Community and Economic Engagement Network Track

Continuing, professional and online leaders collaborate with external partners to advance local and regional communities and economies and to extend the reach of campus communities. The CEE track focuses on institutional-community engagement as well as university-partner entrepreneurism. As such, sessions for this track will highlight how UPCEA members identify new ways to open pathways between the campus and diverse communities, explore and nurture new and existing markets (e.g., geographic, demographic, skill sets), develop regional workforces, increase the impact of higher education among adult learners, and provide the skill sets and knowledge demanded by today’s employers.

Learn more about the Community and Economic Engagement Network.

Monday, March 24

2:45 PM	Concurrent Session I
	Internal Allies: Enhancing Collaboration between Schools of Continuing Education and Advancement Offices Plaza Court 4-5 \| Community and Economic Engagement \| Foundational \| Tag: Learner Access This presentation explores the transformative impacts of collaborations between schools of continuing education and university advancement offices for securing philanthropic resources. Rice University's Glasscock School of Continuing Studies and the Washington University in St. Louis School of Continuing & Professional Studies will share examples and best practices for fostering partnerships to increase fundraising, expand alumni engagements, and improve academic and financial sustainability. Elizabeth Lanier-Shipp, Washington University in St. Louis Courtney Tardy, Rice University Jodie Lloyd, Washington University in St. Louis Moderator: Susan Seal, Mississippi State University Aligning Audience, Purpose, Program, and Credential in your Alternative Credential Program Governor's Square 11 \| Community and Economic Engagement \| Strategic This session, facilitated by members of the UPCEA Council for Credential Innovation, will provide attendees with an opportunity to engage in a strategic discussion around alternative credentialing programs. This interactive discussion will be grounded in the use of the Purpose Profile tool, which is designed to illustrate features of alternative credentialing programs at work across higher education institutions. The profile can be used as a heuristic tool to inspire new projects, uncover the purpose behind existing projects, consider different approaches and discuss the nuance of the language used in an alternative credentialing program, such as the distinction between program offering and the credential artifact. By the end of this session, participants will be able to use the purpose profile tool to describe the strategic goals of the future or existing alternative credential program at their institutions, identify the audience being served by the program and articulate their needs, and identify the positive steps they can take towards meeting those strategic goals. Ryan Torma, University of Minnesota Lena Patterson, Toronto Metropolitan University Noah Geisel, University of Colorado Boulder Cheryl Murphy, University of Arkansas Clare Van Ness, California State University, Chico Moderator: Doris Savron, University of Phoenix Roundtable Presentations #1 (Plaza Ballroom BCEF) In this session, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with up to two different topics during small-group, 30-minute, table-based guided discussion around a specific and timely topic, question, or issue. Roundtables are designed to provide space and time to important but particularly nuanced topics which deserve attention, and presenters will promote the sharing of thoughts, solutions, and questions among their respective table’s attendees. Moderator: Christa Payne, Tulane University Empowering Older Adults: Building Lifelong Learning and Community Resilience through Strategic Partnerships Community and Economic Engagement \| Applied \| Tag: Learner Access Discover the development and impact of Senior College, an educational initiative launched in 2019 at Bridgewater State University. This program, which partners with local libraries and senior centers, has grown to nearly 500 members and proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emphasizing activism and inclusivity, the curriculum includes courses on antiracism, antisemitism, gender identity, and ageism. Attendees will learn about the program's innovative strategies and study results comparing Senior College with a more established program. Gain practical steps for implementing similar initiatives and explore how higher education can enrich the lives of older adults in diverse communities. Jennifer Reid, Bridgewater State University
4:00 PM	Concurrent Session II
	Academia + Industry: Strategies for Building Strong Partnerships Plaza Court 2-3 \| Community and Economic Engagement \| Strategic This presentation will showcase the remarkable journey of DSI Enterprise, the industry-focused arm of the Division of Digital Strategy and Innovation at the University of North Texas. It began as a unit intricately linked to the university’s mission and has evolved into a strategically oriented hub for fostering innovative and meaningful collaborations between the university and industry. We will delve into the key strategies that propelled our growth, emphasizing the importance of building a solid partnership structure (both internally and externally), tailoring our educational offerings to meet partner needs (degrees, microcredentials, and professional development), and ensuring exceptional customer service. Samantha Nikolai, Indiana State University Stephanie Myers, University of North Texas Moderator: Amy King, College of William & Mary

