Warhawk Success Conference

2026 Warhawk Success Conference Agenda

8:30-9:00am: Check-In
9:00-10:00am: Welcome & Keynote
10:15-11:00am: Breakout Sessions
11:10-11:55am: Breakout Sessions
12:00-1:30pm: Lunch & Learn
1:45-2:30pm: Breakout Sessions
2:40-3:25pm: Breakout Sessions
3:30-3:45pm: Closing

Jon Spike, PhD, is a former K-12 English teacher and technology integrator who is currently serving a one-year role as AI Special Assistant to the Provost. Prior to this reassignment, Jon worked as the Coordinator of Instructional Technology and Integration Services in the College of Education and Professional Studies. Jon earned his doctorate in Instructional technology from Northern Illinois University, where he researched collaborative learning experience design in virtual reality. 

Jon is also the CEO of GamestormEDU, where he designs and publishes educational board and card games for schools, families, and organizations. He has presented around the country at the International Society of Technology in Education Conference, the Future of Educational Technology Conference, and the North American Simulation and Gaming Society Conference. He has received the WEMTA Emerging Leader Award and the NASAGA Rising Star Award.

If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Stein (steinj@uww.edu), Amanda Krier-Jenkins (kriera@uww.edu) or Paige Ringelstetter (ringelstpm24@uww.edu).

Basic Needs Impact Student Success
Kristin Fillhouer, Division of Student Affairs
Robin Fox, Division of Academic Affairs
Tonya Schmidt, Dean of Students Office
Come learn current trends, resources, and a framework for an institutional approach to meeting the basic needs of our students. Attendees will go through student experiences in order to gain a better sense of how basic needs impact retention.

Be Warhawk Bold: Support Student Wellness
Malayna Oswald, University Health & Counseling Services
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students, and preventing suicide is a shared campus responsibility. This session will explore mental health concerns among young adults, warning signs of mental health conditions and suicide, and the role each of us play in supporting student wellness. Additionally, it will introduce Recognize, Respond, Refer (RRR), the University of Wisconsin’s newest suicide prevention training for students, faculty, and staff.

RRR is a one-hour, self-paced Canvas training that participants can take on their own following the session. RRR empowers our Warhawk community to:

• Recognize warning signs of distress
• Respond with empathy and care
• Refer to on- and off-campus resources

Most students who are experiencing distress do not initially reach out to mental health professionals. Often, it is faculty, staff, and peers who notice the first signs that a student may need support. By increasing our awareness and readiness to respond, we strengthen our commitment to building a campus where every Warhawk is supported. Join us to help create a community where every Warhawk feels seen, supported, and never alone. You don’t have to be an expert to help; you just need to be there. Every Warhawk plays a role in prevention. Will you be part of the change?

Borrowing Success: Library-Provided Technology & Student Needs
Patricia Fragola, Library Services
This presentation will share the results from a campuswide survey of UWW students (primarily freshmen and sophomores) conducted by the library to understand student technology access and library laptop use. Analysis will focus on patterns in borrowing behavior, technology comfort and access, as well as the impact of that access on academic work. The presentation will highlight major findings, discuss implications for library and other campus services, and outline future directions for technology support and technology lending models.

Building Resilience: Trauma Informed Practices for Student Success
Gabby Dralle, Office of the Chancellor
Emma Draper, Office of the Chancellor
This session explores how trauma-informed practices strengthen student success across the university. Trauma can affect engagement, persistence, and well-being, and student-facing professionals play a critical role in creating supportive environments. Participants will learn common risk factors, warning signs, and practical strategies to promote safety, connection, and resilience in their everyday work with students.

Charting the Course: Planning the Future of Student Courses
Steven Fischer, College of Education & Professional Studies
Brian Pilsner, College of Education & Professional Studies
Nicole Weber, College of Education & Professional Studies
Group advising is a great way to ensure that a targeted population of students receive consistent messaging about their program, context of their required coursework, and a solid plan of degree completion. In this session, the College of Education & Professional studies will share how they have used program planning workshops with one of their largest majors to ensure accurate degree completion planning and advising support while students work through their degree and transition between full-time and faculty advisors.

