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Leadership Ecosystem

Find Resources from Leadership Ecosystem Webinars Here

The NERCOMP Leadership Ecosystem

In 2018 NERCOMP launched the Leadership Ecosystem to create a digital community around our array of professional development offerings. The Ecosystem is envisioned as a resource to help bridge the spaces between these event-based experiences by providing a platform for ongoing dialogue, shared learning, and collaboration.

The Ecosystem has already hosted conversations on topics such as opportunities and challenges in leadership, career development, Cyber Security, and developing your leadership potential. This session will be a chance to dialogue with those facilitating the effort, especially to offer feedback and ideas on approaches that might make it more useful to the broader community.

For questions or more information please contact ecosystem@nercomp.org 

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Past Leadership Ecosystem Webinar Series:

Mentorship That Moves: Supporting Higher Ed Careers-Webinar

Hosted 10/17/24

Workshop Organizer:  Karen Warren of Wesleyan College

Event Overview:

In today’s rapidly changing higher education landscape, the traditional career path is evolving. As staff members experience more dynamic roles and organizations face increasing turnover, the need for effective mentorship has never been more critical. Not all mentorship, however, is formal or structured. Informal mentoring relationships often play a key role in shaping careers, providing personalized guidance and support in ways that formal programs sometimes can’t.

Join us for an engaging discussion with three expert panelists, each offering a distinct perspective on the evolving role of mentorship in higher education. Together, we’ll explore how mentoring—both formal and informal—helps staff navigate career transitions, build resilience, and develop skills that transcend institutional boundaries. We'll examine the value of relationship dynamics in mentoring, where mutual trust and connection can foster growth in ways that a traditional supervisory structure alone might not. We'll also explore cross-institutional networks, ethical considerations, and how to leverage both informal and formal mentoring relationships in today’s fluid job market.

Whether you’re a mentor, mentee, administrator, or simply curious about the value of mentorship, this webinar will provide practical strategies and fresh perspectives on fostering professional growth and well-being for staff in a world where change is the only constant.

Facilitator: Erin DeSilva, Associate Provost of Digital and Online Learning, Dartmouth College

Panelists:
Cheryl Lynn Baterna, Director, IT Support Operations, Marymount Manhattan College
Jeff Berliner, CIO, Institute for Advanced Study
Allison Salisbury, Entrepreneur

Owning Your Story:  A Practical Approach For Being Intentional About Your Personal Brand and Reputation-Webinar

Hosted 9/19/24

Workshop Organizer:  Michael Cato of Bowdoin College

Event Overview:

For most professionals, our expertise is only part of the equation for success. Being known as a strong communicator, advocate for the academic mission, or collaborative problem solver, for example, can be far more important to our ability to serve our roles and institutions. Yet, many of us rarely spend time reflecting on how we want to be known. Worse, the concept of personal branding can carry a stigma from the marketing experiences we’re inundated with every day.

Join an engaging session with a group of information professionals who have come to appreciate the power of nurturing a personal brand, albeit through trial and error and sometimes years of resisting the very idea. The panelists have all learned that how we think about our work, our contributions, and ourselves, can help us better communicate our value, position us to more meaningfully impact our institutions, and ultimately help advance our careers.

This session aspires to demystify the concept of personal branding and demonstrate its relevance to our community of Higher Education information professionals. This webinar is part of the ongoing Leadership Ecosystem series focusing on critical issues for leading information-focused organizations in higher education.

Panelists:
Mary Baumgartner,
Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, Bowdoin College
Michael Cato, Senior VP and CIO, Bowdoin College
Keith ‘Mac’ McIntosh,
Vice President (VP) for Information Services and Chief Information Officer (CIO), the University of Richmond
Jennifer Sparrow, 
Associate Vice President Research and Instructional Technology (RIT) and Chief Academic Technology Officer, NYU

Politics, Culture, and Strategy Workshop Consultantly:  Navigating Changes From Artificial Intelligence-Workshop

Hosted 5/16/24

Workshop Organizer:  Kristen Eshleman of Trinity College and Erin DeSilva of Dartmouth College

Event Overview:

Building on the success of the NERCOMP conference session, we are excited to introduce an interactive “consultancy” workshop on AI strategy for our May session. This is a new Leadership Ecosystem session model—one that is specifically designed to harness the wisdom of the community on our most difficult challenges.

If this model is promising, we will do more next year and solicit challenges from YOU! If your challenge is selected, we will invite the community to serve as YOUR consultants, using a facilitation process led by us.

Facilitators:  Kristen Eschleman, Vice President of Library and IT at Trinity College, and Erin DeSilva, Associate Provost of Digital and Online Learning at Dartmouth College

Hands-on Leadership and Collaboration: Advancing IT Strategy in Academia-Webinar

Hosted 4/18/24

Workshop Organizer:  Ray Frohlich of Yale University

Event Overview:

Amid the rapidly changing needs within academic institutions, developing an IT strategy can appear complex and opaque. This webinar aims to demystify the process, offering insights into the formulation and execution of IT strategy. Information professionals at all levels are invited to join us for an in-depth conversation about strategic planning, collaborative initiatives, and the future of technology in higher education.

