Austin Community College District (ACC) employees presented innovative ideas to improve the learning experience for our students as part of the Riverbat Experience 2.0. Videos of the proposals from the inaugural Transform_Ed cohort are now available — watch them and vote for the ones you think will be most impactful.
“Our college-wide event was a testament to our institution’s innovative spirit and collaborative energy. The teams’ enthusiasm was palpable as they presented their visionary pitch ideas, showcasing our community’s depth of talent and creativity,” says ACC Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor Dr. Monique Umphrey.
Transform_Ed is a year-long research initiative designed to anticipate and shape the future of change across diverse academic and student affairs areas at ACC. The 17 members of the inaugural Transform_Ed cohort — from the College’s Instructional, Student Affairs, and Teaching & Learning Excellence Division (TLED) areas — were selected through an application process.
They were tasked with developing cutting-edge ideas, called products, that present opportunities for innovation, growth, and connection designed to elevate the teaching and learning experience.
The cohort came up with eight different products. Links to the presentation videos are below:
- Housing Connect | Student Affairs: Dr. Traci Allen, Vincent Bustillos, Jana McCarthy, Patricia Phea, Karen Serna, Eriko Tyner
- Art is for Everyone | Instruction: Sami Froncek, MM
- Faculty to Faculty Guide to Teaching Success | Instruction: Dr. Marilyn Yale
- Yes to Success | TLED: Stephanie Bogdanich, Daniel Chupe-O’Hanlon, Toyya Cisneros, Dr. Theresa Glenn, Dr. Susan Warner-Sanchez
- Cultivating Austin Community Educators | Instruction: Tammy Nettles, Instructional Faculty Member (PSS)
- ACC’s First Global Community & Public Health Clinical Offering | Instruction: Emily Grigsby, MSN, BSN, RN
- FIONA | Instruction: Stephanie Long, Associate Dean, Faculty Center for Learning Innovation
- 3T Exchange | Instruction: Felecia Williams-Dennis, Instructional Faculty Member (PSS)
Find all of the product presentations on Panopto HERE.
Employees are asked to rank the products based on which ideas they think will most benefit and impact student success in alignment with the ACC North Star. The top three products will receive support for further development.
Submit your ranking by 5 p.m., Friday, October 11.
About the Riverbat Experience 2.0
The Riverbat Experience 2.0 took place on Friday, September 13. Approximately 390 employees attended the event in person at the DoubleTree Hotel (6505 N. Interstate Hwy. 35), with an additional 75 attending virtually.
Dr. Umphrey provided the opening remarks and Dr. LaKisha Barrett, Biology faculty, served as the MC for the event.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Terri Horton, a workforce futurist and founder of FuturePath LLC. Her thought-provoking keynote challenged attendees to reimagine how to nurture environments where our students can succeed and thrive.
There was an unforeseen change in the event’s schedule that did not allow the Transform_Ed cohort to present their products as planned.
“In an instance, we were reminded of the importance of our humanity and our connections. We witnessed the connections firsthand as we had a medical emergency. Our medical colleagues responded with professionalism. We took time to allow everyone to absorb the gravitas of the situation, and we collectively decided how to proceed.
“Ultimately, we decided on a plan to showcase the pitches to the college community via video. It was an exercise in compassion and connection. The entire audience was supportive and encouraging. I have never felt more proud of my colleagues!” says Dr. Umphrey.
After a break for lunch, the commencement for the graduating inaugural Transform_Ed cohort was held. It was followed by recognition of the Transform_Ed advisory committee.
Finally, the Transform_Ed cohort for FY25 was announced.
“Together, we’ve reignited our commitment to forging deeper connections, embodying our core values, and cultivating a campus where everyone is recognized, valued, and empowered to reach their fullest potential. This is more than just an institution of higher learning — we want to be the place where authentic connections occur, where everybody knows your name. Our hope is that when people are recognized by name, and we are a place where students feel seen, all of our students will be able to tap into their highest possible selves,” says Dr. Umphrey.
View photos from the event in the Riverbat Experience 2.0 Flickr album.