Connecting the Dots: Integrating Career Competencies into Everyday Student Interactions
Pilar Joseph, Career Services
Grace Peterson, Career Services
Kim Apel, Career Services
Students often believe they are “career ready,” while employers report a different reality. This session explores that disconnect and how UW–Whitewater staff can address it by intentionally naming and highlighting the competencies students build through coursework, student employment, and campus involvement. We will introduce the NACE Career Readiness Competencies, connect them to UWW’s student success framework, and share strategic goals and practical examples for integrating career competencies into everyday student interactions to make these skills visible and meaningful.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Opportunities at UWW
Dominique Walsh, College of Letters & Sciences
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) at UWW is done through a portfolio process. CPL is designed to allow adult learners who are coming back to school to reflect on their learning outside of the classroom and earn college credits. They do this by creating portfolios built around learning objectives for a particular course. Students who complete CPL report feelings of confidence after reflecting on how their knowledge and skills can support their academic progress in the classroom.

First-Year Forum
Amy Menzel, Department of Literature, Writing and Film
Every incoming class brings with them a unique set of circumstances that factor into their approaches to academia. This, in turn, affects our approaches as educators. Join us to gain (and maybe offer) insight into this year’s first-year student cohort. We’ll talk about changes, challenges, and effective strategies for supporting this year’s incoming class.

How to Support the TRIO (and TRIO Eligible) Population
Danny Gissing
TRIO Programs started out of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and has continue to serve students across the nation for the last 60 years. UWW and UWW at Rock has been serving first generation students, income eligible, and students with disabilities with TRIO programs since the 1980's. Come learn some strategies on how to best support this stellar population of students.

It Takes a Campus: Connecting Student Success Resources at UW-Whitewater
Marissa Greuel Hainstock, Academic Advising & Exploration Center
Student success is a shared responsibility, yet navigating the wide range of support resources at UW-Whitewater can be challenging. This panel presentation brings together representatives from key student success departments to provide an overview of the services available to support students academically, personally, and holistically.

Designed for faculty and staff who are new to the University or for those who want to strengthen their knowledge of campus resources, this session will create a collaborative forum for learning and discussion. Panelists will highlight their department’s mission, common student concerns they address, and best practices for referrals and collaboration. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions directly of campus experts and gain practical insights they can immediately apply in their roles. By increasing awareness, clarifying referral pathways, and fostering cross-campus connections, this session aims to enhance participants’ confidence in supporting students and contributing to a coordinated, campus-wide approach to student success.

Practical Strategies for Supporting Students in the Age of Generative AI
Jon Spike, AI Special Assistant to the Provost
Look, keynotes are great and all, but what can I start doing tomorrow in my own work with our students? In this session, we'll explore strategies that can both benefit learners directly and help professionals who engage directly with advancing students' experiences across the whole spectrum of the Warhawk journey. If possible, bring a laptop or tablet to this session to get maximum opportunities to experiment!

Shame On You: Understanding & Navigating Shame
Aaron Nethery, Dean of Students Office
This session explores Brené Brown’s research on shame to help staff better understand how shame affects learning, behavior, and connection. Participants will learn how to recognize shame responses, differentiate shame from guilt, and apply shame-resilient practices in their roles. By increasing our own awareness, we can more effectively support students in navigating difficult emotions and fostering resilience, belonging, and healthy accountability.

UW-Whitewater's Learning Community Program: A Collaborative Journey Towards Transformation
Jenny Krzyszkowski, First Year Experience
Christina Schwab, First Year Experience
This session will highlight an overview of the history of learning communities at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a focus on student data related to LC enrollment, retention, and persistence. Presenters will also share the recent journey of reviving the learning communities program. Discussion will include the phases that the FYE office took to reignite the historically successful high-impact practice on campus. Presenters will also share recent collaborations in the growth of learning communities and plans for future improvements to best serve students. The following is a snapshot of the history covered in the session: 2006-2020 – Introduction and peak of Learning Communities at UW-Whitewater 2020-2022 – Shift to First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs) 2022-2023 – Learning Community reintroduction phase 2023-present – Current 17 Learning Communities.

Vignettes of Success
Matt Mallin, One Stop
Kelsey Herrick, One Stop
Join us for a summary of success coaching after 1 year on campus! Stories of positive connections with students, demonstration of successful outcomes, and exploration of difficulties. This session will also provide a brief overview of Success Coaching Certificate process.

Warhawk to Warhawk: Strengthening Career Readiness through Alumni Mentorship
Emily Matteson, Alumni Relations
The Alumni Mentor Program connects students with alumni who offer guidance, encouragement, and practical insight as students prepare for life after graduation. Through these relationships, students strengthen their professional skills, explore career paths, and build confidence as they move toward their future goals.

