similar program could be
conducted on your campus.
Breakout Session IV-B
Friday May 29, 2015
9:40 AM – 10:55 AM
Presentation Title: New Funding Opportunities Available Through The Center for Residential Student Parent Programs
Facilitated by: Dr. Autumn Green & Dr. Debra Smith– Endicott College
Description: This workshop will provide an overview of four new programs and funding opportunities available through the Center
for Residential Student Parent Programs. Participants will have the opportunity to glean detailed information about these funding
opportunities, review the requests for proposals ask questions about the programs and/or application process.
Breakout Session IV-C
Friday May 29, 2015
9:40 AM – 10:55 AM
Presentation Title: An Innovative Model for Discussing Children’s Sexual Development with Student Parents
Facilitated by: Ms. Jessica Dautruche – University of Massachusetts
Description: This workshop presents strategies to recruit, educate, and empower student parents to become informed and
intentional about addressing children’s sexual development and sexual abuse prevention. This is an important topic that is under
examined in programming designed for student parents. The workshop’s main content draws from a training model developed for
early childhood professionals by the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center. Our presentation also features targeted outreach strategies for
student parents attending colleges and universities, which you may incorporate at your home institution. Our main workshop goal is
to assist, support, strengthen and empower student parents, in becoming aware and intentional about addressing their children’s
sexual development and sexual abuse prevention.
Breakout Session V-A
Friday May 29, 2015
11:05 AM – 12:20 PM
Presentation Title: Filling the Void: Repurposing Wasted Spaces on Campus to Meet Child Care Needs
Facilitated by: Ms. Terese Jones & Ms. Kristi King – Oregon State University
Description: It was literally a vacant space under a stairwell in the campus recreation and sports building. That is, until Oregon State
University’s Student Parent Advisory Board decided to repurpose it for a drop off childcare facility to serve student parent families.
Childcare and family resources support staff from Oregon State University will present the process of collaborating across campus
departments to re-imagine and renovate an underutilized space in order to create a more family-friendly campus culture, and open
the door to improve health and wellness for student parents. The presentation will include a summary of the funding, renovation
guidelines, and site certification to establish a drop off child care center, as well as tips for how to assess your campus for
underutilized spaces and missed opportunities for student parent support.
Breakout Session V-B
Friday May 29, 2015
11:05 AM – 12:20 PM
Presentation Title: Student Career Success as a Student Parent who Made a Way Out of No Way
Facilitated by: Ms. Ramona Walton – Northern Illinois University
Description: The College Parents Group Alumni will display their educational journey by sharing their visionary boards. A Visionary
Board will be displayed in order to share their story as they journey through becoming successful as a student parent. Participants
will hear from a Student Parent who started out as an undergraduate to currently becoming an honor graduate student. The
participants in the program are able to reach their full potential both as a parent and student. These parents still are benefiting from
the College Parents Group. The College Parents Group Served as a Student Organization Support Group that is Subsidiary under
TRIO/Student Support Services Program. These dynamic student parents have created a support network of an inclusive learning
community for academic career student success.
Breakout Session V-C
Friday May 29, 2015
11:05 AM – 12:20 PM
Presentation Title: Learning to Lead by Following the Leader
Facilitated by: Mr. Kendall Lee – Significance LLC
Description: This workshop will focus on leadership skills and the issues of parenting, communication and how to cultivate
successful relationships. The training will be highly interactive, insightful, entertaining, research based and educational driven. Basic
techniques will be demonstrated and solution focus will be discussed. The workshop will provide practical tools in character,
integrity, moral and value building as well as skills development in leadership. Participants will exam critical issues, barriers,
stereotypes, and perception’s facing today’s college students in a diverse society.