Panelists:
John Barden, Vice President for Technology and Campus Services, Yale University
George Claffey, Chief Information Officer, Central Connecticut State University
Gina Siesing, Chief Information Officer & Constance A. Jones Director of Libraries, Bryn Mawr

Sustaining Inclusion and Belonging in Today's Shifting Political Climate - a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar

Hosted 2/15/24

Workshop Organizer:  Michael Cato of Bowdoin College

Event Overview:
After a few years of intense focus and broad support, there is a movement to dismantle efforts that seek to increase representation and focus on inclusion. From the Supreme Court decision on Affirmative Action to states outright banning these efforts, to vocal celebrities, this resistance appears to be gaining traction in several areas, and many are finding themselves having to defend this work.

This session seeks to dialogue on these issues and explore strategies to sustain and advance inclusion and belonging initiatives, even in the face of growing resistance in the current political and cultural landscape. The session will be a conversation between inclusion and belonging professionals as well as leaders who have successfully navigated these challenges in various sectors. They will share their insights, experiences, and practical advice to help you and your organization stay committed to the critical work of fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Panelists:
Michael Cato,  Senior VP and CIO, Bowdoin College
Anita Davis, Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Trinity College
Benje Douglas, Senior VP for Inclusion and Diversity, Bowdoin College

Project Management for ERP Implementations - a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar

Hosted 11/16/23

Workshop Organizer:  Karen Warren of Wesleyan University

Event Overview:
In September, we featured change management in ERP projects.  The next installment of our ERP series features a conversation about project management.  There is often significant overlap between these two.  Depending on the institution and project size, these responsibilities may fall to the same person.  Implementation partners often bring a project manager (PM) to the table. Is that enough? What role should institutions play in project management? How can institutional project managers complement the partner PM? This panel features three individuals who have served in this capacity at their institutions.  Join us as we break down this role highlighting experiences both essential and avoidable.

Facilitator:  Karen Warren, Associate Vice President of Information Technology, Wesleyan University

Panelists:
Mike Barth, Project Manager and Application Analyst, Davidson College
Nephellie Dobie, Assistant CIO, Wellesley College
Susan Zaslaw, Strategic IT Consulting Manager, Princeton University

 

Leading Change in an AI-Driven World: A Panel Discussion for Information Professionals (a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar)

Hosted 10/19/23

Workshop Organizer:  Kristen Eshleman of Trinity College

Event Overview:
In a world where generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is beginning to reshape the way we gather, share, and interpret information, it's crucial for professionals in libraries, IT, and other information-related areas to lead through these changes with understanding, confidence and vision. But how can individuals effectively balance the rapidly developing opportunities and challenges irrespective of their job titles?

Join a dialogue and share insights on navigating the AI revolution from every seat at the table. While AI is often approached from a technical perspective, this conversation dives into the human side of the equation, considering the work across teaching, learning, research, and the myriad of other areas higher education institutions reflect.

Geared toward all information professionals in higher education, this discussion will emphasize the non-technical aspects of integrating AI/ML across disciplines, focusing instead on areas such as leadership, culture, ethical considerations, and holistic strategies.

Learning Outcomes
- Explore the emerging impacts of AI tools and approaches on libraries, IT, and other information-centric areas.
- Gain insights on how to adapt and influence amidst these changes, irrespective of your position or title.
- Explore examples of AI experimentation and adoption, including success and challenges.

Facilitator:  Michael Cato, Senior VP and CIO, Bowdoin College

Panelists:
David Andres, Associate VP and Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Trinity College
Jeff Berliner, Chief Information Officer at the Institute for Advanced Study
Erin DeSilva, Senior Director, Learning, Design, and Innovation, Dartmouth College

Leading Change: The Human Side of ERP Upgrades (a Leadership Ecosystem webinar)

Hosted 9/21/23

Workshop Organizer:  Kristen Eshleman of Trinity College

Event Overview:
Join an enlightening session to delve into the pivotal role of organizational change management in ERP projects and other large-scale technology efforts. The need for efficient and effective enterprise systems has become paramount for many of our institutions. However, the success of these projects depends on more than technology upgrades; its about people, processes, and adapting to new ways of working.

This discussion will include leaders sharing their approaches to change management, what worked, and what didn’t go so well. We will shed light on strategies and practices to ensure that our teams not only transition seamlessly but are prepared to thrive in evolving digital environments. Whether you are a leader of information organizations or a team member eager to grasp the nuances of leading change, this session promises insights that will prepare you for the road ahead.

Learning Outcomes
-Learn about the central role of people in ERP transformation projects
- Explore approaches to effective change management
- Consider how to measure success related to change management efforts

Facilitator: Kristen Eshleman, Vice President for Library and Information Technology Services (LITS), Trinity College

Panelists:
Samantha Earp, Vice President for Information Technology/Chief Information Officer, Smith College
Barron Koralesky, Chief Information Officer, Williams College
Jessie Mandel, Director of Project and Change Management, Williams College
Ellen Wall, Senior Director of IT Change Management, Smith College

Leading From Where You Are (a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar)

 Hosted: 5/18/23

Workshop Organizer:

Raymond Frohlich,, Director of Client Services and Operations, Yale University Library and Karen Warren, Associate Vice President for Information Technology, Wesleyan University, both members of the Leadership Ecosystem Working Group

Event Overview:

Leadership is not conferred by title and organizational structure. Those who lead and influence can be in any role. These individuals are seen as "go to" folks who bring perspective and creativity to the environment. What is the secret sauce of these leaders? Join a panel of early-mid career higher education professionals who will share their perspectives, experiences, and challenges leading from where they are.  

