Faculty & Staff Virtual Professional Development Program January 21-22, 2021 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
About the Student Success Symposium 4
Symposium Schedule 5-7
Presentation Descriptions 8-9
Welcome & Opening Remarks 10
Closing Remarks & Call to Action 11
Moderator 12
Presenters 13-17
Organizers 18
A Special Thank You 19
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Introduction
Dear Medaille Faculty and Staff,
Student success is the center of what we stand for here at Medaille. We embody what it means to support students through academic, social, and professional engagement. Whether it be through our dynamic faculty or compassionate staff, we are a team of individuals who value community and work to create an inclusive and collaborative society right here on campus. Last semester, I’ve personally seen, our very own Val Macer, walk step-by-step with a student to help her navigate some of the stressors of academic and personal life. It was through collaboration with key campus leaders that this student was able to successfully complete the semester and continue navigating the process toward graduating with a degree in Veterinary Technology.
Despite what our nation has experienced, we have persevered. We have stepped outside of our own personal circumstances and rose to the occasion to walk with students through some of their most trying times. Through countless phone calls, texts, emails, and virtual or in-person meetings, we have bear witness to the stories of triumph and resilience of our students. In fact, we are daily living out our college mission with each encounter with our students -- to educate and develop EMPOWERED INDIVIDUALS for academic achievement, career success and civic engagement, thereby contributing to a HEALTHY, DIVERSE DEMOCRACY.
This two-day student success symposium is an opportunity for us to share stories and to learn from one another; but more than this, it is to understand our students from a multi-faceted and holistic perspective. We stand in the values of the college: Curiosity, Excellence, Integrity, ad Community, as we move toward a new dimension of building a community success defined by our students.
I am looking forward to us continuing grow together as a community and forging strong partnerships that lead us to a pathway of innovation that sparks the engagement of our students.
Sincerely,
Tara Jabbaar-Gyambrah, Ph.D. Executive Director, Academic Success, and Persistence
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About the Student Success Symposium
The Student Success Symposium is designed to provide educational opportunities to discuss student learning and retention within the context of understanding how to best support Medaille College’s students. This two-day symposium will provide valuable approaches on how to engage students through curricular and co-curricular activities. Each session will focus on students and how to meet their needs by strengthening our community as collaborators for success.
Goals:
• Share best practices, approaches, and innovative concepts to assist the campus community when working with diverse student populations.
• Provide faculty and staff a professional development opportunity to enhance and/or build innovative strategies for student success that are critical to advancing learning outcomes.
• Connect with the campus community to share ideas and scholarship that enrich our profession.
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Symposium Schedule
Day 1: Thursday, January 21, 2021
Moderator: Dr. Jeffrey Faunce, Associate Professor, Program Director, B.S.Ed. Early Childhood/Childhood & Adolescent/Students with Disabilities, Department of Education
Welcome & Opening Remarks
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Dr. Janel Curry, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
Breakout Session 1
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Part 1: “Mental Health, Student Conduct, and Accessibility Services: How to Make it Work in the Classroom”
Rosalina Rizzo, LCSW-R, Director of Counseling Services Candice Cadena, Director of Student Conduct and Residence Life Spencer Cottman, Coordinator of Accessibility Services
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM Break
10:10 AM – 10:55 AM Part 2: “Mental Health, Student Conduct, and Accessibility Services: How to Make it Work in the Classroom”
Rosalina Rizzo, LCSW-R, Director of Counseling Services Candice Cadena, Director of Student Conduct and Residence Life Spencer Cottman, Coordinator of Accessibility Services
10:55 AM – 11:05 AM Break
Breakout Session 2
11:05 AM – 12:05 PM “From Faculty Advisement to Faculty Mentoring: Navigating Conversations with Students”
Cheryl Burke, Interim Director of Academic Advisement
Breakout Session 3
12:05 PM – 12:50 PM “Panel Discussion on Remote Learners”
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Moderators: Dr. Jeffrey Faunce, Associate Professor, Program Director, B.S.Ed. Early Childhood/Childhood & Adolescent/Students with Disabilities, Department of Education
Dr. Tara Jabbaar-Gyambrah, Executive Director of Academic Success and Persistence
