2008 Conference

2023 Conference Attendees

The Way Up XXII Conference

"Women in Higher Education: Redefining Leadership"

November 6-7, 2008

For over twenty years, women in the State of Iowa have hosted The Way Up Conference to assist women in higher education institutions as they continue to develop their leadership and administrative skills and expertise. The conference has always been designed to provide value for presenters and participants as well as networking opportunities for all.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

TimeActivity
8:00-9:15amRegistration
 Book Table & Other Vendors
 Networking
 Continental Breakfast
9:15-9:30amWelcome: Conference Planning Committee
9:30-10:15amKeynote Speaker: Dr. Sally Mason,
 
 President, The University of Iowa,
 "Women and Leadership: Unexplected Paths"
10:30-11:45amContributed and Invited Sessions I
11:45-1:30pmLunch
 Luncheon Speaker: Patricia M. Lowrie,
 
 Senior Fellow, Association of American Colleges and Universities;
 Office of Diversity Equity and Global Initiatives and Director, Women's Resource Center, Michigan State University
 "Which Way is Up, When We're Reaching Out?"
1:45-3:00pmContributed and Invited Sessions II
3:15-4:30pmContributed and Invited Sessions III
4:30-5:30pmSocial Hour (cash bar)
 IOWAWHE Organizational Meeting
5:30-7:00pmBanquet
 Recognition Award
7:00pmNetworking Opportunities
 Dessert Reception

Friday, November 7, 2008

TimeActivity
7:30-8:30amBreakfast
 Networking
 Registration
8:30-8:45amWelcome, Announcements
8:45-10:00amContributed and Invited Sessions IV
10:15-11:30amContributed and Invited Sessions V
11:30-1:15pmLunch
 Closing Speaker: Wanda S. Mitchell,  
 Vice Provost and Chief Diversity Officer (CDO), University of New Hampshire
 "Wanted: Women Leanders Honoring the Quantum Leap in Higher Eduction" (sponsored by IOWAWHE)
1:30pmConference completed
  

The 2008 Way Up Conference will be held at the Coralville Marriott Conference Center, Coralville, Iowa.

You may wish to view the Marriott website.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cidic/

The Coralville Marriott Conference Center offers free wireless Internet access throughout the conference center.

The 2008 Way Up Conference will be held at the Coralville Marriott Conference Center, Coralville, Iowa.

You may wish to view the Marriott website:
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cidic/

A limited block of rooms is reserved at the Coralville Marriott. 
To make your reservations, go to this website:
http://marriott.com/cidic?groupCode=waywaya&app=resvlink

Just enter your arrival date to begin the reservation process.
Or call 1-888-236-2427 with reservation code of "waywaya"
Rooms are only $99/night through October 22.

The Coralville Marriott offers free wireless Internet access in guest rooms.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

9:30-10:15 am       Opening Keynote Speaker

Dr. Sally Mason
President, The University of Iowa
"Women and Leadership: Unexpected Paths"

Sally Mason, the 20th president at The University of Iowa, is the daughter of an immigrant family and the first child in the family to attend college.  She holds a Ph.D. in cellular, molecular, and developmental biology from The University of Arizona.

11:45-1:30 pm       Luncheon Speaker

Patricia Lowrie, Senior Fellow, Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U); Office of Diversity Equity and Global Initiatives

"Which Way is Up, When We're Reaching Out?"

Patricia Lowrie is a Senior Fellow in the Association of American Colleges and Universities’ (AAC&U) Office of Diversity Equity and Global Initiatives and chairs the steering committee of Campus Women Lead, a national project which promotes a multicultural women-led agenda for the transformation of higher education for the twenty-first century.

Friday, November 7, 2008

11:30 - 1:15 pm   Closing Speaker

Wanda S. Mitchell, Vice Provost and Chief Diversity Officer (CDO), University of New Hampshire

"Wanted: Women Leaders Honoring the Quantum Leap in Higher Education"
(This Keynote sponsotred by IOWAWHE.)

