The College STAR Virtual Conference: Preparing students who learn differently for college success, is a two-day, online conference for students, families, and professionals seeking meaningful resources and information about transition and access in higher education for students with diverse learning profiles. Professionals from across the country are assembling to inform participants about topics such as: self-advocacy, accommodations/ADA, navigating how to finance college, choosing the school that’s right for you, and more! The mission of this conference is to provide tools and resources for students with learning and attention differences and assist participants in identifying best practices when conducting the transition from high school to college. The College STAR Virtual Conference is a virtual event hosted by the College STAR Student Support Network.
Day 1 – October 26th Schedule
10:30 -11:00 AM ET
Conference Kickoff & Welcome
The College STAR Virtual Conference: Preparing students who learn differently for college success, is a free, full-day, online conference for students, families, and professionals seeking meaningful resources and information about transition and access in higher education for students with diverse learning profiles. Professionals from across the country are assembling to inform participants about topics such as: accessibility services and accommodations, developing a college-level learning and support profile for individual students based on the student’s strengths and anticipated needs, and the identification of ‘right fit’ student support programs based on these needs. The mission of this conference is to provide tools and resources for students with learning and attention differences and assist participants in identifying best practices when conducting the transition from high school to college. The College STAR Virtual Conference is an inaugural event hosted by the College STAR Student Support Network.
11:00 -11:45 AM ET
Types of Post-Secondary Settings
This session will provide participants with information about the different types of post-secondary settings that are available after high school. You will learn about settings specifically where students with disabilities can be successful independently as well as with additional support if needed.
12:00 -12:45 PM ET
High School vs. College
This session will highlight some of the key differences between high school and college that are helpful for college-bound students and their families to be aware of. We will also share transition tips related to each contrast, which students can use to start preparing for these changes long before arriving on campus.
1:00 – 2:00 PM ET
Lunch & Program Lightening Round
This session will spotlight the various support programs within the College STAR Network and give participants an opportunity to hear from various programs representatives who will be sharing information about their unique programs.
2:00 – 2:45 PM ET
College Resources & Departments, Disability Services
This presentation will provide families, educators, and students with important information about the college setting in regard to disabilities, self-advocacy, the laws, and reasonable accommodations. Recipes will be provided on how to navigate the academic differences between high school and college, specifically, in regard to student and parental roles, tests, and study responsibilities. Specialized programs, support services, and resources will be highlighted and discussed in detail. It is important for students to know what types of services and supports they may need when beginning the college search. Going off to college is a big transition, but with the necessary supports in place, success will occur.
3:00 – 3:45 PM ET
Successful Habits & Behaviors
This presentation continues the discussion of success in college. It gives the “secret formula” to success in any class, any major, at any university. This presentation was originally created for first year college students, particularly those who may or may not have family members, friends, or acquaintances to give them insight into what it takes to be successful in college. To say that college and high school are different may be an understatement. However, this presentation will start a discussion regarding some of the skills that students likely already possess to some degree, and encourage students to build on those skills in order to start their college career successfully.
Day 2 – October 27th Schedule
10:30 – 11:00 AM ET
Welcome & Day One Recap
This session welcomes participants to Day 2 of the Conference, reviews the day’s agenda, and covers the technical aspects of the virtual conference.
11:00 – 12:15 AM ET
High School vs. College
These fifteen minute mini sessions address more specific differences between high school and college. The presentations in this session will address the following topics: High School Transition Planning/IEP Goals, Neurodiversity & differences in self-advocacy, key legal and service delivery differences between high school and college, frequent college pitfalls, and choosing a college major.
Sessions
12:30 – 2:00 PM ET
Lunch & Meet the Programs
We encourage you to attend our Program Meet and Greet as an opportunity to network and get to know more about the programs in which you are interested. Participants will be able to gather more specific information about the support programs and ask questions to program representatives. Click the More Information link below to see a list of Zoom meetings for each of the programs.
2:00 – 3:15 PM ET
College Resources & Departments
These fifteen minute mini-sessions will address various college resources and common campus departments. The presentations in this session will highlight the following college resources and departments: Tutoring/Academic Support Resources, College Advising Departments, Career Services, Disability Services, and Independent Living Resources.
Sessions
3:30 – 4:45 PM ET
Successful Habits & Behaviours
These fifteen minute mini-sessions will review the successful skills, habits, and behaviors of effective college students. The presentations in this session will address the following topics: Executive Functioning Strategies for College Success, Preparing to learn online for students with LDs and ADHD, Implementing Effective Email Habits for College Students, Planning a Semester on a Page, and Creating Course Progress Reports.