Learning Outcomes:

Panelists:  

 - Encourage thinking about the nature of leadership and leading without a conferred title

 - Understand what people want from different types of leadership

 - Define an environment that fosters non-conventional leadership and innovation

 - Help people overcome impostor syndrome by understanding the varied paths to leadership    

Panelists:
Facilitator: Ray Frohlich, Director of Client Services and Operations, Yale University Library

Jamie DePastino, Data Governance Manager in Computing Services, Carnegie Mellon University

Alex O’Neil, Service Desk Manager, Wesleyan University

Steelsen Smith, Senior Technical Lead, Yale University Library IT Department

Generative AI and Higher Education:  Disruption, Opportunities, Challenges, and  (a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar)

 Hosted: 4/19/23

Workshop Organizer:

Stan Waddell, Vice President for Information Technology and CIO, and member of the Leadership Ecosystem Working Group

Event Overview:

The NERCOMP Leadership Ecosystem is pleased to host a one-hour webinar that will explore the implications of generative AI in education for campus technology leaders. This panel discussion will feature a highly regarded academician and three students who will share the impact of  generative AI on their studies. The session will provide an overview of generative AI and its current developments, including its potential for administrative and pedagogical uses.

The panel will examine the ethical considerations associated with generative AI, and highlight the opportunities and challenges it presents for higher education institutions. As generative AI continues to disrupt traditional modes of teaching and learning, it is important for technology leaders to stay informed about the implications of this technology on their respective campuses.

This webinar will help equip technology leaders with the knowledge and insights they need to make informed decisions about how to lead their institutions in the face of this disruptive technology. Join us to learn more about the implications of generative AI for higher education, and how to stay ahead of this technological curve.

Learning Outcomes:

- Identify ways generative AI is and will impact higher education from different perspectives including students

- Identify strategies and approaches for navigating the impact and ethical considerations of generative AI on higher education

- Discuss the importance of use cases and the value of live demos for further understanding and application

Panelists:  

Lance Eaton, Director of Digital Pedagogy, College Unbound
Stan Waddell, VP of Information Technology and CIO, Carnegie Mellon University

Student Panelists:
Veronica Machado, Student
Loreley (Lora) Roy, Student
SteadFast, Student

Inclusion in Practice:  a Conversation with the Next Leaders Fellowship Inaugural Class (a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar)

Hosted: 2/16/23

Workshop Organizer:

Michael Cato, Senior VP, CIO, and member of the Leadership Ecosystem Working Group

Event Overview:

What does it look like to put our inclusion aspirations into practice? What if those aspirations are to support the growth of others and what if these aspirations extend well beyond our department or institution? 

Join a conversation with a group of the Next Leaders Fellowship (NLF) inaugural class of Fellows to explore observations and lessons from their fellowship year. NLF is a sponsored one-year cohort experience to identify, develop, and advocate for information and technology professionals in Higher Education, with a special emphasis on those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). NERCOMP is an NLF partner, and the first cohort began their journey at the NERCOMP conference in March 2022, many of them attending for the first time.

This Ecosystem panel will invite Fellows to share their experiences, reflect on how the year has impacted them, and consider lessons the fellowship is looking to learn from and build on with the incoming class. The session will include a conversation about the vision for the program and its cohort-based approach. Additionally, this session will serve as an opportunity for a dialogue with NLF mentors about why they are committing their time, energy, and resources to this effort and what they have learned so far. Feedback, ideas, and questions during the session will all be welcomed and encouraged.

For more information about the Next Leaders Fellowship visit: https://nextleadersfellowship.org/ 

Learning Outcomes:

 - Learn from the experiences of the inaugural class of Next Leaders Fellowship Fellows

 - Consider the opportunity and challenges of pursuing this endeavor

 - Dialogue on possibilities for Higher Education more broadly

Panelists:  

Allison Porterfield, Director of Enterprise Systems, Human Resources, and Student, Northwestern University

Ezra Plemons, Instructional Technologist for Digital Media, St. Olaf College

Faye Snowden, Manager, Technology Program Office, University of California, Berkeley

Felix Zuniga, Campus Engagement Partner, California State University, Office of the Chancellor

James Johnson, Director, Educational Technology & IT Support for Events and Conferences, St. Mary's College of California

Jase Teoh, Senior Director, Academic Technology, California State University Maritime Academy

Kenitra Horsley, Chief Information Officer (CIO), Queens University of Charlotte

Kimberly Whitted, Director of Technology, Infrastructure, and Operations, Campbell University

Nhora Serrano, Associate Director for Digital Learning & Research, Hamilton College

Roweena Carlos, Assistant CIO, CRM and Student Information Systems, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Stephanie Cox, Associate VP and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Trinity College

Wesley Johnson, Exec IT Director of Campus IT Experience, University of California, Berkeley

Michael Cato, Senior VP, and CIO

Karen Warren, Associate Vice President Information Technology, Wesleyan Unviersity  (Moderator)

Show Me the Money:  Compensation and Pay Trends and Strategies for Higher-Ed Information Professionals (a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar)

Hosted: 11/17/22

Workshop Organizers:

Michael Cato, Senior VP, CIO and member of the Leadership Ecosystem Working Group

Event Overview:

For many information professionals, few topics generate questions, concerns, and anxiety more than issues of compensation and pay. What are effective strategies to advocate for yourself, or your team, when it comes to pay? How has hybrid/remote work, and two years of pandemic response changed the landscape? How might a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion How can we best partner with our institution's HR department to pursue these goals?

