The Way Up

Developing Women Leaders to Enhance Iowa Higher Education

Concurrent Sessions - 2009

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

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

Women's Voices: Redefining and Transforming Higher Education Leadership

Dr. Marilyn Drury, University of Northern Iowa

Women in higher education leadership roles have many valuable experiences and lessons-learned to share with others.  Becoming aware of opportunities and obstacles experienced by women leaders along with methods used to overcome 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 and discussion will occur as to how such findings contribute significant information toward attracting and retaining women leaders in higher education.

One-Stop Student Services

Jean Vander Wert, Central College
Jon Buse, University of Northern Iowa
Linda Peterson, Northeast Iowa Community College

This workshop will explore  a  national trend of consolidating student-related services in one space, One-Stop Student Services model. The panelist will discuss the philosophy  behind the One-Stop Student Services explain how the model can enhance efficiency and the quality of service to students.

Dr. Z’s Creative Cookbook for Collaborative Communication

Dr. Leigh Zeitz, University of Northern Iowa

Learn about using Web 2.0 tools to provide a collaborative learning environment. Join Dr. Z as he takes you on a tasty tour of on-line gadgets and gizmos to spice-up your learning and working environments through collaboration. We will explore the Web 2.0 tools that can be used to make your online world of learning and work more creative and productive. The collaborative tools of Google Docs, Forms and Presenter will used to share and access information as well as provide an interactive chat forum for audience members during the presentation. Our menu will also include a variety of exotic-sounding entrées including Skype, Ning, Jing, and Twitter. This culinary cruise is designed to whet your appetite for new opportunities and stimulate your imagination about what is possible in today’s Web 2.0 kitchen.

Conflict Resolution with Confidence

Janet Woodruff, B. S., M. Ed., Grand View University

More effective ways of communicating and solving problems help people learn to live better in this world.  The principles underlying in this training and the information suggest that almost anyone can learn, intellectually and experientially, successful ways to deal with themselves and other and to find common ground.   People build on what they know at a given point in time.  Even simple experiential activities can break through people’s old behavioral habits and trigger new responses.  It is like rewiring the thoughts, expectations, patterns and actions of individuals and groups so they can become more effective in dealing with the problems that arise in daily life. This program is applicable for home, work, and community settings.

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

Developing and monitoring an overall budget at a higher education institution

Denise Bouska, , CPA, CMA, Hawkeye Community College
Kelly Flege, MBA, University of Northern Iowa
Pam Elliott Cain, CPA, Iowa State University
Sheryl Kamerick, CPA, Central College

Hear how different types of higher education  institutions approach the annual budgeting process, learn the most significant budget assumptions used, and how budgets are modified.   In addition, this session will explain different approaches for monitoring budgets.

Social Media: Opportunities for Growth and Development

Dr. Mary Herring, University of Northern Iowa
Dr. Ana Donaldson, University of Northern Iowa

Social media is defined as technology-based tools used to support personal contact for its consumers. Online vehicles such as Second Life, blogs, wikis; podcasts; and tagging can all fall under the social media umbrella. This presentation will explore use of appropriate social media tools that increase opportunities for growth and development through sharing of content, connections, and collaboration and to develop personal learning networks. Also addressed with be how these networks provide opportunity for influencing or leveraging social connections to market ideas, projects, or products.

Getting Started with Retention Planning

Cathy Brent, Grand View University
Pamela Milloy, Grand View University

This session will address the steps in developing a comprehensive retention plan, including assessing readiness for retention planning, developing a timeline, selecting members of a retention committee, getting campus buy-in, and conducting an audit of current practices.

Navigating Change: Communication as Compass

Jayne Witte, Ph.D., University of Northern Iowa

We all know change is constant; it is going to happen with or without our influence.  However, as leaders, you will at some point want to, be asked to, or need to be in the position of bringing about change in your department.  The process is fraught with difficulties and yet ripe with opportunities.  The aim of this session is to give you communication tools you can use to overcome resistance, build trust, and create a vision for a successful change effort.

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

Kudos to YOU!

Paula Arends,  Eastern Iowa Community College
Jan Weis, Scott Community College
Tina Solheim, Scott Community College
Lillian Phillips, Scott Community College
Tina Ball, Scott Community College

Today’s tough economic times make it more important than ever to be able to recognize the hard work your faculty and staff do on a daily basis.  Join us to learn about a unique employee recognition program in place at Scott Community College, and have an opportunity to learn about innovative employee recognition programs in place at other colleges.      

Engage your Audience by Moving Beyond the Traditional Lecture

Lora McKee, M.S., University of Iowa
Annette Beck, M.A., University of Iowa

This session is an interactive session using student response systems. Participants will see and respond to questions based on their current knowledge and see immediate results. The aim is to encourage presenters and instructors to use other technology while training end users or for interactive classroom teaching. Clickers also allow presenters to get instant feedback on whether or not the participants understand the concepts being presented.

New Norms, New Strategies: Balancing Work and Life in the Academy

Dr. Susan Carlson, Iowa State University
Dr. Elizabeth Hoffman, Iowa State University
Dr. Mary Harris, Iowa State University
Dr. Sandra Gahn, Iowa State University

The ISU ADVANCE Program, focused on increasing the number of women faculty in STEM disciplines, has led ISU efforts to promote flexibility in faculty careers. This panel will discuss the need to manage the competing demands of professional and work lives for those in higher education, with a focus on faculty and leadership positions.  Drawing from both national and ISU research data on the issue, the panel will review key issues and map out strategies for responding to the stress of balancing work and life.

