In response to CIC member data and requests for more information about ongoing topics in the sector, CIC has hosted four webinars since January 2023:
“Cracking the Code: Hiring Algorithms and Career Services on Campus” was held on February 23. This webinar addressed the current state of technology in the hiring process. As employers increasingly use computer algorithms and digital technology to vet job applicants, CIC member institutions must prepare students for the new job application process, including tailoring resumes, completing applications, and interviewing online, in response to these new hiring practices. The webinar featured panelists Shawn Van Derziel, Executive Director of NACE, and Courtney McBeth, Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer of Strada Education Network. Discussion was moderated by CIC President Marjorie Hass. Please find the audio recording here.
“ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, and the Independent College: Challenges and Opportunities” was held on March 2 in response to member requests to learn and discuss more about Artificial Intelligence and especially ChatGPT across higher education. This online conversation helped academic officers explore the challenges and possibilities presented by these technologies—especially for smaller, teaching-focused colleges and universities. The discussion was led by two academic officers and a teaching and learning director from our member institutions: Joseph Obermueller, Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Sioux Falls; Paula O’Loughlin, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Augsburg University; and Sean Ross Meehan, Professor of English; Director of Writing; Co-Director of the Cromwell Center for Teaching and Learning, Washington College. Please find the recording here.
“Using Open Educational Resources to Make Course Materials Inclusive and Culturally Responsive” was held on April 21. This webinar featured faculty members Cassandra Gohn, Assistant Professor of Biology at Manchester University; Suzanne Marmo, Associate Professor of Social Work at Fairfield University; and Heather Miceli, Lecturer of General Education Science at Roger Williams University, who discussed their strategies for using Open Educational Resources (OER) and Practices (OEP) to make their teaching more inclusive and culturally responsive, as well as some of the challenges they have faced and overcome. Annika Many, Principal at edBridge Partners and author of the 2022 CIC report, Access and Innovation: The Use of OER at Smaller Independent Colleges and Universities to Support Historically Underrepresented Students, led the discussion. Please find the recording here.
The “Work-Based Learning Consortium Webinar” was held on May 17 after CIC announced the multi-year initiative to members in partnership with Riipen. This collaboration aims to integrate work-based learning opportunities into up to 375 courses led by 125 faculty members and impacting up to 11,250 students from 25 CIC member institutions. Webinar participants had the opportunity to learn more about this program and how it could benefit their students, see a demonstration of the Riipen platform in action, and hear from faculty and administrators at institutions that have already integrated Riipen into their curriculum. There was also time for questions to better assist institutions with the application process and criteria. Please find the recording here.