Panelists: Dr. Daniel Kotzin, Professor of History, Program Director, International Studies, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies Dr. Caitlin Riegel, Assistant Professor, Department of Education, Program Director, MSEd Elementary Education, Program Director, MSEd Adolescent Education, Department of Education Olivia Anderson, Remote Learner, BS International Studies Sabrina Banoo, Remote Learner, BS Criminal Justice Dallas Bosley, Remote Learner, BS Communications Hannah Carrick, Remote Learner, BS Communications David Mack, Remote Learner, BS Sport Management Gillian Tagliaferro, Remote Learner, AS Veterinary Technology
Closing Remarks
12:50 PM – 1:00 PM Dr. Johnda Ash, Director of TRIO Student Support Services
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Day 2: Friday, January 22, 2021
Moderator: Dr. Jeffrey Faunce, Associate Professor, Program Director, B.S.Ed. Early Childhood/Childhood & Adolescent/Students with Disabilities, Department of Education
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Dr. Tara Jabbaar-Gyambrah, Executive Director of Academic Success and Persistence
Breakout Session 1
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Part 1: "Trauma Informed Education: An Overview of Trauma and How to Navigate it in your Classroom”
Thomas Gibbons, Senior Investigator at the New York State Police Rosalina Rizzo, LCSW-R, Director of Counseling Services Michelle Sawyers, M.S., Director of Say Yes to Education
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM Break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Part 2: "Trauma Informed Education: An Overview of Trauma and How to Navigate it in your Classroom”
Thomas Gibbons, Senior Investigator at the New York State Police Rosalina Rizzo, LCSW-R, Director of Counseling Services Michelle Sawyers, M.S., Director of Say Yes to Education
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM Break
Breakout Session 2
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM “How to Support your Post-Traditional Students”
Dr. Halin Tavano, Director of Student Services, Academic Advisement Counselor Susan Kottke, M.S., M.A., Director of Online Student Services
Closing Remarks & Call to Action
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM Dr. Tara Jabbaar-Gyambrah, Executive Director of Academic Success and Persistence
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Presentation Descriptions
Day 1 Breakout Session 1
Title: “Mental Health, Student Conduct, and Accessibility Services: How to Make it Work in the Classroom”
Abstract: Everybody hears about supporting the whole student, but what does that mean when it comes to the classroom? This presentation will provide an overview of three student services that impact students inside the classroom and out: Mental Health, Student Conduct, and Accessibility Services. We will also discuss the active and proactive steps you can take in the classroom to help students meet their full potential.
Presenters: Rosalina Rizzo, LCSW-R, Director of Counseling Services Candice Cadena, Director of Student Conduct and Residence Life Spencer Cottman, Coordinator of Accessibility Services
Day 1 Breakout Session 2
Title: “From Faculty Advisement to Faculty Mentoring: Navigating Conversations with Students”
Abstract: Faculty: The Frontline of Student Retention. Being a faculty member involves many extra duties outside the classroom. Planning, grading, meetings, and research are all vital parts of what is expected from an instructor… but advising? We already have advisers! This session is about how and why faculty are often asked to mentor/advise students. (Most of you have been doing this all along!). We will talk about why it is important, how to do this without being overwhelmed, and how being a faculty mentor can turn into the most rewarding part of your job.
Presenter: Cheryl Burke, Interim Director of Academic Advisement
Day 1 Breakout Session 3
Title: “Panel Discussion on Remote Learners”
Abstract: In 2020, we were met by storm with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, that didn’t stop Medaille from pivoting and providing support to students and their families through the remote learning initiative. This presentation will discuss the differences between remote and online learning, the new process of remote learning, and its connection to retention efforts.
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Moderators: Dr. Jeffrey Faunce, Associate Professor, Program Director, B.S.Ed. Early Childhood/Childhood & Adolescent/Students with Disabilities, Department of Education
Dr. Tara Jabbaar-Gyambrah, Executive Director of Academic Success and Persistence
Panelists: Dr. Daniel Kotzin, Professor of History, Program Director, International Studies, Department of Inter•disciplinary Studies Dr. Caitlin Riegel, Assistant Professor, Department of Education, Program Director, MSEd Elementary Education, Program Director, MSEd Adolescent Education, Department of Education Olivia Anderson, Remote Learner, BS International Studies Sabrina Banoo, Remote Learner, BS Criminal Justice Dallas Bosley, Remote Learner, BS Communications Hannah Carrick, Remote Learner, BS Communications David Mack, Remote Learner, BS Sport Management Gillian Tagliaferro, Remote Learner, AS Veterinary Technology
Day 2 Breakout Session 1
Title: "Trauma Informed Education: An Overview of Trauma and How to Navigate it in your Classroom”
Abstract: Trauma is a reality that many students manage on a regular basis. This training is an effort to increase awareness of trauma and its impact on the learning environment.
