Traditional family science educational approaches have historically been teacher-centered, confined to physical classrooms, integrated low-risk activities, and offered limited student autonomy. Efforts to change have included experiential learning, study abroad programs, interdisciplinary content, and educational tours and trips to engage students actively. However, higher education is currently undergoing significant transformation due to the exponential increase in the ethnic and cultural diversity of students, the consequences of the global pandemic, pedagogical innovations (such as ungrading, gamification, flipped classrooms, micro-credentials, online teaching, and more), declining young adults’ interest in traditional higher education, mental health challenges faced by both students and faculty and the widespread accessibility and use of artificial intelligence in higher education.
The escalation of these challenges highlights the necessity for a progressive approach to education. The 2025 conference provides an inclusive platform for educators, researchers, and students in family science, where non-traditional perspectives, innovations, practices, and experiences are valued. It emphasizes the integration of non-traditional practices that prioritize student-centered learning to address their distinct and individualized needs and goals. The conference offers a unique opportunity to present on topics often overlooked in family sciences including:
- Best Practices: Presentations showcasing successful pedagogy, approaches, models, and techniques for teaching.
- SoTL (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning): Presentations featuring empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and evaluation methods exploring the impact and effectiveness of specific teaching strategies.
- Integration of Technology in Learning: Presentations discussing the incorporation of digital tools, virtual experiences, and immersive technologies to enhance learning opportunities for students.
- Community Engagement: Presentations exploring collaborations with external organizations, community-based projects, service-learning initiatives, and internships that foster learning and contribute to local and global communities.
- Assessment and Evaluation: Presentations addressing assessment methods, outcomes measurement, and approaches to evaluate the effectiveness of multicultural learning approaches.
Registration Information
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is in Central America and its capital is San Jose. It is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and incredible wildlife. Some of the top attractions include Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, La Paz Waterfalls, Papagayo Peninsula, Tamarindo Beach, Rio Celeste, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Corcovado National Park.
The political culture of Costa Rica emphasizes peaceful coexistence resulting in the abolition of the military. The country is a leader in ecotourism and a model of environmentally conscious and socially responsible practices. Many Costa Ricans can speak English although some Spanish can be helpful. US passport holders do not need a separate Visa to enter Costa Rica and automatically qualify for a 90-day tourist Visa, as does anyone with a B1 or B2 visa to the United States.
US dollars are widely accepted especially at upscale hotels and restaurants. Smaller services (including local meals or public transportation) may require payment with colónes. 1 USD = approximately 500 colóne. There is a 13% tax on all purchases in Costa Rica, including souvenirs, food, and hotels. Hotels add a 13% tourist surcharge, and most restaurants include a 10% gratuity fee. You are not obligated to tip on top of this.
The temperatures in June range from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and about 10-15 degrees cooler at night. The weather tends to be rainier.
Check the following weblinks for more information.
Passport Application Information
Conference Venue:
The Family Science Conference will be held at the University for Peace (UPEACE) campus. UPEACE was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1980 as a Treaty Organization. The UPEACE campus in El Rodeo, Costa Rica is located on 300 hectares of protected land, with 260 hectares of rare primary forest, and is a 30-minute drive from San José International Airport. With beautiful grounds, UPEACE receives a host of birds and wildlife, offering a perfect backdrop for the event.
Hotel Information:
The Teaching Family Science conference is scheduled to take place on June 12 and 13, 2025. The designated hotel for stay for conference attendees and their families is Aloft in San Jose which is 30 minutes away from San Juan Santamaria Airport. The conference rate is $80.00 for a standard room not including 13% taxes. The last day to book is Saturday, April 30th, 2025. The hotel is conveniently located near several destinations, such as Escazú, Terrazas Lindora, Plaza Momentum Lindora, and Backyard Lounge & Restaurant. Hotel amenities include complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, and more. The street address of the hotel is Forum 2 Business Park, Lindora, Radial a Santa Ana, San Jose, San Jose, Costa Rica, and the phone# is +506 220-53535
Book your room at a group rate for the Teaching of Family Science Association
Flight Information:
Book a flight to San Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO). It is about 05 miles (a 20-25-minute ride) from the airport to the hotel. There are ample ground transportation options, including Uber, official orange airport taxis, and public buses. Our recommendation is to use the official orange taxis to get to the hotel. The orange taxis can take credit cards, will help you easily get to the hotel, and are the only solicitors welcomed inside the airport, so all you have to do is say ‘yes’ to the first person who asks you if you want a taxi as you prepare to leave, and you can count on a safe and easy ride. Depending on the time of the day/traffic, the cost will be around US $30-35. It is important to note that Uber is not officially allowed within the airport, so if you coordinate a pickup with Uber, they will likely ask you to walk out of the airport onto the main street to get your ride.
Registration Fee.
$250 current member
$300 member and FSA membership
$325 nonmember registration
$100 student registration and FSA membership.
The conference registration opens soon. Stay tuned!
What Does Your Registration Include?
- Yoga and nature walk sessions, campus tours, and hikes to the Peace Monument.
- Lunch and coffee breaks on conference days.
- Costa Rican dinner and entertainment (family members pay extra).
- Transportation to and from the hotel to the UPEACE campus. The one-way ride is 30-35 mins.
Information on family-friendly activity options post-conference with additional payment coming soon!
Conference Proposal Submission:
Submit your conference proposals before Jan 20, 2025. Decisions regarding your proposals will be emailed by Feb 20, 2025. Students and contingent faculty are especially encouraged to apply.
Conference Committee
Conference Co-Chairs:
- Dr. Mamta Saxena, Department of Human Development, SUNY Oswego: mamta.saxena@oswego.edu
- Dr. G. Hilal Kuscul, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut: hilal.kuscul@uconn.edu
Cancelation Policy:
100% refund until March 31, 2025
50% refund between April 01- April 10, 2025
No refund after April 10, 2025. The registration can be transferred to another attendee. To change registration, email us at info@familyscienceassociation.org
Code of Conduct/Conference Policy:
The Teaching Family Science conference is an inclusive space where Family Science colleagues can share and inspire innovative and creative approaches to teaching, learning, and practice. The smaller nature of our conference allows for discussion, reflection, and sharing of feedback, and it is our hope and expectation that this format leads to mutual respect in knowledge creation within a diverse community.
The Family Science Association Executive Board has created a Conference Code of Conduct in order to clarify expectations for attendees.
COVID-19 Statement:
As of now, the conference organizers do not expect that COVID-19 will interfere with conference proceedings. However, the pandemic has taught us that public health situations and considerations are dynamic – often in unexpected ways. Please know that the conference organizers recognize this and will be as transparent and communicative as possible in the event of unexpected changes to conference protocols. There is a possibility that attendees may be asked to adhere to additional health and safety protocols as required by the hotel or the conference organizers to provide a comfortable and safe atmosphere. If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to the conference organizers at conference@familyscienceassociation.org.
Please read through the Conference Duty of Care Statement for more information about expectations regarding potential public health considerations.
