Volume 6 no. 2

Inclusive Teaching & Learning Certificate – 2026

Strengthen your approach to teaching diverse learners with the Inclusive Teaching and Learning Certificate Program.

This nine-course program supports faculty and higher education professionals in developing equitable, student-centered teaching practices and provides evidence of essential skills for inclusive instruction.

Courses include topics such as Universal Design for Learning, equitable assessment, racial equity, communication strategies, and supporting non-traditional learners.

Winter Department Chair Academy — Registration Open!

January 6th – March 2nd, 2026

Join a cohort of department chairs and academic leaders in this fully online, asynchronous program designed to strengthen leadership skills, confidence, and connection. Participants will engage in weekly assignments, discussion-based learning, and receive access to Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue and a DiSC Work of Leaders assessment.

The program is co-taught by Drs. Leah Deasy and Giacomo Oliva through Brightspace.

Team discounts available — email leadership@suny.edu for details.

Learn About Assessment in Spring 2026

Advance your assessment skills with SUNY CPD’s Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment of Learning Outcomes certificate programs—each offered fully online from January 6th–May 11th, 2026 via Brightspace.

These three-course series are designed for faculty, staff, and administrators engaged in assessment or accreditation work. Learn to set measurable goals, analyze data, develop learning outcomes, design rubrics, and use results to drive continuous improvement.

Mindful Leadership Course — Spring 2026

Ready to lead with greater clarity, calm, and intention? Join SAIL’s 12-week Mindful Leadership course beginning January 6th, 2026.

Discover practical mindfulness strategies, explore meditation techniques, and build leadership habits that support well-being, resilience, and meaningful connection — all while earning a digital badge.

Register now and start spring with purpose.

Join the SUNY Inclusion Quest (IQ) Digital Accessibility Challenge

Help make SUNY more accessible for all! The SUNY IQ Digital Accessibility Challenge empowers faculty, staff, and students to stay up to date on accessibility laws, build skills to create inclusive digital content, and foster equity across campuses.

Get started by watching one of the three recorded Orientation Webinars, where we will walked through the three phases of the challenge: Knowledge Building, Assessment & Review, and Remediation.

Visit the link below for more info on how to get started!

Get Funded in 2026: Learn to write Grants and Proposals

Sharpen your grant writing skills in this online asynchronous course running January 6th–March 30th, 2026 via Brightspace.

Learn how to identify funding sources, plan and organize proposals, collaborate effectively, and strengthen your writing to boost your chances of getting funded.

Idealfor faculty, staff, graduate students, and grant writers looking to enhance their proposal development skills.

Learn the Data Literacy Essentials Needed for Higher Education in 2026

Strengthen your ability to use data for decision-making with our Data Literacy in Higher Education program—an online, asynchronous series offered via Brightspace.

Start with Fundamentals of Working with Data (Jan 6th–Feb 16th, 2026) to build a foundation in data concepts, governance, and analysis, then continue with Storytelling with Data (Feb 17th–Mar 30th, 2026) to turn insights into impactful narratives.

Perfect for faculty, staff, and administrators who use data to inform planning, assessment, and strategy.

Coaching in Higher Education – Spring 2026

Enhance your leadership and student support skills with Coaching in Higher Education program, delivered online via Brightspace.

Begin with Coaching Strategies (Jan 20th–Apr 13th, 2026), a 12-week course that introduces core coaching competencies, ethical practices, and techniques to support individuals and teams through organizational and change initiatives.

Advance to Developing a Student Success Coaching Mindset (Apr 21st–Jun 1st, 2026), where you’ll learn evidence-based strategies to empower students, foster holistic development, and improve retention and completion outcomes.

These courses are ideal for mid to senior-level leaders, faculty, and staff looking to strengthen their coaching expertise in higher education.

Career Readiness Champion Certificate Spring 2026 

Equip yourself to support student career success with Career Readiness Champion Certificate, an online program designed for faculty and staff across campus.

The three-course series includes:

• An Introduction to the Career Development Process (Jan 6th–Feb 16th) – Learn foundational competencies for advising, coaching, and guiding students in career planning.
• Designing Your Career Development Toolkit (Feb 17th–Mar 30th) – Explore career resources, campus services, and strategies to help students achieve their goals.
• Integrating Career Development into Your Role & Campus Culture (Mar 31st–May 11th) – Apply your learning to create a concrete plan for embedding career development into your work and campus environment.

Ideal for faculty, advisors, coaches, counselors, student affairs staff, and anyone supporting students’ career journeys.

DEISJ Curriculum Development Certificate Program

This three-course certificate supports SUNY educators in developing curriculum that aligns with SUNY’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice (DEISJ) General Education outcomes. Developed by SUNY DEISJ faculty fellows and staff, the program builds foundational knowledge and practical course design fluency.

• Course 1: Foundational Concepts in DEISJ (January 27th – March 9th, 2026)
• Course 2: Select Topics in DEISJ (March 10th – April 20th, 2026)
• Course 3: Building Your DEISJ Curriculum (April 21st – June 1st, 2026)

Audience: Faculty, adjuncts, librarians, instructional staff, graduate assistants, and others involved in course design or teaching.

SUNY Business Intelligence Workshops (Online)

Join these live, half-day Zoom workshops to learn how to create, customize, and share reports using the SUNY Business Intelligence (BI) platform.

Two Introductory Student Data Workshops will be held on February 11th and March 17th, 2026, with an Advanced Workshop on April 30th, 2026.

