All-Instructor Symposium 2025 | Wednesday, May 14th | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
The required All-Instructor Symposium will take place on Wednesday, May 14, from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM.Designed for both new and returning instructors for Fall 2025, the All-Instructor Symposium serves as the cornerstone of the ongoing Hullabaloo U instructor development opportunities, community of practice, and recognition of excellence within the First Year Experience. Symposium will kick off with an Opening Session featuring a welcome from our administration, announcement of annual First Year Experience awards, and a keynote address from Dr. Dan Friedman, a national expert on the first-year experience and student success. Two concurrent breakout sessions will follow the Opening Session.
Symposium Format
Both virtual and in-person attendance options are being offered for Symposium:- In-Person – MSC Bethancourt Ballroom (MSC 2300 CDE) - Breakfast will be provided. Check-in and breakfast begin at 8:00 AM.
- Virtual - live-streamed event in synchronous Zoom webinar format.
Symposium Schedule
- Check-In & Breakfast – 8:00 - 8:30 AM
- Opening Session (Welcome, Awards & Keynote) - 8:30 - 10:00 AM
- Concurrent Breakout Session 1 - 10:10-11:00 AM
- Concurrent Breakout Session 2 - 11:10 AM -12:00 PM
Keynote
The Power and Purpose of a First-Year Seminar | Dr. Dan Friedman
Seminars for first-year students have been shown to enhance academic performance and engagement and have been recognized by the AAC&U as a high-impact practice. This keynote will focus on the elements that contribute to a successful first-year course and will serve to inspire and motivate instructors to make the most of courses for first-year students.
Dr. Friedman will also present a breakout session in each session block on Fostering Community and Belonging. Community building in first-year seminars can positively impact students’ sense of belonging and learning. This session will present a model for building community in ways that can be more natural and organic, while allowing students to gain affirmation and validation about their experiences. We will also explore the role of the instructor in creating positive relationships with students. Participants will learn specific and tangible strategies, and a packet of resources will be shared.
About Dr. Dan Friedman: Dr. Friedman is the Assistant Vice President of University 101 Programs and the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience at the University of South Carolina. He leads an integrated unit that focuses on helping students thrive through their transitions into, through, and out of the University. In his role with University 101 Programs, Dan provides leadership for six academic courses, including 320 sections of the nationally renowned first-year seminar taught by over 300 instructors and 300 peer leaders.
Dan also has oversight of the National Resource Center, which is the trusted expert, internationally recognized leader, and clearinghouse for scholarship, policy, and best practice for all postsecondary student transitions. The NRC provides opportunities for the exchange of practical and scholarly information as well as the discussion of trends and issues in our field through the convening of conferences and online courses; publication of scholarly practice books, research reports, a peer-reviewed journal, guides, and newsletters; and generating, supporting, and disseminating research and scholarship.
Friedman earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Virginia and is an affiliate faculty member in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at USC. Prior to coming to the University of South Carolina, he served as director of Freshman Seminar at Appalachian State University and assistant professor of Higher Education. His area of research and scholarship has centered on the first-year experience, teaching and learning, and assessment. Friedman regularly consults with institutions across the country and serves as an invited faculty for institutes on a variety of FYE subjects. He is passionate about baseball, Bruce Springsteen, Legos, and spending time with his two daughters.
Dan also has oversight of the National Resource Center, which is the trusted expert, internationally recognized leader, and clearinghouse for scholarship, policy, and best practice for all postsecondary student transitions. The NRC provides opportunities for the exchange of practical and scholarly information as well as the discussion of trends and issues in our field through the convening of conferences and online courses; publication of scholarly practice books, research reports, a peer-reviewed journal, guides, and newsletters; and generating, supporting, and disseminating research and scholarship.
Friedman earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Virginia and is an affiliate faculty member in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at USC. Prior to coming to the University of South Carolina, he served as director of Freshman Seminar at Appalachian State University and assistant professor of Higher Education. His area of research and scholarship has centered on the first-year experience, teaching and learning, and assessment. Friedman regularly consults with institutions across the country and serves as an invited faculty for institutes on a variety of FYE subjects. He is passionate about baseball, Bruce Springsteen, Legos, and spending time with his two daughters.
