Day 1 - Monday, August 11, 2025
New Faculty Orientation for Full-Time Faculty
Note: This is a private orientation session. Detailed schedule and location information will be provided directly to registered participants via email.
Target Audience: New Full-Time Faculty Only
A comprehensive orientation program designed to welcome and integrate new full-time faculty members into the OLLU community.
Day 2 - Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Welcome Address from the Provost
Location: Renaissance Parlor (podium set up near stairs or in a place that is central to visibility)
Presenter: Dr. Silva
Cleansing and Blessing Ceremony
Location: Main Building Front Steps (outdoor setting to accommodate ceremonial elements)
A shared moment of reflection and intention setting
Acknowledging the Past to Grow into the Future (Symbolic Actions)
Choose one of the following experiential and symbolic activities:
-
Option 1: Guided by Providence: A Ceremony of Release & Renewal
Location: Mall
Join us for a powerfully symbolic event as we honor the challenges of the past year and step boldly into our future, trusting in the path Providence lays before us. In a cathartic act of letting go, we'll each release what no longer serves us by shattering a plate inscribed with our burdens. Then, with intention and hope, we'll sculpt votive figures from clay, transforming our aspirations into tangible offerings left around campus. These two ancient practices, reimagined for our community, will symbolize our collective journey of leaving the past behind and embracing new beginnings, confident in the guidance that leads us into a new year.
-
Option 2: Painting Our Shared Future
This collaborative painting activity invites faculty members to engage in creative expression of their individual and collective aspirations for the future of our institution. Each participant will create a small individual canvas or panel representing their goals for the future. When combined, these individual pieces will form a visual tapestry symbolizing our unified commitment to growth, innovation, and purpose.
-
Option 3: Planting New Life
At the heart of our vibrant campus gathering, faculty members will each select and plant a unique plant to symbolize growth, renewal, and the shared journey of education. With hands in the soil and hearts full of hope, they will nurture new life as a living testament to resilience and transformation. Each plant, chosen with care, will reflect personal and collective aspirations for the future. This symbolic act will foster unity, reminding all present that just as plants flourish with attention and care, so too will knowledge, community, and the human spirit. Our collective plants will stand as a growing legacy of commitment and renewal and serve as a reminder of our continued commitment to replenishment and growth.
University Convocation – President Abel A. Chavez
Location: Gymnasium
Lunch and Prayer
Note: People will grab a loteria card (with image or symbol) and then find the table with that image/symbol for lunch. Clear directions will be provided about where to go and when to go.
Strategic Framework Sessions (Choose one per time slot)
Location: Main Classrooms
Format: 15 min session, speed planning and sharing
-
Option 1: Guided by Providence: A Ceremony of Release & Renewal
Location: Mall
Join us for a powerfully symbolic event as we honor the challenges of the past year and step boldly into our future, trusting in the path Providence lays before us. In a cathartic act of letting go, we'll each release what no longer serves us by shattering a plate inscribed with our burdens. Then, with intention and hope, we'll sculpt votive figures from clay, transforming our aspirations into tangible offerings left around campus. These two ancient practices, reimagined for our community, will symbolize our collective journey of leaving the past behind and embracing new beginnings, confident in the guidance that leads us into a new year.
- Each session will have a leader defining the Strategic Framework Goal (Cabinet) – less than 5 minutes
- Faculty will brainstorm ideas
- At 20-minutes, VPs transition to other room
Session Schedule:
-
Option 1: Guided by Providence: A Ceremony of Release & Renewal
Location: Mall
Join us for a powerfully symbolic event as we honor the challenges of the past year and step boldly into our future, trusting in the path Providence lays before us. In a cathartic act of letting go, we'll each release what no longer serves us by shattering a plate inscribed with our burdens. Then, with intention and hope, we'll sculpt votive figures from clay, transforming our aspirations into tangible offerings left around campus. These two ancient practices, reimagined for our community, will symbolize our collective journey of leaving the past behind and embracing new beginnings, confident in the guidance that leads us into a new year.
