Join the NCWIT Higher Ed Alliance Meeting of the Minds!
Join the NCWIT Higher Ed Alliance for the first Meeting of the Minds event of 2026 on March 27th at 10:00 am PT | 11:00 am MT | 12:00 pm CT | 1:00 pm ET.
This session explores how microaffirmations – small, intentional acts of recognition, validation, and support – play a pivotal role in shaping students’ sense of belonging and mattering in computing education. Drawing on research from psychology, education, and computing, the session demonstrates how microaffirmations can enhance student engagement, cultivate inclusive and supportive learning environments, and improve both academic and psychosocial outcomes.
Meet the Presenter: Dr. Roderick Lee
Roderick Lee is an Associate Professor of Human‑Centered Computing & Social Informatics and Information Systems at Penn State – an NCWIT Higher Ed Alliance member institution – where he also serves as the Team Lead for the NCWIT Learning Circles 2025–2026 Cohort. He holds an affiliate appointment in the Department of Education Policy Studies at Penn State. His scholarship focuses on broadening participation in AI and computing education; designing inclusive, equitable, and identity‑affirming STEM learning environments; and advancing human‑centered AI innovations across organizational and societal contexts. Roderick is also actively engaged in national initiatives aimed at building a shared vision for advancing undergraduate and master’s‑level AI education, including efforts that strengthen interdisciplinary curricula, promote responsible AI literacy, and expand access to emerging AI workforce pathways. (https://cra.org/level-up-ai/).
Key takeaways include:
• Understand the theoretical taxonomies and operational definitions of microaffirmations.
• Recognize the impact of microaffirmations on students’ academic engagement, persistence, and psychosocial outcomes, particularly for historically underserved students.
• Apply practical, evidence‑based microaffirmation strategies in teaching, mentoring, advising, and peer interactions to cultivate inclusive and supportive classroom and lab environments.
• Integrate microaffirmation practices into broader instructional design and faculty development to ensure these strategies become intentional, consistent, and embedded across curricula and departmental culture.
This interactive session invites educators, administrators, and researchers to explore how everyday actions can meaningfully transform students’ experiences in computing – and how adopting microaffirmations as a systemic practice can help broaden participation, support accessibility, and create learning environments where every student feels seen, valued, and capable of succeeding.
About the Meeting of the Minds series
By bringing together experienced practitioners and evidence-based research, these events take on today’s largest challenges in broadening participation in computing. These free, online events are open to the public and geared toward post-secondary computing faculty, staff, researchers, students, and those in student-facing roles who are interested in making systemic, inclusive change. Join in online to learn and share innovative solutions alongside colleagues.
Can’t make this event line up with your calendar? Registrants will receive an email following the event with a link to the recording, and the video will also be in the NCWIT Media Hub: ncwit.org/media
About the NCWIT Higher Ed Alliance
The NCWIT Higher Ed Alliance is a nationwide coalition of post-secondary institutions that are dedicated to broadening participation in computing. To join the NCWIT Higher Ed Alliance, simply complete this Higher Ed Alliance Membership Form to be sent further details regarding membership. Please direct any questions to [email protected].
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