Click here to watch the recording of the Opening Session and keynote
Click here to download the keynote's PowerPoint in PDF format
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Following the Opening Session, there will be two concurrent breakout sessions, the majority of which will be led by returning Hullabaloo U instructors. Breakout sessions are designed to provide a forum for sharing ideas, best practices, and innovative approaches to enhance the Hullabaloo U experience.- In-Person presentations will be livestreamed for virtual participants.
- All sessions will also be recorded and posted to this website after the event.
Fostering Community and Belonging*
Dr. Dan Friedman, Keynote Speaker
Community building in first-year seminars can positively impact students’ sense of belonging and learning. This session will present a model for building community in ways that can be more natural and organic, while allowing students to gain affirmation and validation about their experiences. We will also explore the role of the instructor in creating positive relationships with students. Participants will learn specific and tangible strategies, and a packet of resources will be shared.
*This identical session will be offered in both breakout session blocks.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2300 CDE
Proud to Be First: Enhancing Student Success through First-Generation Initiatives at Texas A&M University
Dr. Leticia Palomin, Director, Routh First-Generation Center, Office for Student Success
In fall 2024, 22% of First-Time in College (FTIC) students at Texas A&M University identified as first-generation students. This session, hosted by the Routh First-Generation Center, will delve into effective strategies for elevating awareness of the unique experiences of first-generation students. We will discuss successful initiatives, secure institutional backing, and share lessons learned in streamlining the implementation of programs aimed at advancing the success of first-generation students at a research-intensive institution. Join us as we explore how to foster a supportive environment for these students and celebrate their achievements.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2300 A
Balancing Priorities: Effective Strategies for Hullabaloo U Instructors
Fred Dillard, Assistant Director, Residence Life
Discover practical strategies to balance your multiple priorities while effectively teaching Hullabaloo U. This session, led by an experienced instructor and mid-level manager, will provide time management tips, organizational techniques, and self-care practices to help you thrive both professionally and personally. Join us to share best practices and foster a supportive community of instructors.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2300 B
Strategies for a Safe Start: Empowering New Students in the First Six Weeks
Megan Buck & Jon Hill, Coordinators, Student Life, Substance Misuse and Violence Prevention
Join us for an insightful session on the critical first six weeks of college, a high-risk period for new students. Learn about the challenges students face, including alcohol misuse and risk of interpersonal violence, and discover effective strategies and resources to support their well-being. We'll also introduce the First Six Weeks Challenge, an initiative to help students thrive during this pivotal time.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2406
Igniting Engagement - Active Learning Strategies for the Classroom
Barclay Osborne, Associate Director, Career Center & Ariana Zenn, Peer Mentor
In today’s rapidly changing educational landscape, traditional lecture-based methods often fail to fully engage students or promote critical thinking. This interactive breakout session aims to empower educators by showcasing effective active learning strategies designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and deep learning in the college classroom.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2400
Building Community through Creative Check-Ins: Using Padlet to Enhance Student Engagement
Dr. Quinita Ogletree, Assistant Professor, College of Education and Human Development, Teaching, Learning and Culture & DaJuana Chaney Fontenot, Graduate Assistant, College of Education and Human Development, Teaching, Learning and Culture
In this session, participants will explore how Padlet’s sandbox feature enables students to check in using a variety of modalities (text, video, images, websites, and more), providing a flexible platform for students to express themselves in ways that suit their personal preferences. This method fosters community-building and enhances student engagement, while allowing instructors to quickly gauge student progress and adapt their coursework based on these check-ins.
Dr. Dan Friedman, Keynote Speaker
Community building in first-year seminars can positively impact students’ sense of belonging and learning. This session will present a model for building community in ways that can be more natural and organic, while allowing students to gain affirmation and validation about their experiences. We will also explore the role of the instructor in creating positive relationships with students. Participants will learn specific and tangible strategies, and a packet of resources will be shared.