- 1:00-1:20 PM: Session 1: Defining Financial Strength (20 min)
- 1:20-1:40 PM: Session 2: Defining Operational Excellence (20 min)
- 1:40-2:00 PM: Session 3: Defining University Brand (20 min)
- 2:00-2:30 PM: Session 4: Sharing of ideas in Sessions 1-3 – Main 311 (elevator speech, by College/School) 30 min to share with President
Closing Social Hour
Location: Main Building, 2nd Floor Rotunda
Join us for light refreshments, popcorn, and connection as we launch the academic year in community and celebration.
Day 3 - Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Donuts with the Deans
Location: Dean's Suite
Concurrent Sessions
Session: Saving Lives, One Question at a Time - An Overview of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
Room: 201
Presenter: Karen D'Armata, LPC-S, Director of Counseling & Wellness Services
Abstract: This session will provide an overview of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), a tool that supports suicide risk screening through simple, plain-language questions. Participants will learn how to identify suicide risk, determine severity, and gauge the level of support needed.
Target Audience: All Employees
Outcomes: Use of Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale and campus referrals.
Session: IT Services: Resources that Put You in Control
Room: 211
Presenter: David Gonzalez, Director of User Experience, ITS
Abstract: Learn about the IT resources available to help solve issues and answer questions. This session will serve as a primer before submitting an ITS Help Desk ticket.
Target Audience: All Employees
Outcomes: Identify and use ITS self-help tools.
Session: Putting Classroom Technology to Work for You
Room: 209
Presenter: Francisco Frade, A/V Support Technician, ITS
Abstract: This session will cover the classroom technologies found around campus and how to set up your classroom for in-person or hybrid learning. It will differentiate between the two systems and explain configuration and settings to ensure efficient class operation.
Target Audience: All Employees
Outcomes: Understand and configure in-person/hybrid classroom tech.
Concurrent Sessions
Session: Writing to Learn, Learning to Write
Room: 201
Presenter: Kirsten Komara, Director, Academic Center for Excellence
Duration: 30 minutes
Abstract: This session will explore the connection between writing and learning, focusing on strategies to enhance both.
Target Audience: Faculty
Outcomes: Recognize writing as a learning process using scaffolding.
Session: Streamlining General Education Assessment
Room: 209
Presenters: Liliana Gutierrez & Christopher Rose, Director of Assessment & Accreditation, Academic Affairs
Abstract: This session will guide participants through new General Education assessment guidelines, the timeline for implementation, and the paired-assessor model.
Target Audience: Faculty
Outcomes: Understand new GE guidelines, timeline, and paired-assessor model.
Session: Making the Right Referral: Student Conduct, Title IX, and Behavioral Intervention
Room: 209
Presenters: Dr. Charlin Jones-Chavez, Assistant VP for Student Affairs & Dean of Students (with Jennifer Bendele, Vice President for Student Affairs & Guadalupe Marquez, PhD, Compliance Officer-Title IX Coordinator)
Abstract: This session will equip participants with the knowledge to appropriately use the Maxient system and distinguish between various conduct and referral pathways related to student conduct, Title IX, and behavioral intervention.
Target Audience: All Employees
Outcomes: Distinguish between the functions of Student Behavior Intervention Team, Student Conduct, and Title IX, and understand the referral and follow-up process from a faculty/staff perspective.
Session: How I Used the CURE Model...
Room: 211
Presenter: Jiletta Kubena, Applied Social and Cultural Sciences
Abstract: This session will delve into the application of the Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) model, specifically in the context of a Senior Capstone project. It will cover best practices in data use, Blackboard group work, and community presentation.
Target Audience: Faculty
Outcomes: Best practices in data use, Blackboard group work, and community presentation.
