50th Annual trio conference concurrent sessions schedule

Leveraging Dual Credit Opportunities to Promote Early College Access to Pre-College Program Participants

Presenter: Dr. Kimberly Flanders Location: San Jacinto

This workshop will provide an overview of dual credit programs offered at Dallas College as well as the potential benefits and risks of enrollment. The session will also cover how pre-college staff can assist students and families with preparing for, enrolling in, and persisting through these programs. Attendees will learn details about dual credit programs, which can help them support their students in attaining college success before high school graduation.

Community Engagement and Relationship Building

Presenter: Kristen Martinez Location: Pecos

This workshop will discuss the benefits of networking and building relationships over time. For many, networking or being in a room full of unfamiliar people can be intimidating. More often than not, professionals do not genuinely learn how to engage with others in a professional setting. Attendees will discover why it is critical to get involved in groups that can help further career interests and impact life through friendships and service.

Advocacy & the TRIO Movement

Presenter: Alex Ruiz Location: Willow Creek

The emergence of TRIO programs is rooted in advocacy. From the struggle for Civil Rights and the War on Poverty of the 60’s to the present progressive push to expand the services that TRIO programs provide, advocacy plays a pivotal role in ensuring the continued existence and future expansion of TRIO programs. This session will explore the emergence of TRIO programs, political activity, and the effects of advocacy within TRIO to provide a space for professionals to share the best practices in TRIO advocacy.

Needs Assessment Profile of Community College Students

Presenter: Dr. Syma Moody Location: Trinity River 3

This workshop will explore the needs that surveyed TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) students selfidentified as concerns related to their educational journey. The survey covered four areas, including areas to improve on, items that describe themselves, obstacles preventing the completion of academic goals, and other measures in need of assistance. Attendees can utilize this information to support their students in completing their educational journey.

Finding Your Why

Presenter: Christie Scott Location: Trinity River 4

This workshop will focus on enlightening TRIO professionals on how to find and maintain their “ Why.” There is a need for stability and direction in day-to-day operations and through setbacks. Often, it is helpful to discover or remember why we do what we do. Attendees will learn how having a purpose correlates positively with one’s understanding of passion, direction, and goal alignment.

Fake It till You Make It: How to Thrive and Prioritize Your Mental Health

Presenter: Christine Torres Location: San Jacinto

Have you experienced a learning curve associated with stepping into a new role or taking on additional responsibilities? Have you ever felt like you are learning as you go? If so, you may have heard or even used the phrase, “fake it till you make it.” In some cases, this phrase has every intention of building confidence. However, the challenge arises when you take it literally and begin to doubt your competence. Attending this workshop will help attendees reframe their thinking and empower them to thrive and prioritize their mental health.

Leading Through Challenging Times

Presenter: Dr. Leesa Giles Location: Pecos

In this session, attendees will examine various leadership styles that aid in motivating individuals and teams, promote sustainable growth, and enable transformation through challenging times. A leader’s style sets the tone for the rest of the organization and the organization’s level of development. Participants will take away researched-based strategies and tools, such as Bolman and Deal’s Four Frame Model.

The TRIO Oasis: Recharging Your Battery

Presenters: Kraig Curry & Bindy Tice Location: Willow Creek

TRIO professionals are often super busy taking care of others and sometimes forget to take care of their own needs. This workshop will provide attendees with energy healing techniques to help TRIO practitioners fill their reserves to serve program participants better. All are welcome to attend this session with an open heart and a will to heal.

TRIO as A Model for Research, Broader Impact, and Institutional Advancement

Presenter: Ray Cordero Location: Trinity River 3

In this workshop, we will discuss how we have infused research into TRIO operations as a means for active collaboration with faculty, seeking additional funding, publication, and genuinely weaving TRIO into the fabric of your institution. This workshop will focus on the processes and strategies regarding (re)centering student-facing postsecondary services as the lead researchers in exploring and understanding their data. We will also share the process for implementing an inclusive approach for research that will work with faculty, staff, and students on transformational, evidence-based models for student success aligned with galvanizing research embedded within its ongoing student-facing work.

ELI 101: Finding the Leader in You

Presenters: Abel Cerros, Kaela Harris, Joshua Hunter, Jasmine Montoya, Shawnna Sandles, Elijah Serena, Keila Valdez, and Gabby Zepeda Location: Trinity River 4

Are you interested in becoming a leader in the Texas TRIO Association or at your institution? Join the Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) Class of 2023 for an interactive workshop on their personal experiences with leadership development and the ELI program over the past year. In this session, attendees will discover more about ELI, the application process, and the major takeaways from the program. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to ask any questions about joining the 2024 ELI cohort.