Institute for New Presidents

Opening Prayer

Welcome, Participant Introductions, and Overview

Catholic Universities as a Ministry of the Church
Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, CM, President, ACCU

Wondering about how your institution fits into the larger purpose of Catholic higher education? This opening session will be led by ACCU's new president, Fr. Dennis Holtschneider, as he tells the story of the purposes of Catholic higher education historically through to today. He will discuss how issues of access and development of the whole person offer a unique opportunity to positively engage the Church and society at large. Fr. Dennis will also give you the 30,000-foot flyover view of key Church documents related to Catholic higher education and walk you through some ways to develop a positive working relationship with your local bishop and sponsoring congregation.

Communicating and Leading Catholic Mission Effectively
Marc M. Camille, President, Albertus Magnus College
Susan M. Donovan, President, Bellarmine University

Feeling the current political tensions on your campus? Wondering how to navigate social media to engage your constituencies? Looking for ways to respond in a timely manner during campus crises while still staying on mission? This session will be led by two presidents who have extensive experience in handling institutional communications effectively. They will walk you through methodologies for developing strategic communications across campus, incorporating mission/Catholic identity into student recruitment and marketing messaging, and also ways to effectively step into the fray of larger societal issues, when warranted.

Canon and Civil Law Issues in Catholic Higher Education: Essentials for the President
Mark Chopko, JD, Chair, Nonprofit & Religious Organizations, Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP
Msgr. William King, canon lawyer and pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Mechanicsburg, PA; former diocesan judicial and general vicar for the Diocese of Harrisburg

What are the canon and civil laws related to land ownership of your campus? What are the legal implications of "hiring for mission"? Led by experts in civil and canon law, this session will offer the essential legal issues presidents need to know related to hiring practices, land ownership, reserved powers of the sponsoring religious congregation, Title IX implications, and religious freedom issues. Topics will be covered with a keen eye to the letter and spirit of both canon and civil law.

 Lunch 

Governing for Mission
Thomas F. Flynn, President Emeritus, Alvernia University

Does your sponsoring religious congregation have reserved powers on your board? What are some ways to effectively form new board members with regard to mission? A leader in issues of governance, Tom Flynn will discuss answers to these questions and more, including ways to work with your board to safeguard and advance the Catholic mission of your institution. He will share best practices for selecting and forming board members and will also address different kinds of board structures that have emerged and the typical governance challenges presidents face.

Organizational Structures for Mission
Michael Higgins, Vice President for Mission and Catholic Identity, Sacred Heart University; past president of St. Thomas University and St. Jerome’s University in Canada

What are some proven ways to organize your administration for mission? How can you effectively develop intentional mission orientation strategies across the institution? During this session, organizational structures such as the president's mission council and cabinet-level mission officer, as well as centers and institutes for mission, will be explored as attendees consider which structures would strengthen their own institutional and sponsorship context.

The Presidency and Spiritual Development
Rev. Thomas Curran, SJ, President, Rockhurst University
Dottie King, President, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Do you seek to find ways to develop your personal prayer life amidst the demands of the presidency? You are aware that students, staff, and faculty are invited to transform their spiritual life on campus. Do you also look for ways to develop your own spirituality as you lead the charism and traditions of your institution? This session will offer ways to integrate personal spiritual growth with the leadership demands of the presidency. Session leaders will present effective spiritual practices that will help you in managing the realities of the office alongside family and other life obligations. Session leaders will deeply explore the presidency as a vocational calling and will invite you to do the same.

Concluding Thoughts

 Break

 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. 

Reception with New Presidents and ACCU Board of Trustees
Spouses are welcome.

Dinner for New Presidents and Spouses