Join an informed and engaging conversation with a panel of information services leaders and human resources professionals to explore these topics at the institutional, regional, and national levels. Learn from their successes and challenges as they share their experiences across different types of institutions and organizations. Dialogue with the panel and other participants to consider strategies that might be helpful for you and your team.

Learning Outcomes:

 - Identify current trends in compensation for information professionals

 - Explore successful compensation strategies used by different leaders and institutions

 - Consider approaches that can help position yourself to successfully navigate these areas

Panelists:  

Charles 'Chuck' Bartel, VP for Information Technology and CIO, Duquesne University

Andy Brantley, CEO, College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR)

Michelle Cabral, AVP for Human Resources, Trinity College

Laura Garcia, VP of Information Technology and Library Services, Greenfield Community College

Michael Cato, Senior VP, and CIO (Moderator)

 

The Futurist's View of the Technology and Leadership Event Horizon (a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar)

Hosted: 10/20/22

Workshop Organizer: Stan Waddell,  Chief Information Officer, and CIO, Carnegie Mellon University, and member of the Leadership Ecosystem Working Group

 

Event Overview:

Technology is such a major driving force for higher education, for every industry really… This session focuses on the future outlook of the technology, leadership, and higher education intersection across various timelines. The panelists will be invited to share their views on where technology is taking us and how leadership comes into play in shaping visions and execution to ensure success at our organizations. Hear the thoughts on the future of technology from three successful CIOs from very high research activity universities. Watch, listen, and interact with them as they offer their opinions on the impacts and influence of technology trends in the near, middle, and long-term timelines of higher education. This is a positive forward-looking NON-COVID focused look into the exciting future of higher education.

Panelists: 
Mark Henderson, Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer, University of Pittsburgh

Jane Livingston, Vice President for Information Technology and CIO, the University of Notre Dame

Stan Waddell,  Chief Information Officer, and CIO, Carnegie Mellon University

Encouraging and Role-Modeling Work/Life Balance (a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar)

Hosted: 5/19/2022

Workshop Organizers:
Amy Schack, Professional Development and Member Relations Manager, NERCOMP, and member of the Leadership Ecosystem Working Group

Event Overview:
Now more than ever, everyone needs balance in their lives.  The past few years have proven to be stressful, demanding, as well as personally and professionally challenging.  The pandemic, social issues, changing workplace dynamics, burnout, and the Great Resignation have played into the overall well-being of campus leaders and staff.  Join us to learn best practices for encouraging and role-modeling well-being and work/life balance as a leader.  Hear from a diverse panel about their experiences, real-life examples, and tips for leading yourself and your staff members through these unchartered waters.

Panelists:  
Heidi Burgiel, Instructional Designer in the RoseMary B. Fuss Teaching and Learning Center, Lasell University
Kim Dexter, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources & Equal Opportunity, Framingham State University  (pronouns: first name only or she/her)
Tina Pappas, Head Discovery and Engagement Platforms, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Robin Robinson, Director of Educational Technology and eLearning, Framingham State University
Amy Schack, Professional Development and Member Relations Manager, NERCOMP (Facilitator)

Interim CIO: To Be, or Not to Be (a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar)

Hosted:  4/21/2022

Workshop Organizers:
Stan Waddell, Chief Information Officer and CIO, Carnegie Mellon University, and member of the Leadership Ecosystem Working Group

Panelists:  
Bethany Rizzardi - Chief Information Officer, Cal Poly Humboldt
Jen Servedio - Chief Information Officer, Susquehanna University
Luke VanWingerden - Chief Information Officer, Tri-County Technical College
Stan Waddell, Ph.D. - Chief Information Officer – Carnegie Mellon University

 

Event Overview:
Our experiences are what drive our passions, desires, and career aspirations. Sometimes these experiences encourage and other times they make us want to run and hide. Are you or have you been an interim CIO? Would you be interested if presented with the opportunity? Hear from and engage with a diverse group of four CIOs who were asked to serve, sought after themselves, or cautiously tiptoed into an interim CIO role. This session highlights their experiences in a genuine nature that will reassure you that wherever you find yourself in your career, you are not alone. You will have a broader insight into the feelings, emotions, and roller coaster ride an interim CIO role may bring.

A Conversation with African American Information Leaders (a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar)

Scheduled:  2/17/2022

Event Overview

In honor of Black History Month, this Leadership Ecosystem webinar will be a conversation with a panel of leaders in information security and information services who identify as African-Americans discussing their careers, experiences, and perspectives.  The conversation will explore the paths that the panelists have taken through their respective careers, and seek to contribute to the wider opportunities to build more inclusive organizations. The conversation is extensible to all participants regardless of background and may have special relevance to those from historically underrepresented groups.