Sessions run 1:00–4:00 p.m. ET and cost $50 per person, per workshop.



Learn more and register:

SUNY BI Introductory Workshop – Student Data

SUNY BI Advanced Workshop

Nominations Open for the CIO Leadership Academy

NOW is the time to nominate your IT colleagues destined for leadership for the CIO Leadership Academy!

Nominations for the 2026 Academy are being accepted through Dec 31st, 2025

The learning will begin in February, and participants will move through the cohort experience under the guidance of a seasoned CIO mentor through May 2026. SUNY scholarships will be available! 

Learn more and submit a nomination.

Save the Date: SUNY SURC 2026

Mark your calendars! The 2026 SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC) will take place at two locations this spring:

• SURC West – SUNY Fredonia, Tuesday, April 21st, 2026
• SURC Central – Upstate Medical University (Syracuse), Friday, April 24th, 2026

Students and mentors from all academic disciplines are encouraged to participate in this showcase of undergraduate research and creative activity across SUNY.

More details will be shared soon—visit the link below for updates or email SURC@SUNY.edu with questions.

Deadline Approaching! Call for Proposals – SUNY CIT 2026

May 26th–29th, 2026 | SUNY Stony Brook

The Conference on Instruction and Technology (CIT) invites educators, technologists, administrators, and thought leaders from across SUNY and beyond to submit proposals for CIT 2026.

This year’s theme, Designing the Future of Learning, highlights the transformative power of resilient teaching, innovative practices, and inclusive strategies that drive student success.

Share your insights, showcase successful models, and collaborate with colleagues shaping the future of teaching and learning.

Proposal deadline: January 9th, 2026, at 11:59 PM

Learn more and submit your proposal at cit.suny.edu.

Call for Proposals – SUNY GradCon 2026

The purpose of the SUNY Graduate Research and Creative Activities Conference is to showcase the research excellence carried out SUNY-wide at the graduate level. SUNY graduate students from all academic disciplines are invited to submit their research, scholarly, and creative activities to the 2026 SUNY Graduate Research and Creative Activities Conference (GradCon) as panelist presenters or poster presenters.

Abstract submissions are due at 11:59pm on Sunday, February 22nd, 2026. The conference will be held virtually on Friday, May 1st, 2026.

Instructor Spotlight: Michele Forte

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on Michele Forte, SUNY Empire, School of Health and Human Services — and instructor for SUNY CPD’s Coaching Strategies & Developing a Student Success Coaching Mindset courses.

Michele helps participants shift from reactive problem-solving to intentional, capacity-building coaching. Her courses create a supportive community where participants apply coaching strategies to advising, student interactions, and team work, while deepening cultural humility and collaborative problem-solving.

“Teaching these courses reminds me that coaching is a practice, not a finished skill. Watching participants coach each other, share strategies, and build confidence in their own voices reinforces why this work matters so deeply in higher education.”

Thank you, Michele, for empowering SUNY colleagues to foster meaningful growth for students and teams across the system!

CPD Gives Back

The entire CPD team spent a day this past week volunteering at Sarah’s Guest House, cooking and baking meals in support of individuals and families staying there during medical treatment. It was a meaningful opportunity for our full team to give back, work together, and support a vital community resource that provides comfort and care when it’s needed most. We’re proud to support our community and make a difference beyond our daily work.

Special thanks to our Jen Snyder, for helping organize and support this volunteer effort. And David Haas, Executive Director of Sarah’s Guest House for helping organize and support this volunteer effort. To learn more about Sarah’s Guest House or find ways to get involved, visit https://sarahsguesthouse.org/.

Connect, Share, and Collaborate on Viva Engage!

Did you know? The SUNY Learning Commons on Viva Engage is your members-only space to connect with colleagues from across the SUNY system!

In the Commons, you’ll find:

• Communities of Practice and Groups focused on shared interests or professional roles
• Topic-based groups where you can dive into specialized discussions
• Spaces to share photos, updates, and event highlights
• And the option to request new groups for projects, initiatives, or emerging topics

We already have an active SUNY CPD group—and there are many other channels where you can:

• Ask questions
• Share resources and best practices
• Celebrate successes and milestones

Access is open to anyone with a Microsoft email, but to keep groups focused and relevant, you’ll just need to fill out a short form to be added.

Ready to get involved? Click the button below to see our active communities.

Let’s keep building our SUNY community together—one conversation at a time!

Volume 5 no. 10

2025 SICAS Summit – Register Now!

Dates: October 15th –17th, 2025

Location: Embassy Suites Saratoga Springs

The SICAS Summit is an annual conference that brings together SUNY campuses and partners to share ideas, learn best practices, and explore tools like Banner, Degree Works, Argos, and more. Hear from peers, SICAS staff, and business partners about how to get the most out of these systems in your daily work.

Early bird rate: $250 with code 25-EARLYBIRD — ends Aug. 29th, 2025!

(Standard rate: $275)

Pay by credit card, check, or CPD General or Technical points (contact Chelsie Dalton to arrange).

Questions? chelsie.dalton@oneonta.edu | 607.436.2005

Additional Courses Added! Data Literacy Essentials for Higher Education Professionals

This online, asynchronous Brightspace program helps higher education professionals strengthen their data literacy skills by exploring data creation, analysis, interpretation, and storytelling. Designed for faculty, staff, and administrators who use data in their work, the program builds both confidence and practical skills for daily tasks and strategic decision-making.

