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Student-led group promotes student involvement and leadership The University of Kansas Professionals for Disability (KUPD), the Department’s student organization, is celebrating its fifth anniversary. The goals this year included expanding opportunities for students and faculty to engage in meaningful discourse around critical issues in the field; promoting collaboration across the campus, within the school of education, and the community; and providing peer mentoring around issues such as early career decisions, navigating through the doctoral program and encouraging professional growth. With guidance from Professor Sandra Gautt, the Department’s new director of doctoral studies, KUPD offers a monthly "Lunch n’ Lecture" series that focuses on issues such as technology integration, teacher education, and preparation for comprehensive exams and dissertation. The presentations focus on a different set of topics each year. Students and faculty attend and present at these sessions, learn from each other, share perspectives and provide feedback to strengthen the Department’s doctoral program. In conjunction with the Department’s 50th Year Anniversary, KUPD sponsored two programs. On Oct. 16, the organization hosted a symposium, “ Getting Started and Staying on Track: Insights and Experiences on Becoming a New Professor,” in which recent doctoral program graduates shared their experiences of transitioning to new university cultures and building their research agendas. Karrie Shogren, University of Texas-Austin, presented “10 Tips for Balancing the Demands of a Faculty Position,” Michael Faggella-Luby, University of Connecticut, presented “Writing and Collaboration: A First Year Reflection in Questions,” and Yvonne Bui, University of San Francisco, presented “Preparing for tenure: Steps you can take now.” All of the presentations contained relevant advice for doctoral students who plan to pursue university faculty careers. Videos of the above presentations can be viewed on the Department's 50th Anniversary Web page. On March 14, KUPD hosted its 4th Annual Student Research Conference. About 20 presenters shared their research with fellow peers, professors, and other students. Steven Graham, a 1978 graduate of the Department and professor and Currey Ingram co-chair of special education and literacy at Vanderbilt University, was warmly welcomed back to campus during his keynote presentation discussing evidence-based practices. Student topics included technologies such as e-mentoring and video conferencing, self-determination for adults with Asperger's or Autism, urban school reform, music therapy, and transition preparation. At the conference's closing remarks, Karen Harris, professor and Currey Ingram co-chair of special education and literacy at Vanderbilt University
Dr. Steve Graham, sitting with Maya In early April, t he Council for Exceptional Children held their Annual Convention and Expo in Boston, Mass. KUPD was honored to be selected as one of the many talented student organizations to present their hard work and dedication at the Student Forum. KU Professionals for Disability leadership team members Kathleen Kyzar and Shea Obremski were on hand to meet fellow students and professionals from across the country and discuss the organization’s many successes including the organization’s evolution, opportunities for meaningful student involvement and cross-disciplinary collaborations. Link to KUPD CEC poster presentation. |
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Contact Special Education Joseph R. Pearson Hall, Rm. 521 1122 West Campus Rd. University of Kansas Lawrence, KS 66045 3101 phone: (785) 864-0556 Related Info KU Special Education marks 50 years Inaugural class completes early childhood program with high marks Technology opens door for advancing research, teaching and public service |
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