LEAD+: Student Success Through Connection and Engagement - Student Voices, Well-Being, and High-Impact Practices

Please note this event occurred in the past.
February 13, 2026 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm ET
Leadership Development,
LEAD+
Zoom

Hosted by Academic Human Resources and the Office of Faculty Development in collaboration with the Provost's Office

LEAD+ (Leadership Enhancement for Academic Departments) is a professional development and support program for heads/chairs and associate deans covering topics of common concern to department/unit leaders. It is offered jointly by the Academic Personnel Office and the Office of Faculty Development.

At UMass Amherst, we recognize that student success is deeply tied to engagement, belonging, and well-being. This session will explore insights from national student survey and campus data on loneliness and social isolation, and the critical role connection plays in prevention and student success. We will examine how framing K-12 experiences, literature, and student narratives inform growth mindset strategies and shape our approach to fostering inclusive learning environments.

In addition, we will introduce resources from Student Affairs and Campus Life (SACL), Career Development, and other campus partners, highlighting existing High-Impact Practices (HIPs) that strengthen engagement and belonging. Together, we will also take a deeper dive into existing structures and identify actionable steps to enhance student success via an exploration of HIPs and the critical role departments and faculty play in creating connection and engagement.

What you will gain: 

  • A clearer understanding of student well-being trends and their impact on academic success
  • Strategies for embedding growth mindset and belonging into departmental practices
  • Opportunities to collaborate on high-impact initiatives that connect students to resources and community

Join us for a conversation that moves beyond data to action—where student voices guide our next steps toward a more connected and thriving campus. 

Presenters:

  • Lin Tang, Executive Director, Learning Resource Center and Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies
  • Carolyn Bassett, Associate Provost for Student Success 

This session is open to all heads/chairs and associate deans. Please email @email with questions and/or for more information.