Notes about the 2020 Conference

I’m so sorry this is being posted so late! What with the COVID 19 preparations and a sudden change in AFACCT leadership, it’s been a busy few months. Here are the comments from our then Coordinator:

The 30th Annual AFACCT Conference hosted by the Community College of Baltimore County was held on January 9 and 10, 2020 and this past year’s conference focused on the theme of “Global learning: Reflecting on the Past, Looking to the Future”.  The presentations of the 30th Annual Conference explored the many ways a community college professional could construct the types of connections and partnerships needed to form and foster support for our students in their pursuit of a global education.

The conference attracted a total of 398 faculty members and educational professionals from the 16 Maryland community colleges and from several other regional institutions, which included Morgan State Univ. (MD) and the University of Maryland – Baltimore County among others.  According to the feedback we received, the overall design and presentation of this year’s conference was a “great success”, “exciting” and “thought provoking”. A considerable part of our success was ensured by the AFACCT Host Coordinator and CCBC representative, Jason Spiegelman.  Jason took on the responsibilities for maintaining the registration, room arrangements and food service during the conference.  For those who could not attend the conference, we have the 2020 Conference Proceedings displayed on our website http://www. afacct.org  which provides a selection of the topics discussed at this conference.

Thursday’s keynote speaker was Dr. Tony Hawkins, he Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs of Frederick Community College.  Dr. Hawkins’ keynote address, Exploring the Global Learning Opportunities at Community Colleges, focused on identifying the role of community colleges as advocates for global teaching and learning, and how the development of their campus and regional co-curricular activities are essential to the development of a strong education program. 

On the second day, the keynote speaker was David J. Smith.    Mr. Smith, a Fulbright scholar, is currently serving as the President of the Forge Center for Peacebuilding and Humanitarian Education, Inc.in Rockville, MD, as well as being an Educational Consultant and Peacebuilding Trainer.    Mr. Smith’s keynote address, Global Learning: Uncovering Success Stories and Planning a Course for the Future, shared with the audience a range of approaches used in community college environments are that often “under the radar” but represent innovative practices in advancing global learning.  In turn these approaches provide the community college students with the tools and awareness to successfully navigate the global environment.

This year’s conference hosted 82 presentations and 5 posters during the two day session.  In addition to these presentations the Maryland Mathematics Association of Two-Year Colleges held their yearly planning meeting on Thursday, which included the election of new officers and other business.

As for next year, plans are now being developed for AFACCT’s 28th Annual Conference set for January 7 and 8, 2021, to be hosted by Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, MD.  The theme of the 31st  Conference: Rejuvenating Yourself, Your College, and Your Students!

AFACCT offers a unique venue to network with your colleagues, and share your expertise and ideas.

George Mateja
The College of Baltimore County
Dundalk Campus
Baltimore, MD
gmateja@ccbcmd.edu

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