Speakers:
Tonjia Coverdale, Associate Vice President, Finance Technology, Nationwide Insurance

Daren Hubbard, Vice President of Information Technology and CIO, Georgia Institute of Technology

Cheryl Washington, Chief Information Security Officer  (CISO), University of California, Davis

 

Introducing the Next Leaders Fellowship (a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar)

Hosted: 11/18/2021

Event Overview

Announced in the last few weeks, the Next Leaders Fellowship (NLF) is launching a sponsored one-year cohort experience to identify, develop, and advocate for information and technology professionals in Higher Education, with a special emphasis on those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). The first cohort will start in March 2022, and participants will receive the financial support to attend the NERCOMP and EDUCAUSE annual conferences, they’ll be mentored by accomplished senior leaders, and they will engage with presidents and other senior leaders from an array of institutions, developing relationships with search firms and other partners working to support their professional growth. 

This Ecosystem panel will outline the experience the fellowship is developing to address these issues, and the successful models the effort is drawn from. The session will include a conversation about the vision for the program and its cohort-based approach. Additionally, the session will share the approach to partnering with existing programs that are a core part of the overall design. Most importantly, this session will serve as an opportunity for a dialogue with NLF mentors about why they are committing their time, energy, and resources to this effort and what they have learned so far. Feedback, ideas, and questions during the session will all be welcomed and encouraged.

For more information about the Next Leaders Fellowship visit: https://nextleadersfellowship.org/

Speakers:

Sherri Braxton, Senior Director for Digital Innovation, Bowdoin College

Tony Moore, Chief Information Officer (CIO), Prairie View A&M University

José Rodriguez, Chief Information Officer (CIO), Rhodes College

Stan Waddell, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer (CIO), Carnegie Mellon University

 

Radical Candor in the Midst of Radical Times (a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar)

Hosted:  9/16/2021

Event Overview
An exciting twist on the Leadership Ecosystem panel format, this session involves a conversation about how the panel members, all from the same leadership team at the same institution, use Radical Candor in their roles. Join the CIO, Deputy CIO, and the Senior Director for Enterprise applications for Carnegie Mellon University as they explore the benefits, limitations, windfalls, and pitfalls of radical Candor in the IT arena and beyond.

Radical Candor, by Kim Scott, is an often touted tool for fostering clear communication, giving and receiving constructive feedback, and an excellent tool for cutting through the chaff and getting right to the crucial conversations. Hear how the panelists use it to avoid ruinous empathy and hurt feelings when the tough things need to be said.

Perspectives From Retired Leaders Panel (a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar)

Hosted:  5/20/2021

Event Overview
A generation of technology leaders are retiring and taking with them a vast history of experience and perspective.  They have evolved with the technology revolution and guided us into unimagined reliance on these tools and skills.

Join us as three recent retirees share their views on where we have been and what they believe will be critical for future technology leaders.

 - Suzanne Aber (retired Trinity College, Hartford),

 - Cindy Mitchell (retired Colby College),

 - Chris Kielt (retired Washington University St. Louis)

Remote Work: Opportunities, Implications and Considerations Panel (a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar)

Hosted 4/15/2021

Event Overview

Many of our institutions have begun planning for the post-pandemic “new normal”. Remote work is often central to this conversation. In this webinar, we will discuss cross industry research findings, as well as dialogue on the lessons learned and experiences with remote work with two institutions that are adopting remote work as part of their strategies moving forward. Please join us for a moderated panel discussion with audience Q&A.

Learning Objectives:

 - Be able to articulate possible remote work futures

 - Understand research data around remote work

 - Ability to lead the remote conversation at your workplace

 

Women's History Month Panel (a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar)
Hosted 3/18/2021

Event Overview

While women in technology, and other fields, continue to struggle to proportionately achieve leadership positions, NERCOMP is fortunate to have many strong women leaders in our community. For Women's History Month, the NERCOMP Leadership Ecosystem is bringing several of these women together to reflect on their professional journey, share their wisdom, and reflect on the current challenges and opportunities for women in technology.

 

Pursuing Racial Equity and Anti-Racism in Higher Ed Information Organizations (a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar) Hosted 2/18/2021

Event Overview

In honor of Black History Month, the February 2021 Leadership Ecosystem session will consider the importance and the broader benefits of pursuing racial equity and anti-racism in information organizations in Higher-Ed. The session will also explore lessons from the Anti-Racism in Academia (ARiA) program, a grassroots effort launched in August 2020, lead predominantly by younger Higher-Ed information professionals.

The visceral responses to the murder of George Floyd in the spring of 2020 created heightened attention to anti-black racism, and many institutions initiated efforts to address these issues, often for the first time. Yet, for too many, the underlying ‘why’ of this work appears to remain elusive. 

Created by a small group of community leaders spanning multiple academic institutions, the ARiA program’s purpose is to promote anti-racism in higher education. The program developed into a 5-part discussion series that ran from August 2020 to January 2021 outlining an action-oriented approach to dismantling racism through conscious decisions and intentional actions. The sessions covered topics from Reach Out, Listen, Learn, Act, and Persist. With facilitators and participants from a wide array of institutions, roles, experiences, and perspectives, the program has developed into a powerful example of how a community can act to address difficult issues.

