Wednesday Forums

Academic Leaders Forum

One Day Workshop | Wednesday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Facilitator: Aaron Profitt | Vice President for Academic Affairs, God’s Bible School

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Overview: The role of the Chief Academic Officer is critical in carrying out institutional mission. Join colleagues from other ABHE institutions to learn how to better carry out your leadership responsibilities.

7:00 – 8:00     Forum Buffet Breakfast | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Campus

8:15 – 9:30     Session 1 — Leading Leaders

Presenter: Gina Cox | Executive Vice President, Highlands College
Overview: In order to successfully carry out the academic enterprise of the institution, the CAO must lead through leaders.

• What are some best practices in building a functional leadership team?
• What does the CAO do when he/she senses the team is not firing on all cylinders?
• How does the CAO create a healthy environment conducive to academic flourishing?

9:30 – 10:15     Refreshment Break | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Blackbaud

10:15 – 11:45     Session 2 — Leading Innovation

Presenter: Darren Campbell | CEO, CAMPUS
Overview:  The academy is often averse to change and innovation. The lag continues to increase between what ministry and industry needs vs. what our colleges can produce.

• How can the CAO experiment while also meeting current academic demands?
• What can the CAO learn from cycles of innovation in the tech industry?
• How can the CAO build momentum in creating a culture of change and innovation?

11:45 – 12:00     A Word from our Sponsor — Campus

12:00 – 1:00     Lunch | Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15      Session 3 — Engaging Faculty in Decision Making

Presenter: Jim Lanpher |  Provost, Columbia International University
Overview: Shared governance and decision making among faculty are fundamental tenants in higher education.

• How can the CAO foster a culture that supports faculty engagement in decision making?
• What are some proven strategies that allow for shared governance without slowing down decision making and implementation?
• How can the CAO design and execute meaningful faculty meetings that encourage maximum participation?

2:15 – 3:00     Refreshment Break | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Alliance Defending Freedom

3:00 – 4:15     Session 4 — The Spiritual Leadership of the CAO

Presenter: Bill Higley | Vice President for Academic, Clarks Summit University
Overview: Of paramount importance for the CAO is his/her spiritual leadership over the academic community.

• What is the value of being tuned into the spiritual climate of the academic community?
• What are ways the CAO can stay spiritually sharp while leading the academic enterprise?
• How can the CAO come alongside and lead his/her team spiritually?

4:15 – 4:30     Wrap-Up

6:00 – 8:30     Connections Dinner | Ballroom B/C/D – Sponsored by Weave & In His Name HR

Faculty Leaders Forum

One Day Workshop | Wednesday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Facilitator: Julia Hershey | Associate Provost, Lancaster Bible College

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Overview: Every growing institution is served by an effective enrollment team who knows their job and consistently delivers what they promise. But delivery of a growing mission-fit new class is more complex than ever. Sharpen your enrollment leadership competency and expand your professional capacity with these invigorating presentations and discussions with distinguished enrollment leaders.

7:00 – 8:00     Forum Buffet Breakfast | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Campus

8:15 – 9:30     Session 1 — Linking Faculty with Student Development

Presenter: Adam Porcella | Provost, Cairn University
Overview: One of the most critical relationships existing in higher education is between the faculty and the student development team.

• Why is the relationship between faculty and student development so important?
• What are some effective ways to build a strong academic-student development link?
• How can faculty work with the student development team to build a cohesive student experience model?

9:30 – 10:15     Refreshment Break | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Blackbaud

10:15 – 11:45     Session 2 — Achieving Administrative and Teaching Balance

Presenter: Julia Hershey | Associate Provost, Lancaster Bible College
Overview:  As an academic leader your time is split between classroom instruction and leading. Left unchecked you can quickly become overwhelmed and ineffective.

• How can you build efficiencies between your teaching load and leadership responsibilities?
• What are some strategies to ensure spiritual, personal, and professional balance?
• Where are you headed now that you are teaching and leading? What’s next?

12:00 – 1:00     Lunch | Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15      Session 3 — Effective Academic Management 101

Presenter: Blanton Feaster | Assistant VP for Graduate Affairs, Dallas Baptist University
Overview: Congratulations! You are an academic leader with teaching and leading responsibilities. You know how to teach but academic management is something brand new.

