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Event is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 10, virtually and Friday, Aug. 11, in person

Staff members in the College of Arts and Sciences are invited to join the third-annual staff summit. Day one of the summit will feature virtual offerings focused on the event’s theme, Where have we been? Where are we going? How are we growing?  

Presentations will showcase the wide range of work in the college and the broader CU community. They will also share insight into the future of higher education, particularly how ���񱦵� will adapt to students’ changing needs and the college’s opportunities to thrive.

Day two of the staff summit will highlight themes related to Connection, Community & Service. Organized activities and networking sessions will foster a stronger sense of community and belonging. Our emphasis on strengthening connections will involve learning about service projects, engaging in community building and fun!

The summit is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (virtual) and Friday, Aug. 11,^, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (in-person) with prizes on both days. All members of the college’s staff are welcome to attend. Registration is required and is available at this  

Participation is optional, but we encourage all staff to attend relevant sessions, and we urge managers and chairs to support these professional-development and community-building activities. 

The staff summit is an extension of the college’s Be Heard initiative and its commitment to employee development and engagement. The Be SEEN: Staff Training and Mentoring working group is committed to providing staff more opportunities to connect and network by investing in professional development opportunities such as this staff summit. 

How to attend and next steps:

• Please register by Friday, July 28, for one or both days of the staff summit at this .

• Please be sure to include your dietary restrictions for breakfast and lunch.
• Help us celebrate college wins!  As part of the 2023 staff summit, we want to celebrate the great accomplishments of the departments of arts and sciences. Please take a moment to describe your department's biggest win of the year by completing a short questionnaire at this .

For questions, contact Erin Cunningham Ritter.  

Full schedule of events:

10–10:15 a.m.               Welcome and opening remarks

Bernadette Stewart, assistant dean of culture and people 

10:15–11 a.m.               Keynote Presentation

Pat O’Rourke, executive vice chancellor and chief operating officer, ���񱦵�   

O’Rourke will deliver a presentation that sets the tone for the summit's theme: "Where have we been? Where are we going? How are we growing?"

11–11:10 a.m.                Break

11:10 a.m.–12:10 p.m.  Journey to Achieving “Our College” DEI Goals

Dr. Patricia Gonzalez, assistant dean for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion

This presentation gives an overview of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Plan, the five diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals inspired by the IDEA Plan and offers updates on the College of Arts and Sciences’ progress on the DEI Action Plan. Rooted in the college’s and university's commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable campus environment, this workshop aims to provide transparency to the college’s DEI progress, including efforts to create a community where every individual feels valued and empowered. Gonzalez will delve into details of the IDEA Plan and DEI Action Plan, which encompass various strategies and initiatives to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of our college. Be inspired to actively contribute to this transformative journey as we work together to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all members of our community. For more information, please visit the IDEA Plan website, ���񱦵�’s Five DEI Goals and the DEI Action Plan website.

12:10–12:40 p.m.      Lunch break

12:40–1:40 p.m            Trends in Higher Education:  A Panel Discussion with College Leadership

Moderated by Dean Glen Krutz 

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on the latest trends in higher education and how this informs the future of the College of Arts and Sciences as well as our college culture. In this one-hour session, several deans from the College of Arts and Sciences at ���񱦵� will share their expertise and perspectives on a range of topics—from the impact of artificial intelligence and the promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion, to navigating the balance between freedom of speech and inclusivity on college campuses. This panel will delve into the pressing issues shaping higher education today. The session also will explore the potential of technology to enhance the educational experience, and prepare students for a globalized society. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of higher education and how it influences the newly reorganized college. Panelists include:  

—&�Բ�����;Bud Coleman, associate dean of faculty affairs and initiatives 
—&�Բ�����;Patricia Gonzalez, assistant dean for diversity, equity and inclusion
—&�Բ�����;Sarah Jackson, dean of the Division of Social Sciences
—&�Բ�����;John-Michael Rivera, dean of the Division of Arts and Humanities
—&�Բ�����;Clint Talbott, assistant dean for communication

1:40–1:50 p.m.             Break

1:50–2:20 p.m.             Research Highlights in the College

Holly Barnard, associate dean for research 

Please join this session for an informative presentation on groundbreaking research happening at ���񱦵� and in the college. Explore diverse disciplines, innovative projects and the transformative impact of our faculty and researchers. Discover the latest insights and opportunities that make our college a hub of intellectual curiosity and innovation.