This session will highlight how the program supports the career readiness while also contributing to engagement, learning, and persistence. Attendees will learn about the program structure, key practices that make mentoring effective, and the impact alumni mentors have on helping students transition from campus to career.

When Support Looks Like Accountability: Helping Students Learn Through Mistakes
Maria Glorioso, University Housing
Accountability can be one of the most powerful ways to support student growth, when it’s done with care. This session explores how to hold students accountable while keeping them engaged and learning. Participants will learn a simple, coaching-based approach to feedback and see how it applies to both supervising student employees and teaching in the classroom. Walk away with practical tools to turn mistakes into meaningful learning moments.

To register for this event, click here! Registration for this event is required. Registration will remain open until February 12th. 

Registration link: https://uwwhitewater.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_09ziroXRQxtw3m6

Questions? Please contact Jessica Stein (steinj@uww.edu), Amanda Krier-Jenkins (kriera@uww.edu), or Paige Ringelstetter (ringelstpm24@uww.edu).

Success Conference Planning Committee Members
Jessica Stein (co-chair), Academic Affairs
Amanda Krier-Jenkins (co-chair), Student Affairs
Paige Ringelstetter (co-chair), Academic Advising & Exploration Center
Allison Annala, Admissions
Yasmin Badillo, College of Integrated Studies
Chris Bornhuetter, College of Arts & Communication
Kim Clarksen, Student Activities & Involvement
Lynn Gilbertson, Department of Communication Disorders
Danny Gissing, TRIO
Terri Jones, TRIO & Educational Opportunity Programs
Amy Menzel, Department of Literature, Writing, & Film
Grace Peterson, Career Services
Marissa Rehor, Center for Students with Disabilities
Rashid Robinson, Andersen Library
Sarah Seitz, Academic Advising & Exploration Center
Tim Shields, Academic Advising & Exploration Center
Sarah Spotts, Student Representative
Dana Wagner, Center for the Advancement of Teaching, Learning, Scholarship, and Technology (CATLST)

To access previous conference presentations and other conference materials, please click here. You will need to log into your UW-Whitewater Google Drive with your NetID and password in order to access these materials. If you have any questions, please contact Paige Ringelstetter. 

2025 Conference Speakers

Keynote
Dr. Melissa Lantta
Dr. Melissa M. Lantta is a dedicated higher education leader with a deep commitment to student success and retention. She holds a Ph.D. in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service in Higher Education from Cardinal Stritch University, where her dissertation examined programs that enhance student persistence from freshman to sophomore year. Throughout her career, she has led innovative initiatives such as early alert systems, advising redesigns, and professional development workshops prioritizing resilience, growth mindset, and inclusive practices in education. Dr. Lantta's recent work highlights her dedication to understanding and mitigating the imposter phenomenon and its impact on student performance and mental health. Her publication, "What Colleges Need to Know About Imposter Phenomenon and Social Anxiety," showcases her commitment to using research-based insights, student development, and leadership to foster inclusive, thriving academic communities that empower both students and educators to overcome barriers and succeed.

Breakout Sessions

Being Bold in Action
Melissa Lantta
Building on the keynote address, this interactive breakout session dives deeper into strategies for addressing imposter phenomenon. Through self-reflection exercises and real-world case studies, you’ll explore actionable ways to support yourself and your students in recognizing and managing feelings of imposter phenomenon. Walk away with practical tools and insights to foster confidence and resilience, empowering both personal growth and student success. 

Doing Less, Better
Ken Brosky, Amy Menzel
Join Ken and Amy to discuss what they learned from the summer 2024 Faculty College workshops about creative more effective assignments. They innovated this idea in their courses by re-evaluating what an effective assignment looks like and what it accomplishes in the course Learning Outcomes. Ken and Amy emphasize the balance between "innovation" and "sustainable workload" to ensure that any revisions make the course better.

What the Tech?!
Nathan Callope, Kim Clarksen, Shane Degen, Steven Fischer, Kirsten Mortimer, Kari Pahl
We are fortunate to have many technologies available to use on campus, but how and when can you make the best use of each one? Join us to hear from the platform experts and get your questions answered! We will have representation from Navigate, Stellic, Connect2, Canvas, and ITS.

Supporting the Success of Military-Affiliated Students On Campus
Amy Moore
Explore ways to support the success of military-affiliated students on campus by understanding their unique challenges and leveraging their strengths. This session will focus on practical strategies to foster a supportive environment that enhances academic success for this diverse student population.

