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November 9, 2024 in the ��ݮ����Ƶ���� Library saw a remarkable presentation of research excellence in the ��ݮ����Ƶ���� community.

The third annual Nina Bascia Education Policy Symposium (NBEPS), hosted by the Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education Departmental Student Association (LHAE DSA), saw roaring success just a few short weeks ago. Led by the Academic Affairs team, NBEPS welcomed over 80 current and prospective graduate students, faculty, and staff members of the ��ݮ����Ƶ���� community to an invigorating environment filled with inquiry, curiosity, and passion.

This year’s Symposium theme was: “Leadership and Education: Guiding the Principles of Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact for a Changing World.” As current research in the educational space continues to influence the ever-changing global landscape, this theme offered student presenters a spirited platform to unravel the impacts of their research, and for the ��ݮ����Ƶ���� community to delve into the questions guiding tomorrow’s educational leaders.

Speaker Highlights
To kick-off the Symposium, two notable speakers brought their expertise to the stage. Dr. Marcelo Vieta, Interim LHAE Chair, delivered Opening Remarks, and shared the importance of research in his academic home of Adult Education and Community Development. Dr. Joe Flessa, Associate Dean, Programs, provided a Keynote Address, allowing the audience the space to reflect on the ways that educational policy can influence outcome, and the responsibility policymakers have in considering vast perspectives. Dr. Erica Walker, ��ݮ����Ƶ���� Dean, was unable to attend, though provided her intended remarks, highlighting the value of research dissemination for within, and beyond, the ��ݮ����Ƶ���� community.

Highlighting Student Research Excellence
Current LHAE students showcased their vast research scope at this year’s Symposium. In order to do so, students created graphical representations of their research progress in the form of research papers, conceptual papers, theoretical work, and case studies, in poster format. In total, eleven research projects were presented, each addressing a unique and riveting angle of the educational sphere:

• Ifat Razzaque: “School Leaders planning for Social and Emotional Learning –An Empathic Approach to Learning”
• Jennifer Danquah: “Leadership for Change: Anti-Racist Organizational Development in Adult Education – A Case Study from Germany”
• Neha Kapileshwarker: “The successes and obstacles that high school mathematics teachers face in online learning environments”
• Ashley Pelland: “Restorative Approaches to Student Misconduct in Canadian & U.S. Secondary Schools: A Systematic Literature Review & Research Agenda”
• Aytaj Pashayeva: “Preparing for Future Labour Market: Work-Integrated Learning and Student Career Services in Higher Education System in Azerbaijan”
• Hongling Liu: “Exploring the Long-Term Implications of Cultural Capital Exchange and Evolving Family Structures Among Chinese Immigrants and International Students in Canada: Educational and Parenting Systems”
• Simone Tissenbaum: “Sex and relation education; arts-based research methods; embodied knowledge”
• Grace Kim: “Neoliberalism and Social Justice in eLearning”
• Armig Adourian: “Engaging Faith at Work through Workplace Learning: Posture of Intentional Dis(dys)juncture”
• Yara Abdelaziz: “Examining the Coloniality of Gender in Educational Policies: A Comparative Case Study on Teachers' Work in Egypt”

• Stephanie Fowler: “Experiences of veteran Secondary School teachers in Denmark and Ontario who maintain a commitment to a transformative teaching practice within a culture of performativity”
   

  

  Attendees said the following about their experience at the Symposium:

  
  “It’s great to see our peers’ perspectives on their subjects of interest. Having students [participate] from the same department really forms rapport.” - Zixuan Liu, Master of Arts Student.

  “As a prospective Masters student, Symposiums like this are key to developing broad educational knowledge!” - Samantha Boraccia, prospective Master of Education Student. 

  
  The Power of Growth and Community
  To close the event, a Sharing Circle allowed participants and attendees to reflect on their experiences participating in a poster conference, which was, for some, a first-time endeavour. Students expressed the value they saw in creating a safe and comfortable environment to share ideas and lessons learned. The Sharing Circle provided insights into how student attendees benefited from their participation in NBEPS, and how the ��ݮ����Ƶ���� community fostered an increased sense of collaboration and support for their peers. With a welcoming environment filled with empathy and understanding, key themes emerged, including the important connection between personal and professional interests, the significance of peer inclusion, and how events like these shape the research journey.

  

  When asked about his thoughts regarding the 3rd annual NBEPS, LHAE DSA President Henry Ssali remarked the following:

  "The NBEPS has rapidly established itself as a cornerstone event within the department, celebrated for its inclusive and engaging atmosphere that encourages students to critically examine institutional policies. By fostering collaboration and a strong sense of academic community among students, faculty, and field practitioners, it has become a vital platform for dialogue. This growth was exemplified during the sharing circle conversation at the 3rd annual policy symposium. It's been remarkable to see this community expand from fewer than 50 participants in Fall 2022 to over 80 in 2024."

  
  Acknowledgment and Appreciation
  The success of NBEPS was made possible through the dedication of the 2024 Organizing Committee, led by Samantha Clarizio, Vice President, Academic Affairs, and supported by an incredible team of Events Coordinators: Thomas Young, Naima Khatti, Lu Wang, and Syed (Ali) Raza Jafri. Special recognition is also extended to the LHAE DSA Executive Team, with Henry Ssali as President, Alison D’Cruz as Vice President (Finance), Mandy Nelson as Vice President (Communications), and Marianthi Kontelli as Vice President (Internal), as well as the LHAE DSA Volunteers, for their support throughout the planning process. The continuous support from the ��ݮ����Ƶ���� Library Team, Caretaking, Education Commons, and ��ݮ����Ƶ���� Building Security, alongside endorsement from the GSA and sponsorship from the UTGSU, played a crucial role in the success of this event. Furthermore, the organizing team expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education, particularly Chair Marcelo Vieta, and Recruitment Officer and Communications Specialist, Gary Cronin, for their incredible contributions towards this remarkable initiative. 

  

  The 2024 LHAE DSA Team (Top Row, Left to Right): Wenzhe Xu, Alison D’Cruz, Tom Young, Naima Khatti, Lu Wang, Mandy Nelson, Samantha Clarizio, and Henry Ssali; (Bottom Row, Left to Right): Seo Young Lee, Kristine Latincic, Syed (Ali) Raza Jafri; Missing: Jasmine El-Hacha, Iman Sherazi, Lilian Lotechi Obazei, Marianthi Kontelli,
  Michael Abadilla 

   

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  All photos courtesy of Jingtong Jiang.