• What are the basics of academic management?
• How can you run effective meetings?
• What are the key relationships you need to build to lead effectively?

2:15 – 3:00     Refreshment Break | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Alliance Defending Freedom

3:00 – 4:15     Session 4 — What Every President Needs from Faculty Leaders

Presenter: Steve Lennox | President, Kingswood University
Overview:  Every president knows that faculty leaders are a crucial part of the leadership team. Having a better understanding of what your president needs from you will not only make you more effective in your leadership role but will help your institution flourish.

• What is the president’s perspective on your role as a faculty leader?
• How can you build a relationship with your president that yields leadership alignment?
• How can you support the president as you lead your team?

4:15 – 4:30     Wrap-Up

6:00 – 8:30     Connections Dinner | Ballroom B/C/D – Sponsored by Weave & In His Name HR

Forum on Effective Leadership of Doctoral Programs

One Day Workshop | Wednesday 8:00am – 4:30pm

Presenters:
Dr. Kevin Gushiken | Director, Ph.D. in Leadership, Capital Seminary & Graduate School
Dr. Kevin E. Lawson | Former Director, Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs in Educational Studies, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, Director of ICETE Consulting and co-chair of ICETE’s Doctoral Initiative Steering Committee

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Overview:
Doctoral programs are a significant investment for a Bible college or seminary, and there is a lot to consider in designing and overseeing a strong program. This one-day “Boot Camp” is designed for new(er) and prospective doctoral program directors and staff to introduce and work through a range of critical issues in program design and oversight. This session, offered by two veteran doctoral program directors, will provide practical help and encouragement to those responsible for leading this important educational effort in their schools.

7:00 – 8:00     Forums Buffet Breakfast | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Campus

8:15 – 9:30     Session 1 — Theological Grounding and Program Development

• The stewardship of scholarship
• Key issues: mission, cost, access/market, Time to Degree, in-person/distance, accreditation, faculty workload
• Design issues in light of type of program and students
• Program goals and Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), Curriculum planning and design

9:30 – 10:15     Refreshment Break | Regency Foyer – Sponsored by Blackbaud

10:15 – 11:45     Session 2 — Launching Well and Faculty Issues

• Marketing, recruiting students
• Admissions issues and procedures
• Orientation of students
• Faculty workloads and development

12:00 – 1:00     Lunch | Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15      Session 3 — Dissertation/Project Process and Supervision

• Preparing students for the final dissertation/project, assessing readiness
• Guiding students through the final dissertation/project
• Writing help for students
• Assessing the final Dissertation/Project

2:15 – 3:00     Refreshment Break | Regency Foyer – Sponsored by Alliance Defending Freedom

3:00 – 4:15     Session 4 — Program Assessment and Program Advocacy

• Using PLOs to develop assessment systems
• Doctoral program and personnel needs – advocacy to support a strong program

4:15 – 4:30     Wrap-Up

6:00 – 8:30     Connections Dinner | Ballroom B/C/D – Sponsored by Weave & In His Name HR

Enrollment Leaders Forum

Sponsored by: Liaison International

One Day Workshop | Wednesday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Facilitator: Tim Fuller | Founder, Fuller Higher Ed Solutions

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Overview: Every growing institution is served by an effective enrollment team who knows their job and consistently delivers what they promise. But delivery of a growing mission-fit new class is more complex than ever. Sharpen your enrollment leadership competency and expand your professional capacity with these invigorating presentations and discussions with distinguished enrollment leaders.

7:00 – 8:00     Forum Buffet Breakfast | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Campus

8:15 – 9:30     Session 1 — Enrollment Leader Roles & Responsibilities

Presenter: Keith Mock | Enrollment Marketing Solutions, Liaisons International

Overview: A major key to enrollment leader success is having an effective grasp of your fundamental roles and responsibilities. Fulfilling these expectations is of the essence. Think through the depth and breadth of what you’re called to be and do with a distinguished enrollment leader and consultant.

• Knowing the basics – leader & team member with high expectations
• Essential competencies – getting the job done, no excuses
• The art of leadership – setting and achieving goals
• Presidential partnership – fulfilling the institutional mission

9:30 – 10:15     Refreshment Break | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Blackbaud

10:15 – 11:45     Session 2 — Financial Aid — A Vital Partnership for Enrollment Growth

Presenter: Rocky Christensen| Chief Admissions Officer, Johnson University 

Overview: With limited resources either in funded scholarships or discounts, it’s imperative that every financial dollar is used for maximum enrollment growth impact. What are practical ideas to consider and practices that will help you achieve better results with your investment.

