Meeting of the Minds

Logo with NCWIT.org in gradient from blue to yellow over Higher Ed Alliance in gray
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 with CAHSI

Originally aired on March 6th at 3 pm ET | 2 pm CT | 1 pm MT | 12 pm PT

This collaborative and interactive event will feature an NCWIT partner and Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC) Alliance Accelerator member: the Computing Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (CAHSI). Register to learn more about CAHSI’s impact on accelerating the progress of Hispanic people in computing! Join peers to 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 12th from 9:00-10:30 a.m. PT / 12:00-1:30 p.m. ET

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 

On Wednesday, March 6th at 3 pm ET | 2 pm CT | 1 pm MT | 12 pm PT, join the first Meeting of the Minds webinar of the new year. This collaborative and interactive event will feature an NCWIT partner and Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC) Alliance Accelerator member: the Computing Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (CAHSI). Register to learn more about CAHSI’s impact on accelerating the progress of Hispanic people in computing! Join peers to 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.

Faculty Hiring: Ensuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the Job Description to the Offer
Originally recorded on February 2, 2022

Join us in reviewing the most recent installment of the Meeting of the Minds hosted by NCWIT’s Higher Ed Alliance. Hiring faculty in computing and IT is challenging, especially when trying to reach beyond the majority groups. Our panel shared some of their expertise, insights, and helpful resources before heading into group breakout discussion.
 
In this conversation, you will hear from 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, and 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

Hear from 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 and Concepta Njolima, a recent Teaching-Assistant at Berea College while pursuing a BA in Computer and Information Systems & Support Services, and current Microsoft Explore Intern.

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