Course One: Fundamentals of Working with Data

Sept 2th – Oct 13th

Covers the data lifecycle, governance, and foundational analysis concepts essential for understanding and using data in higher ed.

Course Two: Storytelling with Data

Oct 14th – Nov 24th

Focuses on turning data insights into impactful narratives for higher ed audiences. Completion of Course One or equivalent experience is required.

Registration Open for Fall SUNY New Faculty Open Mic Program

Offered at no cost to tenure-track faculty at all 64 SUNY campuses, the New Faculty Open Mic is a biweekly Zoom series designed to support faculty in their first two years (since Fall 2023). Sessions run every other Monday from 2–3 p.m., September 8th to December 1st, and are not recorded.

Co-hosted by SUNY Empire State University’s Center for Mentoring, Learning and Academic Innovation and the SUNY Center for Professional Development, this informal, participant-led program aims to:

• Build community and connection among new SUNY faculty!
• Provide peer support in navigating teaching, advising, scholarship, service, and more.

Inclusive Teaching and Learning Certificate 2025

Boost Your Inclusive Teaching Skills!

Join SUNY’s Inclusive Teaching & Learning Certificate Program to gain key strategies for equity and inclusion in higher ed classrooms.

Take one or both courses in 2025:

• Critically Reflecting on Diversity (Sept 9th – Oct 13th)
• Design & Deliver Inclusive Courses (Oct 14th – Nov 17th)

SUNY CPD Distance Learning Leadership Certificate Program

Introducing the NEW SUNY CPD Distance Learning Leadership Certificate Program

This advanced certificate prepares professionals to serve as Chief Online Learning Officers (COLOs) and lead distance learning initiatives in higher ed. Participants will apply theories, instructional design principles, and emerging technologies to strengthen online education at their institutions.

The program also develops skills in collaboration, change management, quality assurance, and compliance—equipping leaders to drive innovation and impact.

Dates:

• Course 1: What You Need to Know to Be a DLL (September 15th – October 24th)
• Course 2: Strategy, Structure, and Systems for Online Education (November 3rd – December 20th)
• Course 3: Building the Strategic Plan for Online Education (February 9th – March 20th, 2026)
• Course 4: Cultivating Leadership, Champions, and Sustainable Innovation (March 30th – May 8th, 2026)

Constitution Day 2025

What Can You Say on Campus at a Public University or College? Free Speech, The Constitution, and College Life

Date:

Wednesday, September 17th, 2:00pm to 3:30pm (90 minutes) Eastern Time Zone

In addition to fulfilling their research and education mission, public colleges and universities have always had an important role in supporting American democracy. Central to achieving their vision is the open exchange of ideas through civic discourse. Please join us as we explore the civic mission of public higher education, the importance of nurturing students’ civic discourse skills, and recent challenges to free speech and civic discourse on American campuses.

Join us for a moderated panel discussion followed by breakout sessions.

Intended Audience: SUNY campuses and Massachusetts public higher education system faculty and staff, but students are welcome!

Library Leadership & Management Certificate Returns This Fall!

Designed for current and aspiring library leaders, this fully online SUNY CPD program offers practical training in leadership and management. Complete any 3 courses to earn the certificate and a Credly badge for each—plus a bonus badge for completing the full program. Courses are asynchronous, instructor-led, and can also be taken individually.

Pricing:

SUNY CPD members: from $260/course

Non-members: from $310–$360/course

Next courses start Oct 7th, 2025.

Connect with other SUNY Faculty Developers in Your Area this Fall!

The SUNY Center for Professional Development is hosting a series of in-person meetings this fall designed for faculty and educational developers across the system. These highly interactive sessions will focus on sharing ideas, building connections, and providing practical strategies participants can bring back to their campuses.

Dates:

• October 24th – University at Albany

• October 31st – Genesee Community College

• November 7th – Fashion Institute of Technology

Time: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Registration: $30 CPD member fee (includes coffee and lunch)

Project Management Fundamentals

Live Online via Zoom

Dates:

• November 6th & 7th
• 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST

*Please note September dates have been filled

Learn the essentials of project management using the NYS PM Guidebook, V2. This 2-day workshop is ideal for SUNY staff new to managing projects or leading teams – no prior experience required.

Cost:

• SUNY CPD Members: $150
• SUNY Campuses: $180
• Others: $250

Universal Design for Learning – Access for All Webinar Series Fall 2025 

Virtual via Zoom – All sessions will be recorded and captioned

The SUNY CPD’s Universal Design for Learning (UDL) initiative continues the Access for All Webinar Series, a set of one-hour sessions focused on practical strategies for making course materials more accessible and inclusive.

Dates:

• Designing Accessible Course Documents – Oct. 1st, 12–1 PM
• Creating Clear and Inclusive Presentations – Oct. 22nd, 12–1 PM
• Improving Accessibility in Audio and Video – Nov. 5th, 12–1 PM
• Developing Accessible and Inclusive PDFs – Nov. 19th, 12–1 PM

These sessions will explore ways to improve readability, engagement, and equity through better design of documents, presentations, media, and PDFs. Participants should have basic knowledge of creating accessible documents and slide decks.

For more information and other UDL offerings, visit the Universal Design for Learning at SUNY website.

Questions? Contact cpdinfo@suny.edu

SAIL Digest: Grow Your Leadership This Fall

What will you do to develop your leadership mindset and skills this semester?

