Turn Ideas into Reality
Join Us for Huron Masterclass: Portal Experiences
Go beyond basic configuration during this in-person masterclass and learn how to define, design, and develop meaningful portal experiences for students, campus users, and constituents.
You’ll leave with practical strategies, proven techniques, and the confidence to plan, build, and refine dynamic portals that are both functional and engaging, including tips for leveraging Slate AI to enhance your work.
The Huron Pre-Summit Masterclass includes:
Virtual Orientation
Explore the curriculum, meet colleagues and instructors, and discuss your individual goals and learning outcomes before arriving in person.
Collaborative Class Setting
Engage in hands-on learning with expert instructors, collaborate with peers, and gain practical experience in a class environment.
Three Interactive Sessions
Participate in three dynamic, interactive sessions designed to deepen your understanding and enhance your skills through practical application and collaborative learning.
A Roadmap
Experience the process for defining, designing, and developing a portal experience from start to finish, providing you with a clear roadmap for creating effective and engaging portal solutions.
Session Descriptions
Part One:Defining the Experience
Learn how to take a strategy-first approach to your Slate portal project.
This course focuses on internal discovery, including the key questions to ask stakeholders and teams to clarify goals and requirements. Attendees will translate discovery insights into a structured portal framework, defining methods, views, and core design considerations to support a cohesive user experience.
Part Two:Designing the Experience
Learn how to create intuitive and engaging portal experiences.
Bring your portal vision to life through intentional, human‑centered design. This course introduces a practical methodology for shaping intuitive, visually coherent layouts based on defined requirements. Attendees will translate concepts into low‑fidelity wireframes that clarify structure, establish intent, and set clear constraints to support effective AI‑assisted frontend development.
Part Three:Developing the Experience
Learn how to turn your ideas into reality.
This course covers advanced topics in dynamic content, liquid looping, pop-up modules, and tips for efficient testing to ensure your portal functions as intended across use cases. Attendees will learn HTML and CSS tips and tricks, along with accessibility considerations. The course also includes guidance on how and when to leverage Slate AI assistance effectively during the development process.
Schedule
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 1:00 – 1:15 | Check-in |
| 1:15 – 2:15 | Part One: Defining the Experience |
| 2:15 – 3:15 | Part Two: Designing the Experience |
| 3:15 – 3:30 | Break |
| 3:30 – 4:30 | Part Three: Developing the Experience |
| 4:30 | Closing Remarks |
Frequently Asked Questions
How intermediate or advanced should my Slate knowledge be?
Attendees are encouraged to have intermediate to advanced experience with Slate, particularly in portal building.
You’ll get the most out of the Huron Masterclass if you have prior experience creating administrative or student-facing portals, such as application status portals, task management portals, advisor portals, or event portals, and are comfortable using intermediate HTML and CSS within Slate.
Is the virtual orientation required?
The virtual orientation is not required, but attendance is highly encouraged.
Upon registering for the Huron Masterclass, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to sign up for the virtual orientation. This session offers an opportunity to connect with fellow participants, engage in breakout discussions, meet the Huron Slate team, and get a preview of the Huron Masterclass curriculum. The Huron Slate team will also share helpful tips and resources to prepare you for the masterclass experience.
Is there a waitlist?
There is not an active waitlist for the event.
Should the Huron Masterclass reach capacity, please continue to check back for openings.
Is there parking available?
Attendees may park in the Trolley Barns Visitor Parking Garage, located at 15 Lea Avenue.
The Entreprenuer Center is walking distance or a quick Uber or Lyft ride away from many downtown hotels. Parking is also available in the red brick parking garage located behind the trolley barns; the garage address is 15 Lea Avenue, Nashville. Proceed down the sidewalk to the front door of the EC at 41 Peabody (the EC’s front door faces Harper’s). Once inside, you can visit the front desk to scan a validation code for 3 hours of free parking.
What do I need to bring?
Please bring a laptop and charger.
During the Masterclass, we will be building directly in Slate. You may also consider bringing a notepad and pen for notes and ideation. Before the event, our team will share instructions on how to access Clean Slate for hands-on building.
Will food and beverages be provided?
Yes!
Coffee, tea, water, and light refreshments will be provided throughout the day.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes.
Should plans change, please email slate-support@hcg.com to transfer your registration to a different colleague or request cancellation. Cancellations submitted by June 9 will be eligible for a full refund.