Duration: 30 minutes
Concurrent Sessions
Session: Working with Neurodivergent Students on the College Campus
Room: 201
Presenter: Janet G. Hupel, PhD, Director of Accessibility Services, Student Affairs
Abstract: This session will provide tools and strategies for creating inclusive instruction, structured environments, and effective support systems for neurodivergent students on campus.
Target Audience: All Employees
Outcomes: Tools for inclusive instruction, structured environments, and student support.
Session: Learning Colleague and Self-Service: Report Generating for Account Management
Room: 211
Presenter: Virginia M. Salazar, Senior Budget Analyst, Finance
Abstract: This session will provide a practical guide to pulling and interpreting financial reports within the Colleague and Self-Service systems for effective account management.
Target Audience: All Employees
Outcomes: Pull and interpret financial reports in Colleague and Self-Service.
Session: "I Told Them Already!": Why People Don't Remember What We Say—and What to Do About It
Room: 212
Presenter: Steven Linley, Ph.D., Title V DHSI Grant Director
Abstract: Participants will learn research-backed strategies to improve retention and application of information, transforming one-time instructions into lasting understanding and effective behavior change in both academic and workplace settings.
Target Audience: All Employees
Outcomes: Research-backed strategies to improve retention and application of information.
OLLU Data Dashboards
Room: 304
Presenter: Newman C.W. Wong, M.A., M.B.A., Director of Institutional Research & Analytics
Abstract: This session will provide an overview of the OLLU Data Dashboards, explaining how to access and utilize them for various institutional insights.
Target Audience: All Employees
Outcomes: Access and utilize OLLU Data Dashboards for institutional insights.
Wine Down Wednesday
Location: Third Floor Suite (Room 303)
Day 4 - Thursday, August 14, 2025
Department Chair & School Director Meetings: Semester Preparation
Location: Various Departments
Recommended Activities:
Day 5 - Friday, August 15, 2025
Chair & School Director Virtual Meeting
Location: Virtual
Virtual check-in session for Department Chairs and School Directors.
Full Agenda
Day 1 - Monday, August 11, 2025 - New Faculty Orientation
New Faculty Orientation for Full-Time Faculty
Note: This is a private orientation session. Detailed schedule and location information will be provided directly to registered participants via email.
Target Audience: New Full-Time Faculty Only
A comprehensive orientation program designed to welcome and integrate new full-time faculty members into the OLLU community.
Day 2 - Tuesday, August 12, 2025 - University Convocation & Strategic Planning
Welcome Address from the Provost
Location: Renaissance Parlor (podium set up near stairs or in a place that is central to visibility)
Presenter: Dr. Silva
Cleansing and Blessing Ceremony
Location: Main Building Front Steps (outdoor setting to accommodate ceremonial elements)
A shared moment of reflection and intention setting
Acknowledging the Past to Grow into the Future (Symbolic Actions)
Choose one of the following experiential and symbolic activities:
-
Option 1: Guided by Providence: A Ceremony of Release & Renewal
Location: Mall
Join us for a powerfully symbolic event as we honor the challenges of the past year and step boldly into our future, trusting in the path Providence lays before us. In a cathartic act of letting go, we'll each release what no longer serves us by shattering a plate inscribed with our burdens. Then, with intention and hope, we'll sculpt votive figures from clay, transforming our aspirations into tangible offerings left around campus. These two ancient practices, reimagined for our community, will symbolize our collective journey of leaving the past behind and embracing new beginnings, confident in the guidance that leads us into a new year.
-
Option 2: Painting Our Shared Future
This collaborative painting activity invites faculty members to engage in creative expression of their individual and collective aspirations for the future of our institution. Each participant will create a small individual canvas or panel representing their goals for the future. When combined, these individual pieces will form a visual tapestry symbolizing our unified commitment to growth, innovation, and purpose.
