Sessions

Independent higher education has been a powerful agent for changing lives, developing talent, supporting communities, and educating leaders for democratic societies. In its original and historical formulation, it was designed to produce an educated aristocratic class of citizens who sought the rewards of an enlightened mind and leadership in their communities. Since then, the sector has undergone vast changes to be more inclusive of people of all classes and aspirations. Yet, as storied as the sector is, it faces challenges of growing cynicism, exhaustion induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, and intractable financial difficulties that are forcing some institutions to close or find new ways of collaborating with each other.

Schedule individual appointments with selected experts. Individual consultants’ schedules vary. Please sign up in advance by clicking the Sign up for Consultations link in the organization’s Sponsor page in the Guidebook event app.

One affinity group meeting will be held during this time. Click to view details.

<em>(by invitation only)</em>

Entering the third or fourth year of service, chief academic officers usually have mastered the fundamentals of the role. At this stage, CAOs discover greater opportunities to lead rather than simply manage. What are the key questions CAOs can and should address at this stage in their careers? For example, how do CAOs balance attention to their institutions’ immediate issues with a focus on their long-term academic needs? How can CAOs attend to their own professional lives while also serving their institutions? How do CAOs work effectively with the president and other cabinet officers on strategic planning? Participants will explore these and related questions and gain fresh perspective on the next stage of their careers as CAOs.

Chief academic officers who have served for fewer than two years are invited to participate in this workshop, led by experienced colleagues, that addresses issues that newer CAOs often face. Participants will work in small groups, analyze case studies, and discuss topics such as accreditation; assessment and institutional effectiveness; faculty governance and leadership; appointments, promotions, and tenure and its alternatives; managing time, technology, and paper; and working with peer administrators. Participants will be paired with an experienced CAO mentor.

<em>(by invitation only)</em>

One affinity group meeting will be held during this time. Click to view details.