Concurrent Sessions
Speakers: Kathryn Nash, Attorney, Lathrop GPM; Emily Mawer, Attorney, Lathrop GPM
With the 2020 Title IX regulations and 2021 guidance from the Biden Administration, many institutions are understandably anxious about Title IX compliance. Current Title IX legal requirements touch on many different aspects of an institution’s policies and procedures, including imposing significant procedural requirements for an institution’s complaint resolution process. Join us for an overview of current Title IX legal requirements, followed by a discussion of the more complex aspects of the 2020 Title IX regulations, including the directly-related evidence requirement and live hearings. This presentation will also discuss possible changes to Title IX in the future.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Laura Worley Fornash, Senior Vice President of State Government Relations, McGuireWoods Consulting, LLC; Farnaz Farkish Thompson, Partner, McGuireWoods LLP
A former state Secretary of Education and a former U.S. Department of Education official will cover how to develop advocacy and coalition building campaigns for faith-based institutions. As a case example, they will discuss the Growth4VA coalition, a successful partnership between Virginia's business community and higher education leadership, that has lasted through three different governors and that has helped both public and private institutions financially. This session will share the history of building the campaign and the effective tools used to engage policy makers to advance the coalition’s agenda.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speakers: Farnaz Farkish Thompson, Partner, McGuireWoods LLP; Craig Wood, Partner, McGuireWoods LLP; John Moran, Partner, McGuireWoods LLP; Michael Francisco, McGuireWoods LLP; Robert Loftin, Counsel, McGuireWoods LLP
CCCU is pleased to welcome experts on the Supreme Court of the United States who will present an unparalleled overview and analysis of the recent Supreme Court cases. They will highlight cases with the potential to affect faith-based institutions and make insightful observations about the Court and the impact of recent events on its work. They also will cover recent Supreme Court opinions regarding religious liberty, educational institutions, and other related issues such as affirmative action programs and employment law developments.
Sunday, Feb. 13th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Kathryn Nash, Attorney, Lathrop GPM; Michael Lindsay, President, Taylor University; Colby Burke, Founder, Organizational Partner, and Executive Coach, The Turos Group
As religious institutions face the current political and social climate, the ministerial exception provides broad protection of the relationship between a religious institution and the employees who carry out its mission. This presentation,
building on the Gordon College example, will explore various postures available to Christian institutions in relation to employment law and strategies to strengthen the Christian character of their campuses. There will be practical ways to
ensure that written statements and day-to-day operations support an institution’s commitment to Christ in a way that withstands legal scrutiny.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speakers: Kathryn Nash, Attorney, Lathrop GPM; Abigail Davis, Vice President of Student Affairs, Title IX Coordinator, Toccoa Falls College; Milissa Orchard, Director of Human Resources, Title IX Coordinator, Concordia University St. Paul
For many institutions, the change to mandatory live hearings with an opportunity for cross-examination has been a major departure from their adjudication process. Join us for a discussion of the challenges of and best practices for implementing a hearing model, including possible policy revisions based on the Department of Education’s recent change to the cross-examination rule and suggestions for communicating with your campus community about the hearing process. In addition, the presenters will discuss lessons learned from an institution that has recently moved to a hearing model, providing practical advice for navigating this challenging time in Title IX compliance.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Speakers: Joy Mosley, Senior Director of Government Relations, CCCU; Jacob Dunlap, Legislative Assistant, CCCU; Camille Messer, Government Relations Fellow, CCCU
The Government Relations team will provide an update on current advocacy areas in the Legislative and Regulatory space. This will include updates on Fairness for All, Title IX, Section 127, Pell Grant funding, immigration reform, charitable giving, the expansion of prison education funding for incarcerated individuals, and other current topics.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Speaker: Gene Schaerr, Attorney, Schaerr Jaffe
This session will discuss key laws and recent cases affecting religious liberty and higher education. Attorney Gene Schaerr will outline common legal risks arising from employment and admissions practices, Title IX and LGBTQ issues. The session will then provide an overview of the relevant legal principles and how campus leaders can ensure that their policies, procedures, and practices provide maximum legal protection. These principles provide the building blocks for campus policies that can withstand legal pressure and strengthen mission identity.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 3:15 to 4:15 PM
Speakers: Kevin Singer, Co-Director, Neighborly Faith; Matthew Kaemingk, Assistant Professor of Christian Ethics at Fuller Seminary Houston; Omar Suleiman, Founder & President, Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, Professor of Islamic Studies, Southern Methodist University
Too often, interreligious engagement has been framed by Christian educators in terms of risk rather than reward. What if impressionable Christians are led astray? What if we can't keep participants' words and behavior in check? As a result, many on Christian campuses have not experienced the power of learning and growing through encounters with deep religious differences. In this session, the promise of interreligious learning will be demonstrated in a dialogue between Matthew Kaemingk of Fuller Seminary and Omar Suleiman of the Yaqeen Institute, facilitated by Kevin Singer of Neighborly Faith. After the dialogue, attendees will be encouraged to ask questions.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speaker: Rick Langer, Professor and Director of the Office of Faith and Learning, Biola University
Conflicting convictions make for difficult conversations. The Winsome Conviction Project was launched in early 2020 at Biola University to encourage civility, but also to help people articulate their convictions and become more self-aware of their own backstory, reasons, and doubts. This seminar will 1) give a short overview of key challenges we faced, 2) share lessons from experiences in both large and small groups, and 3) offer some practical frameworks for fostering conversations that generate hope, refine and deepen our convictions, and promote mutual understanding (even if they do not necessarily generate agreement.)
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speakers: Dr. Brian Foreman, Executive Director, Community Engagement & Leadership, Center for Church & Community, Campbell University; Dr. Justin Nelson, Associate Professor of Sociology, Campbell University
This interactive workshop focuses on educational institutions partnering with congregations to engage the community through a place-based community capitals framework. Attendees will begin a process of reimagining their local context through the collective assets of their institutions, churches, and the broader community when viewed through a lens of abundance rather than scarcity.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 1:30 - 2:45 PM
Speakers: Kim Chaudoin, Assistant Vice President of Public Relations & Communications, Lipscomb University; Brenda Velasco, Senior Director of University Communications, Biola University
As a number of challenging issues and events have impacted the nation over the last few years, university presidents are often called upon to release public statements about these public conflicts which can unintentionally create public relations issues with a number of perspectives listening. Often these statements are potentially volatile and difficult to get “right.” This session will be a guided discussion about how to frame this conversation on your campus as well as to provide helpful suggestions for determining when to issue statements in the future.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 3:15 - 4:15 PM
Speaker: Paul Kaak, Executive Director, Office of Faith Integration, Azusa Pacific University
A timely question is being asked by faith-based schools: “How, in our pluralist context and with a policy of open enrollment, do we continue to offer a distinctively Christian education that 1) doesn’t alienate unbelieving students, but 2) is still meaningful to believers?" Conceptual-theological reflections and practical recommendations for a wise contextual pedagogy will be shared.
