UCI and Edgar discussed technical adjustments and updates that UCI had implemented earlier which they hoped wouldn't significantly disrupt their work. They also shared their experiences from a recent graduation ceremony, with Edgar describing the physical toll it took on them and UCI noting their attendance at the online ceremony. They discussed the graduating class and their future prospects, with both agreeing on the value of undergraduate studies and highlighting the positive impact of working closely with students on initiatives. They recommended further education, like a master's degree, for personal and professional growth.

Laura, Edgar, and UCI discussed the organization and content of their upcoming meeting. UCI suggested focusing on the chapters of a book about remaking higher education for the digital world, emphasizing the university's leadership in the discussed areas. Edgar agreed, but also proposed to include a segment on recent changes in orientation, which he felt should be covered by Josh. The team decided to maintain a general overview and allow the conversation to dictate specific topics.

UCI then welcomed everyone to the third session of the UC Irvine Compass Community Practice Boot Club and introduced the guests, Laura and Edgar from student affairs, who were to share their work. UCI encouraged the use of Zoom's AI feature for participants to ask questions and provide summaries of the sessions. UCI also announced the launch of the Compass Community Practice Maps and Data GPS to the full campus and invited departments and units to get involved.

The UCI discussed the importance of increasing data and digital literacy among faculty, staff, and students to enhance the overall campus experience. The goal is to equip individuals with the necessary skills to effectively use technology and adapt to changing circumstances. Edgar, the Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff and Student Affairs, and Laura, the Director of Assessment, Research, and Evaluation in the Division of Student Affairs, were invited to share their insights and contribute to the initiative. They introduced their division's role in overseeing student experiences outside the classroom, including housing, dining facilities, and student organizations, and their ongoing efforts to refresh student learning outcomes.

Edgar and Laura discussed the content of chapters 2 to 5 of a book, focusing on key points and their relevance to their division's work. They highlighted the complexities and systemic challenges of reforming higher education, including the evolution of education's purpose, the role of standardized tests in college admissions, and modern inequities. They also touched on the need for a more comprehensive reevaluation of the higher education system, pointing out how the current model perpetuates social inequities and reinforces a competitive, selective approach to admissions.

Laura and Edgar discussed the challenges and potential solutions in the education system. They emphasized the need to move away from the idea of scarce resources and explore creative solutions to expand teaching, such as using Zoom and other platforms. They also discussed the misalignment of incentives, particularly in the tenure process, and the importance of valuing strong teaching alongside research. Lastly, they touched on the concept of mastery learning and the significance of relatable faculty for student success. They also began to explore the idea of signaling degree attainment in a non-elitist way.

Edgar and Laura discussed the use of technology to improve the college experience for students. Laura highlighted how technology has enabled the division to better connect with students, facilitate data collection and analysis, and enhance research and assessment. She noted that technology has made it possible to process large amounts of data, understand unique student issues, and improve decision-making. Edgar then discussed the re-envisioning of the campus orientation program to better retain information for students. Both emphasized the importance of using technology to supplement and enhance human connections, rather than replacing them.

Edgar discussed the shift towards online modules for student orientation, aiming to cover a wider range of topics and allow students to learn at their own pace. He also mentioned the plan to involve academic units in preparing students for their specific schools and programs. Edgar further shared the implementation of a tool for tracking student involvement in campus activities and a newly adopted AI chatbot for answering student queries round the clock. UCI responded by emphasizing the value of AI in automating tasks and focusing on more essential duties, aligning with Edgar's points.

UCI emphasized the importance of addressing people's fears regarding AI and educating them about its benefits. Laura then brought up the concept of incentives and how institutions can use them to maintain hierarchy or encourage the adoption of technology. She noted that UCI had been successful in incentivizing the community to use technology for improvement. Trace added their perspective, highlighting the student experience of incentivization, particularly in projects like the AI innovation challenge, where students are encouraged to think creatively about technology and its potential applications.

Trace discussed the challenges of incentivizing faculty and staff to adopt new technologies and methods, suggesting that a collaborative and community-driven approach might be more effective. Angela, from the division of continued education, agreed with Trace's points and highlighted the importance of collaboration across campuses. Jessica and Edgar also shared their thoughts on the value of open communication and community building within the institution. The aim is to create a campus-wide community of practice where everyone's voice is valued and can contribute to making the campus even better.

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) team discussed the book "Creating the Scalable University" by Michael B. Smith. Rikke and UCI found the book's ideas about investing in technology and making education more democratizing insightful, with Rikke particularly excited about the university's AI investments. UCI concurred, highlighting the university's success in graduating first-generation students and the potential for further growth. Edgar appreciated the book's reflection of their unit's work and emphasized the importance of sharing successful strategies. The team agreed to continue exploring ways to improve student success in a digital world.