Learning Objectives:

  -Consider the reasons information professionals and organizations are pursuing the work of anti-racism and DEI more broadly.

 - Identify approaches to act in building more inclusive and anti-racist teams and organizations

 - Outline an action plan to engage with these efforts.

 

ARiA- Act: Creating an Inclusive Workforce (a Leadership Ecosystem Webinar) Hosted 11/19/20

Event Overview

For November, the ARiA series presents Part 4 “ACT”: to act with intent and steadfast commitment to affect change within your spheres of influence. The ACT program is focused on 3 areas: inclusive language, bias & technology, and inclusive workforce. Acting towards the development and sustainability of an inclusive workforce requires a commitment to analyzing and correcting retention, recruitment, and hiring practices. This will often require partnering with human resources professionals.

You are invited to join a conversation with Andy Brantley, President, and CEO of CUPA-HR, the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources and Sheraine Gilliam-Holmes, Executive Director and Chief HR Officer at Austin Peay State University.  Sheraine also participated in Creating Inclusive Communities project and has currently serves as an at-large member of CUPA-HR’s National Board of Directors. CUPA-HR is the association of HR professionals in higher education, providing leadership on higher-ed workplace issues in the US and abroad. They have led national efforts to collect and share representation data, published reports identifying key actions and best practices, hosted workshops and working groups, and recently launched a 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge for Higher Ed Leaders. 

Andy and Sheraine are uniquely positioned to offer insights and recommendations on how higher education HR offices can partner to Act on the broader issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the more focused needs of pursuing anti-racism.

In response to renewed dialogue across professional associations and within our personal lives, a small group of community leaders spanning multiple academic institutions have developed a program to promote anti-racism in higher ed – Anti-Racism in Academia: A Learning Journey (ARiA). The program is a 5-part discussion series, taking place from August 2020 to January 2021, outlining an action-oriented approach to dismantling racism in our own spheres through conscious decisions and intentional actions.  See the ARiA website for more info:  https://aria.uga.edu/  

Learning Objectives

 - Learn how CUPA-HR and the higher education HR professionals they represent are pursuing the work of anti-racism and DEI more broadly.

 - Identify best practices to Act in building more inclusive and anti-racist teams and organizations

 - Consider how to better partner with HR offices to Act in these areas

 

Anti-Racism in Academia (ARiA)-Part 3: Learn-Panel-Hosted 10/22/2020

Event Overview

In response to renewed dialogue across professional associations and within our personal lives, a small group of community leaders spanning multiple academic institutions have developed a program to promote anti-racism in higher ed – Anti-Racism in Academia: A Learning Journey (ARiA). The program is a 5-part discussion series, taking place from August to December 2020, outlining an action-oriented approach to dismantling racism in our own spheres through conscious decisions and intentional actions.

The ARiA series presents Part 3 in October, "LEARN", designed to dive deeper into the themes of allyship, intersectionality, implicit bias, and systemic racism. NERCOMP has graciously partnered with ARiA to take part in this very important conversation, so October's Leadership Ecosystem event will bring together ARiA facilitators to discuss each them and the importance and impact of creating space for dialogue around race in a way that people can engage from any point in their learning journey. 

Learning Objectives

-Become familiar with the ARiA framework
-Understand the basics of allyship, intersectionality, implicit bias, and systemic racism
-Consider the importance facilitating anti-racism dialogue within your organizations

 

Anti-Racism in Academia (ARiA)-Part 2: Listen-Panel-Hosted 9/17/2020

Event Overview

In response to renewed dialogue across professional associations and within our personal lives, a small group of community leaders spanning multiple academic institutions have developed a program to promote anti-racism in higher ed – Anti-Racism in Academia: A Learning Journey (ARiA). The program is a 5-part discussion series, taking place from August to December 2020, outlining an action-oriented approach to dismantling racism in our own spheres through conscious decisions and intentional actions.

For September, the ARiA series presents Part 2: Listen, one of the most important elements of proactively and respectfully engaging with people from different racial backgrounds. NERCOMP has partnered with ARiA to take part in this very important conversation, so this month’s Leadership Ecosystem event will bring together panelists for a facilitated conversation that reaches across race, gender and backgrounds to discuss the role of active listening in developing a more inclusive culture. 

Learning Objectives

-What is active listening and why is it important?
-How can we practice active listening and thoughtful dialogue?
-How can we better navigate the intent and impact of our words and actions?

 

Leading to the New Normal: What Lessons Can We Carry Forward With Us?-Panel-Hosted 7/16/2020

Event Overview

With all the change and uncertainty we're living through, it can be hard to ask what lessons are we looking to carry forward with us. Yet, many of the needs for the fall require making decisions now based on the experiences and information we already have. Join a panel conversation that seeks to reflect on experiences across institutions, consider initial ideas and insights that are surfacing, and explore how these ideas may be turned into lessons to move forward with.

Three Key Learning Objectives:

- What initial ideas and insights from their spring and summer experiences are our panelists looking to carry into the fall semester?

- How are institutions looking to build on these lessons learned thus far?

- What concerns are we navigating to make sure we're learning the 'right' lessons and not simply reacting to all that's changing around us?

