Chief Academic Officers
The CAO plays a unique role in advancing Catholic identity among academic staff. ACCU offers a variety of resources to help individuals in this role:
- Strengthening Catholic Identity – CAOs: This short brochure summarizes the role of the CAO in advancing the Catholic identity of a college or university.
- CAOs may be interested in Catholic Identity Mission Assessment (CIMA), a new initiative that will help ACCU member institutions understand how Catholic higher education adds distinct value to the student experience.
- Each year, ACCU offers a conference specially designed for chief academic officers. Stimulating speakers and roundtable discussions at this gathering help attendees address contemporary needs. See below for information on the current conference.
ACCU Chief Academic Officers Conference
This conference for chief academic officers, held most recently just before the start of the 2018 ACCU Annual Meeting, explored the theme, " Challenges and Opportunities for Chief Academic Officers: Leading Change through Mission." Speakers addressed the current environment in Catholic higher education, as it affects the academic enterprise. Review the conference program.
Aspiring Presidents Program
Saturday, February 2, 2019 (8:00 am–5:00 pm), the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Washington, DC
Nearly half of all new presidents — 43% — come to the position through the traditional route of academic affairs. ACCU's Aspiring Presidents program recognizes this reality and offers this unique opportunity to hear from experienced Catholic higher education presidents, leadership experts, and search consultants on how best to prepare for a presidency at a Catholic college or university. Whether you have set your sites on a presidency or are still discerning, you will leave this session empowered and inspired to advance your career path in Catholic higher education.
In contrast to programs focused on the practicalities of becoming a university president, this seminar will strengthen your knowledge and provide tools specifically focused on Catholic mission and identity. The program will combine larger questions of discernment and fit with a focus on the practical steps of the search process, from résumé review to interview questions.
Registration information will be available in early fall 2018.