Presenters: Thomas Gibbons, Senior Investigator at the New York State Police Rosalina Rizzo, LCSW-R, Director of Counseling Services Michelle Sawyers, M.S., Director of Say Yes to Education
Day 2 Breakout Session 2
Title: “How to Support your Post-Traditional Students”
Abstract: Our presentation seeks to define the Post-Traditional student at Medaille College. We will encourage our audience to explore the unique challenges of this population with us. Our goal is to collaborate with our colleagues to create solutions to promote academic and career success. Please join us for this interactive presentation on how to support our Post-Traditional students.
Presenters: Dr. Halin Tavano, Director of Student Services, Academic Advisement Counselor Susan Kottke, M.S., M.A., Director of Online Student Service
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Welcome & Opening Remarks
Dr. Janel Curry, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Curry, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs joined Medaille College in April 2019. Prior to her time at Medaille, she has served in the roles as Provost for seven years and a Dean for Research and Scholarship for nine years. She has also taught geography and environmental studies at various institutions over the past 35 years.
Dr. Tara Jabbaar-Gyambrah, Executive Director of Academic Success and Persistence
Dr. Tara Jabbaar-Gyambrah, executive director of the academic success and persistence has over 17 years of experience in higher education serving as an accomplished leader in the community. Throughout her career as an advocate for students, she has worked tirelessly to propel people to their purpose through strategic action. Dr. Tara's diversity of experiences includes, but are not limited to, teaching innovative courses in the sociology and interdisciplinary departments, program implementation for advanced manufacturing industries, service learning, and academic advisement.
Dr. Tara earned her Ph.D. from the University at Buffalo's American Studies program specializing in Global Gender Studies (formerly known as Women's Studies) along with an Advanced Certificate in Teaching for Learning Diversity. Her scholarly research has been published in the Journal of College Admissions, Journal of Race and Policy, NACADA Publications, Palgrave, and Southwest Journal of Cultures. She is the co-author of Is College A Lousy Investment? Negotiating the Hidden Cost of Higher Education. The book discusses how the idea of 'investment' can be expanded from a shortsighted view to engage a broader, more holistic rational for higher education from which students can expect a full return on their investment.
Dr. Tara has participated in several leadership programs but most recently is a graduate of the SUNY Sail Institute Leadership Program. In her spare time, Dr. Tara serves as a mentor in the community and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
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Closing Remarks & Call to Action
Dr. Johnda Ash, Director of TRIO Student Support Services
Dr. Johnda Ash, Ed.D earned her doctorate in Leadership Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching. The majority of her academic career was spent teaching English to low-socioeconomic, underserved, and at-risk middle and high school students within public schools, and designing and facilitating in-service and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff serving these students. Dr. Ash has also taught teachers of public schools pursuing their Master’s degrees in Secondary Education, as well as first-year developmental or transitional college students.
As the new Director for the TRiO Student Support Services Program, Dr. Ash brings with her over three years of experience with the TRiO Student Support Services Program as the Retention Advisor/Student Success Counselor at Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY.
Throughout her academic career, Dr. Ash has been commended by colleagues and students for her effectiveness in delivering curriculum and professional development content, and for her ability to meet students where they are academically and personally. Dr. Ash contributes her ability for meeting students where they are and lifting them to where they need to be in her classrooms or in counseling sessions to her background as low-socioeconomic, first-generation, underserved, and disadvantaged students. Like so many of the students we serve at Medaille College, Dr. Ash had many obstacles and barriers to overcome, but the barriers or obstacles did not determine her intelligence and capacity to meet high academic expectations.
Dr. Ash is a testament to the fact that where you come from does not determine how far you can go. She is aware that today’s society requires educators to provide more tools, resources, and support to college students than what was required in past decades; however, Dr. Ash believes that if educators are truly committed to being student-centered, providing student service, and focusing on equipping students for success, more of our students can go further than where they’ve come from.
