- Overview
- Agenda
- Speakers
Leading the Digital Shift: Redefining the Online Student Experience - Online Workshop
Where: Online/Virtual
When: Thursdays, May 21st and May 28th, 2026, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
Note: This registration will cover both sessions
Workshop Organizer: Jesse Miller-Khodik, MA (Dual), LPC and Andrew Smith of Post University
Registration Fee:
NERCOMP Member: FREE
Non-Member: $180
Event Overview
The digital transformation of higher education is reshaping how institutions connect with students, deliver instruction, and advance equity. With most learners now engaging through online and hybrid formats, universities must design experiences that are not only accessible and inclusive but also sustainable and engaging. This workshop provides practical frameworks and strategies to help leaders assess readiness, integrate equity and belonging into the digital journey, and apply data-driven approaches to boost retention, engagement, and faculty satisfaction.
Session Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Analyze institutional readiness using established models such as Diffley’s Readiness Curve and DEI-to-Belonging frameworks.
- Embed equity, inclusion, and belonging into online student experiences with practical and scalable strategies.
- Develop an actionable roadmap with measurable outcomes to improve student retention, engagement, and overall satisfaction.
Registration Cancellation Policy:
By clicking the "Order Now" button, you indicate a commitment to attend and will be held responsible for the registration fee. Your fee can be refunded if you notify us of a cancellation at least 4 days before the event via email to nercomp@nercomp.org.
Accessibility
NERCOMP strives to make its online offerings and in-person workshops accessible to all registrants. Please contact us should you have an accessibility need. We've worked to provide resources that are accessible to as many people as possible, and if you encounter any issues while attending our events, please contact us at accessibility@nercomp.org or at 860-345-2081 to request assistance.
Event Disclaimer:
NERCOMP reserves the right to use any photographs or other mechanical recordings taken at NERCOMP events in promotional materials. No mechanical recordings of any kind may be used at NERCOMP events without the prior written consent of NERCOMP organizers and presenters. The views and opinions expressed at NERCOMP events do not necessarily reflect those of NERCOMP, nor does NERCOMP make any representation regarding the information presented at NERCOMP events.
Session One – Thursday, May 21, 2026
Assessing Readiness and Setting the Foundation
Welcome & Introductions
The Digital Shift: Challenges and Opportunities in Online Education
Frameworks in Action: Diffley’s Readiness Curve and DEI-to-Belonging Evolution
Case Studies: Institutional Successes and Pitfalls
Interactive Activity: Readiness Self-Assessment
Wrap-Up & Key Takeaways (
Session Two - Thursday, May 28, 2026
Designing and Implementing Belonging-Centered Strategies
Recap & Setting the Stage
From Theory to Practice: Building a Belonging-Focused Online Experience
Tools & Metrics: KPIs for Retention, Engagement, and Faculty Satisfaction
Group Activity: Drafting Roadmaps for Institutional Action
Sharing & Feedback
Closing Discussion: Sustaining Change & Next Steps
Jesse Miller-Khodik, LPC, ICPRWC (she/her)
Professional Counselor and International Certified Professional and Recovery Coach, she brings seven years of clinical practice experience to her academic leadership. In addition to her university role, Jesse is the owner of a private practice, a consultant, and an active nonprofit board member.
Currently an ABD Psy.D. candidate, Jesse’s expertise spans counseling, recovery, and student success in high-enrollment online environments. Her work bridges clinical practice and higher education, with a focus on equity, inclusion, and building sustainable, student-centered frameworks that promote belonging and well-being.
Dr. Andrew Smith
Dr. Andrew J. Smith resides in South-Central Connecticut and serves as an Assistant Dean/Interim Dean at Post University in Waterbury, Connecticut. With over a decade of leadership and teaching experience at both undergraduate and graduate levels, Dr. Smith is committed to advancing excellence in higher education.