Sunday, Feb. 13th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speaker: Darren Campbell, Founder & CEO, Campus
Looking for a new way to engage your alumni and other donors? As a partner with Campus, you can provide an online platform to your audience that allows them to continuously engage academically with your institution. Education with faith-infused pedagogy needs to happen throughout a person’s lifetime which has created greater demand for efficient, effective, and appealing learning experiences. Many are subscribing to other platforms to access this “edutainment” content. Campus gives you a way to keep those opportunities tied to your institution. Hear from your peers on how they are reaching their alumni through this state-of-the-art platform.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Speakers: Laura Carroll, Executive Director, Adams Center for Teaching and Learning, Abilene Christian University; Derran Reese, Director of Experiential Learning, Abilene Christian University; Amanda Pittman, Assistant Professor of Bible, Abilene Christian University; John Boyles, Assistant Professor of Bible, Abilene Christian University; Marcia Everett, Director, The College Experience, Malone University
This session explores the connections between the pedagogical landscape of higher education, the distinctiveness of Christian higher education, and research and assessment on our own campuses. We demonstrate ways that faith-based institutions can connect our missions and unique contexts to evidence-based pedagogies through collaboration and research. Join us to learn about how ACU’s Best Practices in Christian Higher Ed research seminar and conference facilitates this integrative process and how your institution can get involved.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speaker: Perry L. Glanzer, Professor, Baylor University
Christian higher education lacks its own distinctive theory of Christian identity development. As a result, administrators fail to understand the importance of their curriculum frameworks and decisions, as well as their co-curricular programing, for developing Christian identity. In the curriculum, they focus on shaping excellent Christian historians, accountants, biologists, etc. and in the co-curriculum, they focus on a few important political identities, but they lack an overall vision to guide them. This session challenges CHE administrators with a theologically and empirically-formed theory for a Christian identity development during college. It provides practical curricular and co-curricular ways to implement the theory.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speaker: Reginald Finger, Assistant Professor, School of Health Sciences, Indiana Wesleyan University
This presentation will encourage the participant to think beyond the basic strategies of devotionals and prayer in class to tackle the more difficult issues surrounding faith integration in the academic course context. The group will discuss the challenges of 1) ongoing spiritual formation of faculty; 2) aligning disciplinary content with Christian worldview; and 3) cultivating distinctively Christian teaching practices. Examples and illustrations will be presented and discussed.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 1:30 - 2:45 PM
Speaker: Bob E. Neal, Professor, Southeastern University
This presentation will present recently published results from an empirical research study conducted from a Christian University exploring the first-hand accounts from undergraduate students and how they described their spiritual leadership encounters with faculty and staff. The data revealed that the spiritual leadership encounters students in this study experienced with faculty and staff members resulted in a) students experiencing feelings of being cared for, b) feeling supported, c) a sense of community, d) prayer, e) conflict resolution, f) increased academic motivation, g) vision and h) personal growth. Future recommendations will be presented as well.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 3:15 - 4:15 PM
Speakers: Margaret Diddams, Editor, Christian Scholar's Review; Perry L. Glanzer, Professor, Baylor University, Editor-in-Chief, Christian Scholar's Review
This past fall Christian Scholar’s Review celebrated its fiftieth anniversary with a review of its history and predictions of the future state of the “evangelical mind.” While there is much to celebrate, the prospect of continued faith-informed scholarship and the voice of Christians in the public square are not without their own challenges. This session will review the highlights of recent CSR essays by Joel Carpenter (Calvin), Susan Felch (Calvin), Julia Hejduk (Baylor), George Marsden (Notre Dame), Philip Ryken (Wheaton), and Susan Van Zanten (Valparaiso) that address these topics, CSR’s renewed vision to strengthen the “evangelical mind,” and our thoughts on how leaders at CCCU institutions can partner with CSR to advance our mutual aspirations for the dissemination of rigorous Christ-animated scholarship for the next fifty years.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Speaker: Matt Salisbury, Managing Partner & Director of Digital, Pesch; Haydent Steelman, Partner and Director of Strategic Partnerships, Pesch
Join the team behind the just-launched ‘Faces of Christian Higher Ed’ campaign for a moderated discussion about the ways we chose, developed, and told stories for the campaign. Each human story was chosen to associate Christian higher education with moral value systems that are especially strong triggers for both conservatives and liberals: Care for Others, Protection from Harm, and Fairness/Justice. Doing this re-defined our and re-set the conversation we're having with our audience
Sunday, Feb. 13th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speaker: Tim Fuller, Founder, Fuller Higher Ed Solutions
What does it cost to recruit a traditional student? How does our staff and budget for recruiting compare to relevant campuses? What does the data tell us about trends and what we do about them? Tim Fuller, leader of this annual study for nearly 30 years, will present data from the 2021 NACCAP Benchmarking Study, discuss implications, and facilitate discussion around this important topic.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Molly Smith, Enrollment Consultant; Dr. Deana Porterfield, President, Roberts Wesleyan College; Tim Fuller, Founder at Fuller Higher Ed Solutions; Phil Cook, Executive Director, NACCAP; Jay Fedje, Vice President of Client Services and Enrollment Jedi, Enrollment Fuel
While schools are focused on demographic trends and new student numbers, there’s another crisis looming in enrollment; the disappearance of the experienced enrollment leader. This panel, comprised of former CCCU enrollment professionals, will offer their insight on current enrollment trends, the challenges in enrollment, and how you can support those leading the charge. We invite institutional leaders and practitioners of all disciplines to engage in this discussion and consider ways to collaborate with enrollment leaders and contribute to the overall success of the institution.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speakers: Joretta Nelson, Vice Chairman, Owner, Founder, Moving the Needle, Credo LLC; Jim Fereira, Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Student Development, Anderson University (SC); Pam Ross, Vice President for Enrollment Management, Anderson University (SC)
This session will present emerging successful practices in collaboratively developed strategies that result in a seamless student experience from recruitment through graduation. It will highlight key elements of a campus-wide partnership strategy that results in improving recruitment, retention, student satisfaction, and institutional resources. Participants will spend time evaluating their top comparative opportunities and strategizing application of appropriate solutions.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speaker: James L Steen, Vice President of Enrollment Management, Houston Baptist University
As Christian institutions, we regularly compete for students with other universities that are significantly larger and have seemingly infinite resources. As we strive to increase enrollment and net revenue, we do not always have to spend more money, hire more personnel, or work harder to grow the funnel. Rather, when we lean into our brand, recruit more strategically and aggressively, implement ubiquitous funnel management, and deliver quality customer service, then we can achieve our enrollment goals in markets that are becoming more competitive, and even hostile, to Christian institutions.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 3:15 - 4:15 PM
Speaker: Marcos Gutierrez, Assistant Director of Admissions & Hispanic Relations, John Brown University
To increase enrollment and retention of Latino students, John Brown University, a small rural campus in Siloam Springs, AR, created a program called "Creciendo Juntos" or "Growing Together". Mainly run by student directors and funded by enrollment, the purpose is to increase the Latino population by 1-2% each year. This session will provide details of the program, successes even amidst COVID, continuing challenges, and ideas to further recruit and retain Latino students.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Speaker: Dr. Brian Herndon, Associate Professor of Teacher Education, John Brown University
The research is clear: all children benefit when they have teachers of color in their classrooms. This is especially the case for students of color. The U.S. school system is increasingly diverse, yet teachers in American schools are overwhelmingly white. Christian colleges and universities often have trouble attracting people of color to their teacher preparation programs. This presentation will share the results of a study, examining the perspectives of preservice teachers at Christian colleges and universities in the U.S., perhaps shedding light on how those institutions can better prepare teachers for the diversity that is the American public school system.