Explore opportunities to learn, connect, and earn a digital badge through SAIL’s leadership programs:

• NEW: Emerging Leaders Academy
• Mindful Leadership
• Crucial Learning courses (Crucial Conversations, Accountability, Influence, Getting Things Done, The Power of Habit)
• CIO Leadership Academy
• Department Chair Academy
• Summer Leadership Program

View the full program list & register below!

Get to Know SUNY FACT2

As part of our mission to support innovative teaching, learning, and faculty development, SUNY CPD serves on and supports the SUNY Faculty Advisory Council on Teaching and Technology (FACT2). 

FACT2 has evolved over more than two decades to become a well-established venue to foster collaboration and consensus within a highly diverse university community. Each SUNY Campus has FACT2 Representation, made up of up to two people from each SUNY campus, one from the teaching faculty and one from professional staff. Reporting to the SUNY Provost, FACT2 serves as an umbrella organization, distributing information from other system-wide governance and advisory organizations.

Through Task Groups, Symposia, and the Conference on Instruction and Technology (SUNY CIT), FACT2 provides a forum for addressing forward-thinking teaching and learning issues. Task groups have focused on artificial intelligence, experiential education, innovations in assessment, virtual reality, online accessibility and more. 

Review Task Group reports and find your campus representative by visiting the SUNY FACT2 website below!

Celebrating Nancy Montondo’s Retirement!

The CPD team had a wonderful time celebrating Nancy’s retirement with a baseball outing!

Staff, family, and friends came together to cheer, laugh, and share memories as we honored Nancy’s incredible contributions. It was a perfect day to celebrate her next chapter, and the lasting impact she’s made.

Instructor Spotlight: Christopher Hromalik

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on Christopher Hromalik, Assistant Professor of Spanish and Distance Learning Instruction & Design at SUNY Oswego—and a driving force behind Universal Design for Learning (UDL) across SUNY!

Christopher has taught 15 cohorts of Introduction to Universal Design for Learning and now leads Universal Design in Higher Education: Beyond the Basics, a course for more advanced practitioners.

Why UDL? Why now?

“These courses prepare faculty to design instruction using the UDL framework to provide access to students with disabilities. With upcoming ADA Title II changes, it’s more important than ever to learn how to build inclusive, accessible courses.”

Participants in Christopher’s courses can expect:

• A fast-paced, intensive experience
• Real-world applications of UDL principles
• Engaging peer conversations and idea-sharing

“I always leave each cohort inspired by participants’ creativity and commitment to inclusive teaching,” says Christopher.

In addition to teaching, Christopher serves as Program Manager of Universal Design for Learning at SUNY, where he collaborates closely with SUNY CPD on instructional design and program development.

Learn more about UDL at SUNY (www.suny.edu/udl)

Thank you, Christopher, for your leadership in making higher education more inclusive for all learners!

Connect, Share, and Collaborate on Viva Engage!

Did you know? The SUNY Learning Commons on Viva Engage is your members-only space to connect with colleagues from across the SUNY system!

In the Commons, you’ll find:

• Communities of Practice and Groups focused on shared interests or professional roles
• Topic-based groups where you can dive into specialized discussions
• Spaces to share photos, updates, and event highlights
• And the option to request new groups for projects, initiatives, or emerging topics

We already have an active SUNY CPD group—and there are many other channels where you can:

• Ask questions
• Share resources and best practices
• Celebrate successes and milestones

Access is open to anyone with a Microsoft email, but to keep groups focused and relevant, you’ll just need to fill out a short form to be added.

Ready to get involved? Click the button below to see our active communities.

Let’s keep building our SUNY community together—one conversation at a time!

Volume 5 no. 11

2025 SICAS Summit – Register Now!

Dates: October 15th –17th, 2025

Location: Embassy Suites Saratoga Springs

The SICAS Summit is an annual conference that brings together SUNY campuses and partners to share ideas, learn best practices, and explore tools like Banner, Degree Works, Argos, and more. Hear from peers, SICAS staff, and business partners about how to get the most out of these systems in your daily work.

Price:

Standard rate: $275

Pay by credit card, check, or CPD General or Technical points (contact Chelsie Dalton to arrange).

Questions? chelsie.dalton@oneonta.edu | 607.436.2005

Join the SUNY Inclusion Quest (IQ) Digital Accessibility Challenge

Help make SUNY more accessible for all! The SUNY IQ Digital Accessibility Challenge empowers faculty, staff, and students to stay up to date on accessibility laws, build skills to create inclusive digital content, and foster equity across campuses.

Get started by attending an Orientation Webinar, where we will walk through the three phases of the challenge: Knowledge Building, Assessment & Review, and Remediation.

There will also be time for questions. The next and last webinar is October 3, and recordings will be posted on the SUNY Inclusion Quest website

Library Leadership & Management Certificate Returns This Fall!

Designed for current and aspiring library leaders, this fully online SUNY CPD program offers practical training in leadership and management. Complete any 3 courses to earn the certificate and a Credly badge for each—plus a bonus badge for completing the full program. Courses are asynchronous, instructor-led, and can also be taken individually.

Pricing:

SUNY CPD members: from $260/course

Non-members: from $310–$360/course

Next courses start Oct 7th, 2025.

NEW: SUNY SAIL Emerging Leaders Academy

Starting October 7, 2025, the SUNY SAIL Emerging Leaders Academy offers a 12-week, immersive leadership development experience designed for deans, directors, and mid-level leaders across SUNY.