-
Option 3: Planting New Life
At the heart of our vibrant campus gathering, faculty members will each select and plant a unique plant to symbolize growth, renewal, and the shared journey of education. With hands in the soil and hearts full of hope, they will nurture new life as a living testament to resilience and transformation. Each plant, chosen with care, will reflect personal and collective aspirations for the future. This symbolic act will foster unity, reminding all present that just as plants flourish with attention and care, so too will knowledge, community, and the human spirit. Our collective plants will stand as a growing legacy of commitment and renewal and serve as a reminder of our continued commitment to replenishment and growth.
University Convocation – President Abel A. Chavez
Location: Gymnasium
Lunch and Prayer
Note: People will grab a loteria card (with image or symbol) and then find the table with that image/symbol for lunch. Clear directions will be provided about where to go and when to go.
Strategic Framework Sessions (Choose one per time slot)
Location: Main Classrooms
Format: 15 min session, speed planning and sharing
-
Option 1: Guided by Providence: A Ceremony of Release & Renewal
Location: Mall
Join us for a powerfully symbolic event as we honor the challenges of the past year and step boldly into our future, trusting in the path Providence lays before us. In a cathartic act of letting go, we'll each release what no longer serves us by shattering a plate inscribed with our burdens. Then, with intention and hope, we'll sculpt votive figures from clay, transforming our aspirations into tangible offerings left around campus. These two ancient practices, reimagined for our community, will symbolize our collective journey of leaving the past behind and embracing new beginnings, confident in the guidance that leads us into a new year.
- Each session will have a leader defining the Strategic Framework Goal (Cabinet) – less than 5 minutes
- Faculty will brainstorm ideas
- At 20-minutes, VPs transition to other room
Session Schedule:
-
Option 1: Guided by Providence: A Ceremony of Release & Renewal
Location: Mall
Join us for a powerfully symbolic event as we honor the challenges of the past year and step boldly into our future, trusting in the path Providence lays before us. In a cathartic act of letting go, we'll each release what no longer serves us by shattering a plate inscribed with our burdens. Then, with intention and hope, we'll sculpt votive figures from clay, transforming our aspirations into tangible offerings left around campus. These two ancient practices, reimagined for our community, will symbolize our collective journey of leaving the past behind and embracing new beginnings, confident in the guidance that leads us into a new year.
- 1:00-1:20 PM: Session 1: Defining Financial Strength (20 min)
- 1:20-1:40 PM: Session 2: Defining Operational Excellence (20 min)
- 1:40-2:00 PM: Session 3: Defining University Brand (20 min)
- 2:00-2:30 PM: Session 4: Sharing of ideas in Sessions 1-3 – Main 311 (elevator speech, by College/School) 30 min to share with President
Closing Social Hour
Location: Main Building, 2nd Floor Rotunda
Join us for light refreshments, popcorn, and connection as we launch the academic year in community and celebration.
Day 3 - Wednesday, August 13, 2025 - Professional Development Sessions
Donuts with the Deans
Location: Dean's Suite
Concurrent Sessions
Session: Saving Lives, One Question at a Time - An Overview of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
Room: 201
Presenter: Karen D'Armata, LPC-S, Director of Counseling & Wellness Services
Abstract: This session will provide an overview of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), a tool that supports suicide risk screening through simple, plain-language questions. Participants will learn how to identify suicide risk, determine severity, and gauge the level of support needed.
Target Audience: All Employees
Outcomes: Use of Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale and campus referrals.
Session: IT Services: Resources that Put You in Control
Room: 211
Presenter: David Gonzalez, Director of User Experience, ITS
Abstract: Learn about the IT resources available to help solve issues and answer questions. This session will serve as a primer before submitting an ITS Help Desk ticket.
Target Audience: All Employees
Outcomes: Identify and use ITS self-help tools.
Session: Putting Classroom Technology to Work for You
Room: 209
Presenter: Francisco Frade, A/V Support Technician, ITS
Abstract: This session will cover the classroom technologies found around campus and how to set up your classroom for in-person or hybrid learning. It will differentiate between the two systems and explain configuration and settings to ensure efficient class operation.
Target Audience: All Employees
Outcomes: Understand and configure in-person/hybrid classroom tech.