Sunday, Feb. 13th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speaker: Dr. Mary Beth Pollema, Assistant Professor of Education, Dordt University
As educators, we are always seeking to grow our professional insight and perspectives. But how does one come to a deeper understanding of cross-cultural perspectives? Ethnography as a research method and also as a tool for daily life and teaching practice may provide new ways of seeing that promote pedagogical shifts and the creation of classroom and campus communities that are more inclusive. This sectional explores using ethnography and the findings of ethnographic research, not only as a methodology but as a way of life and learning in order to create a stronger sense of community within our universities.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Kimberley Wiedefeld, Vice President of Enrollment Management, Roberts Wesleyan College; Dave Basinger, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Roberts Wesleyan College; Misty Parsley, Director of Special Education Programs/Faculty Advisor for IDEAL, Lipscomb University; Kathy Lambert, Chief Strategist for RISE Program, Judson University; Dawn Allen, BUILD Program Director, Bethel University; Bret Hyder, Associate Vice President of Enrollment, Financial Aid and Retention, University of Northwestern; Jim Benjamin, Dean of Student Life, Bethel University; Katie Bonawitz, Assistant Dean, Center for Access and Integration, Bethel University; Julie Finnern, Associate Provost, Bethel University; Kathy Hargis, Associate Vice President for Risk Management, Lipscomb University; Laurie Sain, Dean of Housing and Residence Life, Lipscomb University
As the demand for college programs for students with intellectual disabilities grows, launching successful new programs or growing existing ones requires leaning into existing partnerships and structures. Depending on the kind of inclusive program offered, it may be critical to form relationships and work through obstacles through cross-departmental partnerships. We will offer lessons from existing campus-based partnerships in student services.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speaker: Darren Campbell, Founder & CEO, Campus and Slingshot
What if universities could reach students with the right resources at the right time? Many institutions are operating on an outdated model of delivering course materials and may not realize they are well-positioned to remove these simple barriers that impact basic needs and academic success. This session explores the challenge of accessibility to course materials and offers a solution that will not only increase resources for students but relieve the finance burden long before they arrive on campus.
Sunday, Feb. 13th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speaker: Nathan Grawe, Ada M. Harrison Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Social Sciences, Professor of Economics, Carleton College
Given the magnitude of recent fertility declines, successful responses require engagement beyond the enrollment management office. Join Nathan Grawe for a dialogue about strategies for a campus-wide response -- what Christian higher ed institutions are doing well, and what we could be doing better not just to enroll students, but to keep them on campus throughout their college career.
Sunday, Feb. 13th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speaker: Laurie Schreiner, Professor of Higher Education, Azusa Pacific University
The CCCU Collaborative Assessment Project has assessed students’ thriving levels over the years, including during COVID-19. This session will feature the significant experiences that contributed to students’ intellectual, interpersonal, and psychological engagement and well-being during a pandemic, highlighting differences across racial groups, along with lessons learned about institutional care, communication, and responsiveness.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 1:30 - 2:45 PM
Speakers: Christine Sommers, Chief Academic Officer, Universitas Pelita Harapan; Rijanto Purbojo, Director of Online Education, Universitas Pelita Harapan
This presentation will describe the implementation of a multi-flexible online learning method during the pandemic. The multi-flexible online learning method was developed to intentionally facilitate significant learning. The multi-flexible learning method is now being used for a blended learning approach. Challenges of implementation and implications for future use will be discussed
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Michael Paulus, Assistant Provost for Educational Technology, Dean of the Library, Seattle Pacific University; Carlos Arias, Chair and Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Seattle Pacific University; Phillip Baker, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University; Michael Langford, Professor of Theology, Seattle Pacific University
The impact of artificial intelligence on our world requires engagement from Christian scholars in every discipline. This presentation describes the organization of a faculty research group (FRG) to explore AI from various disciplinary perspectives and with Christian faith. The FRG increased knowledge of AI, stimulated interdisciplinary and theological reflection, and cultivated collaboration and scholarship. (It has an essay collection, AI, Faith, and the Future, forthcoming from Pickwick Publications). We will discuss the FRG’s impact on members’ scholarship, as well as research opportunities related to AI.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speakers: Scott Gilreath, Vice President for Digital Transformation and Chief Information Officer, Indiana Wesleyan University; Lana Kirk, Chief Data Officer, Indiana Wesleyan University
In 2019, Indiana Wesleyan began a journey of intentional transformation, committed to moving from intuition to verifiable insights which guide our decision-making processes. There was a strong realization that we are data-rich, but information poor. In continuing to focus on Mission above all, we are learning valuable lessons on balancing faith and works, learning to trust our data, and figuring out how we simplify our data environment to tell meaningful stories from our important assets. We explore the blueprints for the ongoing journey involving three distinct, yet critical components for trusted data-fueled insight within Higher Education.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 3:15 - 4:15 PM
Speaker: Allison Davis Ward, Partner, CapinCrouse/CapinTech
Colleges and universities are reflecting on how they adapted to the pandemic. With a return to normalcy on the horizon, higher education leaders need to determine how to effectively and successfully implement technological advancements to maximize opportunities and move the industry forward to benefit faculty, staff, and students. In this session, we’ll examine the technology trends anticipated in the post-pandemic era. This includes the continued benefits of remote work, tools and functionalities that will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of operations, and the implementation of more complex security solutions.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Speaker: Rick Ostrander, Faith-Based Partnership Specialist, Acadeum
The CCCU Online Course-Sharing Consortium, powered by Acadeum, began four years ago at the 2018 International Forum on Christian Higher Education. Since then it has expanded to include over half of the CCCU’s U.S. membership, and thousands of courses have been shared. Member institutions are using academic collaboration to solve some of higher education’s toughest challenges, such as increasing enrollment, improving student success, cutting costs, and developing new revenue streams. This interactive session will feature presentations from CCCU institutions that have used course-sharing to improve institutional health amid challenging conditions.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Dan Nelson, Chief Institutional Data & Research Officer, Bethel University (MN); Jeff Olson, Director of Financial Aid, Bethel University (MN)
How have CCCU institutions weathered the storms of economic recession, increased competition, a declining pool of high school graduates, and changing family attitudes about paying for college (not to mention a pandemic)? Using data from IPEDS and over two decades of CCCU surveys, Dan and Jeff examine trends in enrollment, college costs, financial aid, discount rates, student debt, and family wealth. They then combine the data to show patterns of institutional financial health and student/family affordability since the onset of the recession before ending by analyzing healthy institutions.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speakers: Jim Bush, Principal and President, Winkler Group; Dr. Dondi Costin, President, Charleston Southern University