Today's world needs strong, visionary, creative and committed women leaders who are not afraid of confronting difficult issues or accepting leadership opportunities that may be daunting or call for sudden and unexpected personal and professional changes.   In physics, a quantum leap is defined as any sudden and significant change, advance, or increase.  It can also be viewed as an abrupt change or step, especially in method, information, or knowledge.  Institutions of higher education need more women who will accelerate the momentum for transformative leadership by accepting the clarion call to lead and create opportunities for others to discover the leader within themselves.  These intentional actions help colleges and universities become greater educational communities when they begin to see the extraordinary in the ordinary on their campuses.  Wanted are women leaders who will honor the quantum leap and accept the leadership call drawing on the courage and stamina necessary for leading through collaboration and shared governance in higher education. 

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

10:30-11:45 am Contributed and Invited Sessions I

The Changing Face of Iowa:  Implications for Women's Leadership in the 21st Century

Diane Finnerty, University of Iowa
Oakdale Ballroom I

This workshop will explore the changing realities of our state, communities and workplace, with a pragmatic approach to what difference these differences make?  How do, for example, our backgrounds and cultural lenses impact our views of the world and everyday interactions with people different than ourselves?  What are the motivations and challenges in exploring how our organizations currently operate in order to create more diverse organizations in the future?  The workshop will explore issues of culture, diversity, and social privilege and, in keeping with the conference theme, we will apply these concepts to exploring the leadership competencies required of women in higher education as we move forward in building inclusive organizations and communities

Leadership and Support

Beverly Wharton, Briar Cliff University
Oakdale Ballroom II

Why is it important for a university President to show support to faculty, staff and students of all levels?  This session will be led by a university president who was awarded the "Most Supportive President for Students in a Free Enterprise" and will involve a discussion of the importance of championing and encouraging the strengths of everyone at the university.  Concepts associated with leadership and methods of showing support will be highlighted in this session.

Facebook: Connecting with Students

Lynn Gallagher, Northeast Iowa Community College
Kara Popp, Northeast Iowa Community College
Cindy Benedict, Northeast Iowa Community College
Oakdale Ballroom IV

Facebook is a social utility that connects you with the people around you. While online social network sites have been given a bad rap in the media, learn how to use this as a tool to connect with your students. Want to keep track of your graduates? Want to know where they are and what they are doing? Easily (and painlessly) use Facebook to send messages, create alumni groups and more!! Join us for lively discussion and hands_on activities to set up your own Facebook group to keep in touch with current and former students!

Equality, Equity and Justice and the Responsibility of Educators in 21st Century Iowa

Marcella David, University of Iowa
Oakdale Ballroom V

According to the American Federation of Teachers "The goals of American education are to assure that children of all races, religions, classes and national backgrounds master a demanding core curriculum and other material to prepare them to assume their civic and social responsibilities in a democratic society, to compete in the global economy, and to benefit from postsecondary educational opportunities." What do we, as educators, need to do to succeed in the 21st Century?

1:45-3:00 pm Contributed and Invited Sessions II

Which Way is Up, When We're Reaching Out?  Roundtable Discussion

Patricia M. Lowrie, Senior Fellow, Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U); Office of Diversity Equity and Global Initiatives and Director, Women's Resource Center, Michigan State University.
Oakdale Ballroom I

Roundtable Discussion as a followup to the luncheon Keynote address.  Bring your ideas to share, challenge, and encourage others who wish to participate in a followup discussion with Patricia Lowrie.

Threat Assessment: Best Practices for Identifying, Assessing and Managing Persons at Risk

Gene Deisinger, Iowa State University
Oakdale Ballroom II

People who engage in threatening and volatile behaviors can be highly disruptive to the campus setting. These disruptions can range from decreased productivity to acts of violence that devastate the community. Faculty and staff frequently deal with students and community members who deal with their situations in volatile and maladaptive ways. In this session, participants will learn to better identify and manage threatening behavior through collaborative approaches with other campus professionals. The session will focus on understanding violent situations, recognizing problematic persons, safety planning, case management, and de_escalation of volatile situations. Participants will gain understanding of the processes and dynamics involved in the pathways to violence. They will also understand how to develop and implement multi_disciplinary  approaches to threat assessment and management, leading to more effective (and safer) resolutions of problematic situations.

