Student Services
Student Services Retreat 2026
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
The Sanctuary Spin: Operationalizing Love not Luck
Description: Join Student Services for an interactive "Press Your Luck" challenge as we dismantle the "DMV" approach to student care. We are looking through the lens of Blueprint Goals 1.3, 1.4, and 4.4 to transform our campus into a true Sanctuary of Care. Together, we will identify the "Whammies" in our systems and brainstorm creative ways to foster deep Belonging and proactive In-reach and outreach. It’s time to win big for our students!
Come for the 80’s nostalgia, stay for the systemic transformation. Bell-bottoms optional; empathy required.
Presented by: Catalina Rodriguez, Dean of Student Affairs and Activities; Dr. Stephanie Crosby, Dean of Disability Resources and Veterans Resources
AI Tools for Student Support: Notebook LM & Gemini
Curious about how AI can make student support easier? This session introduces Gemini and NotebookLM and shows how staff can use them to quickly draft emails, find information, and respond to common student questions. Participants will see a live demo and try a few real examples to explore how these tools can support their daily work.
Presented by: Kennedy Bui, Supervisor Enrollment Services, Systems & Technology; Chris Custer, Executive Assistant, Office of Student Services
Student Services FAQ Knowledge Base (Notebook LM)
Explore Foothill’s new Student Services FAQ Notebook in NotebookLM and see how it can help staff quickly respond to common student questions. This session will demonstrate how a single student question can generate helpful resources like email responses, phone scripts, and referral messages. Staff will also have time to test the tool using real student questions. and provide feedback.
Presenter: Anthony Caceras, Supervisor, Enrollment Services
From Frustration to Flow
Using nervous system awareness to create compassionate student services and resilient staff
What happens when students are overwhelmed by systems that can be confusing, complicated, and at times broken? This workshop examines how the nervous system shapes student behavior in moments of stress and how Student Services professionals can respond with greater empathy, clarity, and effectiveness. Participants will explore simple concepts from polyvagal theory, practice easy regulation tools, and reflect on how small shifts in their own responses can improve the student experience while also protecting staff well-being.
Presented by: Dr. Laurie Scolari, Vice President of Student Services; Alexis Donato, Department Chair of Mental Health and Wellness