Course Category: Webcast Recording

Student Retention: A Discussion of Practices & Approaches During Uncertain Times

The COVID-19 crisis and the rapid transition to online learning have forced student success professionals to think about student retention on a day-by-day basis rather than semester-by-semester. Systems of outreach and support that were previously in place have had to be adapted for the online environment, and in some cases, completely overhauled. Watch this webcast recording of a facilitated discussion with Julie Nash, Vice Provost of Undergraduate Studies and Student Success at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. You will hear from our expert and your fellow attendees as they describe their approaches to:

Strategies to Effectively Engage Students in Online Learning: A Discussion of Best Practices

Amid the rapid shift to remote learning, faculty are seeking to acquire tools and knowledge to ensure an engaging experience for their students. This is a steep learning curve for many who have little to no experience with remote instruction. Watch this webcast recording of a facilitated discussion around how best to foster student engagement in an online setting with Amber Dailey-Hebert, Director of the Faculty Center for Innovation at Park University. Our expert and your fellow attendees have shared ideas and current practices around things like:

Perspectives on Annual Giving Amid COVID-19

Annual giving teams have needed to adapt to unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances caused by COVID-19. This has forced many shops to make big decisions on short notice, upending the long-term planning that is typically required for a successful annual giving year. This unprecedented situation calls for action now, not later, in order to salvage a critical component of your advancement operation. Watch a recorded discussion between your peers and our expert about how annual giving strategies are being managed amid the crisis. Dan Frezza, Associate Vice President for Strategic Operations and Annual Giving at the College of William & Mary will share his approaches and perspectives on:

Managing in a Changing Fundraising Environment: Remote Teams, Skeptical Donors, and an Uncertain Landscape

As the pandemic unfolds, the challenges of serving as a mid-level leader in advancement are unique. You are accountable to both your direct reports and your leadership team — meanwhile, the conditions and processes you have come to rely on need to be adapted. Watch this webcast recording of a facilitated discussion with Zack Smith, Executive Director of Development at the Jacobs School of Engineering, UC San Diego. You’ll hear from our expert as well as your fellow attendees on questions like:

Leading Through a Crisis

In the last few weeks, every aspect of higher education—from educational delivery to research to student support—has changed profoundly. Leaders have had to make difficult decisions with incomplete information in hand and against a backdrop of fear and confusion, knowing that their decisions will drastically alter both campus operations and the experiences of the many students, faculty, and staff they serve. Watch this webcast recording where our experts and your peers discuss the nuances of how to effectively lead through a crisis. Our panelists shared honest and authentic perspectives on how to:

How to Manage Stress as a Faculty Member During Uncertain Times

The COVID-19 crisis has put a great deal of strain on faculty members as they juggle already taxing schedules with a rapid transition to remote instruction. Managing a new style of teaching, disruptions to research and writing practices, and the realities of working from home have proved to be a herculean task for many. Watch this webcast recording where we facilitate a conversation with Anita Kite, PhD, and Carina Vocisano, PhD, psychologists and faculty coaches for Academic Impressions. In this open discussion space with our coaches we shared strategies and practices on topics such as:

Executing Your Communications Plan During a Crisis

Institutions are now several weeks into their COVID-19 responses, but there are still many emerging decisions that need to be communicated to students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and the local community. It’s critically important that these communications are cohesive and true to your institution’s brand, while also being transparent and resonant with the intended audiences. Watch this webcast recording where we discuss the execution of a coordinated, institution-wide communication standard to present COVID-19 and response-related updates. You’ll hear our expert Brittany Williams-Goldstein, Chief of Staff & Board Liaison at Ramapo College, as well as from your fellow attendees, around questions such as:

Adjusting Academic Policies Because of COVID-19: A Discussion Space

With no national standards available, it is difficult to make decisions around academic policies during the current COVID-19 crisis. In tandem with faculty senate, academic leaders are needing to revisit academic policies around things like the tenure clock, shared governance, graduation requirements, and repeating coursework that impact both students and faculty. As decision-makers push forward, many are wondering what other institutions are doing. Watch this webcast recording where we facilitate a conversation around these questions with Corey Cook, Vice Provost for Academic Programs and Planning at St. Mary’s College of California. We will discuss: Regarding Faculty Regarding Students

The Art of Faculty Accountability

For many reasons, it can feel challenging to hold faculty accountable for their performance—especially when they’re struggling. The truth is, not holding faculty to expected standards often seeds long-term problems, creates resentment amongst faculty colleagues, and is a disservice to the institution’s students. But how do we do this work in a way that brings out the best in our faculty?  Join us online to discuss ways to inspire faculty to pursue higher levels of performance. You’ll hear from a panel of three academic leaders at various career levels—Department Chair, Dean, and Assistant Provost. Together, they’ll share their experience, tips, and strategies for how to hold faculty at all stages of their career accountable in ways that are supportive and mission-aligned ways. We invite you to come prepared to share your own insights, tips, or questions for the group, so that we can grow our collective wisdom, as well. 

Managing Faculty Workloads: A Discussion for Department Chairs

Faculty bring a range of academic and professional talents to their departments. Because of this, many faculty carry heavy workloads, which can lead to high levels of burnout. Chairs are in the unique position to manage faculty workloads, and consequently, the long-term growth and development of faculty, as well. However, many chairs do not have training or background in talent management.  Join us online for a one-hour discussion in which we’ll talk about how you can develop an intentional talent management strategy for your department. Although the conversation will be responsive to the questions asked by the attendees, the discussion will focus on sharing systematic and evidence-based talent management strategies that will help you to balance the workload for your faculty.  Come prepared to engage in dialogue, ask questions, and share insights with other department chairs from across the country.