Participants will engage in interactive workshops, coaching, assessments, and an applied learning project— developing the confidence and skills to lead with impact in higher education.

Program highlights include:

• SUNY360 leadership report
• Crucial Influence course license
• Applied learning project & final presentation
• Opportunity to earn a digital badge (or with distinction)

Capacity is limited to 20 participants. Runs through March 16, 2026 (with a winter break).

Additional Courses Added! Data Literacy Essentials for Higher Education Professionals

This online, asynchronous Brightspace program helps higher education professionals strengthen their data literacy skills by exploring data creation, analysis, interpretation, and storytelling. Designed for faculty, staff, and administrators who use data in their work, the program builds both confidence and practical skills for daily tasks and strategic decision-making.

One course left: Storytelling with Data

Oct 14th – Nov 24th

Focuses on turning data insights into impactful narratives for higher ed audiences. Completion of Course One or equivalent experience is required.

Registration Open for Fall SUNY New Faculty Open Mic Program

Offered at no cost to tenure-track faculty at all 64 SUNY campuses, the New Faculty Open Mic is a biweekly Zoom series designed to support faculty in their first two years (since Fall 2023). Sessions run every other Monday from 2–3 p.m., September 8th to December 1st, and are not recorded.

Co-hosted by SUNY Empire State University’s Center for Mentoring, Learning and Academic Innovation and the SUNY Center for Professional Development, this informal, participant-led program aims to:

• Build community and connection among new SUNY faculty!
• Provide peer support in navigating teaching, advising, scholarship, service, and more.

Inclusive Teaching and Learning Certificate 2025

Boost Your Inclusive Teaching Skills!

Join SUNY’s Inclusive Teaching & Learning Certificate Program to gain key strategies for equity and inclusion in higher ed classrooms.

One course left in 2025:

• Design & Deliver Inclusive Courses (Oct 14th – Nov 17th)

Connect with other SUNY Faculty Developers in Your Area this Fall!

The SUNY Center for Professional Development is hosting a series of in-person meetings this fall designed for faculty and educational developers across the system. These highly interactive sessions will focus on sharing ideas, building connections, and providing practical strategies participants can bring back to their campuses.

Dates:

• October 24th – University at Albany

• October 31st – Genesee Community College

• November 7th – Fashion Institute of Technology

Time: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Registration: $30 CPD member fee (includes coffee and lunch)

Project Management Fundamentals

Live Online via Zoom

Dates:

• November 6th & 7th
• 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST

*Please note September dates have been filled

Learn the essentials of project management using the NYS PM Guidebook, V2. This 2-day workshop is ideal for SUNY staff new to managing projects or leading teams – no prior experience required.

Cost:

• SUNY CPD Members: $150
• SUNY Campuses: $180
• Others: $250

Universal Design for Learning – Access for All Webinar Series Fall 2025 

Virtual via Zoom – All sessions will be recorded and captioned

The SUNY CPD’s Universal Design for Learning (UDL) initiative continues the Access for All Webinar Series, a set of one-hour sessions focused on practical strategies for making course materials more accessible and inclusive.

Dates:

• Designing Accessible Course Documents – Oct. 1st, 12–1 PM
• Creating Clear and Inclusive Presentations – Oct. 22nd, 12–1 PM
• Improving Accessibility in Audio and Video – Nov. 5th, 12–1 PM
• Developing Accessible and Inclusive PDFs – Nov. 19th, 12–1 PM

These sessions will explore ways to improve readability, engagement, and equity through better design of documents, presentations, media, and PDFs. Participants should have basic knowledge of creating accessible documents and slide decks.

For more information and other UDL offerings, visit the Universal Design for Learning at SUNY website.

Questions? Contact cpdinfo@suny.edu

Advanced Project Management this Winter!

Take your project management expertise to the next level with the Advanced Project Management course. Designed for SUNY staff who have completed Project Management Fundamentals, this 2-day workshop covers advanced tools and techniques for managing complex projects.

Dates and Times:

• Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT
• Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT

Instructor Spotlight: Dr. Ron Milon

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on Dr. Ron Milon, Principal and Senior Trainer, Consultant & Coach specializing in Inclusive Leadership — and an inspiring leader in SUNY’s Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA).

A proud SUNY alum (Brockport ’87, University at Buffalo ’89), Dr. Milon brings his expertise in diversity and academic affairs to shape the next generation of higher education leaders. His vision for the Emerging Leaders Academy is to provide a transformative experience that goes well beyond traditional leadership training.

Why leadership? Why now?

“The SUNY Emerging Leaders Academy is a robust, comprehensive program that goes beyond typical training. It’s an investment in your career, providing leadership skills and a network of colleagues to help you navigate the complexities of higher education.”

Participants in the Emerging Leaders Academy can expect:

• A transformative, career-shaping experience
• Practical leadership takeaways to bring back to their campuses
• A supportive coaching culture that is inclusive and welcoming

Reflecting on the program, Dr. Milon shares:

“Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. I wanted to design this program so participants leave with tools they can immediately use to influence positive change on their campuses.”

Thank you, Dr. Milon, for your dedication to fostering inclusive leadership and empowering professionals across the SUNY system!

Connect, Share, and Collaborate on Viva Engage!

Did you know? The SUNY Learning Commons on Viva Engage is your members-only space to connect with colleagues from across the SUNY system!

