2026 Bonus Preview Sessions

In advance of the 2026 Assessment Institute in Indianapolis, we are offering three complimentary Virtual Bonus Preview Sessions on a variety of topics, open to all members of the higher education community. Please plan to join us via Zoom for the following sessions:

• Session 1: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. (Eastern)
• Session 2: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 3:00-4:00 p.m. (Eastern)
• Session 3: Thursday, October 15, 2026, 3:00-4:00 p.m. (Eastern)

Bonus Preview Session Information 

Virtual Bonus Preview Session 1 
GenAI for Assessment and Improvement: CoP Updates, Lessons Learned, and Resources

Tuesday, October 13, 2026
3:00-4:00 p.m. (Eastern) 

Offered under the auspices of the Assessment Institute in Indianapolis, the Generative Artificial Intelligence Community of Practice (GenAI CoP), has been diligently working to strengthen our collective understanding of the opportunities and implications GenAI offers higher education assessment and improvement. Join GenAI CoP leaders and members to learn about exciting updates, lessons learned, and adaptable resources emerging from the CoP. Specific attention will be paid to:

• Assessment Design and Validity
• Automated Scoring and Rubrics
• Literacy and Faculty & Staff Development
• Ethics and Equity
• Institutional Readiness and Policy
• Resource Development

John Hathcoat, Will Miller, and Ruth Slotnick, GenAI CoP Co-Leads; and select members of the GenAI CoP 

Audience Level: Intermediate
Primary Topic: Artificial Intelligence

Please save these Zoom connection details to your calendar:
https://iu.zoom.us/j/85269694716 

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Virutal Bonus Preview Session 2 
Relationship-Centered Assessment Practice: Navigating the “People Side” of Our Work

Wednesday, October 14, 2026
3:00-4:00 p.m. (Eastern) 

Getting faculty and staff genuinely engaged in assessment is hard. The relational work that sustains meaningful assessment takes time, intention, and institutional support, yet it is rarely the focus of resources available to practitioners. Join authors of Relationship-Centered Assessment in Higher Education: A Model for Leadership and Practice for a preview of this forthcoming Routledge book in the Assessment and Improvement in Higher Education book series. Attendees will get an early look at the framework, philosophy, and practical toolkit at the center of their work, along with a new way of thinking about how they engage with colleagues: with greater intention, deeper connection, and a clearer sense of purpose. The session introduces the context behind the book: who it is written for, what problem it addresses, and what distinguishes it from other assessment texts. Attendees will then be introduced to the RARE Model, along with a preview of the micro-skills, reflective exercises, and concrete strategies woven through every chapter.

Emilie Clucas Leaderman and Gina B. Polychronopoulos, coauthors, Relationship-Centered Assessment in Higher Education: A Model for Leadership and Practice

Audience Level: Intermediate
Primary Topic: Leadership for Assessment

Please save these Zoom connection details to your calendar:
https://iu.zoom.us/j/87116983470 

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Virtual Bonus Preview Session 3
New Considerations for Student Learning Outcomes

Thursday, October 15, 2026
3:00-4:00 p.m. (Eastern) 

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) are a foundational component in higher education teaching, learning, assessment, and improvement processes. Join the author of Interrogating, Disrupting, and Reframing College Student Learning Outcomes for a preview of this forthcoming Routledge book in the Assessment and Improvement in Higher Education book series. Attendees will learn how the book positions learning as the observable, verifiable demonstration of skills and competencies acquired through instruction, shifting the focus from grade-point averages and standardized tests to direct evidence of college student performance. Key topics include learning theories, AI challenges, ethical data practices, funding incentives, and performance-based accreditation. 

Jarek Janio, author, Interrogating, Disrupting, and Reframing College Student Learning Outcomes, and founder, California Outcomes Assessment Coordinators Hub (COACHes)

Audience Level: Intermediate
Primary Topic: Assessment Methods

Please save these Zoom connection details to your calendar:
https://iu.zoom.us/j/82598104367