• Understanding the world of financial aid – how it works
• Avoiding the usual mistakes and errors – being wise
• Staying abreast of compliance & reporting – not an option, a must
• Ways to make your financial aid help more students enroll

11:45 – 12:00     A Word from our Forum Sponsor — Liaison International

12:00 – 1:00     Lunch | Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15      Session 3 — Effective Recruitment of Graduate & Online Students

Presenter: Scott Boyer | Dir. of Graduate & Online Recruitment, Columbia International University

Overview: It’s common knowledge that recruitment of both graduate and online students marches to a different drumbeat that traditional students. But what is the difference? And what makes for an effective strategy? Learn from a distinguished leader in this specific field how you can be more successful in this growing segment of institutional enrollment.

• The unique features of graduate & online recruitment – the right mix
• Effective management of graduate & online admissions – a different game
• Data to track and numbers to know – a unique admissions funnel

2:15 – 3:00     Refreshment Break | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Alliance Defending Freedom

3:00 – 4:15     Session 4 — Can’t Do This Alone – Mobilizing Strategic Others to Meet Enrollment Goals

Presenter: Tim Fuller | Founder, Fuller Higher Ed Solutions

Overview: Wise enrollment leaders know it takes a campus to recruit a student and a broad network of advocates who engage productively to enhance recruitment, refer prospective students, and support the work of the enrollment team. Mobilizing your relational Jerusalem – faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, current students, and church leaders – should be a high priority for enrollment and other campus leaders.

• Cultivating and connecting an effective network of church & alumni relationships
• Adding intention to mobilizing the right support
• Engaging faculty to apply their expertise to attract students

4:15 – 4:30     Wrap-Up

6:00 – 8:30     Connections Dinner | Ballroom B/C/D – Sponsored by Weave & In His Name HR

Forum on Higher Ed Marketing for Recruitment

Sponsored by: Caylor Solutions

One Day Workshop | Wednesday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Presenter: Bart Caylor | CEO, Caylor Solutions

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Overview: Join industry leader Bart Caylor for an interactive and intensive day of higher education marketing best practices for ABHE institutions. This practical Bootcamp will focus on the following outcomes and be designed for both beginner and veteran leaders.

• Review and understand the best practices for recruitment marketing in higher education (both traditional and adult/grad)
• A comprehensive evaluation of inexpensive tools and techniques to achieve your marketing goals within any budget
• Marketing templates, persona worksheets, editorial calendars, and many more
• A marketing plan and budget worksheet that we will work through together
• Resources, tips, and tricks for getting your marketing on track

7:00 – 8:00     Forum Buffet Breakfast | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Campus

8:15 – 9:30     Session 1 — Best Practices in Higher Ed Marketing for Small, Faith-Based Schools

Dive deep into the best practices for recruitment marketing for ABHE schools.

9:30 – 10:15     Refreshment Break | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Blackbaud

10:15 – 11:45     Session 2 — Get Organized and Focused

We will spend time as a group providing some peer review on our current marketing in light of the best practices and organizing around the gaps that exist for our institutions.

11:45 – 12:00     A Word from our Forum Sponsor — Caylor Solutions

12:00 – 1:00     Lunch | Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15      Session 3 — The Tools You Need and How to Get Them for Your Budget

Review the best tools (hardware, software, subscriptions) to achieve your recruitment marketing needs all on a shoe-string budget.

2:15 – 3:00     Refreshment Break | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Alliance Defending Freedom

3:00 – 4:15     Session 4 — Putting it All Together with Your Plan

This last session will include a practical walk through as we build our marketing plans and budgets together to take back to our campuses and implement.

4:15 – 4:30     Wrap-Up

6:00 – 8:30     Connections Dinner | Ballroom B/C/D – Sponsored by Weave & In His Name HR

Forum on Capital Campaigns

Sponsored by: The Focus Group

One Day Workshop | Wednesday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Presenter: Brad Layland | CEO, The Focus Group (FL)

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Overview: Perhaps the greatest challenge and opportunity for an advancement team is the successful planning and execution of a capital campaign. It’s the strategy that produces new buildings, new programs, new initiatives, scholarships and more. It’s also fraught with risks and failure can be tragic. Learn from an expert how to plan and effectively executive an excellent campaign to help grow your institution.

