The Cooperative Education and Internship Association (CEIA) conference took place April 2-4 in San Diego, California. The annual conference brings together close to 300 experiential learning professionals from nationwide institutions, as well as employers. The Association celebrated their 60th anniversary this year. The theme of the conference was Coast to Coast: Empowering Student Success for 60 years highlighting the work that is being done in Experiential Learning to jumpstart students' success.

Andrea Comsa and Iteeah Pounds were successful in submitting 3 presentations on some of the work they have being doing in the Career Center.

Let's Talk Data 

Presenters: Andrea Comsa, Georgia Tech, Career Center; Chris Guzek, Symplicity   

Abstract: We all know how important data and assessments are in measuring the impact of experiential learning and the work our institutions are doing. But, it can be challenging when the data that tells our story is inconsistent, hard to find, decentralized, or housed in multiple systems. The Career Center has partnered with our Enterprise Data Management office and Symplicity (our CSM) to create integration, through API, between Symplicity and Tableau for customized automated reports that feed into an Experiential Learning Dashboard, which provides data of interest and helps visualize the impact of our students’ experiences to both tell our story and inform future practice. The data highlighted in the dashboard captures student engagement in co-ops and internships and summarizes student and employer assessment reports. The dashboard facilitates easy access, reduces time in generating reports, and improves consistency and accuracy in data. 

It Takes a Village to Maintain Successful Experiential Learning Programs

Presenters: Andrea Comsa, Georgia Tech, Career Center; Iteeah Pounds, Georgia Tech Career Center    

Abstract: This presentation will provide best practices for launching and maintaining successful experiential learning programs for all types of schools serving various student populations, based on lessons learned in sustaining a 100 year old co-op program at Georgia Tech. It truly takes a village for any program to be successful. There is not just one formula but there are some best practices that can be shared. Presenters will also engage participants with an open discussion on what other schools are doing with their experiential learning programs.

Enhancing the Career Development Experience for International Students

Presenters: Iteeah Pounds, Georgia Tech Career Center; Amanda McLaughlin, University of Cincinnati  

Abstract: All of our students contribute to our campus communities however, our international students may need a little more empathy, guidance, and encouragement. Imagine being miles away from your family and familiar things and places while trying to make it on your own in a new environment. As professionals we can provide positive interactions that might make all the difference in their career development and student experience.

Building for Equity and Sustainability: An Innovative Teaching Approach to Foster Community and Connection

Presenters (students from SLS' VIP: Building for Equity and Sustainability): Lauren Riehm (ARCH), Miguel Jimenez (SCARP/ARCH – GTA), Daraja Brown (CEE), Megan Jermak (CEE), Juan Archila (Research Development and Operations)

Abstract: Academic programs often struggle to develop meaningful connections and build community among students and with local communities. Georgia Tech’s Building for Equity and Sustainability undergraduate research course addresses this challenge by fostering multi-partner connections through an equity lens that empowers students and creates community across different levels. The workshop will be led by students in the VIP who developed team-driven projects that respond to an equity challenge using an equity framework. Their stories show how student empowerment can create a better sense of trust and belonging that in turn can build community among students and with community partners.

Susan Belmonte (Assistant Director, Pre-Graduate Advising) will be co-presenting with Nazanin Tork and Brittani Hill of the Office of Graduate Education at the Georgia Council of Graduate Schools 2023 Annual Conference at the Clayton State University in April. Their presentation is called "Expanding Access and Connecting Globally: Virtual Graduate School Showcase" and highlights the success and growth of the Showcase since its launch in 2021.