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MAKING THE CASE TO ATTEND

#1: Start by explaining to your supervisor why you want to attend the conference. Highlight the benefits of attending the conference for your department or institution, including:

• Connect with others who share common goals, common challenges, and the desire to be better.
• Learn practical tools and strategies from community and technical college colleagues during the 150+ Featured Sessions, Breakout Sessions, Roundtable Discussions, and Make-and-Take Workshops. 
• Have dedicated time and guidance to identify concrete ways to apply what you learn and share it with others when you return to campus.

#2: Be prepared to answer any questions your supervisor may have about the conference, including cost, location, and time commitment. See if you can propose a budget from:

• Departmental or division staff development funds
• Grant programs focused explicitly on student success
• Internal funding opportunities/competitions for special projects related to student success
• Institutional funding for special projects related to student success
• Sabbatical funding (sometimes available for faculty members)

#3: Be confident and enthusiastic about your request. Show your supervisor that you are serious about attending the conference and that you believe it will be a valuable experience. 

#4: If your supervisor says no, know that NISOD is committed to offering professional development year-round and there will be other learning opportunities.

In “Getting Started with Microcredentials,” Kim L. Whiteside, Instructional Designer, Metropolitan Community College, explores the concept and implementation of microcredentials, highlighting their benefits and providing a step-by-step process for institutions to adopt them as a way to help students enhance their learning and skill validation in today's competitive job market.

Thursday, April 25 | 1:00-2:00 p.m. Central

The Fulbright Scholar Program: Opportunities in 2025-2026

Join the Institute of International Education for this informational webinar on the variety of opportunities the Fulbright Scholar program offers community college staff, adjunct faculty, and independent scholars to teach, research, or conduct projects abroad. Learn how Fulbright Scholar awards can globalize your campuses and classrooms as well as provide funding for international collaboration. Alumni share their experiences as Fulbright Scholars.

NISOD Members: Free | Non-Members: $49 | Sign Up

Thursday, May 2 | 1:00-2:00 p.m. Central

AI and Higher Education: Navigating Shifting Landscapes

This webinar highlights The University of Texas at Austin's security and privacy guidelines around the use of generative AI tools. Learn about the types of information that should not be shared with AI tools; the policies that The University of Texas at Austin has put into place around the use of AI tools, including ChatGPT for staff and faculty; and how these policies were developed and implemented. In addition, some considerations for incorporating AI tools into teaching and learning, including ethical considerations of using AI tools in higher education, are shared.

NISOD Members: Free | Non-Members: $49 | Sign Up

Friday, May 17 | 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Central

Saying No: The Art and Science of Setting Boundaries at Work

Maybe you have found yourself saying yes to a new project and later regretting it as you grow increasingly overstretched, depleted, and resentful. Perhaps you’ve bumbled your way through saying no to a colleague or student, leaving yourself wondering how others do it with such grace. It turns out that there is an art to setting boundaries. This workshop shows you why, when, and how to say no to avoid burnout and keep yourself moving toward your goals.

NISOD Members: $100 | Non-Members: $150 | Learn More!

NISOD is always delighted to read about NISOD Excellence Award recipients being recognized!