2:20–2:30 p.m.             Wrap-up

8:45–9:15 a.m.             Bagels and coffee

9:15–9:30 a.m.             Welcome and opening remarks

Dean Glen Krutz

9:30–9:45 a.m.             Celebrate the College’s Employees of the Year  

Elaine Paul and Jessica Brunecky, Staff Advisory Committee co-chairs

9:45–11:30 a.m.            Crafting Your Leadership Narrative

Dr. Patricia Gonzalez, assistant dean of justice, equity and inclusion, and Erin Cunningham Ritter, director of wellness and employee engagement

This workshop employs the psychological processes of storytelling to help generate inspired, action-oriented and results-driven leadership narratives and brands. Participants will explore the key elements of effective storytelling while navigating unconscious biases that may influence the tone of the stories we tell ourselves about our own capabilities and accomplishments, as well as how we articulate our professional history to our colleagues, employers and potential clients.

11:30–11:45 a.m.        Break

11:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Staff Development: Community Service and the Staff Professional Development Fund  

Kathy Noonan, director of community engagement, and Bernadette Stewart, assistant dean of culture and people

Community service and professional development promote wellness and wellbeing. Engaging in community service and professional development activities provides individuals with increased positive emotions and a deeper sense of purpose. It offers opportunities for social interaction and connection, broadens experience and perspective and assists career growth. Join us to learn about existing and new opportunities to engage with the college and local community.

12:15–12:30 p.m.         Sustainable Practices with ���񱦵� Recycling Services

Barry Sparks, facilities management outreach program manager

Join us as we explore ���񱦵�'s commitment to sustainable practices through recycling and composting. Discover comprehensive recycling programs and initiatives, including e-waste collection, that contribute to environmental stewardship. Learn about the university's successful food waste diversion programs and the utilization of compost in landscaping and gardening, inspiring individuals to adopt eco-conscious habits for a greener future.

12:30–1:30 p.m.         Lunch 

1:30–2:30 p.m.             College Climate and Decision-Making Activity 

Elaine Paul, Staff Advisory Committee co-chair 

Expanding on recent and continuing discussions at college community meetings, the dean's Staff Advisory Committee (SAC) seeks input on how to improve the workplace culture, or climate, for staff and integrate staff members in decision-making processes at both college and unit levels. In this session, staff will work in groups to explore barriers and opportunities in building a culture of true partnership. The feedback gathered will inform SAC's advocacy efforts as the group prepares a white paper on this subject.

2:30–2:40 p.m.             Break

2:40–3:30 p.m.             Knowledge Hub Sneak Peak 

Bernadette Stewart, assistant dean of culture and people, and Erin Cunningham Ritter, director of wellness and employee engagement

When deployed, this resource will be a hub of knowledge, providing an introduction to the CU System. It will help employees and supervisors fully recognize where they are situated in the college and to gain tactical guidance about work responsibilities. Knowledge Hub is a Microsoft OneNote file that will have multiple owners, editors and users. This is a “living document” in which staff are encouraged to contribute their expertise, historical knowledge, tips and tricks via Microsoft Teams channels.

3:30–4:30 p.m.              Campus Tour 

Gavin Laing, faculty affairs senior coordinator 

Concluding the staff summit, we invite you to join us for a captivating campus tour. As the final session of the summit, this tour will immerse you in our top-tier public research institution nestled at the base of the Flatirons. Discover the academic excellence, cutting-edge facilities and vibrant community that define the college and university. From historic landmarks to awe-inspiring outdoor spaces, ���񱦵� offers an unforgettable educational journey in a stunning natural setting. Bring your water and walking shoes and dress for our Colorado weather!