Creating Internal Leadership Programs: Benefits and Lessons Learned

Nikole Mac, University of Iowa
Cindy O'Bryon, Northeast Iowa Community College
Oakdale Ballroom IV

Internal Leadership programs, designed to promote leadership opportunities for staff and faculty, can be challenging. But, the benefits are many. The creation of a community college program titled "Leading from Within" focuses on short_term projects designed to assist participants in gaining leadership skills. You'll also hear about UI LEAD, a Leadership Education, Assessment, and Development program for faculty and staff leaders at The University of Iowa. Gain perspectives on how you can create commitment and support for your leadership development programming initiatives.

Getting What you Deserve:  Negotiation Strategies for Professional Women

Terry Boles, University of Iowa
Oakdale Ballroom V

This session will focus on how women can improve their outcomes at the bargaining table.  It will cover such issues as: why it is difficult for women to ask for what they want; how they can better achieve their goals; and how to stand up for one's own interests or constituency and still maintain good relationships."   (session sponsored by IOWAWHE)

3:15-4:30 pm Contributed and Invited Sessions III

Women's Voices:  Redefining and Transforming Higher Education Leadership

Marilyn Drury, University of Northern Iowa
Oakdale Ballroom I

Women in higher education leadership roles have many valuable experiences and lessons-learned to share with others. Becoming aware of opportunities and obstacles women leaders have experienced and methods used to overcome or eliminate the obstacles, institutional leaders and individuals will better understand what's working and what's not for women seeking leadership roles. This session will share recent research findings regarding women leading higher education information technology organizations.  Such findings contribute significant information toward attracting and retaining women leaders in higher education.

Visioning Your Future: Mapping Out Your Own Leadership Development Plan

Nikole Mac, University of Iowa
Oakdale Ballroom II

Whether you've been in your career awhile or are an emerging leader, we all can benefit from re_examining our own professional development path.  What leadership competencies are your core strengths and which are priorities to grow, either in your current role or for the future? How do you tap professional development resources that fit your schedule, budget, and learning preferences? These are some of the aspects we'll cover as you gain access to strategies and tools for creating a leadership development plan that challenges, inspires, and supports you.

Diversity of Latina Leadership in Higher Education

Gabriela Rivera, University of Iowa
Alejandra Almazan, University of Iowa
Oakdale Ballroom IV

Presenters will share a reality of various cultural experiences and viewpoints. You will have an opportunity to increase your understanding and commitment to welcome Latinas as "leaders." This session will help you understand that there is not just "one size" and style of leadership, and that organizations need leadership for women of all ethnicities and backgrounds.

Panel - Best Practices:  Policies for Promoting Women's Leadership

Phyllis Baker, University of Northern Iowa
Susan Carlson, Iowa State University
Julie Huiskamp, Northeast Iowa Community College
Kay Palan, Iowa State University
Oakdale Ballroom V

As women take on leadership roles in the academy, they are re_defining workplace protocols and values.  They are particularly sensitive to the challenges of balancing academic and personal responsibilities. Panelists with experience in university and community college settings will discuss a variety of approaches to accommodating faculty and staff, approaches that enable women to take on leadership roles.  (sponsored by IOWAWHE)

Friday, November 7th, 2008

8:45 - 10:00 am Contributed and Invited Sessions IV

Leading For Desired Change

Debra J. (DJ) Corson, Hawkeye Community College
Oakdale Ballroom I

Is planning essential to change? Do those things that get measured really get done?  Should we be using "best practices?" The answers may surprise you.  In this engaging session, participants will explore some basic assumptions about change, focus on four critical aspects of any change, and most importantly, learn strategies for getting the desired results.  Be prepared to apply your learning instantly by thinking of a desired change you are involved with, or would like to influence, for to use during the session.

Changing Course

Maureen McCormick, University of Iowa
Oakdale Ballroom II

Many of us have spent years in academia working our way up the ladder in a particular field.  But have you ever considered what else you might like to do at your institution, and how you might get there?  This session will make use of principles from Marcus Buckingham's book  "Now, Discover Your Strengths" to explore creating the career we want.