In the Commons, you’ll find:

• Communities of Practice and Groups focused on shared interests or professional roles
• Topic-based groups where you can dive into specialized discussions
• Spaces to share photos, updates, and event highlights
• And the option to request new groups for projects, initiatives, or emerging topics

We already have an active SUNY CPD group—and there are many other channels where you can:

• Ask questions
• Share resources and best practices
• Celebrate successes and milestones

Access is open to anyone with a Microsoft email, but to keep groups focused and relevant, you’ll just need to fill out a short form to be added.

Ready to get involved? Click the button below to see our active communities.

Let’s keep building our SUNY community together—one conversation at a time!

Volume 5 no. 12

Accelerate Campus Innovation with Microsoft Copilot Chat + Agents

Join us this November for a hands-on Microsoft Copilot Roadshow hosted across SUNY campuses.

In this interactive workshop, participants will:

• Explore how Copilot Chat, powered by GPT-4o, integrates securely into campus workflows.
• Learn to build Copilot agents that automate and streamline operations.
• Discover prompting best practices to get the most from Copilot.
• Understand the AI Adoption Curve and how to scale AI effectively across your organization.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see how Copilot can transform the way your campus works.

Dates and Locations:

• Nov 3rd – SUNY New Paltz
• Nov 4th – Alfred State College
• Nov 5th – SUNY Cortland
• Nov 6th – SUNY Geneseo
• Nov 7th – Farmingdale State University

Cost is free to all SUNY faculty and staff!

Join the SUNY Inclusion Quest (IQ) Digital Accessibility Challenge

Help make SUNY more accessible for all! The SUNY IQ Digital Accessibility Challenge empowers faculty, staff, and students to stay up to date on accessibility laws, build skills to create inclusive digital content, and foster equity across campuses.

Get started by watching one of the three recorded Orientation Webinars, where we will walked through the three phases of the challenge: Knowledge Building, Assessment & Review, and Remediation.

Visit the link below for more info on how to get started!

Registration Open for Fall SUNY New Faculty Open Mic Program

Offered at no cost to tenure-track faculty at all 64 SUNY campuses, the New Faculty Open Mic is a biweekly Zoom series designed to support faculty in their first two years (since Fall 2023). Sessions run every other Monday from 2–3 p.m., September 8th to December 1st, and are not recorded.

Co-hosted by SUNY Empire State University’s Center for Mentoring, Learning and Academic Innovation and the SUNY Center for Professional Development, this informal, participant-led program aims to:

• Build community and connection among new SUNY faculty!
• Provide peer support in navigating teaching, advising, scholarship, service, and more.

Connect with other SUNY Faculty Developers in Your Area this Fall!

The SUNY Center for Professional Development is hosting a series of in-person meetings this fall designed for faculty and educational developers across the system. These highly interactive sessions will focus on sharing ideas, building connections, and providing practical strategies participants can bring back to their campuses.

Final date: November 7th – Fashion Institute of Technology

Time: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Registration: $30 CPD member fee (includes coffee and lunch)

Project Management Fundamentals

Live Online via Zoom

Dates:

• November 6th & 7th
• 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST

*Please note September dates have been filled

Learn the essentials of project management using the NYS PM Guidebook, V2. This 2-day workshop is ideal for SUNY staff new to managing projects or leading teams – no prior experience required.

Cost:

• SUNY CPD Members: $150
• SUNY Campuses: $180
• Others: $250

Universal Design for Learning – Access for All Webinar Series Fall 2025 

Virtual via Zoom – All sessions will be recorded and captioned

The SUNY CPD’s Universal Design for Learning (UDL) initiative continues the Access for All Webinar Series, a set of one-hour sessions focused on practical strategies for making course materials more accessible and inclusive.

Dates:

• Improving Accessibility in Audio and Video – Nov. 5th, 12–1 PM
• Developing Accessible and Inclusive PDFs – Nov. 19th, 12–1 PM

These sessions will explore ways to improve readability, engagement, and equity through better design of documents, presentations, media, and PDFs. Participants should have basic knowledge of creating accessible documents and slide decks.

For more information and other UDL offerings, visit the Universal Design for Learning at SUNY website.

Questions? Contact cpdinfo@suny.edu

Advanced Project Management this Winter!

Take your project management expertise to the next level with the Advanced Project Management course. Designed for SUNY staff who have completed Project Management Fundamentals, this 2-day workshop covers advanced tools and techniques for managing complex projects.

Dates and Times:

• Thursday, December 11th, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT
• Thursday, December 18th, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT

Nominations Open for the CIO Leadership Academy

NOW is the time to nominate your IT colleagues destined for leadership for the CIO Leadership Academy!

The learning will begin in February, and participants will move through the cohort experience under the guidance of a seasoned CIO mentor through May 2026. SUNY scholarships will be available! 

Learn more and submit a nomination.

Nominations Open for the 2025 FACT2 Excellence Awards

The SUNY Faculty Advisory Council on Teaching and Technology (FACT2) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 FACT2 Excellence Awards through December 8th, 2025.

These system-wide honors recognize outstanding achievement and dedication among faculty, instructional support professionals, and administrative leaders who advance teaching and learning through the innovative use of technology.

Awardees exemplify SUNY’s commitment to excellence, access, and innovation—and will be recognized at CIT 2026, hosted by Stony Brook University.