A successful capital campaign can change every aspect of a college or university. Campaign-funded new buildings and programs generate new energy, increased enrollment, greater alumni support, and exciting new opportunities for Christian education. Led by Dr. Dondi Costin, President of Charleston Southern University, and Jim Bush, Principal and President of the Winkler Group, this session will take a close look at how Charleston Southern is embracing a capital campaign—and how the fundraising effort is transforming Charleston Southern into one of the leading Christian colleges in the country. Participants will discern how a successful campaign could similarly transform their university.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 1:30 - 2:45 PM
Speaker: Michael Falder, Associate Vice President for Advancement, Taylor University
The purpose of this study is to understand the role Advancement plays in addressing the financial needs of Christian colleges, particularly the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities institutions, since the Great Recession as well as during the COVID 19 pandemic, through the lived experience of Chief Development Officers and Chief Financial Officers at eight institutions. In addition, this study sought to explore Advancement strategies and tactics to address the growing challenges. Ten themes emerged and may be relevant for practitioners as they consider their own financial challenges.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 3:15 - 4:15 PM
Speakers: Donald Griffith, Vice President for Advancement & Executive Director of the FPU Foundation, Fresno Pacific University; Justin Norris, J.D., Portfolio Executive Leader, CampusWorks
Since opening in 1944, the financial viability of Fresno Pacific University (and its ability to impact California's Central Valley region) has been predicated on planned growth. Today it includes five campuses, a seminary, and online programming, boasting the region's highest 4-year graduation rate and enjoying recognition as a Top 10 Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Its rich student-centric experience inspires excellence, graduating innovative leaders positioned to thrive amidst the changing landscape of a 21st Century economy. Now an ambitious charge to increase annual giving 100% fuels a reimagining of the donor experience. Together FPU’s advancement and foundation teams are effectively engaging more alumni and new donors than ever before.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Speakers: Lee Skinkle, Provost, Southwest Baptist University
This session will look at how one institution broke down the analysis of cost and made comparison of programs, departments and colleges more transparent. The model used demonstrated cost of overhead and relative expenses of traditional programs versus adult and online programs. The resulting tool has led to extensive conversation about what is essential within programs and what might not be as essential as we continuously look to make our institution more efficient. Considerable time will be allotted to the discussion of pitfalls to watch for and avoid as you have the conversation with faculty.
Sunday, Feb. 13th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Dr. Dondi E. Costin, President, Charleston Southern University; Suzanne Davis, President, Greenville University; Mike Glubke, Co-founder, CEO, and President, Dynamic Campus; Robert Wheeler, Vice President of Managed Services, Dynamic Campus
The IT teams at many CCCU institutions are fairly small and static, but their IT needs continue to grow and change rapidly. As higher education continues to rely increasingly on technology for critical functions like recruiting, enrollment, retention, and hybrid learning opportunities, some institutions have solved their IT support needs by outsourcing their IT functions entirely. In this session, the presidents of two CCCU institutions will share how they are using IT as a “force multiplier” on their campuses, giving them the IT horsepower of a large public university in an outsourcing partnership that is designed for smaller, private institutions.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Dan Clark, CEO, Westfall Gold; Bob Westfall, Founder & Chairman, Westfall Gold
This session features two experienced leaders in philanthropy. They will define the difference between transactional and transformational giving and how to move your institution to the transformational which is significant and sustainable. They will talk about ways to include this strategy in your campaign and annual giving program, improving outcomes for both.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 1:30 - 2:45 PM
Speakers: Lori Kuykendall, President and CEO, Medical Institute for Sexual Health; Will Deatherage, Graduate Student, Catholic University
We are living in the fallout of the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 70s- with abortion, adultery, abuse, divorce, emotional and mental health consequences, out-of-wedlock pregnancy, STDs and pornography. This session presents the historical and generational background for the unique opportunities facing young adults today. Current sexual health research will be shared with positive strategies for upholding healthy relationships and advancing biblical values for sexuality and marriage.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Perry L. Glanzer, Professor, Baylor University; Ted Cockle, Ph.D. Student, Baylor University
This presentation draws upon our mixed-methods national study of Christian student affairs leaders (SALs). SALs serve as the primary mediators between students, cultural and church messages regarding sex, scholars’, and current administrators’ desires and demands. Unfortunately, our research found that at least a third of SALs felt ill-prepared to handle issues of sexuality and even those who felt prepared felt they lacked resources to help. We did, however, find a small group of institutions undertaking creative endeavors. Based on our findings and analysis we set forth what we believe to be the best practices in this contentious area.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 1:30 - 2:45 PM
Speakers: Mary Hulst, University Pastor, Calvin University; Sarah Visser, Vice President of Student Life, Calvin University
How can we care well for our LGBT+ students while also tending to the larger conversation on human sexuality with staff, faculty, boards, parents, and alums? This is very challenging work, and while we don’t have all the answers, we will share our best practices in the hope of encouraging and inspiring all of us who navigate this topic within our faith and denominational communities.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 1:30 - 2:45 PM
Speakers: Monica O'Rourke, Ph.D., Professor of Kinesiology, California Baptist University; Joe Malone, Ph.D., Sex IQ
We have a highly sexualized society. Pressure to live promiscuously comes from all directions and this is true for Christian students too. This interactive session discusses original research of young adults, romance, and hook-up culture. Insights to trends regarding sexual permissiveness, casual sex and those electing sexual integrity and restraint. Research results and Biblical wisdom are shared to help strengthen the faith of students considering this type of behavior. Information will help demystify hook-up culture and help better equip those who encourage students to see that sexual health is sexual integrity through God’s design for enduring love and lifelong marriages.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 3:15 - 4:15 PM
Speaker: John Foubert, Dean, College of Education, Union University
Based on the very latest research, this session will detail the many harms of pornography to our students. Particular emphasis will be on the effects on student learning, brain development, sexual development, and relationships with others. Knowing these harms will help us do good work with students who struggle in this area. Practical suggestions for having healthy conversations with students will be a focus.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Speaker: Mark Yarhouse, Chair of Psychology, Leader of Sexual & Gender Identity Institute, Wheaton College
Mark Yarhouse offers a measured Christian response to gender identity, transgender experiences, and the diverse gender identities that are being embraced by an increasing number of adolescents. Yarhouse will distinguish between current mental health concerns, such as gender dysphoria, and the emerging gender identities that some young people turn to for a sense of identity and community. He will cast a vision for practically engaging and ministering to teens navigating diverse gender-identity concerns making this session valuable to all who care about or work with gender-diverse youth: pastors, church leaders, campus ministers, diversity and inclusion officers, and student development officers.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speaker: Don DeGraaf, Senior Director of Educational Programs, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities
This interactive session will provide participants the opportunity to explore how study away programs are navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by COVID-19. Specifically, participants will explore what new opportunities and partnership are emerging as faculty and staff work to support colleagues across the CCCU, expand opportunities to prepare students to thrive in a diverse world, while also contributing to the long-term health of their institutions.
