Session Tracks

Thrive Academically

Academic success is the basis of much of our work as learning centers. This track centers on the transformative journey of academic thriving in higher education. We invite proposals that illuminate bold and innovative, evidence-based approaches to fostering academic success in our centers and on our campuses. We seek presentations that explore how institutions, educators, tutors, and support professionals can cultivate environments where students are not only retained but deeply engaged, intellectually challenged, and empowered to reach their full academic potential.

Some topics to consider include:

● Holistic academic support models that foster growth, resilience, and self-efficacy

● High-impact tutoring, coaching, and mentoring initiatives that drive meaningful learning

● Targeted interventions for groups of students who might be academically at-risk

● Data-driven approaches to identifying and removing barriers to academic success

● Scalable interventions that promote excellence in foundational and gateway courses

Thrive Professionally

This track focuses on empowering students to develop the skills, experiences, and confidence needed to thrive in their professional lives—both during and after college. We invite proposals that showcase innovative career development initiatives, experiential learning opportunities, and cross-campus collaborations that prepare students for meaningful, purpose-driven work in a rapidly evolving global landscape. This track celebrates the collective role of higher education in helping students not only enter the workforce—but thrive within it.

Some topics to consider include:

● Integrating career readiness into academic curricula, advising, and co-curricular programming

● Building equitable access to internships, research, and experiential learning

● Supporting students in developing professional identity, networking, and leadership skills

● Addressing career development for historically underserved and underrepresented populations

● Programs developed to build students’ professional/soft skills for better thriving in a professional setting

● Leveraging technology and data to personalize major exploration, career pathways and outcomes

Thrive Socially

Thriving in college includes building meaningful relationships, cultivating a sense of belonging, and engaging in vibrant campus communities. This track invites proposals that explore how institutions and programs can foster inclusive, supportive, and socially enriching environments that help students connect, grow, and thrive together. This track focuses on the essential role of connection, inclusion, and belonging in holistic student success.

Some topics to consider include:

● Inclusive and equity-minded pedagogies and practices that affirm diverse identities and lived experiences

● Programs that promote peer connection, mentorship, and community-building

● Strategies for supporting student identity development and social wellness

● Initiatives that address loneliness, isolation, and social barriers to engagement

● Co-curricular activities that enhance student leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement

● Cross-campus partnerships that strengthen the social fabric of the student experience

Thrive Personally

Thriving starts from within oneself and is foundational to student success. This track welcomes proposals that showcase the ways in which we and our learning centers can support students in developing the self-awareness, emotional well-being, and life skills necessary to navigate their academic journeys and beyond. We seek presentations that highlight programs, practices, and research that promote personal growth, resilience, and wellness in higher education, in our students, and in ourselves.

Some topics to consider include:

● Mental health and wellness initiatives that foster emotional balance and self-care

● Life skills development, including time management, financial literacy, and decision-making

● Strategies for cultivating self-efficacy, purpose, and personal identity

● Trauma-informed and healing-centered approaches to student support

● Holistic advising and coaching models that integrate personal development

● Interventions that address stress, burnout, and transitions in the college experience and/or in the experiences of higher education professionals

Thrive Collaboratively

A thriving learning center necessitates strong partnerships with faculty, administration, and student organizations, creating a hub where ideas flourish and resources are shared. This track explores the integration of the many layers and aspects of student development—recognizing that true student success emerges when institutions support the whole person. We invite proposals that highlight comprehensive, cross-functional approaches to student support that break down silos and foster collaboration across campus. This track promotes the power of intentional, collaborative efforts to ensure every student is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive in all aspects of their college experience.

Some topics to consider include:

● Faculty-staff and other cross-departmental partnerships that create integrated support ecosystems and/or align academic and co-curricular support

● Holistic advising and collaborative case management models

● Frameworks for integrating various aspects of student development

● Data-informed strategies for identifying and addressing multifaceted student needs

● Inclusive practices that center equity, belonging, and culturally responsive support

● Institutional transformation efforts that prioritize holistic student thriving