Award Categories:

• Excellence in Instruction: Community Colleges
• Excellence in Instruction: State-Operated and Statutory Campuses
• Excellence in Instructional Support: Community Colleges
• Excellence in Instructional Support: State-Operated and Statutory Campuses
• Excellence in Administrative Leadership: Community Colleges
• Excellence in Administrative Leadership: State-Operated and Statutory Campuses

Learn more about the award criteria and submit your nomination by December 8th, 2025.

For questions, contact Dr. Janet Nepkie, FACT2 Awards Chair, at Janet.Nepkie@oneonta.edu.

Save the Date: SUNY SURC 2026

Mark your calendars! The 2026 SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC) will take place at two locations this spring:

• SURC West – SUNY Fredonia, Tuesday, April 21st, 2026
• SURC Central – Upstate Medical University (Syracuse), Friday, April 24th, 2026

Students and mentors from all academic disciplines are encouraged to participate in this showcase of undergraduate research and creative activity across SUNY.

More details will be shared soon—visit the link below for updates or email SURC@SUNY.edu with questions.

Call for Proposals – SUNY General Education Conference 2026

May 26th–29th, 2026 | SUNY Stony Brook

The Conference on Instruction and Technology (CIT) invites educators, technologists, administrators, and thought leaders from across SUNY and beyond to submit proposals for CIT 2026.

This year’s theme, Designing the Future of Learning, highlights the transformative power of resilient teaching, innovative practices, and inclusive strategies that drive student success.

Share your insights, showcase successful models, and collaborate with colleagues shaping the future of teaching and learning.

Proposal deadline: January 9th, 2026, at 11:59 PM

Learn more and submit your proposal at cit.suny.edu.

Call for Proposals – General Education Conference 2026

April 9th–10th, 2026 | Saratoga Springs, NY

The SUNY System Administration, University Faculty Senate, and Faculty Council of Community Colleges invite proposals for the SUNY General Education Conference. Join colleagues from across SUNY to share ideas, best practices, and innovative approaches to general education.

This year’s focus includes DEISJ, Civic Discourse & Engagement, AI Literacy, Sustainability, and Intersections across the Curriculum.

Proposals due: November 16th, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Instructor Spotlight: JoAnna Brosnan

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on JoAnna Brosnan, SUNY System Administration, Institutional Research — and an inspiring instructor in SUNY’s Business Intelligence (Student Data) Workshops – Introductory & Advanced.

JoAnna helps participants navigate the SUNY Data Warehouses, giving learners access to a wealth of data regardless of their department or role. Her workshops provide a hands-on opportunity not only to learn how to use the warehouses but also to see how peers across SUNY are leveraging data to improve their practices.

Why Business Intelligence? Why now?

“The BI Introductory workshop is necessary to be able to access the SUNY Data warehouses, which is valuable regardless of what department or area you are in – there is a LOT of data at our fingertips. These workshops grant the opportunity to not only learn how to use and navigate the SUNY warehouses, but how your peers and colleagues are using the data as well. As a student, every time I took one of the two courses as a refresher, I learned something new not only from the instructor, but was also inspired by others to conduct differing analyses.”

Participants in JoAnna’s workshops can expect:

✅ Practical skills for navigating and using SUNY Data Warehouses

✅ Collaboration and learning from peers across departments

✅ Supportive instructors and classmates to help when challenges arise

Reflecting on teaching, JoAnna shares:

“Something I’d like to highlight – Just like when learning ANY new application, tool, etc., there may be moments where you become frustrated – reach out to either of the BI instructors, we’re happy to assist! Your classmates are invaluable resources, too! Also, take the time to learn where the data is coming from, especially when drawing large conclusions =).”

Thank you, JoAnna, for your dedication to helping SUNY professionals unlock the power of data and improve student outcomes!

Connect, Share, and Collaborate on Viva Engage!

Did you know? The SUNY Learning Commons on Viva Engage is your members-only space to connect with colleagues from across the SUNY system!

In the Commons, you’ll find:

• Communities of Practice and Groups focused on shared interests or professional roles
• Topic-based groups where you can dive into specialized discussions
• Spaces to share photos, updates, and event highlights
• And the option to request new groups for projects, initiatives, or emerging topics

We already have an active SUNY CPD group—and there are many other channels where you can:

• Ask questions
• Share resources and best practices
• Celebrate successes and milestones

Access is open to anyone with a Microsoft email, but to keep groups focused and relevant, you’ll just need to fill out a short form to be added.

Ready to get involved? Click the button below to see our active communities.

Let’s keep building our SUNY community together—one conversation at a time!

Volume 6 no. 1

Join the SUNY Inclusion Quest (IQ) Digital Accessibility Challenge

Help make SUNY more accessible for all! The SUNY IQ Digital Accessibility Challenge empowers faculty, staff, and students to stay up to date on accessibility laws, build skills to create inclusive digital content, and foster equity across campuses.

Get started by watching one of the three recorded Orientation Webinars, where we will walked through the three phases of the challenge: Knowledge Building, Assessment & Review, and Remediation.

Visit the link below for more info on how to get started!

Advanced Project Management this Winter!

Take your project management expertise to the next level with the Advanced Project Management course. Designed for SUNY staff who have completed Project Management Fundamentals, this 2-day workshop covers advanced tools and techniques for managing complex projects.

Dates and Times:

• Thursday, December 11th, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT
• Thursday, December 18th, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT

Mindful Leadership Course — Spring 2026

Ready to lead with greater clarity, calm, and intention? Join SAIL’s 12-week Mindful Leadership course beginning January 6th, 2026.

