2026 SEISMIC Kick Off Event

Ann Arbor, MI

University of Michigan

Check – In: May 19th 

Conference Begins: May 20th  

Conference Ends: May 21st

Check – Out: May 22nd

Overview

SEISMIC will host a 2-day Kick Off Event at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor from May 19 – 22, 2026.  At the conference we will launch Disciplinary Teams focused on STEM assessment reform. Our conference has three goals.

Disciplinary Teams will…

  1. Establish systems for remote collaboration (e.g., communication channels, file-sharing systems, roles and responsibilities on project teams) for the upcoming years.
  2. Learn about a range of assessment practices that disciplinary teams can consider.
  3. Generate enthusiasm for the project and build community across the collaboration.

Attendees

Each partner institution may send at least 10 attendees to the Kick Off Event (funds for travel and hosting are provided):

  • 8 instructors and staff members involved in introductory STEM courses (including graduate student instructors)
  • 1 campus liaison (or delegate) to represent the institution in SEISMIC-level discussions
  • 1 institutional researcher familiar with student performance and demographic data

Additional spots may be available for:

  • Undergraduate students involved in STEM education reform
  • Teaching center staff or related units who wish to support Disciplinary Teams

 

 If you are looking to make changes to assessments in courses you teach or support in these next two years, we encourage you to attend our May Kick Off Event. To do so, please contact your campus liaison (listed on the Institutions page)  to let them know your interest before March 4, 2026. We will contact your campus liaison for a participant list. Then reach out to you to complete registration and assist with travel arrangements.

Schedule

All times ET

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

  • Attendees arrive in Ann Arbor, MI
  • Pre Conference Workshop
  • Informal dinner meet ups for attendees (on your own)

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

  • 8:00 – 9:00 am – Breakfast (provided) and Networking
  • 9:00 – 10:10 am – Welcome to SEISMIC Phase Two (Tim McKay)
  • 10:10 – 10:30 am – Break
  • 10:30 am – 12:00 pm – Parallel Sessions #1: Visioning, Challenges, & Support (Working Session)
  • 12:00 – 12:30 pm – Lunch (provided)
  • 12:30 – 1:40 pm – Keynote #1
  • 1:40 – 2:00 pm – Break
  • 2:00 – 3:00 pm – Parallel Sessions #2: Alternative Assessment Practices (recorded)
  • 3:00 – 4:30 pm – Parallel Sessions #3: Brainstorming Feasible Projects with PDSA (Working Session)
  •  4:30 – 5:00 pm – Day 1 Closing
  • 6:00  pm – Dinner on your own / Leadership Dinner (provided)

 

Thursday, May 21, 2026

  • 8:00 – 9:00 am – Breakfast (provided) and Networking
  • 9:00 – 10:10 am – Student Panel
  • 10:10 – 10: 30 am – Break
  • 10:30 am – 12:30 pm – Parallel Sessions #4: Disciplinary Teams with Students, Facilitators, and Institutional Researchers (Working Session)
  • 12:30 – 2:00 pm – Break & Lunch (provided) 
  • 2:00 – 3:10 pm – Keynote #2
  • 3:10 – 4:30 pm – Parallel Sessions #5: Initial ideas for project proposals (Working Session)
  • 4:30 – 5:00 pm – Day 2 Closing
  • Some attendees depart Ann Arbor, MI

Friday, May 22, 2026

  • Post Conference Workshop
  • Remaining attendees depart Ann Arbor, MI

Accessibility & Questions

If you have any questions about the event, please reach out Project Manager Nita Tarchinski (nitaked@umich.edu). Please also reach out if you have any questions about access or accommodations that will facilitate your full participation in this event.