2023 Massachusetts PKAL Spring Conference

The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education has put forward a Statewide Strategic Plan for Racial Equity in support of the Department’s Equity Agenda. The purpose of this meeting is to empower STEM faculty and administrators at 2- and 4-year, public and private, institutions of higher education to implement changes in support of equity in STEM. Participants in this meeting will gain knowledge of the goals of the Strategic Plan in the context of STEM teaching and learning. In addition, participants will discuss resources that will enable them to reflect, incorporate new practices, and engage with colleagues at their institutions.

The format of the meeting will consist of two plenary discussions and options to attend breakout workshops on topics related to implementing equity-minded reforms in STEM classrooms and departments.

STEM faculty and administrators from all 2- and 4-year higher education institutions are welcome to attend, including those from private institutions or from institutions outside of Massachusetts. Public institutions from Massachusetts are encouraged to send a small team of STEM faculty and administrators who will share lessons learned and strategies with colleagues after the meeting.

Hosted by Worcester University

Founded in 1874, Worcester State University is a nationally ranked liberal arts and sciences university with a longstanding commitment to outstanding, affordable public education in a diverse, student-centered environment. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate degree programs, 30 graduate degrees, and a range of certificates, and its signature MajorPlus program makes it possible to complete two disciplines in four years. Its 58-acre campus features residence halls for 1,600 full-time students, state-of-the art scientific laboratories, a theater and art gallery, a 101,000-square foot Wellness Center, and extensive facilities for its 20 NCAA Division III athletics programs and intramural sports.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE EVENT SITE

8:30 AM - 3:30 PM EST

June 13, 2023

Empowering STEM Faculty and Administrators to Implement an Equity Agenda

8:30 - 9:30 AM

Networking & Breakfast Available

9:30 - 9:45 AM

Welcome & Introduction

• Welcome from the Massachusetts PKAL Regional Network,

• Worcester State University Campus Leaders

• The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
  

9:45 - 10:45 AM

Morning Address

• “Understanding the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Equity Agenda and Strategic Plan for Racial Equity”

Dr. Noe Ortega, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

Dr. Nicole Johnson, Director of Educational Equity and Justice

Break 10:45 - 11:00 AM

11:00 - 12:00 PM

Morning Workshop Session

• "The Equity-Based Teaching Collective: Systemic Levers for Broad Scale Improvement in Higher Education "
  
  Dr. Corbin Campbell, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Associate Professor at American University's School of Education

1:15 - 2:15 PM

Panel Discussion

• “An Equity Agenda for Science, Mathematics and Engineering”

Elena Quiroz-Livanis, Assistant Commissioner for Academic Policy & Student Success and Chief of Staff

Allison Little, Assistant Commissioner for P-16 Alignment & Outreach

Kristen Porter-Utley, Provost, Framingham State University

Mary Fowler, Professor of Mathematics, Worcester State University

Uma Shama, Professor of Mathematics, Bridgewater State University

Lunch 12:00 - 1:15 PM

Break 2:15 - 2:30 PM

2:30 - 3:30 PM

Afternoon Workshop Session

• "Equity-Based Teaching"
  
  Dr. Corbin Campbell, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Associate Professor at American University's School of Education