Academic Standards and the SAP Appeal
R.J. Soderman, Tom Uecker
Join R.J. and Tom for a discussion on the Academic Probation/Dismissal process and how it relates to the SAP appeal for the Financial Aid Office. This session will focus on how Academic Standards works and how the Financial Aid office is an integral part of students' paths to success.

A CURE for Student Engagement: Course Based Undergraduate Research
Brian Schanen, John Frye, Steven Girard, Jonah Ralson
Undergraduate Research & Creativity is not something that happens only outside of the classroom. In this panel discussion instructors with extensive experience will discuss how they have brought research, creativity and civic involvement into the classroom through Corse Based Undergraduate Research, CURE. While serving as a High Impact Practice, these projects allow students hands on experience and engagement in the classroom and community.

Champion-Minded Advocacy for Student Success
Trevor Roznowski
Exploring unique lessons learned from both athletics and education, this presentation provides a framework through which we can all serve the whole student, encourage lifelong improvement, and guide Warhawk excellence. Attendees will learn new perspectives and support strategies to apply in their interactions with students resulting in the successful achievement of long-term goals. Calling upon experiences from a high school educator/coach turned college advisor/coach, staff and faculty will be provided insight on how a thoughtful game plan helps students prepare for progress, navigate challenges, and turn small steps into strong strides of success.

From Talk to Trust
Aaron Nethery
Conversations are the foundation of trust, yet navigating difficult ones can test even seasoned professionals. Inspired by David Brooks' "How to Know a Person", this session offers practical strategies for approaching challenging dialogues with empathy and authenticity. Attendees will learn how to foster trust, create safe spaces for connection, and build stronger relationships across all levels of UW-Whitewater.

Adding "Parent" to the Resume
Dorothy Stepp, Mwita Binagi, Maria Glorioso, Sarah Seitz, Susan Wildermuth, Amy Zelinger
Join a diverse group of UWW Faculty and Staff panelists as they reflect on their experiences navigating different stages of career progression and parenthood. This session is focused on building a supportive community, strengthening confidence, and promoting personal development through conversations about shared experiences, fresh insights, emotional encouragement, and practical problem-solving. Before being able to support students' success and confidence, staff and faculty need to feel supported and confident. Attendees will also be given the opportunity to actively engage in discussions. 

Embracing the AI Revolution: A Guide for Students and Educators
John Keller, Dana Wagner
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the landscape of higher education, offering powerful tools for learning, research, and productivity. This session introduces the basics of AI, explores its opportunities and challenges, and provides guidance on using it ethically. Join us to uncover how AI can be leveraged responsibly to support academic success and prepare students for a technology-driven future.

I'm Afraid I'll Say Something Wrong: Supporting the Facilitation of Difficult Conversations in the Classroom and Beyond
Julie Minikel-Lacocque
This presentation will offer a critical examination of the notion of civil discourse and will provide a foundational understanding of the importance of having difficult conversations in educational spaces. Guidelines and tools will be offered for improving facilitation skills.

Peer Engagement Program
Molly Grodey-Morin, Rebecca Harris
This session will discuss the pilot "Peer Engagement Program" (PEP). This program is designed to help the Chancellor's initiative to increase student retention and student feeling of belonging. We aim to help students become more involved across campus and with each other.

It Takes a University
Kelsey Herrick, Matt Mallin
This presentation will focus on the inception of Success Coaching at UW-W this year, what it has to offer students, and how faculty staff can further enhance student learning and success through collaboration and knowledge sharing. Attendees will be introduced to various tools/resources, and become familiar with the Pillars of Success model.

Student Success Framework in Action at Your Library
Patricia Fragola, Rashid Robinson, Diana Shull, Paul Waelchli
During the Fall 2024 semester, the University Library staff mapped library services to the four dimensions of the Whitewater Student Success Framework. Through this process, the Library identified how our services, resources, instruction and space support students across all four dimensions. This articulated how the Library's actions contribute to student success. Metrics for evaluating and assessing these efforts were identified, and in some cases created, to review and revise our work. The process framed for staff throughout the unit why their individual efforts are valuable to a student's overall success.

