In response to CIC member data and requests for more information about ongoing topics in the sector, CIC hosted the following webinars since the previous Summer 2024 Independent newsletter publication:
“Election Aftermath: Implications for Independent Higher Education,” was held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. This webinar featured robust and insightful discussions on anticipated legislative and policy changes that may impact enrollment, financial aid, and campus operations. This webinar was recorded for distribution to registrants upon request.
The session featured:
- Donna Carroll, President, Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities
- Marjorie Hass, President, Council of Independent Colleges
- David Hoag, President, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
- Barbara Mistick, President, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
A webinar about inclusive excellence and academic leadership was held on Thursday, October 17, 2024. This was a follow-up to CIC’s June 2024 webinar, “No Secret to Being Fair.” Panelists discussed what it means to think strategically with a commitment to inclusive excellence and how academic leaders can keep their focus on equity and inclusion during a time of heightened attacks on DEI and, at many institutions, reduced resources.
Panelists included:
- Linda Strong-Leek, Provost, Haverford College (PA)
- LeeRay Costa, Executive Director of the Batten Leadership Institute, Hollins University (VA)
- Bruce King, Former Chief Diversity Officer, St. Olaf College (MN) and Elmhurst University (IL)
“Leadership Strategies for Campus Civil Discourse in an Uncivil Time” was held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. The conversation focused on leadership strategies for fostering civil discourse on campus during the fall semester—despite potential mission, legal, and reputational challenges—and was moderated by Jacqueline Pfeffer Merrill, CIC Campus Free Expression Project director. This webinar was recorded for distribution to registrants upon request.
The introductory session featured:
- The Hon. Jim Douglas, Former Governor of Vermont; Executive-in-Residence of Middlebury College (VT); and Academic Leaders Task Force on Campus Free Expression Co-Chair
- The Hon. Chris Gregoire, Former Governor of Washington; CEO of Challenge Seattle; and Academic Leaders Task Force on Campus Free Expression Co-Chair
The subsequent roundtable discussion featured:
- Ronald A. Crutcher, President Emeritus, University of Richmond (VA)
- John A. Nunes, Interim President, California Lutheran University
- Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, President, Augustana University (SD)