Thinking and Working LEAN®: The Streamlining of Student Services 

Linda M. Peterson, Ph.D., Northeast Iowa Community College
Chris Woodson, M.A.E., Northeast Iowa Community College

This session will take participants along on the NICC Student Services journey through the LEAN® process.  LEAN® is a collection of principles, methods, and tools that improve the speed and efficiency of any process by eliminating waste.  Although originating from the manufacturing sector, LEAN® tools have been successfully applied in the educational setting, as will be evident from this presentation.
Presenters will discuss what precipitated their LEAN® journey, the basics of the LEAN® process, the hurdles that had to be conquered, and the successes they experienced over a two year period.  Over 40 processes were streamlined in year one alone.  LEAN® thinking and working has become a part of the student services daily functions as well as in the strategic planning process.  Join us on this LEAN® journey.

Friday, November 6th, 2009

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


Transformational Leadership:  Supporting a Shared Vision

Rhonda Pennings, Northwest Iowa Community College

Throughout this presentation, transformational leadership will be defined and the characteristics of transformational leadership will be explored.  We will discuss the hallmarks of effective transformational leadership as validated by transformational leadership research. The top seven tasks of transformational as described by Pielstick (1998)  1) creating a shared vision, 2) communicating the vision, 3) building relationships with others, 4) developing a supporting organizational culture, 5) guiding implementation, 6) exhibiting character, and 7) achieving results will be examined. By being aware of these tasks, leaders should be able to increase their job performance and create a more positive working environment that emphasizes participation and strong relationships with others. Participants will also be encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences in the area of transformational leadership.

Faculty’s Critical Role as Change Champions

Dr. Deb Oliver, Mount Mercy College

As a faculty member within the college ranks, you realize how slowly change can happen within the world of education.  In this interactive session, I will challenge you to think about some very probing questions:  How can I make a difference to the quality of education my students receive?  What are the changes that ARE within my circle of influence?   How can I persuade others to join my belief in the need for change?    After exploring the possibilities within your role, the session will also share some proven techniques and tools for you to use in the real world when framing your change management efforts.

Millennials (and their parents) on Campus Today

Karen Anderson, MBA, Grand View University

Each generation brings different characteristics, needs and expectations to our campuses.  Millennials differ from Gen X, Baby Boomer and Silent Generation faculty and staff. Understanding these generational differences can influence and impact how we serve our students.  Also, learn about the Millennials’ “helicopter” and “Stealth fighter” parents.

A Woman’s Leadership Legacy

Ann Wright, AIB College of Business

Ever wonder what makes some people successful leaders? It’s the “extra” in extraordinary that sets one apart from the others. It’s understanding what leaving a leadership legacy and evolving into a successful leader means. It’s understanding leadership styles, your own, as well as others, and being able to adapt to a variety of styles and situations. 
Women, for years, have worked hard to achieve their place in leadership. How have women’s leadership styles evolved over the past few decades? Have there been changes in leadership styles of women and are there social and cultural reasons for these changes? Do women or should women in leadership roles adapt their styles to “fit in” or match other’s perceptions of what women as leaders are supposed to be like? Let’s take time to discuss this important topic as you continue to leave your own leadership legacy.

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

Transcending Gender Differences- Communication is the Key!

Karen Pierson, PhD, North Iowa Area Community College

This session will provide an overview of the basic differences in the way men and women communicate. Several examples will be explored which can challenge us, limit us, or help us move forward in our chosen professions or careers. A self assessment instrument will be used so participants can gain insight into their own communication patterns. Participants will learn from each other about strategies for transcending communication differences between men and women, and will learn specific techniques to enhance communication. Various scenarios will be discussed such as communicating with male supervisors, colleagues, and subordinates.

Perfect Storm in Iowa's Academia

Deb Derr, EdD, North Iowa Area Community College President

This program will identify “Four Perfect Storms” that threaten our Country’s and individual prosperity.  We will discuss initiatives as a strategic tool to address the Perfect Storm and share policy recommendations.

Diverse Learners in the Diverse Classroom:  Strategies to Promote a Multicultural Learning Environment

Jeanette Thomas, Iowa Department of Education

As the state of Iowa continues to evolve and become more diverse, so should the college campus.  This session responds to the need for effective and participative ways to advance diversity and learning opportunities by increasing access and participation for students, faculty, staff and administrators in higher education. The session will also focus on how to sustain institutional change, develop collaborations, and leverage networks to promote multicultural learning experiences.

Change the Game:  Play from a Position of Strength

Jill Rhea, PhD, Buena Vista University

Do you run when you hear the word “negotiate”?  Is this especially true if you find yourself negotiating about money?  This session will address the art of negotiation in the workplace. We will explore the research concerning gender differences in negotiation, the difference between bargaining and negotiation, and the socialization issues that make “negotiation” a bad word to so many women.  In this session, we will also discuss the fears behind the aversion to negotiation, the risks of not negotiating, and the concepts grounding principled negotiation.

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