Sunday, Feb. 13th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Andrew Flamm, Executive Vice President, Grace College; Mark Pohl, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, Grace College
The landscape of higher education has amplified the need for Christian colleges to become adept at implementing change. So why do some succeed and others fail? And what is the role of institutional culture? This session will reveal findings from a study conducted at Christian colleges on culture and change. We will discuss the implications of the study to change processes at our campuses and provide personal testimony of how lessons learned have driven positive enrollment results.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speaker: Christopher Gordon, Partner, Capin Crouse
Students are facing increasingly burdensome loans while institutions are struggling with unsustainable discount rates. An income share agreement (ISA) provides an innovative approach that may lessen student debt while showing the value of the institution: Students only pay if they are able to secure employment with compensation high enough to afford to pay tuition as a percentage of income. We’ll discuss the potential advantages for your students and your institution, as well as considerations for how your institution could structure an ISA.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 1:30 - 2:45 PM
Speakers: Kimberlee A. Johnson, Interim Dean, Palmer Seminary of Eastern University; Founder/Program Advisor, Prison Education Program at Eastern University; David Garlock, State Organizer, Straight Ahead, Advisor, Prison Education Program, Eastern University
Research shows that adult basic education, life skills classes, vocational training, and most especially postsecondary education improve the lives of incarcerated persons, impact prisons, and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. These programs present new opportunities for higher education institutions to minister to the incarcerated population in some nontraditional but life-changing ways. This presentation will be a detailed and creative presentation on the need for Christian higher education in prison and will include history, best practices, and ways forward as presented through story-telling, PPT, poetry, interactive activities, and discussion.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 3:15 - 4:15 PM
Speakers: Dr. Esther R. Gillie, Dean of the University Library, Regent University; Jeffry Archer, Dean, Baylor University Libraries; Darcy Gullacher, University Librarian, Trinity Western University
This presentation by the newly appointed CCCU Library Leadership Council provides an overview of the current state of CCCU academic libraries followed by a description of innovative projects and new services that are focused on addressing future needs of CCCU academic institutions.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Speakers: Lorne Oke, Associate Vice President, The Talent Ladder, Indiana Wesleyan University; Eileen Hulme, Vice President for Regional Education, Indiana Wesleyan University
Employers are facing a talent crisis. They need more workers and workers with new contemporary skills. The development of the Talent Ladder was a response to the talent war that many organizations are facing. We will share lessons learned and opportunities realized while engaging with business partners around non-credit and credit bearing certificates.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Speakers: Dr. Trisha Posey, Honors Program Director, John Brown University; Dr. Lisa Toland, Honors Program Director, Montreat College; Dr. Amy Kovach, Honors Program Director, Roberts Wesleyan College; Dr. James LaGrand, Honors Program Director, Messiah University; Caitlyn Bennett, Honors Director of Student Engagement, John Brown University
This session will look at honors programs and colleges at CCCU institutions who are imagining new futures for their programs and their institutions. Panelists will present four approaches to honors innovation that are context-specific, but broadly applicable in a variety of CCCU institutional settings. These include: cultivating students’ hunger to connect great texts with love for neighbor in a specific community; connecting honors goals with broader institutional programs and efforts; developing a sense of belonging among students from various backgrounds through cross-campus partnerships; and redesigning programs to meet the diverse needs of students while serving as recruitment and retention tools.
Sunday, Feb. 13th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Kevin Brown, Chief Diversity Officer, Spring Arbor University; Brian Kono, Chaplain, Spring Arbor University; Kristina Grace, Program Coordinator, Interfaith Youth core
What strategies can transform the ways that students engage with difference? Join student participants and administrative organizers of “Bridging the Gap,” a January term partnership launched between Spring Arbor University and Oberlin College that has now spread to 9 schools. Students will discuss the “courageous conversations” skills they learned, the perceptions of each other that they confronted, and the application of these skills to real-world policy challenges, such as criminal justice reform. The audience will brainstorm ways to develop such partnerships on their own campuses.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Dr. Heidi Winter-Tracht, Assistant Professor/Director, Center for Academic Success & Advising, Northwest Nazarene University
Creating and sustaining a supportive sociocultural, institutional ethos for academic success among first-generation, underrepresented undergraduates is crucial to promote equity in Christian higher education. In this presentation, the researcher will illustrate cultural mismatch in education through the lived experiences of faculty who were first-generation, underrepresented undergraduates. The faculty’s narratives will also exemplify cultural mismatch among their students. These experiences will be synthesized to illuminate the effect on the faculty’s roles in teaching, service, and scholarship. The presentation will conclude with a series of implications for professional practice with a focus on institutional ethos change in Christian higher education.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speakers: Elizabeth Ponder, Dean of Library Services, East Texas Baptist University; Jeremy Labosier, Associate Dean for Library Innovation, Biola University; LaKeshia Darden, Curriculum Materials/Media Librarian, Campbell University; Alexia Riggs, Director of the Frank A. Smith Library
Libraries can foster support for campus programs and projects. Campus librarians have access to resources to support various campus needs, including DEI programs, ethical use of information and technology, leadership development, community engagement, and campus enrichment. This panel will provide insight into the work libraries complete across CCCU institutions and the potential for collaborations across campus. This panel will present examples from their libraries and open the floor for questions and discussion.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 1:30 - 2:45 PM
Speakers: Timothy Campbell, Vice Provost, Academic Affairs, Asbury University, Stan Rosenberg, VP for Research and Scholarship, CCCU, and Executive Director, Scholarship & Christianity in Oxford (SCIO); Mark Sargent, CCCU Senior Fellow, Former Provost, Westmont College & Gordon College
Recent refinements in classroom pedagogy emphasize inquiry and discovery. Quite often, this “hands-on” (or “minds-on”) learning has emphasized both faculty and undergraduate research. A vibrant culture of research on campus requires innovative support mechanisms and training for faculty, as well as differing investments in grants, professional development, and research ethics boards. This session will discuss needs for such efforts and opportunities and the potential to share resourcing among multiple institutions in order to accomplish more than a particular institution might individually. This session is part of a major grant-funded project, Supporting Structures, run by the CCCU and its subsidiary SCIO, in its effort to contribute to STEM subjects on our campuses and research activities more broadly. The session leaders—Stan Rosenberg, VP for Research and Scholarship at the CCCU and Executive Director of SCIO, and Mark Sargent, former provost of Westmont College and CCCU Senior Fellow, will present key data, invite some colleagues to share best practices, and open a conversation among attendees about lessons learned and new possibilities.