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Moderator
Dr. Jeffrey Faunce, Associate Professor, Program Director, B.S.Ed. Early Childhood/Childhood & Adolescent/Students with Disabilities, Department of Education
Dr. Jeffrey Faunce is an associate professor at Medaille College, teaching various courses including social studies, ELA and Arts Methods, Foundations of Education, The Core of Education, The Teacher as Researcher, and others. He also supervises student teachers in elementary schools throughout the area. Before coming to Medaille, Dr. Faunce was a full-time instructor at Canisius College and an adjunct professor at Daemen College (in the Canadian Scholars program) and at D'Youville College. Prior to teaching at the post-secondary level, Dr. Faunce was a middle school building principal, a middle school and high school assistant principal, and a 10-year public school teacher. He enjoys music, reading, golf, running, and most of all spending time with his wonderful children.
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Presenters
Rosalina Rizzo, LCSW-R, Director of Counseling Services
Rosalina Rizzo is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-R) with 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and completed her graduate work at SUNY Buffalo School of Social Work. Ms. Rizzo is currently the Director of Counseling Services for Medaille College and maintains a private practice in Clarence, NY, with a special interest in children, adolescents, young adults and families.
Previously, she was the Clinical Supervisor of the Outpatient Clinic at Genesee County Mental Health Services in Batavia NY. Her experience also includes work with adults, children, and adolescents in a primary care setting including children in the foster care system through the Lifetime Health Medical Group in Buffalo, NY. Additionally, she provided for the delivery of mental health services to rural students in Cattaraugus County at the Ellicottville Central School. Prior to her work in mental health, Ms. Rizzo worked for 9 years serving those with autism spectrum disorders through Autistic Services Inc. (now Autism Services) in Buffalo, NY.
Ms. Rizzo was the 2014 recipient of the Lila McNall Award for outstanding contribution to the Children’s Services Division of the Genesee County Department of Social Services.
Candice Cadena, Director of Student Conduct and Residence Life
Candice Cadena (she/her) joined the Medaille community in September 2020 and serves as the Director of Residence Life and Student Conduct. Candice is a first-generation college student and completed a Master of Education in 2017 from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts in 2013 from Soka University of America in California.
Prior to her Medaille arrival, Candice worked in housing and residence life for five years at GVSU, and two years prior at Interlochen Arts Academy. Candice also served a victim advocate and worked with survivors of sexual assault through the YWCA West Central Michigan for four years.
Throughout Candice’s experience, her commitment to infusing social justice into all areas of her work has continuously grown. Candice has extensive experience in restorative justice practices, intergroup dialogue facilitation, and staff development, and she is always looking for opportunities to engage and challenge others.
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In her free time when there is not a pandemic, Candice enjoys globetrotting, musical theatre, dining out, and dabbling in amateur portrait photography.
Spencer Cottman, Coordinator of Accessibility Services
Spencer Cottman (pronouns: he/him/his) is the Coordinator of Accessibility Services at Medaille College. Spencer received his Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport in 2018 majoring in History with minors in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies. He received his Master’s degree from the University at Buffalo in 2020 in Higher Education Administration. He has spent over a decade serving others in a variety of environments and takes pride in advocating for the success of all students.
Mr. Cottman previously worked in student housing at the University at Buffalo and SUNY Brockport. Prior to entering higher education, Mr. Cottman has experience in adolescent education and received New York State certification in Social Studies Education and Special Education for grades 5-12.
Mr. Cottman is an Eagle Scout and the 2017 recipient of the Halstead Family Leadership in Higher Education Award for a commitment to a career in higher education and further studies in student development.
Cheryl Burke, Interim Director of Academic Advisement
Cheryl Burke is the interim Director of Academic Advising. She has just returned to the US after 16 years in Lahore, Pakistan at Forman Christian College. During her time there she worked as both faculty and staff and firmly believes that spending time with students can make you feel both old and young… just depends on the day (and the student!)