*This identical session will be offered in both breakout session blocks.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2300 CDE
| Session Recording | Session Resources |
| Click here to watch the recording of this session | Click here to download PPT (PDF version) |
Dr. Leticia Palomin, Director, Routh First-Generation Center, Office for Student Success
In fall 2024, 22% of First-Time in College (FTIC) students at Texas A&M University identified as first-generation students. This session, hosted by the Routh First-Generation Center, will delve into effective strategies for elevating awareness of the unique experiences of first-generation students. We will discuss successful initiatives, secure institutional backing, and share lessons learned in streamlining the implementation of programs aimed at advancing the success of first-generation students at a research-intensive institution. Join us as we explore how to foster a supportive environment for these students and celebrate their achievements.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2300 A
| Session Recording | Session Resources |
| Click here to watch the recording of this session | Click here to download PPT (PDF version) |
Fred Dillard, Assistant Director, Residence Life
Discover practical strategies to balance your multiple priorities while effectively teaching Hullabaloo U. This session, led by an experienced instructor and mid-level manager, will provide time management tips, organizational techniques, and self-care practices to help you thrive both professionally and personally. Join us to share best practices and foster a supportive community of instructors.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2300 B
| Session Recording | Session Resources |
| Click here to watch the recording of this session | Click here to download PPT (PDF version) What's On Your Plate Activity |
Megan Buck & Jon Hill, Coordinators, Student Life, Substance Misuse and Violence Prevention
Join us for an insightful session on the critical first six weeks of college, a high-risk period for new students. Learn about the challenges students face, including alcohol misuse and risk of interpersonal violence, and discover effective strategies and resources to support their well-being. We'll also introduce the First Six Weeks Challenge, an initiative to help students thrive during this pivotal time.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2406
| Session Recording | Session Resources |
| Click here to watch the recording of this session | Click here to download PPT (PDF version) |
Barclay Osborne, Associate Director, Career Center & Ariana Zenn, Peer Mentor
In today’s rapidly changing educational landscape, traditional lecture-based methods often fail to fully engage students or promote critical thinking. This interactive breakout session aims to empower educators by showcasing effective active learning strategies designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and deep learning in the college classroom.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2400
| Session Recording | Session Resources |
| Click here to watch the recording of this session | Click here to download PPT (PDF version) |
Dr. Quinita Ogletree, Assistant Professor, College of Education and Human Development, Teaching, Learning and Culture & DaJuana Chaney Fontenot, Graduate Assistant, College of Education and Human Development, Teaching, Learning and Culture
In this session, participants will explore how Padlet’s sandbox feature enables students to check in using a variety of modalities (text, video, images, websites, and more), providing a flexible platform for students to express themselves in ways that suit their personal preferences. This method fosters community-building and enhances student engagement, while allowing instructors to quickly gauge student progress and adapt their coursework based on these check-ins.
| Session Recording |
| Click here to watch the recording of this session |
Fostering Community and Belonging*
Dr. Dan Friedman, Keynote Speaker
Community building in first-year seminars can positively impact students’ sense of belonging and learning. This session will present a model for building community in ways that can be more natural and organic, while allowing students to gain affirmation and validation about their experiences. We will also explore the role of the instructor in creating positive relationships with students. Participants will learn specific and tangible strategies, and a packet of resources will be shared.
*This identical session will be offered in both breakout session blocks.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2300 CDE
Planting Seeds of Success: Cultivating Connections and Growth in the Freshman Experience
Lisa Whittlesey, Senior Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Department of Horticultural Sciences
This session, led by a fifth year Hullabaloo Instructor, AgriLife Extension educator and horticulturist, will guide participants in fun hands-on activities and engaging strategies for fostering freshman student success in Hullabaloo U courses. Topics will include cultivating connections among students, utilizing peer mentorship and instructor facilitation to nurture growth, and helping freshmen overcome "pests" that can be obstacles to their success. Additionally, the session will focus on techniques to connect students with thriving successful role models and tips on how to grow a classroom environment that supports their academic and career development. These strategies aim to plant the seeds of success and help freshmen grow into confident, capable individuals, which will bloom and flourish at Texas A&M University!
