A Word of Thanks
Welcome to the 2022 University-Wide Teaching and Learning Symposium, Listen, Encourage, Inspire, Challenge: Building a Relationship-Rich Campus. The symposium has been a great way to start a new academic semester as we dedicate a day to celebrate and discuss the outstanding teaching that is a hallmark of ISU. This year, we have been reminded of the importance developing human connections with our students to support their success as individual learners. The theme for the symposium invites us to explore the interconnected strands of relationship-rich education, authentic learning, and authentic assessment. These ideas are at the heart of Illinois State University’s Core Values and all members of our campus community can contribute to creating a supportive environment that provides students transformative learning experiences.
Our first thank you goes to Milner Library and Office of Admissions. Before the Symposium was moved to an entirely virtual format, they graciously offered to share their spaces to hold in-person sessions. We appreciate their generosity and partnership and look forward to future collaborations for future programming.
This year, we were able to invite two nationally recognized scholars to deliver keynote addresses and workshops. We are thrilled to have David Rettinger and Peter Felten join us. They each bring expertise on different facets of authentic learning that are relevant to what is happening on our campus and our world. This event is made possible through support from The Office of the Provost. We also received a grant from the Alice and Fannie Fell Trust, which provided the funds to bring these speakers to our Symposium.
The planning for each Symposium typically begins on the heels of the previous one. Everyone at CTLT plays a role in the event’s success. Our graphic designer, Amber Thomas, designed and created the graphics for the event. Jim Gee and Kim Brucker have kept the campus informed of all Symposium happenings through the webpage, social media releases and email reminders. Jim also produced a Let’s Talk Teaching podcast on building a relationship-rich campus. Vicki Bush and Greg Maier coordinate our technology and are at the ready to work with the session presenters, as needed. Please join us in thanking them.
Our heart-felt gratitude goes to the Symposium Planning Team. Mayuko Nakamura and Julie McFann are integral voices in all aspects of the planning. Chasity Logan is truly the force that makes the Symposium happen. Her attention to detail, keeping track of presenters, and preparing for all our 250+ attendees is quite remarkable. CTLT has the best graduate assistants on campus. David Giovagnoli and Katy Lewis stepped up to any task that was asked of them.
And finally, to all of you attendees: THANK YOU for your dedication to this institution as shown by your willingness to commit a day before the start of classes to your professional growth. You exemplify the institution’s commitment to providing a quality educational experience to our students. Enjoy your day.
Fondly,
Jennifer Friberg, Ed.D.
Interim Director, Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology
Cross Endowed Chair in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Dana Karraker, Ed.D.
Coordinator for Faculty Development and lead for Special Events, CTLT