The Meeting of the Minds is a web-based discussion series, hosted by the NCWIT Higher Ed Alliance. By bringing together experienced practitioners and evidence based research, the series takes on today’s largest broadening participation challenges in computer science. These problems are commonplace but require unique solutions. Join in to learn and discuss innovative solutions alongside colleagues.
This web-based series is free and open to the public – geared toward postsecondary computer science faculty, staff, researchers, graduate students, and those in student-facing roles.
Previous Webinars
Meeting of the Minds: The Role of AI in Broadening Participation in Computing
Originally aired on April 3, 2024
Enrico Pontelli, Dean of Arts and Sciences at New Mexico State University
Panelists:
- Irene Lee, Research Scientist at MIT
- Tom Pearson, Interim Associate Dean of Workforce at Chandler-Gilbert Community College
- Amy Eguchi, Associate Teaching Professor of Computer Science Education at UC San Diego
- Melanie Moses, Professor of Computer Science and Biology at the University of New Mexico.
Meeting of the Minds with the Computing Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (CAHSI)
Originally aired on March 6, 2024
This collaborative and interactive event featured an NCWIT partner and Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC) Alliance Accelerator member: the Computing Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (CAHSI). Watch the recording to learn more about CAHSI’s impact on accelerating the progress of Hispanic people in computing as eers discuss how to be Hispanic-serving as it relates to both staff and leadership, capacity building in AI research and education, and BPC partnerships with organizations like CAHSI.
Meet the Moderator
CAHSI Director Dr. Ann Quiroz Gates will moderate this event, which will showcase several facets of CAHSI’s work and highlight how NCWIT Higher Ed Alliance members can benefit from partnering with multiple BPC Alliances. She is currently serving on the Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering with the National Science Foundation (NSF). Gates is also Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Senior Advisor to the Provost on Strategic STEM initiatives at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
Panelists:
- Dr. Jessica Rivera is an Adjunct Faculty member who specializes in Educational Leadership and Foundations Computer Science and Postdoctoral Fellow with the Pathways-IES program at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).
- Dr. Enrico Pontelli is the Dean of Arts & Sciences and Regents Professor at New Mexico State University (NMSU).
- Dr. Nayda G. Santiago is a professor at the University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez (UPRM).
- Dr. Pat Morreale is the Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Technology at Kean University.
Inclusive Pedagogy Panel Discussion on Peer Instruction and Curriculum Development
Originally aired on April 12, 2023
We learned about and discussed innovative solutions alongside peers on two vital components of Inclusive Pedagogy: Peer Instruction and Curriculum Development. An engaging session was planned with a mix of short presentations and small group conversations guided by Dr. Leo Porter, Dr. Beth Simon, and Sophia Krause-Levy, a Ph.D. Candidate from the University of California San Diego, along with special guest Dr. Cynthia Taylor from Oberlin College. This dynamic group led our 90-minute, web-based event and provided attendees with evidence-based research, applicable case studies, and honed techniques to increase learning outcomes for every student.
Panelists:
- Guest Speaker Dr. Cynthia Taylor is an Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Computer Science Department at Oberlin College.
- Sophia Krause-Levy is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Computer Science & Engineering Department at UC San Diego.
- Dr. Leo Porter is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Computer Science and Engineering Department at UC San Diego.
- Dr. Beth Simon is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Education Studies at UC San Diego.
Interrupting Bias and Creating Inclusive Culture
Originally recorded on February 16, 2023
This Meeting of the Minds session explores how implicit biases play out in academic contexts and what specific actions leaders, faculty, and staff can take to create more inclusive cultures within their computing and information technology programs.
Panelists:
- Moderated by Dr. JeffriAnne Wilder, Senior Research Scientist with NCWIT
- Dr. Dee Weikle, Associate Professor at James Madison University;
- Dr. Sherif Elfayoumy, Director and Professor at University of North Florida; and
- Joanne Esch, Senior Research Associate at NCWIT for a conversation about building inclusive cultures where all faculty, staff, and students can thrive. Please bring your questions, concerns, and experiences, as the second half of the program provided an opportunity for group discussion.
Broadening Participation Through Partnerships Between Two-Year and Four-Year Programs
Originally recorded on April 21, 2022
Establishing partnerships between two-year and four-year institutions is an art form. In this installment of the Meeting of the Minds series, hosted by the NCWIT Academic Alliance, our expert panel shares best practices to implement as well as key pitfalls to avoid when aligning curriculum to support student success. We discuss how these partnerships form and how they can help remove existing barriers through the shared lens of empowering women-identifying and underrepresented students in computing.
Panelists:
- Matthew Henry, Assistant Professor and Program Director of IT-Service and Support, Wake Technical Community College, NC
- Melanie Williamson, Professor and Academic Dean, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, KY
- Thu D. Nguyen, Dean of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Professor of Computer Science, Rutgers, NJ
Faculty Hiring: Ensuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the Job Description to the Offer
Originally recorded on February 2, 2022
- Robyn Sandekian, Ph.D., Director of Faculty Advancement, University of Colorado Boulder
- Grayson Hunt, Ph.D., Director of Equity Outreach and Resources, University of Texas Austin
- Cheryl Swanier, Ph.D., Senior Teaching Faculty, University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Brianna Blaser, Ph.D., Associate Director of AccessComputing, University of Washington
How To Best Prepare Teaching Assistants (TA) To Foster Inclusivity in Computer Science Classrooms
Originally recorded on October 21, 2021
This is the first installment of The Meeting of the Minds, a web-based discussion series hosted by the NCWIT Higher Ed Alliance.
Panelists:
- Dr. Colleen Lewis, Associate Professor of Computer Science at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Dr. Scott Heggen, Associate Professor of Computer Science at Berea College
- Concepta Njolima, a recent Teaching-Assistant at Berea College while pursuing a BA in Computer and Information Systems & Support Services, and Microsoft Explore Intern.