7:00 – 8:00     Forum Buffet Breakfast | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Campus

8:15 – 9:30     Session 1 — Principles and Practices of Fundraising

Overview: Reviewing the principles and practices of fundraising.

• People give to people, people they know and people they trust
• People give because they are asked and shown how
• People give when they are involved and have a sense of ownership
• Giving is a way of life

9:30 – 10:15     Refreshment Break | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Blackbaud

10:15 – 11:45     Session 2 — Capital Campaigns are Built on a Strategic Plan

Overview: Understanding how strategic plans should be used as a foundation of capital campaigns.

• Strategic thinking at every board meeting
• Empower everyone
• Teach and use scenario planning as an ongoing tool

11:45 – 12:00     A Word from our Forum Sponsor — The Focus Group

12:00 – 1:00     Lunch | Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15      Session 3 — The Feasibility Study Process

Overview: Seeing how the feasibility study process is the first step in a capital campaign.

• Development of the case statement
• Analysis of the prospect list
• Interviewing
• Analysis of the relevant institutional data

2:15 – 3:00     Refreshment Break | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Alliance Defending Freedom

3:00 – 4:15     Session 4 — Overview of a Capital Campaign

Overview: The big picture – an overview of a capital campaign and the steps from start to finish.

• Campaign Staffing
• Phases of a Campaign
• Common Pitfalls

4:15 – 4:30     Wrap-Up

6:00 – 8:30     Connections Dinner | Ballroom B/C/D – Sponsored by Weave & In His Name HR

Financial Leaders Forum

One Day Workshop | Wednesday 8:00am – 4:30pm

Facilitator: Matt Kelly | CFO, Association for Biblical Higher Education

Overview: Financial leadership for educational institutions is much more than making sure the numbers are right. It’s knowing what the right numbers are and what they’re saying about institutional viability and flourishing. It’s both the science and art of prudent financial leadership . . . needed more than ever. Learn with other leaders how to serve your institution well during this turbulent time.

• Essential principles & insights for prudent financial leadership – financial viability
• Stretching the horizon – with multi-year budgeting and forecasting
• Effective dashboard – creating and tracking KPI’s that matter
• Financial information security – prudent mesures

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7:00 – 8:00     Forums Breakfast | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Campus 

8:15 – 9:30     Session 1 — Nimble & Prudent Financial Leadership for a Turbulent Age

Presenter: Jeff Spear | Founder, CFO Colleague

Overview: Our economy, culture and demographics are creating headwinds like never before.  What conversations are presidents and CFOs having to ensure that the mission is accomplished while staying healthy?  Founded in 2013 and having served over 150 institutions, CFO Colleague has seen just about everything.  Are our strategies fit for the task before us?  Learn from Jeff as he shares:

• What’s working and what’s not
• Critical data you need to know
• New ways of looking at the revenue life cycle of a student
• Rethinking programs to enhance efficiency and outcomes

9:30 – 10:15   Refreshment Break | Regency Foyer

10:15 – 11:45     Session 2 — Multi-Year Budgeting and Forecasting

Presenter: Dan Campbell | Partner, CapinCrouse

Overview: Mature institutions are served by CFO’s with the long view in mind. This includes budgeting for more than year-to-year operations. It includes careful forecasting based on current trends and projections. Consider insights from a financial leader about how to serve your institution with a longer horizon.

• The art and science of multi-year budgeting – looking ahead with numbers
• Transposing numbers into a forecast – projections that matter
• Scenario planning – charting implications of options

11:45 – 12:00   A Word from Our Forum Sponsor – CFO Colleague

12:00 – 1:00   Lunch | Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15     Session 3 — KPI’s That Every CFO & President Should Track & Understand

Presenter: Jan Haas | Senior Partner, CFO Colleague

Overview: It’s understood – the CFO is the institutional numbers person. But all numbers aren’t created equal. What are the right key performance indicators (KPI’s) that should be on the institutional dashboard of vital KPI’s? Why should they be carefully tracked and analyzed? Sharpen your thinking and assess your dashboard with an expert leader in institutional financial management.

• Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) – what are they
• Choosing the right KPI’s – what they are and why
• Listening to the right numbers – interpretation matters
• Sharing vital intel – with whom, when, and how

2:15 – 3:00   Refreshment Break | Regency Foyer

3:00 – 4:15     Session 4 — Financial Information Security

Presenter: Matt Kelly         

Overview: With increasing consolidation of financial records onto digital platforms, what are the risks for security breaches? What are prudent measures for safe storage of institutional financial records? What is required by government and accrediting agencies for institutional integrity? Review your policies and procedures for security of your financial information with an experienced CFO and make sure your information is secure and you have mitigated institutional risk.

• Assessing the risk of financial information breach – vulnerabilities
• Principles & practices for information security – prudent measures
• Expectations & compliance – regulations & due diligence

4:15 – 4:30     Wrap-Up

6:00 – 8:30    Connections Dinner | Ballroom B/C/D – Sponsored by Weave & In His Name HR

Student Development Leaders Forum 

One Day Workshop | Wednesday 8:00am – 4:30pm

Facilitator: Rick Swift | VP & Dean of Students, Cairn University

Overview: The quality of campus life is perhaps the greatest overlooked treasure of most institutions. SDO’s bear a unique responsibility for this and could nourish campus culture for maximum student development and optimal student experience. Learn together from the experience of distinguished student development leaders. Sharpen your grasp of key issues to lead your campus well.

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7:00 – 8:00     Forums Breakfast | Regency Foyer — Sponsored by Campus

8:15 – 9:30     Session 1 — Creating Team Synergy with the President & Cabinet

Presenter: Kirk Sabine | VP for Campus Life, Kingswood University

Overview: Few things can amplify the influence and effectiveness of a student development leader like team synergy. When the results are greater than the sum of the parts – everyone wins, and energy moves to a new level. Consider how team synergy is built and sustained with a distinguished student development leader.

• Team synergy – knowing its value & how it works
• Building synergy above, around and within your sphere of influence – seize the initiative
• The role of communication – an irreplaceable art

9:30 – 10:15   Refreshment Break | Regency Foyer

10:15 – 11:45     Session 2 — The Calling & Art of Student Discipling

Presenter: Gary Stratton | Prof. of Spiritual Formation & Cultural Leadership, Johnson University

Overview: Jesus’ commission to make disciples is not only the heart of student development, it was also the heart of our Savior’s strategic decision to found a rabbinic ‘college’ before he even established his church. Explore the upward/downward journey Jesus utilized to guide his followers from student to disciple, and how it applies to our work with students today.

• Helping students climb toward a higher commitment – loving God and others with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength
• Helping students descend into a deeper experience of the intimate, transforming, and other-centered love of God
• Helping faculty, staff, and students foster a life-changing “climbing community”

12:00 – 1:00   Lunch | Regency Foyer

1:00 – 2:15     Session 3 — Meeting & Exceeding 1^st Year Student Expectations

Presenter: Josh Beers | President, OneLife Institute

Overview: There’s no test of recruitment and retention effectiveness like how well student expectations are met during their 1st year.  It’s the major predictor of graduation and worthy of serious pursuit. Dig into these important dynamics with a passionate student experience leader.

• Setting expectations & delivering– a winning strategy that involves the entire campus
• Connections and relationships – the authenticity that differentiates your campus
• Defining the wins and owning the misses – understand what success is and how even your mistakes can enhance the student experience through authenticity and ownership
• Setting expectations of students –a missing piece of many institutions

2:15 – 3:00   Refreshment Break | Regency Foyer

3:00 – 4:15     Session 4 — Policies and Procedures for Harassment, Assault, Injury & Suicide

Presenter: Rick Swift

Overview: With greater sensitivity and responsibility for campus safety and security, how do wise SDO’s handle situations involving harassment, assault, injury or suicide? From the timely first response to government compliance, what are principles and lessons that should guide our actions. Consider prudent insights from a seasoned campus leader walking this road.

• Staying prepared – policies & procedures
• Effective care & communications – to whom, when & how
• Protecting the injured & innocent – proactive care
• Staying compliant – guidelines that matter

4:15 – 4:30     Wrap-Up

6:00 – 8:30     Connections Dinner | Ballroom B/C/D — Sponsored by Weave & In His Name HR