Thank you to the amazing educational stars who joined us as we Explored New Galaxies of Collaboration and Learning!
This year’s conference brought together presenters from GCC and PVCC who generously shared their experiences, strategies, and tools for building collaboration across departments, disciplines, campuses, and our wider community. Throughout the day, we were reminded that none of us, students, staff, or educators, reach our goals alone. Much like the constellations that guide explorers, our connections to one another help us chart new paths, strengthen belonging, and advance student success.
We were honored to open the event with remarks from Dr. Konopka, Vice President of Academic Affairs at GCC, and Dr. Lamperez, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at PVCC. Their words helped orient our journey, emphasizing how vital connection and partnership are in helping our students thrive.
Our session lineup illuminated this theme beautifully:
- Christine Jones and Jaren Mann (GCC) kicked off the morning by showcasing their work on Building Problem-Based Learning Through Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration. Their partnership in linking English, Biology, and the GCC Community Garden demonstrated how learning expands when we venture beyond the boundaries of a single discipline, reaching into the community to create meaningful experiences.
- Jim Sizemore and Bootsie Martinez (PVCC) explored Teamwork and Communication, illustrating how cross-department collaboration empowers both faculty and students. Their session reminded us that when diverse perspectives come together, we build stronger, more resilient networks of support.
- Caryn Bird (GCC) shared insights from her Professional Learning Community, highlighting how showing up for one another through challenges, successes, and everything in between strengthens the communities that surround our students. Her message affirmed that a supportive professional culture shines as brightly as any guiding star.
- Christina Calderon and Leslie Olson (PVCC & GCC Veteran Services) walked us through the complex processes veteran and military-connected students navigate long before they step into the classroom. Their expertise offered us clearer navigational tools to support this important student population.
- Roxanna Dewey (GCC) offered research-informed practices for engaging and supporting neurodiverse students. Her session encouraged us to consider accessibility not just as a checklist, but as a way of shaping learning environments where all students can find their place and flourish.
- Ariel Clifton and Elizabeth Christensen (GCC) shared their experience developing programs that increase financial literacy and help students navigate the financial realities of higher education. Their work gave us practical ways to guide students through one of the most challenging constellations they encounter on their academic journey.
- Abraham Neverez (GCC) closed the day with a powerful demonstration of JAWS screen-reader technology. His session offered essential insight into how our accessibility choices directly affect students who rely on assistive technologies reminding us that inclusive design is a vital part of keeping every learner in orbit.
This year’s conference was a vibrant celebration of collaboration, innovation, and our shared commitment to student success. Thank you to our presenters, participants, and everyone who helped bring this event to life. As we continue exploring new galaxies of learning together, one thing is clear: the future is bright—and we’re charting it collectively.
If you are interested in reviewing presentation materials, please visit Mission Control. Please note that not all presentation materials are available on the website at the request of our presenters.