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Dr. Daniel Kotzin, Professor of History, Program Director, International Studies, Department of Inter•disciplinary Studies
I have been passionate about history since I attended the University of California at Irvine, where I obtained a bachelor's degree in history. As I continued my graduate studies in history at New York University in pursuit of a Ph.D., I became increasingly interested in American ethnic history. More recently, I have been fascinated with the American Civil War, especially the experience of soldiers. My current research project combines my interest in ethnic history with my interest in the Civil War as I am researching the experience of Irish-American soldiers during the Civil War.
When my family and I moved to Buffalo, we fell in love with the city. My family and I enjoy the theatre, museums, and kayaking. I am also a huge baseball fan (Go Angels!)
Dr. Caitlin Riegel, Assistant Professor, Department of Education, Program Director, MSEd Elementary Education, Program Director, MSEd Adolescent Education, Department of Education
Dr. Riegel joined Medaille College as an Assistant Professor in 2020. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with a concentration in adolescent mathematics, as well as a Master of Science Degree in Special Education from Niagara University in New York State. She earned her doctorate in Leadership and Policy from Niagara University, where she focused on developing an instrument to measure how often teacher candidates' model and apply the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards in teacher preparation programs. Dr. Riegel has taught a variety of courses, including instructional technology, measurement and evaluation in education, educational research and statistics, human learning, development and motivation, curriculum planning in adolescent education, special education, mathematics, and international education for educators teaching in Thailand. In addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in the Department of Education, Dr. Riegel serves as the Program Director for MSEd Adolescent Education and MSEd Elementary Education programs.
Dr. Riegel serves on the review board for the Journal of Research on Technology in Education (JRTE), the Educational Planning Journal, as well as Buriram Rajabhat University’s International Symposium. She has also served on doctoral dissertation committees. Dr. Riegel is a member of several professional organizations, including the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), the American Educational Research Association (AERA), the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), and the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE).
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Michelle Sawyers, M.S., Director of Say Yes to Education at Medaille College
Michelle Sawyers is an experienced operational and educational leader. She has built a career advocating for student success through equitable access to education, removing barriers that perpetuate generational poverty, post-secondary persistence, and degree attainment. Michelle was Director of Operations for a national non-profit organization, serving over 600 at-risk, low-income high school students in urban and rural school districts. Focused on increasing high school graduation rates, providing workforce development exposure, training and post- secondary enrollment, Michelle has made education her passion and student success her goal. Currently, as Director of Say Yes to Education at Medaille College, Michelle supports approximately 300 students in their pursuit of an undergraduate degree. Additionally, Michelle is an active collaborative partner with many community-based and national non-profit organizations. Recently, she has joined efforts with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Say Yes Buffalo. In secondary education, Michelle has worked with several school districts including Buffalo Public and Salamanca. In the business sector, she has cultivated relationships with M&T Bank and Key Bank. Intent on fostering relationships that support the uplift of her community, Michelle donates her time and resources to volunteering with various organizations. A Buffalo native, Michelle holds a Master’s degree from SUNY Buffalo State College in Higher Education Student Affairs Administration.
Dr. Halin Tavano, Director of Student Services, Academic Advisement Counselor
Hello! My name is Halin Tavano. My educational background is in Student Personnel Administration and Organizational Leadership. I love working with Medaille students and have over 20 years’ experience in Student Services and Academic Advisement. Additionally, I teach for the departments of Business Management and Leadership and Social Sciences. I have a passion for working with students to help them conquer their challenges and achieve their full potential.
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Susan Kottke, M.S., M.A., Director of Online Student Services
My name is Susan Kottke. My career at Medaille College has extended over 17 years in Student Services. While working with graduate, adult, and online students, my objective has always been to see every student reach their educational goals. I understand the struggles of balancing a career with the demands of a family life while aspiring to complete a degree because I am a Medaille College alumna. I have also been an instructor for Medaille teaching both traditional and online students.
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Symposium Organizers
Raymond Drechsel
Michael Filipski
Dr. Tara Jabbaar-Gyambrah
Ann Horn-Jeddy
Mikele King
Theresa Nusstein
Hannah Taylor
Cheryl Twardowski-Potter
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A Special Thank You
Thank you to our presenters, moderators, organizers, and participants for making the Student Success Symposium a success. Your contributions are deeply appreciated; we could not have done it without your support and input. We are all “lighting the way to success” as we journey to help students live their dreams for an education and career that impacts our communities.
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