The 2009 Institute for Chief Academic Officers by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an annual event that brings CAOs of independent colleges and universities together for networking, problem-solving, and sharing of ideas. The conference includes a variety of sessions and workshops, as well as special programming for new CAOs and CAOs in their third and fourth year.
About the Theme: "Focus on the Future: Finances, Faculty, and Programs"
The theme of the 37th annual Institute for Chief Academic Officers is “Focus on the Future: Finances, Faculty, and Programs.” Chief academic officers strive to make decisions that strengthen their institutions in the present and position them to function more effectively in the future. During challenging economic times, they focus on the mission of the institution and attempt to remain true to its historic purposes while making necessary changes to ensure the financial stability of the campus. And despite cost-cutting measures, the CAO works to ensure high quality in the education provided to a rapidly changing student population.
The conference will help CAOs guide their institutions by exploring the implications of the current economic situation for the future of private colleges and universities. Practical sessions, the hallmark of the CAO Institute, will be led by colleagues and by experts on financial forecasting, the CAO’s role in fundraising, analysis of the costs of academic programs, and trends in enrollment, strategies for growth, and student retention.
Maintaining and improving the quality of academic programs in a time of tight budgets will be discussed in sessions on helping first-generation students succeed in college, ensuring the future of the liberal arts, strengthening library and information technology programs, improving student learning in the arts and sciences, and developing new academic programs.
The CAO’s work with the faculty takes on even greater significance in a lean economy. The conference will assist the CAO in working with the faculty by showcasing concrete practices in sessions on understanding the needs of faculty members from different generations, developing faculty members as leaders, helping faculty members use technology to advance student learning, and improving learning in cost-effective ways.
CAOs are encouraged to participate in the Institute in order to gain better understanding of private higher education in a national context, explore new ideas and strategies, and enjoy the counsel and companionship of colleagues. View the Conference Program>
2009 CAO Institute Final Program and Participants List
A PDF of the final program is now available. Download the Final Program>
View the list of participants registered to date. Download the Participants List>
Who Should Attend?
CIC invites all chief academic officers of independent colleges and universities to participate in this annual institute. CAOs may have titles such as provost, vice president for academic affairs, or academic dean. Many CAOs choose to invite deans and associate provosts/vice presidents/deans and assistant deans to participate with them in the program. CIC offers discounted registration fees for additional academic administrators from the same institution. Spouses wishing to attend the CAO Institute are also welcome.
Registration Deadline: October 1, 2009
There are several ways to register for the Institute, including online registration with credit card payment. To ensure timely preparation of conference materials by CIC, please register for the Institute by October 1. Early-bird rates available through Sept. 15. Register Now>
Site and Hotel Information
The Institute will be held at the Eldorado Hotel in Santa Fe, NM. CIC has also reserved additional hotel space at the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza. More Info>
Eldorado Hotel
309 W. San Francisco
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Phone: 800.955.4455 , Fax: 505.995.4555
