Warhawk Success Conference

2025 Conference Agenda

Time	Session
8:30-9:00am	Check-In & Coffee
9:00-10:00am	Welcome & Keynote
10:10-10:55am	Breakout Sessions
11:05-11:50am	Breakout Sessions
11:50am-1:15pm	Lunch Student Perspective on Success Panel
1:25-2:10pm	Breakout Sessions
2:20-3:05pm	Breakout Sessions

2025 Warhawk Success Conference 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.

2025 Conference Breakout Sessions

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.

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. 

Being Bold & Confident Through Showcasing Academic Projects and Experiences
Greg Iaccarino, Student Panel: Ella Padhye, Michael Stotts, Millie Patterson, Sierra Houlihan-Groebner
Come engage with a panel of students (each having a variety of majors, minors, emphases & certificates) that will share how they are being bold & confident through describing their academic course projects & co-curricular experiences on their applications, resumes, electronic portfolios, LinkedIn profiles, and in interviews and professional conversations. Session participants will receive a resource guide of digital portfolio resources and sample descriptions of academic projects, assignments and co-curricular experiences to best help their students become bold and confident as they participate in their majors/programs and strive towards their academic and career goals.   

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Student Success Framework in Action at Your Library
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.

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.

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.

Registration is required and space will be limited. To register, click here or copy and paste this link into your web browser: 
https://uwwhitewater.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bCrBsPTaZ3s4riK

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
Imani Anderson, student
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
Kaitlyn McNeil, University Housing
Amy Menzel, Department of Literature, Writing, & Film
Marissa Rehor, Center for Students with Disabilities
Ryan Roubik, student
Sarah Seitz, Academic Advising & Exploration Center
Tim Shields, Academic Advising & Exploration Center
Dana Wagner, Learning Technology Center

Academic Advising and Exploration Center
Phone: 262-472-4646
E-mail:  advising@uww.edu

2025 conference materials will be uploaded soon!

To access the 2024 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. 

2024 Conference Agenda

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.

2023 Conference Agenda

Keynote
Dr. Shelley Price-Williams
Shelley Price-Williams, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Postsecondary Education at the University of Northern Iowa. She holds two decades of experience in student and academic affairs spanning program development and management as well as academic advising, career counseling, and assessment. Dr. Price-Williams serves on several editorial boards to include the NACADA Journal and the Journal for Student Affairs Research and Practice. She serves as senior co-editor for the text series Identity & Practice in Higher Education-Student Affairs by Information Age Publishing. Dr. Price-Williams’ research interests center on non-cognitive factors of college student transitions and persistence and organizational justice and structural equity. She teaches courses on integrating theory with practice, professional helping in student affairs, administration and finance, higher education law, and research design and assessment. Join Dr. Price-Williams for the Keynote presentation: Advancement of Student Success: Cross-Collaboration for Supporting Today’s College Student

Purposeful Partners: Engaging with Family Members to Support Student Success
Dr. Beth John (Facilitator), Andy Browning, Marie Hornickel, Dr. Susan Johnson, Jessica Stein, Dr. Veronica Warren
Session 1
Family members can play a pivotal role in student success. The purpose of this session is to discuss best practices for engaging and supporting families. You'll have the opportunity to learn from a few UW-Whitewater departments on how they are engaging and partnering with families.

Strategies for Increased Learning & Engagement in the Classroom
Dr. Tara Schmidt
Session 1
In this session, attendees will learn best learning strategies and practices that promote student success, that enhance student engagement, and that increase student's motivation inside and outside of the classroom. The presentation will focus on research-based note-taking strategies, the most effective ways for students to read to understand (any text!), and strategies to develop and promote student accountability. Attendees will also learn time-management techniques that they can share with their students, so students can efficiently keep up with their course-work and can reduce their stress.

Culturally Effective Advising: Competencies  for Supporting Historically Underserved College Students
Dr. Shelly Price-Williams, Dr. Michael Lango
Session 2
In higher education, historically underserved students often experience characterization of inferiority, bias, microaggressions, and tokenism as unjust experiences. The focus of this session is on culturally effective advising and helping in the promotion of student success. Participants will have an opportunity to expand on their development of cultural competence as a way to support the success of underserved students.

"Navigate-ing" Student Success
Nathan Callope, Jessica Stein
Session 2
Navigate is a student success platform that UW-Whitewater launched in 2020. This session will review common concerns students experience in college and how Navigate is used to identify students of concern and offer support. You do not need Navigate access to attend this session!

Lunch Resource 6x5 Presentations
CARE Team, Fostering Success & Independence, Mental Health Resources, Warhawk Emergency Fund, Student Activities & Involvement, Rock County Support Services

Advising Warhawks to Success
Session 3
Dr. Michael Lango (Facilitator), Dr. Kathy Brady, Dr. Zach Oster, Stacy Randall, Tayana Tornes, Nicole Weber, Amy Zelinger
Faculty and staff from across UWW will share their experiences advising students. They will share the challenges and successes their students often experience, as well as discuss the resources they use to support student success.