Supporting Student Employees
Jennalee Johnson, Chelsea Newman
This session will explore how the Children's Center supports student employees throughout their journey, from onboarding to graduation. Participants will gain insights into effective strategies for fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture, mentoring student employees while helping them to develop transferable skills to enhance their career readiness. The short presentation will be followed by a collaborative roundtable discussion, providing an opportunity to share successes and challenges with colleagues from across campus and exchange ideas for improving student employee support.

2024 Conference Speakers

Keynote
Dr. Jill Mallin
Dr. Jill Mallin received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology in 2007 from the University of Akron and has been working as a licensed psychologist since that time. In her role as a therapist, Dr. Mallin worked at UW-Whitewater for almost fourteen years, providing therapy to university students on campus. In 2020, she opened her own clinical practice at Hidden Path Counseling, where she currently supports adolescents and adults with their mental health. Dr. Mallin specializes in treating those with eating disorders and also is contracted by the UW-Madison athletic department to work with their student athletes.

Breakout Sessions

Academic Success Through Collaboration: Meeting Students Where They Are At
Cole Kallio-Crotteau, Amanda Krier-Jenkins
Students living on-campus are constantly seeking easier ways to connect with faculty and staff throughout the year. With the academic initiatives within University Housing and the re-ignition of the University Housing Academic Success Center, learn more about how we can collaborate and meet residents where they are at (literally)!

Career-readiness Skills Developed Through an Undergraduate Research Ecosystem Model: A Case Study
Prajukti (Juk) Bhattacharyya
Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are among the top cognitive competencies employers seek. Participation in mentored undergraduate research can help students develop these skills. This presentation will share a learning ecosystem model on campus where students and mentors from unrelated disciplines work collaboratively to address real-world challenges and describe the competencies and skills students gain as a result.

Collaborating with a Branch Campus to Enhance Warhawks' College Experiences
Keith Malueg, Dr. Kim Kostka
In this session, attendees will learn how the UW-Whitewater at Rock County campus has been collaborating with UW-Whitewater departments to provide on-campus housing, free transportation for all Warhawks with the Warhawk Shuttle, and UW-Whitewater classes at the UW-Whitewater at Rock County campus. Attendees will also learn of potential opportunities to collaborate with the UW-Whitewater at Rock County campus to enhance student life and academics for all Warhawks.

Helping Students Through Adversity
Kristin Fillhouer, Veronica Warren
This session will give staff and faculty an opportunity to walk through scenarios and give participants the opportunity to talk about how they have responded in those situations. Facilitators will provide suggestions on best practices and help participants learn about campus resources that can assist in the process.

Setting Healthy Boundaries
Dr. Jill Mallin
Boundary setting is essential to effectively managing your personal and professional life. Learn how setting boundaries can help you feel better emotionally and physically, and help students with their own learning. We will have the opportunity to discuss specific challenges based on your role, and think about how to apply this across your life.

Shared Governance Impact on Student Success
Jan Bilgen
As outlined in our system's founding, the concept of "shared governance" is central to the shaping of the Warhawk experience - typically very much behind the scenes. This session will provide context, outline structure and develop ways that shared governance can be harnessed even more for success. Panel will also allow folks to meet people positioned to support efforts - especially of collaboration.

Show Me the Data! How to Use Institutional Data to Accomplish Your Goals
Laura Vanderlinden
Data is a powerful tool that – if used correctly – can help us accomplish our institutional projects and goals. But what institutional data is available? And how can it be used? In this session, you will learn what institutional data is available, where to find it, and how to interpret to support your goals in advocating student success.

The Impact of Library Cross-Campus Collaborations on Student Success
Melanie Jones, Jennifer Motszko, Rebecca Paulraj
This presentation will highlight partnerships between librarians at Andersen Library and faculty in COBE and the History Department. Librarians played integral roles in courses offered by both programs: Rebecca Paulraj, Business Librarian, was embedded in BEINDP 101, and Jennifer Motszko, Archivist, met with history students for required one-on-one research consultations. Learn about the results of both partnerships before the floor opens up for a larger discussion and questions.

Using Navigate to Support Students in the Classroom
Professor Ken Brosky, Nathan Callope
Whether you’re teaching one course or have a full teaching load, this session is for you! Join Professor Ken Brosky for a session about how he has used Navigate to support his students’ success and the impact it has had on his classroom. Navigate Administrator, Nathan Callope, will also demonstrate how to maximize impact by using various features of the platform at key points throughout the semester. We will review a recommended intervention calendar, alerts, what students see, and the new “Instructor Office Hours” functionality.