Sunday, Feb. 13th from 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Dr. Steven D. Mason, President, LeTourneau University; Kristy Morgan, Vice President for Student Life, LeTourneau University; Sherry Chance, Vice President of Nontraditional Education and Online Learning, LeTourneau University; Fred Ritchey, Dean of the College of Aviation, LeTourneau University; Donald Egle, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, LeTourneau University; Ron Mahurin, Senior Design Consultant, Design Group International; Benjamin Caldwell, Provost, LeTourneau University
LeTourneau University has invested great effort in identifying its unique gifts and rehearsing its "organizational saga" to provide focus, clarity, and vision for deep institutional change. By learning from mistakes and maximizing a strategic planning process, any institution can make positive changes toward institutional health and flourishing. A panel of university leadership will share their insights and experiences, and the teamwork involved, for improving university performance and morale through challenging and opportune times.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 3:15 - 4:15 PM
Speakers: Dr. Keith E. Hall, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Azusa Pacific University
The landscape and student demographics within higher education continue to evolve presenting remarkable complexity, challenge, and opportunity. Current and forecasted realities in Christian higher education compel executive leaders to consider strategic ways to bolster innovation, agility, and structures that support the mission of the institution and the holistic success of diverse learners. In the midst of change, complexity, and urgency, what are the defining questions that executive leaders should be asking to prompt curiosity, imagination, inspiration, and strategic direction that elevates the value, sustainability, and substantive impact of Christian higher education?
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Speakers: Jamie Sanfilippo, Membership & Development Coordinator, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities; Karen Longman Ph.D., Program Director, Ph.D. in Higher Education, Professor, Department of Higher Education, Azusa Pacific University; Dr. Deana Porterfield, Ed.D, President, Roberts Wesleyan College; Jillian Gilbert, DSL, Director, M.A. Leadership Program, Associate Professor, Department of Leadership and Organizational Psychology, Azusa Pacific University
Understanding the impact of “generational differences” is important, given the shifting demographics within Christian higher education. Although women leaders have experienced gender-based challenges in the past, they must also navigate generational dynamics that affect their leadership aspirations and experiences. As a new generation of leaders emerges, delving into the mindset and the motivators of Millennials to pursue cabinet-level leadership could strengthen the future effectiveness of institutions. Presenters in this session, representing different generations, will provide research on leadership demographics in the CCCU, generational differences, and the motivators of the Millennial women who will lead our institutions into the future.
Sunday, Feb. 13th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speaker: Roy Y. Chan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Education & Director of the Ed.D. Program, Lee University
The number of Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) programs (or educational doctorates) offered by CCCU member institutions has increased dramatically, bringing new opportunities and challenges. To date, approximately 35 of the 180+ CCCU member institutions offer an Ed.D. program and is the fastest-growing doctorate degree programs offering across the United States. As the Ed.D. program continues to expand from CCCU member institutions, this special community of practice session seeks to bring together program coordinators/directors, faculty, students, and others interested in sharing best practices that support desired program and student learning outcomes. Open to all conference participants. No prior knowledge is required.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Norlan Hernandez, Director, Jesse Miranda Center for Hispanic Leadership, Vanguard University
This workshop focuses on the idea of embodying leadership. Through personal reflections, academic literature, and audience participation, the workshop will lead attendees through a dialogue that highlights the strengths and benefits of leading through a genuine observance of our identity. The workshop will expose some of the individual, cultural, and systemic challenges that inhibit authentically embodying leadership. In short, this workshop will highlight multicultural elements at play when adopting a posture of leading through the fullness of our identity. This workshop is meant to create space to reflect individually, process publicly, learn corporally, and support communally. This time together is meant to be experiential.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speakers: Rob Zinkan, Ed.D., Vice President, RHB; Aimee Hosemann, Writer/Researcher, RHB
What are strategic plans for, and who are they for? What does it mean to be “strategic”? Amidst such rapid change, how relevant can a plan truly be? These are among the questions addressed in a 2020-2021 study of 108 active college and university strategic plans. Researchers selected 16 strategic plans (of the 108) containing some of the most strategic tendencies and then interviewed presidents of those institutions. Based on the study’s findings and implications, this session will outline important leadership considerations to avoid the many pitfalls of strategic planning and ensure a process focused on strategy and outcomes.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 1:30 - 2:45 PM
Speaker: Carrie Stockton, Associate Vice President, Student Success & Academic Engagement, Biola University
This session will provide a brief review of leadership identity development the importance of relationships, particularly mentors and sponsors, in that developmental process as well as review and discuss implications for practice.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 3:15 - 4:15 PM
Speakers: Dr. Jeannie Trudel, President, Christian Heritage College; Paul Campey, Board Member, Christian Heritage College
Boards of Trustees are entrusted with the governance of our Christian higher education institutions, but Board members are also called on to make decisions framed by seeking to follow God’s will for the university or college. In the boardroom, the distinctives of our Christian faith need to guide and flavour every conversation, every action, and every decision. What does this look like individually and as a Board? This session will explore and determine key practices that place Board members/ Trustees above mere compliance and to actively practice spiritual discernment in the governance and decision-making processes for the Christian university or college.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Speaker: John Ojeisekhoba, Associate Vice President, Biola University
Deep concerns and hurt about police brutality are not isolated to cities and local municipalities. Over the years, there has been a steady increase in tension between students and campus public safety departments. Understand the issues and putting a robust proactive program in place for campus safety departments can further build a reputation and yield positive results. The presenter will walk attendees through common issues that cause tension between public safety and students from diverse backgrounds and how the Biola University Campus Safety Department built a decade-long program to proactively address potential issues and serve the students well.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speakers: Michelle R. Loyd-Paige, Executive Associate to the President for Diversity and Inclusion, Calvin University; Rev. Michelle D. Williams, CEO, Shalom Consultants
Two seasoned diversity professionals share insights from their diversity playbook that will help current diversity professionals and organizational leaders. The session begins with revisiting key diversity events of the last two years and an observation of the lessons learned about the why, what, how, and when of leading diversity efforts. In small groups, participants will have an opportunity to engage with others in a collaborative effort to strategize future diversity efforts. Special attention will be given to the critical need for diversity professionals to practice self-care; and for organizations to retain diversity professionals through professional development and support.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Ted Song, Chief Diversity Officer, John Brown University; Rebecca Hernandez, Chief Diversity Officer, George Fox University
