Continuing to support student mental health needs in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic is critical. Stress and anxiety are high, and current circumstances are causing hardship for many. Student affairs leaders and counseling center directors are operating as best they can in this environment, while simultaneously navigating rapidly-evolving institutional responses and balancing their own […]
Supporting first-generation students in this turbulent time is more challenging than ever before. There are no established best practices for addressing the diverse needs of first-generation students as institutions make decisions related to the pandemic. Understanding their unique needs and creating awareness of potential technology access gaps, among other issues, is crucial to maintaining equality […]
Supporting faculty through the transition to remote learning has been a tall order for academic leaders in recent weeks. While most courses have now transitioned successfully online, the need for ongoing training—both on the technology side and the pedagogical side—persists. Join us for this webcast recording to hear a discussion between your peers and our […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Balancing the responsibilities of being a faculty member with responding to increasing student needs and life outside the university has only gotten more challenging post-pandemic. Faculty, for instance, are experiencing burnout at higher levels than ever before. But faculty who learn how to set boundaries with their work and maintain a healthy integration are far […]
In Courageous Gardening: Equity-Minded Leadership in Higher Education, authors Susan C. Turell and Maria Thompson invite you to become a master gardener of your campus or departmental landscape—and provide a practical workbook for doing so. There are no easy tips and tricks here; instead, this workbook guides you to building and sharpening the tools you will […]
As a leader in professional development for higher education leaders across the world, Academic Impressions prides itself on delivering quality content that is data informed and rooted in practical application. Over the past year we have had a number of conversations with member institutions who have been seeking out inclusive leadership training for their team […]
Episode #1: Navigating the Mid-Career with Niyati Parekh In our inaugural episode, Jenna interviews Niyati Parekh, Associate Vice Provost of Faculty Initiatives at New York University, about navigating the mid-career stage. Niyati shares how she fell into leadership, and how she now tries to support faculty in their own career journeys. Episode #2: Inflection Points […]
In order for faculty and staff to fully engage in shared governance, they must first understand their roles, responsibilities, and impact on the process. They also need to possess certain skills and knowledge to collaborate effectively across the institution. As a department chair, you are uniquely positioned to provide the necessary information, training, and support […]
Shared governance allows faculty and staff to contribute their opinions, insights, and best ideas for the benefit of the campus community. Shared governance also demands that faculty and staff collaborate in a way that is respectful to others, appreciates diversity of thought, and builds consensus. This requires you, as department chair, to create an environment […]
Leading from the middle of an institution is a tough role. Managing both up and down while completing student-centered work requires self-reflection, empathy, and intention. Yet it can be accomplished in a transformative way that both honors the individual identities of your team and advances the goals and mission of your institution. Join us for […]
