In today’s dynamic higher education environment, student success increasingly depends on transforming their experience - perhaps beginning even before arrival on campus. Mike Griffith and Bobbie Garner-Coffie from Tulane University shared their innovative approach, which started at summer orientation and continued through the Tulane Interdisciplinary Experience Seminar (TIDES) for incoming students. 

In this on-demand webinar, our experts grounded their innovation through specific strategic pillars: early access to digital tools, responsible use of AI, creativity, and fostering a sense of belonging. They connected the dots from aspiration to action as they reviewed the pedagogical design of the student projects, highlighting exceptional, creative results. 

Finally, our speakers shared two practical take-away resources to inspire similar initiatives: 

• A learning module using Adobe Express and Firefly, enabling students to create a personalized orientation badge reflecting their educational vision
• An Adobe Express remixable “Second-Line Umbrella” template, encouraging students to document and reflect on their TIDES First Year Seminar experiences.

• Bobbie Garner-Coffie | Manager, Instructional Technology, Tulane University.

• Mike Griffith | Executive Director, Strategic Digital Innovation, Tulane University.

• Melissa Vito | Vice Provost of Academic Innovation, University of Texas at San Antonio.

• Todd Taylor | Adobe Pedagogical Evangelist & Professor of English, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Take an inside look at how San Diego State University reimagined the first-year experience through reflection, identity development, and creative storytelling - now available on demand. Their First-Year Seminar team shared how their Life Tree project helped thousands of new students make sense of who they are, where they come from, and who they hope to become.

Discover how SDSU faculty designed a powerful reflective framework that builds confidence, strengthens belonging, and supports well-being during one of the most important transitions in a student’s life. Through roots, core values, and future-self exploration, students created a living narrative that continues to grow with them across their academic journey.

This on-demand session offers a close look at an innovative model that blends reflection, community building, and student-centered teaching practices to drive meaningful transformation at scale. Watch now and take away inspirational ideas as well as a practical learning module to reimagine innovation on your own campus.

• Rebeca Navarrete | Director of the First Year Seminar, San Diego State University.

• Stuart Voytilla | Lecturer, School of Theater, Television, and Film Faculty Lead, SDSU Story Lab.

• Melissa Vito | Vice Provost of Academic Innovation, University of Texas at San Antonio.

• Todd Taylor | Adobe Pedagogical Evangelist & Professor of English, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.