Our overall goal for the conference is to intentionally develop collaborative relationships among new educational developers in the hope that these relationships support their work and promote sustainable, equitable change at the institutions for which they work. Our goal is informed by both our own work and recent scholarship on the promising role educational developers might have in promoting equitable institutional change if they engage in meaningful collaborations with administrators, community leaders, and other partners.

By the conclusion of the institute, participants will be able to:

1. Describe how educational development has evolved as a profession with a body of research and well-defined best practices in response to changes and trends in higher education;

2. Apply the theories and science of learning to educate diverse individuals in all college and university contexts (in the classroom, online, and professional development activities);

3. Act as an inclusive educational developer (include all in your institution – faculty, staff and students, as appropriate);

4. Successfully practice educational development skills and competencies to meet the needs of their home institution including (but not limited to): 

• Coaching/consulting techniques

 • Professional development workshop planning and facilitation techniques

 • Effective promotion of programs utilizing the web, email, social media, and print

 • Needs assessment and prioritization of programs based on available resources

 • Assessment of program effectiveness and “closing the loop” to improve programs

 • Techniques to facilitate and support critically reflective teaching practice

 • Effective integration of technology into learning activities

5. Become more aware of resources for institutional change, equity, and sustainability on their home campuses;

6. Build relationships with both new and established developers beyond their home campuses.