OHIO to host inaugural First-Year Conference in January 2024

Ohio University's Office of First Year & Student Transitions (FYrST) will be hosting the inaugural OHIO First-Year Conference on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in Baker University Center. 

Featured will be keynote speaker Dr. Cindy Ann Kilgo (they/them). Dr. Kilgo recently completed service as the Interim Co-Director of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) and holds the rank of Associate Professor at Indiana University. Their research areas include high-impact educational practices, the college experience for minoritized student populations and the facilitation of institutional change processes toward more inclusive and equitable campus environments. Their book, “Supporting Success for LGBTQ+ Students: Tools for Inclusive Campus Practice,” was released in October 2020.

OHIO faculty and staff who have a topic focusing on first-year students they would like to either present or discuss are welcome to submit a proposal. Conference proposals are due Dec. 17, with presenters notified by Dec. 22. All faculty and staff in the OHIO community are invited to attend and should register by Jan. 10, 2024, to ensure a seat for the keynote speaker and lunch.

Co-sponsored by the University standing committee, the First-Year Council and the Office of First-Year and Student Traditions (FYrST), the First-Year Conference is an annual event at OHIO that allows for the University community to come together to share and learn from one another about trends and issues first-year students experience.

The day will consist of sessions presented by faculty, staff and students. Event highlights include the keynote speaker and luncheon.

Tentative conference schedule:

9 a.m. - Check-In, Baker University Center 240/242
9:30 a.m. - Opening Remarks, Baker University Center 240/242
10 a.m. - Session #1, Baker University Center Conference Rooms
11 a.m. - Session #2, Baker University Center Conference Rooms
Noon - Keynote Speaker and Lunch, Baker University Center 240/242
1:30 p.m. - Session #3, Baker University Center Conference Rooms
2:30 p.m. - Session #4, Baker University Center Conference Rooms

Please contact Wendy Merb-Brown at merbw@ohio.edu with questions or for additional information.