Tuesday, March 25

8:15 AM	Concurrent Sessions III
	Building Stackable Learning for Registered Apprenticeships Plaza Court 2-3 \| Community and Economic Engagement \| Applied \| Tag: Faculty The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 created nationwide tax incentives for businesses working in clean energy employing registered apprentices -- but the apprenticeships have requirements for technical instruction. Learn how Southern Utah University is working with industry partners in clean energy, faculty and campus partners, registered apprenticeship programs, and workforce development to build required learning for these apprentices, qualifying their employers for IRA tax incentives, providing stackable learning to attract adult learners to academic programs, and strengthening local economies. Aimee DiBrienza, Southern Utah University
12:30 PM	Network Lunch Meetings and Awards Presentations
	Community and Economic Engagement (Governor's Square 11) Award Presentation: UPCEA Engagement Award Moderator: Kimberly Love, Weber State University Sponsored by Lightcast
2:00 PM	Concurrent Sessions V
	Employer Alignment Models for Lifelong Learning Governor's Square 15 \| Community and Economic Engagement \| Applied \| Tag: Policy, Faculty Technology adoption and disruption is making upskilling and reskilling a top priority for both companies and the workforce. How can colleges and universities most effectively meet this growing skills gap? This session shares organizational strategies and practices to foster alignment between higher education and industry and develop programs for employees and individuals seeking new employment opportunities that address pressing knowledge, skill, and ability gaps that employers are facing. Presenters will share real-world models focused on key skills areas such as applied AI, credentials that are short-term and stackable, and opportunities and challenges in collaborating with industry for upskilling and reskilling. David Ferreira, Charter Oak State College Stephen Harmon, Georgia Tech Jennifer Thorton, Business-Higher Education Forum Moderator: Jennifer Thorton, Business-Higher Education Forum Stop & Share Presentations #2 (Plaza Ballroom BCEF) Attendees are invited to stop in, mill about, and engage in these dynamic, demonstration-type conversations hosted by presenters ready to share ideas on a hot topic, best practice, or technological innovation. Moderator: Amber O'Casey, Alamo Colleges District Reinventing Lifelong Learning: The Coming Renaissance of Continuing Education and Community Outreach Community and Economic Engagement \| Applied \| Tag: Learner Access, Policy As our nation’s labor market evolves, it is more critical than ever to provide an education that prepares individuals for success in the twenty-first-century economy. The presenter will share pragmatic, field-tested programs that have been rigorously evaluated and refined on campus. Designed for educators and administrators seeking to elevate their university's continuing education and community-serving roles, this sesion will offer valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance their institution's impact and relevance. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leader who envisions a renaissance for higher education. Edward Abeyta, Univeristy of California San Diego
3:30 PM	Concurrent Sessions VI: Workshops
	Innovation in Workforce Development: Bridging the Gap between Higher Education and the Labor Market Plaza Ballroom BCEF \| Community and Economic Engagement \| Applied \| Tag: Learner Access, Policy, Graduate Education The disconnect between higher education and the workforce affects economic growth, job satisfaction, and societal equity. This session explores innovative approaches to bridge this gap, focusing on aligning education with industry demands, skills and purchasing trends, and facilitating academic transfers to meet job requirements. We will discuss innovative initiatives which redefine how employers and their partners use employer-validated skills for hiring and alignment with professional education, while also sharing strategies for addressing employer needs in professional development programs. Join us to discover how these initiatives strengthen collaboration between education and industry. Michael Pierick, University of California Merced Sandra von Doetinchem, Independent Inez Bush, California State University, Dominguez Hills Marjaneh Gilpatrick, Northern Arizona University Ryan Torma, University of Minnesota Moderator: Christopher Cellars, University of Washington

Wednesday, March 26

10:00 AM

Concurrent Sessions VII

Bridging Pathways for Success: Coalition Building and Capacity Building for Latine and Hispanic-Serving Institutions in Colorado
Governor's Square 10 | Community and Economic Engagement | Applied | Tag: Learner Access, Policy
In a landscape defined by shifting demographics and evolving educational priorities, coalition building among Colorado's Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and partners is vital to advance equity and success for Latinx learners. This collaborative session unites the Colorado HSI Consortium and key stakeholders from MSU Denver, LAEF, InsideTrack, and US Bank to showcase innovative strategies for strengthening academic and career pathways. Presenters will share insights on stakeholder engagement, resource optimization, and personalized coaching, emphasizing culturally relevant support and capacity enhancement. Attendees will explore successful partnerships, strategic goal alignment, and actionable tools to drive positive impact for Latinx learners, preparing institutions to thrive in today’s dynamic educational environment.

Manuel Del Real, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Roberto Montoya, InsideTrack
Adrienne L. Martinez, Metropolitan State University
Moderator: Steve Ast, InsideTrack