 

Leading to the New Normal: Shrinking Budgets, Growing Needs Panel-Hosted-6/18/2020

Event Overview

The term ‘the new normal’ is being tossed around a lot lately. It is happening so frequently that the Leadership Ecosystem is focusing a set of webinars on the various impacts of the “new normal” and how to deal with them. This webinar focuses on potential new budget realities due to the effects of COVID-19.

Just read the headlines across concerning any industry segment, and you will see the enormous financial toll taken by COVID-19. Higher education is no exception, and the long-term impacts may continue for the foreseeable future. Technology related functions will be faced with these challenges and will need to respond quickly, appropriately, and effectively.

A panel of leaders in the higher education technology space will discuss what they see as the significant financial impacts and some potential ways to respond.

 

Women’s History Month Panel:  Adapting and Thriving Panel-Hosted 3/19/2020

Event Overview

Event Overview
In honor of women’s history month, we offer practical advice we have found to be helpful in our higher education careers.  We present strategies for leveraging credentials and framing skills and experience for evolving leadership roles and changing workforce needs.  We discuss how insights gained through self-assessments can be helpful and how to use the insights gained.  Strengths or characteristics which are identified can be used to your advantage. We offer advice on how to forge a path to leadership and the importance of communication skills, especially when communicating to leaders at various levels.  Respectful and ethical approaches are an important part of leadership, and we discuss how to inspire others to be mindful of their words and actions.   We discuss the role of networking and mentoring in our careers and how to choose mentors.  We discuss patience and persistence in achieving your goals and the role of coaching, professional development and training.

A Conversation with African-American Professionals: Provocative, Authentic and Inclusive-Hosted 2/20/2020

Event Overview

In honor of Black History Month, this Leadership Ecosystem webinar will be a facilitated conversation with a panel of Higher Education Information Professionals who identify as African-Americans discussing their careers, experiences, and perspectives.  The conversation will explore the paths that the panelists have taken through their respective careers, and seek to contribute to the wider opportunities to build more inclusive organizations. The conversation is extensible to all participants regardless of race and may have special relevance to underrepresented minorities.

 

 

Leading in a Matrix Organization -Panel-Hosted 1/16/20



Event Overview
As noted by organizational leadership blogger Mark Hannum, a matrix structure is lean, flexible, and fast-moving. It is made up of experts who are able to collaborate on complex problems, make important decisions, and coordinate among multiple stakeholders.
Working and leading in a matrix environment can appear chaotic, but this chaos has distinct patterns and can be organized around larger goals and timelines by pulling the focus up from individual components. The chaos can appear worsened by team changes, program and course developments, technology needs, resource limitations, and changing priorities at a pace that is faster than we may feel ready to accommodate.
A panel of leaders from instructional design, virtual labs, and vendor licensing will discuss how they approach their work as they lead our course and program development efforts here at Southern New Hampshire University. 
The panel will be facilitated by NERCOMP board member Dr. Candace Sleeman.

 

Business Office and Information Technology Relationships-CFO/CIO Dialogue-Hosted 11/21/19


Event Overview
Have you ever had a question you would like to ask a panel of leading CFOs and CIOs?  Please join us for a panel discussion and Q&A.  The NACUBO 2019 Perceptions and Priorities campaign (https://www.nacubo.org/Advocacy/Annual%20Letter) references Technology, Innovation, and Infrastructure as critical to our institutions. Both divisions are focused on digital transformation, but the terminology and priorities of business office leaders and technology leaders can sometimes diverge. In this panel discussion, we will delve into the perspective of business office leaders on top IT issues and vice versa.

 

An Introduction to Designing Your Life - How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life -Hosted 10/10/19

Event Overview

Please join the next NERCOMP Leadership Ecosystem webinar for an Introduction to Designing Your Life (DYL). We’ll explore how design thinking can be especially beneficial to our community, as we navigate unprecedented changes and opportunities in our disciplines and industry. 

Based on the popular Stanford course, Bill Burnett and Dave Evans authored the book Designing Your Life as a way of broadly disseminating the framework they’ve successfully used with students for the last 12 years. The idea is to apply design thinking approaches and adopt a designer’s mindset to how one plans for, iterates through, and takes action to create a meaningful and fulfilling life, both professionally and personally. 18 NERCOMP institutions have taken part in Stanford’s Life Design Studio, a program to help them use the DYL framework with students, as they navigate the curriculum and their careers. 

Facilitators:  Michael Cato, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Office, Bowdoin College

Joan Cheverie, Co-Founder, Fieldbrook Advising

Tanea Flanders, Executive Director for Learning & Development, Columbia University

 

Transitioning Roles (First 100 Days in any new role/organization) – Hosted 9/19/19

Event Overview

So you are thinking about taking the plunge and changing positions. Maybe this is within your current institution, maybe it is at a new organization. In either case, your first 100 days in the new role are critical to your success. This webinar aims to explore the topic of how one successfully navigates a transition. How does one go about starting a new role? What items are key for engaging with a new group of stakeholders in your first 100 days? What’s meant by “what got you here won’t get you there”? This panel will explore these topics and more.