Location: Memorial Student Center 2300 B
Prompting with Purpose: Using AI to Deepen Student Reflection
Kegan Clark, Program Coordinator, Honors Academy
Explore an innovative ethical decision-making assignment that leverages generative AI to immerse students in realistic career-based ethical dilemmas. This interactive session will share how the activity promoted values exploration, challenged students' critical thinking, and fostered rich discussions about integrity and professional identity. Participants will leave with ideas and resources for adapting this reflective, AI-driven exercise to their own courses.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2300 A
Using creative thinking techniques for deeper rapport and effective learning
Hector Ramos, Lecturer, Educational Psychology
This presentation gives you tools to help you connect with students at a deeper level, create trust and facilitate their learning. The technique for social interaction intend to create a sense of belonging. The cognitive tools are based on evidence-based published strategies that enable students to engage in metacognition and enhance their motivation.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2406
Aggie Advantage: Strategies to Connect and Engage Students with Academic Resources
MC Breen, Colin Carsrud, Julie Hurley, and Morgan Jones (Academic Success Center); Fernando Chavarria (Math Learning Center); Macy Dunklin (University Writing Center)
Join academic support professionals from Academic Success Center, Math Learning Center, and University Writing Center to learn about available resources and practice finding resources for the 250+ courses with available support. Presenters will share strategies to motivate students to engage in academic support resources.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2400
Dr. Dan Friedman, Keynote Speaker
Community building in first-year seminars can positively impact students’ sense of belonging and learning. This session will present a model for building community in ways that can be more natural and organic, while allowing students to gain affirmation and validation about their experiences. We will also explore the role of the instructor in creating positive relationships with students. Participants will learn specific and tangible strategies, and a packet of resources will be shared.
*This identical session will be offered in both breakout session blocks.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2300 CDE
| Session Recording | Session Resources |
| Click here to watch the recording of this session | Click here to download PPT (PDF version) |
Lisa Whittlesey, Senior Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Department of Horticultural Sciences
This session, led by a fifth year Hullabaloo Instructor, AgriLife Extension educator and horticulturist, will guide participants in fun hands-on activities and engaging strategies for fostering freshman student success in Hullabaloo U courses. Topics will include cultivating connections among students, utilizing peer mentorship and instructor facilitation to nurture growth, and helping freshmen overcome "pests" that can be obstacles to their success. Additionally, the session will focus on techniques to connect students with thriving successful role models and tips on how to grow a classroom environment that supports their academic and career development. These strategies aim to plant the seeds of success and help freshmen grow into confident, capable individuals, which will bloom and flourish at Texas A&M University!
Location: Memorial Student Center 2300 B
| Session Recording | Session Resources |
| Click here to watch the recording of this session | Click here to download PPT (PDF version) Find Someone Who Activity All About Me Form |
Kegan Clark, Program Coordinator, Honors Academy
Explore an innovative ethical decision-making assignment that leverages generative AI to immerse students in realistic career-based ethical dilemmas. This interactive session will share how the activity promoted values exploration, challenged students' critical thinking, and fostered rich discussions about integrity and professional identity. Participants will leave with ideas and resources for adapting this reflective, AI-driven exercise to their own courses.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2300 A
| Session Recording |
| Click here to watch the recording of this session |
Using creative thinking techniques for deeper rapport and effective learning
Hector Ramos, Lecturer, Educational Psychology
This presentation gives you tools to help you connect with students at a deeper level, create trust and facilitate their learning. The technique for social interaction intend to create a sense of belonging. The cognitive tools are based on evidence-based published strategies that enable students to engage in metacognition and enhance their motivation.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2406
| Session Recording | Session Resources |
| Click here to watch the recording of this session | Click here to download PPT (PDF version) |
Aggie Advantage: Strategies to Connect and Engage Students with Academic Resources
MC Breen, Colin Carsrud, Julie Hurley, and Morgan Jones (Academic Success Center); Fernando Chavarria (Math Learning Center); Macy Dunklin (University Writing Center)
Join academic support professionals from Academic Success Center, Math Learning Center, and University Writing Center to learn about available resources and practice finding resources for the 250+ courses with available support. Presenters will share strategies to motivate students to engage in academic support resources.
Location: Memorial Student Center 2400
| Session Recording |
| Click here to watch the recording of this session |