Concurrent Sessions
Session: Writing to Learn, Learning to Write
Room: 201
Presenter: Kirsten Komara, Director, Academic Center for Excellence
Duration: 30 minutes
Abstract: This session will explore the connection between writing and learning, focusing on strategies to enhance both.
Target Audience: Faculty
Outcomes: Recognize writing as a learning process using scaffolding.
Session: Streamlining General Education Assessment
Room: 209
Presenters: Liliana Gutierrez & Christopher Rose, Director of Assessment & Accreditation, Academic Affairs
Abstract: This session will guide participants through new General Education assessment guidelines, the timeline for implementation, and the paired-assessor model.
Target Audience: Faculty
Outcomes: Understand new GE guidelines, timeline, and paired-assessor model.
Session: Making the Right Referral: Student Conduct, Title IX, and Behavioral Intervention
Room: 209
Presenters: Dr. Charlin Jones-Chavez, Assistant VP for Student Affairs & Dean of Students (with Jennifer Bendele, Vice President for Student Affairs & Guadalupe Marquez, PhD, Compliance Officer-Title IX Coordinator)
Abstract: This session will equip participants with the knowledge to appropriately use the Maxient system and distinguish between various conduct and referral pathways related to student conduct, Title IX, and behavioral intervention.
Target Audience: All Employees
Outcomes: Distinguish between the functions of Student Behavior Intervention Team, Student Conduct, and Title IX, and understand the referral and follow-up process from a faculty/staff perspective.
Session: How I Used the CURE Model...
Room: 211
Presenter: Jiletta Kubena, Applied Social and Cultural Sciences
Abstract: This session will delve into the application of the Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) model, specifically in the context of a Senior Capstone project. It will cover best practices in data use, Blackboard group work, and community presentation.
Target Audience: Faculty
Outcomes: Best practices in data use, Blackboard group work, and community presentation.
Duration: 30 minutes
Concurrent Sessions
Session: Working with Neurodivergent Students on the College Campus
Room: 201
Presenter: Janet G. Hupel, PhD, Director of Accessibility Services, Student Affairs
Abstract: This session will provide tools and strategies for creating inclusive instruction, structured environments, and effective support systems for neurodivergent students on campus.
Target Audience: All Employees
Outcomes: Tools for inclusive instruction, structured environments, and student support.
Session: Learning Colleague and Self-Service: Report Generating for Account Management
Room: 211
Presenter: Virginia M. Salazar, Senior Budget Analyst, Finance
Abstract: This session will provide a practical guide to pulling and interpreting financial reports within the Colleague and Self-Service systems for effective account management.
Target Audience: All Employees
Outcomes: Pull and interpret financial reports in Colleague and Self-Service.
Session: "I Told Them Already!": Why People Don't Remember What We Say—and What to Do About It
Room: 212
Presenter: Steven Linley, Ph.D., Title V DHSI Grant Director
Abstract: Participants will learn research-backed strategies to improve retention and application of information, transforming one-time instructions into lasting understanding and effective behavior change in both academic and workplace settings.
Target Audience: All Employees
Outcomes: Research-backed strategies to improve retention and application of information.
OLLU Data Dashboards
Room: 304
Presenter: Newman C.W. Wong, M.A., M.B.A., Director of Institutional Research & Analytics
Abstract: This session will provide an overview of the OLLU Data Dashboards, explaining how to access and utilize them for various institutional insights.
Target Audience: All Employees
Outcomes: Access and utilize OLLU Data Dashboards for institutional insights.
Wine Down Wednesday
Location: Third Floor Suite (Room 303)
Day 4 - Thursday, August 14, 2025 - Department Meetings
Department Chair & School Director Meetings: Semester Preparation
Location: Various Departments
Recommended Activities:
Day 5 - Friday, August 15, 2025 - Virtual Meeting
Chair & School Director Virtual Meeting
Location: Virtual
Virtual check-in session for Department Chairs and School Directors.