Expanding the candidate pool is critical to increasing diversity. However, many of the searches face challenges in having a pool that includes diverse candidates. While CCCU institutions pursue diversity through hiring, search committees often end up with final candidates that reflect the current demographic. The Search Advocate Program is designed to train search committee members to bring more diverse candidates to campus. The training equips participants to recognize the implicit bias that they may have and avoid it as a committee. Presenters will discuss how this program is used at CCCU institutions, including George Fox University and John Brown University.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speakers: Scott McDowell, Ed.D., President, Lubbock Christian University; Foy D. Mills, Jr., Ph.D., Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Lubbock Christian University; Carlos Perez, Ph.D., Chair and Associate Professor, Psychology and Counseling, Lubbock Christian University; Yvonne Harwood, Ph.D., Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, Lubbock Christian University
Major changes in any organization, even if welcomed, are often disorienting. Navigating significant leadership transitions in a university’s history, while honoring the institution’s culture, respecting faculty governance, acknowledging views of the university’s various constituencies, etc., makes the situation more complex. As these shifts occur, the university community seeks “surer footing” anticipating a new equilibrium. Lubbock Christian University has experienced significant leadership changes since 2018. Using a Critical Qualitative approach, new leadership solicited input from faculty and staff to inform the next strategic plan.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 1:30 - 2:45 PM
Speakers: Megan Hughes Johnson, Sr. Consultant for Strategic Initiatives, Interfaith Youth Core; Marion Larson, Professor of English, Bethel University; Amy Poppinga, Associate Professor of History, Bethel University; Sara Shady, Professor of Philosophy, Bethel University
We live in a religiously diverse world. CCCU graduates need to know how to navigate religious diversity in order to be successful professionals in almost any field. In addition, research shows that when students have the chance to dialogue and build relationships with others from different faith backgrounds, they simultaneously strengthen their own faith commitment. This means that engaging religious diversity can strengthen Christian faith formation, not dilute it. In this session, we’ll introduce the “Christian Leadership in a Multifaith World” online curriculum developed by IFYC and CCCU and preview the three modules: The Christian Foundation for Interfaith Bridge-Building, Religious Literacy, and Interfaith Cooperation and Civil Rights. Come explore the importance of engaging religious diversity and learn how you can use these online activities with your students.
Sunday, Feb. 13th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speaker: Paul Conn, Chancellor, Lee University
Paul Conn's thirty-four year tenure at Lee University (1986-2020) was a period of extraordinary growth and transformation. Along with things Conn's team did right, however, there were some significant mistakes. Looking back over his presidency, Conn describes candidly what he considers the five "dumbest decisions" he and his team made, why they got it wrong, and the lessons they learned as a result. This is a closed session for Presidents only.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Gene Crume, President, Judson University; Brad Creed, President, Campbell University; Paul Maurer, President, Montreat College; Scott McDowell, President, Lubbock Christian University
Join the committee for a call on moral courage. This will be an interactive study about how our colleges are in a unique position to develop moral, courageous people from a foundation of biblical truth. This will be an interactive session where Presidents will be able to share what they are already doing to develop the moral compass of their students. This is a closed session for Presidents and Provosts only.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speaker: Gregg Chenoweth, President, Olivet Nazarene University
We need a God who guides, right now, in real-time, through the projects of our lives. The Apostle Paul did too. Like us, he never met the material Jesus and had to cultivate what he called a “competence” for being guided by God in the Spirit. This identity became so central, he told the Church that above all else he is a “steward of mysteries." In this session, Dr. Gregg Chenoweth, president of Olivet Nazarene University, shares from his new book, Everyday Discernment, how Christian leaders can be primarily an SMG (steward of the mysteries of God) and secondarily Dir., V.P., or C.E.O. This is a closed session for Presidents only.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 1:30 - 2:45 PM
Speaker: Chris Stewart, Chief Grants Officer, Templeton Religion Trust; Steve Moore, Executive Director, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust; Stan Rosenberg, VP for Research and Scholarship, CCCU, and Executive Director, Scholarship & Christianity in Oxford (SCIO)
The CCCU will have a conversation moderated by Vice President Stan Rosenberg on what foundations such as the Murdoch Charitable Trust, the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, and the Templeton Religion Trust look for in grant proposals and what to support. This is a closed session for Presidents only.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 3:15 - 4:15 PM
Speaker: Roger Parrott, President, Belhaven University
Opportunity Leadership is the art of achieving your mission by capturing change. In 2002 I purposely began to let go of the iron grip all leaders have on planning as the foundation of focus and energy. This shift opened up growth, reach, and ministry that would never have been imaginable if I had stayed welded to conventional planning. And as a bonus, as president, it has brought a personal joy and freedom in leadership that I never thought possible. Opportunity Leadership is a fresh approach to building a campus culture poised to take maximum advantage of God’s plan for your institution. This is a closed session for Presidents only.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Speakers: Justin Giboney, President, AND Campaign; Walter Kim, President, National Association of Evangelicals (NAE); Tim Schultz, President, 1st Amendment Partnerships
A panel discussion that will provide an overview of Fairness for All (FFA) and the Equality Act. Panelists will discuss the theological implications of living in a pluralistic society, how FFA helps us maintain our Christian distinction by loving our neighbor well, and where both bills stand in Congress.
Sunday, Feb. 13th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speaker: Gene Schaerr, Attorney, Schaerr Jaffe
This session will discuss key laws and recent cases affecting religious liberty and higher education. Attorney Gene Schaerr will outline common legal risks arising from employment and admissions practices, Title IX and LGBTQ issues. The session will then provide an overview of the relevant legal principles and how campus leaders can ensure that their policies, procedures, and practices provide maximum legal protection. These principles provide the building blocks for campus policies that can withstand legal pressure and strengthen mission identity.
Speakers: Farnaz Farkish Thompson, Partner, McGuireWoods LLP; Craig Wood, Partner, McGuireWoods LLP; John Moran, Partner, McGuireWoods LLP; Michael Francisco, McGuireWoods LLP; Robert Loftin, Counsel, McGuireWoods LLP
CCCU is pleased to welcome experts on the Supreme Court of the United States who will present an unparalleled overview and analysis of the recent Supreme Court cases. They will highlight cases with the potential to affect faith-based institutions and make insightful observations about the Court and the impact of recent events on its work. They also will cover recent Supreme Court opinions regarding religious liberty, educational institutions, and other related issues such as affirmative action programs and employment law developments.
