Discussions for Deans
Discussions for Deans are open and free to CCAS member institutions and are intended specifically for deans, associate deans, and assistant deans. Department chairs should participate in the separate Discussions for Department Chairs series.
Submit ideas for future discussions here.
NOTE ABOUT RECORDING AND USE OF AI NOTETAKING:
To support candid discussion and reflection, these sessions are not recorded. Many participants are precluded from being recorded, and maintaining a confidential environment allows for open and meaningful exchange. The use of AI notetaking, transcription, or recording tools is also prohibited during these discussions. Participants are expected to rely on traditional methods of notetaking to help protect the confidentiality and security of the conversation.
Discussions for Deans | Fall 2026
All sessions will be held from 1:00-2:00 PM Central time via Zoom:
Tuesday, September 8: Reclaiming Joy in Academic Leadership
During this Discussion for Deans, we’ll explore ways to cultivate and infuse joy into your leadership practice and consider how this can shape the culture around you. You’ll leave with a tangible plan for bringing more joy into your day-to-day leadership. Register Here
Facilitators:
Natalie Eschenbaum, Dean and Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, University of Washington Tacoma
Marcus Sherrell, Executive Associate Dean, Student Success & Enrollment Management, College of Arts & Sciences, Bowling Green State University
Tuesday, September 22: Community Forum
Register Here
Tuesday, October 13: TBD
Register Here
Tuesday, October 27: Community Forum
Register Here
Tuesday, November 10: Navigating the Sticky Wickets of Financial Management
During this Discussion for Deans, we’ll explore the challenging realities of financial leadership, from inherited commitments and competing priorities to equitable budget allocations and productive partnerships with budget officers. Come ready to share your own “sticky wickets” and strategies for making thoughtful, transparent financial decisions. Register Here
Facilitator:
Maureen McCarthy, Dean, College of Sciences and Humanities, Ball State University
Tuesday, December 8: TBD
Register Here
*Check back soon for updates on additional topics and sessions.
Past Session Topics
2026
- Experiential Learning in Defense of Liberal Education
- Federal Funding
- AI Use & Misuse
- Managing the Academic Portfolio
2025
- Preparing Applications for Dean Roles
- The Dean's Role in Disaster Recovery
- Building Industry Partnerships
- Transitioning to RCM Budget Models
- Planning Internships for Humanities
- Digital Content, Accessibility, & New Federal Regulations
- Dual Credit Programs
- Mediation Skills for Conflict Resolution
- New and/or Interim Deans- Checking In & Problem Solving Together
- LEAP ADVANCE: Leadership Program for Higher Education- In partnership with APAHE (Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education)
- Athletics, the Transfer Portal, and Academics
2024
- College in 3
- ELATES Leadership Program Opportunities
- How are Arts & Sciences Colleges Engaging with AI?
- Prioritizing Your Time for Fundraising & External Engagement
- Working with an Executive/Leadership Coach
- New/Interim/Acting Deans- Problem Solving
- If/When/How Colleges Can/Should Issue Public Statements
- Associate & Assistant Deans- Problem Solving
- Elements of Successful Fundraising Campaigns at the College & Unit Level
- Promotion & Tenure Decisions
- Recovering From a Natural Disaster- Sharing Experiences & Seeking Solutions I
- Recovering From a Natural Disaster- Sharing Experiences & Seeking Solutions II
- Working with Effective Advisory Committees/Councils
- CGS on Supporting Interdisciplinary Teamwork in UG and Graduate Education
- What will You Do With That Degree? Redefining the Value Proposition of the Liberal Arts for Career Readiness (Hosted by CCAS Sponsor Podium Education)
- So You Want to Be a Provost
2023
- Preparing Your CV and Application for Dean Roles
- Innovative Fundraising to Aid Student Recruitment & Retention
- Advocacy Resources for Deans, hosted by COSSA
- Dealing with Difficult Faculty
- Leading Effective Advisory Councils
- Managing Faculty Reductions Compelled by Declining Budgets
- Alumni Mentoring Programs
- Creating Healthy Ecosystems is a Collaborative Enterprise (Wellbeing)
- Teaching Difficult Topics
- Department Operating Budgets
- New/Interim/Acting Deans- Problem Solving
- Student Learning Outcomes and Assessment Planning
- When and How to Contact Your Legislators- Or NOT