Five Habits of Successful Investors

Nancy Foster,  Consultant, Individual Client Services, TIAA_CREF
Oakdale Ballroom IV

This presentation will provide a fundamental knowledge of investing.  Topics include: Setting financial goals;  Realizing tax advantages;  Reducing risk with diversification;  Allocating assets;  Understanding expenses.

Are you a 'REAL WOMAN' in Higher Education?

Karen L. Regal, North Iowa Area Community College
Oakdale Ballroom V

Using the article "How to be a REAL WOMAN leader in Higher Education" by Dr. Shirley Pippens as a springboard, round table participants will examine Gina Wisker's chapter "Leadership Issues" from her book, Empowering Women in Higher Education.  (copy of the article in the conference portfolio.)

10:15 - 11:30 am Contributed and Invited Sessions V

Leadership with Integrity

Julie Clarkson, Wartburg College
Oakdale Ballroom I

This session will examine both personal leadership and integrity along with organizational leadership and integrity.  At the personal level, one must understand how perceptions of effective leadership behaviors are influenced by perceptions of personal integrity. At the organizational level, research from the Ethics Resource Center indicates that reports of unethical conduct are on the rise at nonprofit organizations. What are the trends educational leaders should be aware of? What tools are most effective in ensuring an environment of high ethical standards?  What can we do in the classroom and what can we do at the institutional level?  The session will feature both information sharing and interactive discussions.

Grant Seeking in Higher Education:  Why Do It?  Where to Begin?

Christy Twait,  University of Northern Iowa
Oakdale Ballroom II

This session is intended for those who are relatively new to the world of competitive grant_seeking, but want to increase their knowledge in this arena and enhance the ability of their institution to identify and secure grant funding.  Different kinds of available grant funding will be discussed and specific examples of grant programs of interest to institutions of higher education will be presented.  An introduction to grant_seeking methods will also be offered, along with some basic tips for developing a successful grant application.  Lastly, we will explore some ideas for stimulating grant activity on your campus. 

Current Financial Issues in Higher Education

Randolph Fehr, Buena Vista University (retired)
Oakdale Ballroom IV

Higher education is impacted and will continue to be impacted by current financial issues.  This speaker will talk from his perspective of many years in both private and public institutions in Iowa.  His session will include a discussion of the importance of careful planning for an institution's financial strategies and goals.  Financial reporting involves understanding financial conditions - past, current and future - that will impact the financial viability of an educational institution.  Treasury management includes opportunities to maximize education dollars.  Even technology impacts budgeting issues.  Endowments may be considered the value added component of current financial issues that impact educational institutions today.

The following scholarships and awards will be presented at The Way Up Conference. Click the links for more details about each recognition:

The Way Up Conference Thanks You for your Sponsorship!

 

Buena Vista University Logo

Buena Vista University

Buena Vista University's Mission Statement: We develop students for life long success through innovation and imaginative academic and professional preparation.
http://www.bvu.edu

UIOWA logo

University of Iowa

Mission: In pursuing its missions of teaching, research, and service, the University seeks to advance scholarly and creative endeavor through leading-edge research and artistic production; to use this research and creativity to enhance undergraduate, graduate, and professional education, health care, and other services provided to the people of Iowa, the nation, and the world; and to educate students for success and personal fulfillment in a diverse world.
http://www.uiowa.edu/

Wartburg College

Wartburg College is a selective liberal arts college of the Lutheran church (ELCA), nationally recognized for community engagement, and is dedicated to challenging and nurturing students for lives of leadership and service as a spirited expression of their faith and learning.   http://www.wartburg.edu/

UNI logo

University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa provides transformative learning experiences that inspire students to embrace challenge, engage in critical inquiry and creative thought, and contribute to society.
http://www.uni.edu/

Events

University of Iowa Events
Kirkwood Community College Art Exhibit
“Whose Wives are They Anyway?” Theater Production
“An Irish Homecoming” Theater Production
The Celebrate Play Gala
“Green Eggs and Hamadeus” Theater Production
Old Capitol Tours

Attractions

Indian Creek Nature Center
Lindale Mall
Coral Ridge Mall
Cedar Rapids Museum of Arts
African American Museum

Other Attractions like these may be found at:
(Cedar Rapids)
(Iowa City/Coralville)