Speakers: Michelle R. Loyd-Paige, Executive Associate to the President for Diversity and Inclusion, Calvin University; Rev. Michelle D. Williams, CEO, Shalom Consultants
Two seasoned diversity professionals share insights from their diversity playbook that will help current diversity professionals and organizational leaders. The session begins with revisiting key diversity events of the last two years and an observation of the lessons learned about the why, what, how, and when of leading diversity efforts. In small groups, participants will have an opportunity to engage with others in a collaborative effort to strategize future diversity efforts. Special attention will be given to the critical need for diversity professionals to practice self-care; and for organizations to retain diversity professionals through professional development and support.
Speakers: Dr. Jeannie Trudel, President, Christian Heritage College; Paul Campey, Board Member, Christian Heritage College
Boards of Trustees are entrusted with the governance of our Christian higher education institutions, but Board members are also called on to make decisions framed by seeking to follow God’s will for the university or college. In the boardroom, the distinctives of our Christian faith need to guide and flavour every conversation, every action, and every decision. What does this look like individually and as a Board? This session will explore and determine key practices that place Board members/ Trustees above mere compliance and to actively practice spiritual discernment in the governance and decision-making processes for the Christian university or college.
Speaker: Mark Yarhouse, Chair of Psychology, Leader of Sexual & Gender Identity Institute, Wheaton College
Mark Yarhouse offers a measured Christian response to gender identity, transgender experiences, and the diverse gender identities that are being embraced by an increasing number of adolescents. Yarhouse will distinguish between current mental health concerns, such as gender dysphoria, and the emerging gender identities that some young people turn to for a sense of identity and community. He will cast a vision for practically engaging and ministering to teens navigating diverse gender-identity concerns making this session valuable to all who care about or work with gender-diverse youth: pastors, church leaders, campus ministers, diversity and inclusion officers, and student development officers.
Speakers: Whittington C. Goodwin, Ph.D., Azusa Pacific University; Laurie Schreiner, Chair and Professor, Department of Higher Education, Azusa Pacific University
Black and Latino men are enrolling in Christian colleges at greater rates than ever before, but also face greater barriers to their success than other racial/ethnic groups. For the last several years, a group of CCCU institutions have measured student success holistically as thriving while in college: being optimally engaged intellectually, interpersonally, and psychologically in the college experience. This presentation will focus on a new study that measured thriving levels in Black and Latino men in 35 CCCU institutions and created specific predictive models for each group, highlighting the campus experiences that contribute most to their ability to thrive.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Speakers: Cynthia A. Wells, Director of Faculty Development/Professor of Higher Education, Messiah University; Todd Allen, Vice President of Diversity Affairs, Messiah University
Combining deep conceptual understanding with concrete guidance plays a crucial role in faculty members’ adoption of equity-minded teaching practice. In this session, presenters will describe an interdisciplinary faculty development program designed to promote inclusive excellence in light of Messiah University’s mission. The session will include an engaging digital presentation in which faculty participants describe the fruits of their course-specific labors. Workshop participants will be introduced to a program model that can be adapted across institutions of varying type and resource availability. Participants will leave equipped to employ practices that increase institutional capacity for inclusive excellence and reconciliation in the context of Christian higher education.
Sunday, Feb. 13th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Emily Hynds, Associate Dean, Howard College of Arts and Sciences, Samford University; Denise Gregory, Assistant Provost for Diversity and Inclusion, Samford University; Cameron Thomas, Director of Diversity Enrichment and Relations, Samford University; Jenée Spencer, Director of Diversity Education and Development, Samford University; Tim Hall, Dean of Howard College of Arts and Sciences (HCAS), Samford University; Don Bradley, Associate Dean HCAS, Samford University; Dana Basinger, Assistant Dean HCAS, Samford University
Like many similar institutions, Samford University has learned from the mistakes and triumphs we have experienced in our efforts to weave ethnic diversity and inclusion into the fabric of our campus and culture. We plan to share in motivational and practical ways the lessons we have learned. We will answer two particularly important questions about the work of ethnic diversity and inclusion on a Christian campus. Why? and How? We are excited about what we are doing and want to share that with others in an inspirational, informative, and actionable way.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM
Speakers: Rev., Dr. Lena Crouso, Vice President of Intercultural Learning and Engagement, Chief Diversity Officer, Southern Nazarene University; Nicole Saint Victor, Director of Multicultural Engagement, Trinity Christian College
Soul Care is a communal affinity gathering where, through an interpretive biblical lens, a space of shalom is formed in wholeness, completeness, and soundness. In such spaces, diversity leaders are seen, known, and understood. They
experience a climate of goodness, safety, and belonging through voices representing prophet, pastor, and purpose. Here the trauma that results from the front-line work that compels them every day can be faced and healing can begin.
Those in the diversity work need these postured voices speaking into them, reflecting the ultimate voice of the Trinitarian God.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Speaker: Don DeGraaf, Senior Director of Educational Programs, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities
This session will present a summary of the work of the CCCU in supporting the Belonging Begins with US campaign (comprised of a national cohort of organizations committed to building bridges across differences). During the session, several CCCU institutions that were a part of this grant (Inclusion Innovation Collaborative) will share insights and best practices related to their own programming experiences and partnerships in building stronger, more inclusive campuses and communities that foster a greater sense of belonging for all.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 1:30 - 2:45 PM
Speakers: Gloria Scott-Richmond, Director, Office of Racial and Ethnic Relations, Lee University; Mike Hayes, Vice President for Student Development, Lee University; D'Metri Mattocks, Director of Intercultural Life George Fox University; Dhuranique Ferguson, Co-Founder of Imago Dei, Lee University; Katherine Lange, Co-Founder of Imago Dei, Lee University; David Williams, Co-Founder of Imago Dei, Lee University
After a summer of racial unrest in 2020, three diverse students launched Imago Dei on their campus to engage in the difficult and often taboo conversations of race and ethnicity. This workshop provides participants with an Image of God theology and gives practical tools to implement a student-led movement. These tools include creating video episodes, hosting events, and offering in-depth discussion groups. Participants will be challenged to consider racial and ethnic issues on their own campus and will acquire a model to intentionally address these issues from a Christian perspective that develops student leaders who create permanent change.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 3:15 - 4:15 PM
Speakers: Melanie A. Howard, Co-Chair of University Diversity Committee, Assistant Professor and Program Director of Biblical & Theological Studies, Fresno Pacific University; Patty Salinas, Chief Diversity Officer, Fresno Pacific University; Breanne Wyse, Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Spiritual Formation, Fresno Pacific University; Martha Fregoso, Co-Chair of University Diversity Committee and Assistant Director of Admission, Fresno Pacific University
This presentation explores how a small group of faculty, staff, and administrators at Fresno Pacific University created from scratch the institution’s first-ever comprehensive strategic plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at a multi-campus Hispanic Serving Institution. While detailing the process for one specific institution, the presentation will focus on sharing transferable insights to aid session participants in pursuing the development of comparable DEI strategic planning processes on their own campuses.
Saturday, Feb. 12th from 9:00 - 10:15 AM