Moderator:  Stan Waddell, CIO, Carnegie Mellon University & the Leadership Ecosystem Working Group

 

Lessons Learned - A Conversation Exploring the Experiences, Perspectives and Insights from two Recently Retired Senior IT Leaders - Hosted 4/18/19

Event Overview

This webinar will be a panel conversation with P.B. Garrett, who recently retired as Senior Associate Dean for Innovative Teaching and Learning and Chief Academic Technology Officer at the George Washington University, and David Smallen, who recently retired as Vice President for Libraries and Information Technology at Hamilton College. P.B. and Dave are highly regarded professionals who led their respective organizations through opportunities and challenges, each earning reputations for being collaborative, insightful and accomplished leaders.

Moderator: Michael Cato, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Office, Bowdoin College

 

Diversity & Innovation Upside Down: Proactive Ways to Build An Inclusive Culture - Hosted 2/5/19

Event Overview

Studies show that diverse organizations are more innovative—but what if this was also true in reverse—that by intentionally facilitating a culture of innovation, you can proactively support diversity and foster an inclusive culture. Presenters will explain the core elements of an inclusive culture and identify key challenges IT leaders must overcome. This engaging webinar will showcase three campus initiatives that demonstrate how to go beyond basic diversity training and move you to take on concrete actions that shift your organization toward a culture of inclusion and participation. By providing real-life examples, they will demonstrate how principles and practices of innovation can be used to unlock these challenges and promote equity, access, and inclusion on any campus.

Learning Objectives:

- identify core elements of an inclusive culture that overlap with innovation best practices

- learn about key challenges to diversity, equity and inclusion on campus—hiring, retention, activation of expertise, and career advancement

- understand three campus initiatives for proactive change and reflect how they model inclusive behavior

- commit to one action they will take to actively promote diversity and innovation in their own organization

Speakers: Dr. Esmilda Abreau,and Kirsten Richert

Moderator: Lisa Trubitt, Assistant CIO for Strategic Communications, University at Albany

 

People of Color in Higher-Ed Information Services:  Experiences, Perspectives, And Strategies - Hosted on 1/18/19

Event Overview

There is a significant underrepresentation of People of Color in Higher Education information technology positions. The 2017-18 CUPA-HR Higher Education Survey reports 26% of IT staff positions, 21% of IT professional positions, 12% of IT administrator positions and 12% of CIO positions are held by minorities. As many NERCOMP institutions are wrestling with broader questions of diversity, inclusion, and equity, addressing these gaps can prove especially challenging.

This webinar will be a conversation with a panel of People of Color in Higher Education Information Services discussing their careers, experiences, and perspectives. The panel will be made up of Bohyun Kim, Aixa Pomales, and Stan Waddell, facilitated by Michael Cato. The panel will also include Michael Reed, Senior VP for Inclusion and Diversity at Bowdoin College, who will offer expertise on the wider issues and opportunities to build more inclusive organizations.

Speakers: Boyhun Kim, Chief Technology Officer and Associate Professor, University of Rhode Island Libraries, Aixa Pomals, Director of IT Support Services, Swathmore College, Michael Reed, Senior Vice President, Bowdoin College, Stan Waddell, PhD, CIO, University of New Hampshire

Moderator: Michael Cato, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Office, Bowdoin College

 

Ideas to Action: Leadership Lessons to Guide Your Journey - Hosted on 11/29/18

Event Overview

Leadership is a constantly evolving journey filled with opportunities to grow and develop. This session will share critical lessons with those in the NERCOMP community who are seeking to realize their leadership potential. These key insights and proven strategies for greater effectiveness will inspire and bolster leaders, no matter where they are on their individual paths.

Speaker:  Michael Kubit, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Office, The Pennsylvania State University

Moderator: Cindy Mitchell, Chief Information Office, Colby College

IT Leadership and Influencing in the Brave New Age of Cyber Security - Hosted on 10/23/18

Event Overview

Special Cyber Security Month focused edition of the NERCOMP Leadership Ecosystem Presentation Series.  The NERCOMP Leadership Ecosystem will host a panel on being a leader and influencer in IT. The panel will be facilitated by four dynamic and highly skilled IT professionals. As October is national Cyber Security Month, the panel will zoom in on leadership and influencing across information security topics among other leadership focuses.

Panelists:

Emily Harris, ISO, Vassar College;

Chris Kielt, CIO, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill;

Rori Boyce Werner, Security Compliance Program Manager, University of New Hampshire;

Moderator: Stan Waddell, PhD, CIO, University of New Hampshire

 

NERCOMP Leadership Ecosystem - Hosted on 9/25/18

Event Overview

We are excited to invite you to join the inaugural Leadership Ecosystem webinar on Tuesday, September 25th from 12:00 - 1:00pm, with additional dialogue until 1:30. The webinar will be a panel discussion with three Higher Education leaders, Keith ‘Mac’ McIntosh, Jennifer Sparrow, and Sharon Pitt, discussing their priorities, careers and perspectives. Join these engaging leaders for a dynamic session on the opportunities and challenges of leadership in high stakes high reward IT organizations.

Panelists:

Keith W. 'Mac' McIntosh, Vice President for Information Services and CIO for the University of Richmond

Sharon Pitt, Vice President for Information Technologies and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the University of Delaware

Jennifer Sparrow, Senior Director for Teaching and Learning with Technology

Moderator: Michael Cato, Senior Vice President and CIO Bowdoin College

 

 

 

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