Active learning has become a critical tool for student success because it emphasizes the importance of engaging students in the classroom and gives students a more dynamic education. During the Active Learning Summit, faculty from Florida International University, University of Central Florida and University of South Florida came together to learn strategies and techniques to increase learning and engagement in the classroom. Each faculty member walked away inspired to focus on learning new ideas, incorporating new techniques and improving their classroom experience.

Learning Assistants make a large classroom feel smaller for students by providing more individualized support. They are a valuable resource for students and help lighten the load for faculty. The Learning Assistant Workshops provided guidance to teachers who want to implement Learning Assistants effectively in their classroom. Florida International University in Miami – which has already implemented Learning Assistants successfully in the classroom – hosted faculty from universities and state colleges across Florida for this event and graciously shared their experiences.

First-generation students often face more difficulties. They typically have less social and financial support and tend to be less involved on campus. The Focus on First Generation Conference served as a platform for Academic and Student Affairs professionals to engage and share strategies for building institutional effectiveness, increasing equitable outcomes and supporting the career readiness of first-generation university students.

Presenters demonstrated how to use enrollment data and predictive analytics to support first year students. Attendees also learned qualitative tips and ideas geared toward increasing retention and graduation rates specifically for multicultural and first-generation students based on the experience of faculty and staff members at UCF.

Science is all around us. A stronger appreciation for science helps people be inspired by and understand the world they live in. Taste of Science was a multi-day and multi-location event by Scientists Inc, a local non-profit. This event series aimed to bring findings from the latest scientific research to the public. It encouraged scientists, researchers, and other thought leaders to step into neighborhood venues to discuss the ways science effects our daily lives and encourage curiosity and understanding.