Discover practical mindfulness strategies, explore meditation techniques, and build leadership habits that support well-being, resilience, and meaningful connection — all while earning a digital badge.

Register now and start spring with purpose.

Winter Department Chair Academy — Registration Open!

January 6th – March 2nd, 2026

Join a cohort of department chairs and academic leaders in this fully online, asynchronous program designed to strengthen leadership skills, confidence, and connection. Participants will engage in weekly assignments, discussion-based learning, and receive access to Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue and a DiSC Work of Leaders assessment.

The program is co-taught by Drs. Leah Deasy and Giacomo Oliva through Brightspace.

Team discounts available — email leadership@suny.edu for details.

Learn About Assessment in Spring 2026

Advance your assessment skills with SUNY CPD’s Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment of Learning Outcomes certificate programs—each offered fully online from January 6th–May 11th, 2026 via Brightspace.

These three-course series are designed for faculty, staff, and administrators engaged in assessment or accreditation work. Learn to set measurable goals, analyze data, develop learning outcomes, design rubrics, and use results to drive continuous improvement.

Learn How to Write for Grants in 2026

Sharpen your grant writing skills in this online asynchronous course running January 6th–March 30th, 2026 via Brightspace.

Learn how to identify funding sources, plan and organize proposals, collaborate effectively, and strengthen your writing to boost your chances of getting funded.



Ideal for faculty, staff, graduate students, and grant writers looking to enhance their proposal development skills.

Learn the Data Literacy Essentials Needed for Higher Education in 2026

Strengthen your ability to use data for decision-making with our Data Literacy in Higher Education program—an online, asynchronous series offered via Brightspace.

Start with Fundamentals of Working with Data (Jan 6th–Feb 16th, 2026) to build a foundation in data concepts, governance, and analysis, then continue with Storytelling with Data (Feb 17th–Mar 30th, 2026) to turn insights into impactful narratives.

Perfect for faculty, staff, and administrators who use data to inform planning, assessment, and strategy.

Leading Change in Higher Education – Spring 2026

Build the skills to lead and sustain change across your institution with CPD’s Leading Change in Higher Education program—featuring two online courses offered via Brightspace.

Begin with Foundations of Leading Change (Jan 6th–Mar 30th, 2026) to explore core strategies for successful change initiatives, then advance to Championing Change Leadership (Mar 31st–May 11th, 2026) to apply those skills in practice.

Designed for higher ed leaders at all levels, this program blends synchronous sessions, discussions, and case studies to help you lead with confidence in today’s evolving academic landscape.

Coaching in Higher Education – Spring 2026

Enhance your leadership and student support skills with Coaching in Higher Education program, delivered online via Brightspace.

Begin with Coaching Strategies (Jan 20th–Apr 13th, 2026), a 12-week course that introduces core coaching competencies, ethical practices, and techniques to support individuals and teams through organizational and change initiatives.

Advance to Developing a Student Success Coaching Mindset (Apr 21st–Jun 1st, 2026), where you’ll learn evidence-based strategies to empower students, foster holistic development, and improve retention and completion outcomes.

These courses are ideal for mid to senior-level leaders, faculty, and staff looking to strengthen their coaching expertise in higher education.

Career Readiness Champion Certificate Spring 2026 

Equip yourself to support student career success with Career Readiness Champion Certificate, an online program designed for faculty and staff across campus.

The three-course series includes:

• An Introduction to the Career Development Process (Jan 6th–Feb 16th) – Learn foundational competencies for advising, coaching, and guiding students in career planning.
• Designing Your Career Development Toolkit (Feb 17th–Mar 30th) – Explore career resources, campus services, and strategies to help students achieve their goals.
• Integrating Career Development into Your Role & Campus Culture (Mar 31st–May 11th) – Apply your learning to create a concrete plan for embedding career development into your work and campus environment.

Ideal for faculty, advisors, coaches, counselors, student affairs staff, and anyone supporting students’ career journeys.

Inclusive Teaching & Learning Certificate – 2026

Strengthen your approach to teaching diverse learners with the Inclusive Teaching and Learning Certificate Program.

This nine-course program supports faculty and higher education professionals in developing equitable, student-centered teaching practices and provides evidence of essential skills for inclusive instruction.

Courses include topics such as Universal Design for Learning, equitable assessment, racial equity, communication strategies, and supporting non-traditional learners.

DEISJ Curriculum Development Certificate Program

This three-course certificate supports SUNY educators in developing curriculum that aligns with SUNY’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice (DEISJ) General Education outcomes. Developed by SUNY DEISJ faculty fellows and staff, the program builds foundational knowledge and practical course design fluency.

• Course 1: Foundational Concepts in DEISJ (January 27th – March 9th, 2026)
• Course 2: Select Topics in DEISJ (March 10th – April 20th, 2026)
• Course 3: Building Your DEISJ Curriculum (April 21st – June 1st, 2026)

Audience: Faculty, adjuncts, librarians, instructional staff, graduate assistants, and others involved in course design or teaching.

Nominations Open for the CIO Leadership Academy

NOW is the time to nominate your IT colleagues destined for leadership for the CIO Leadership Academy!

Nominations for the 2026 Academy are being accepted through Dec 31st, 2025

The learning will begin in February, and participants will move through the cohort experience under the guidance of a seasoned CIO mentor through May 2026. SUNY scholarships will be available! 

Learn more and submit a nomination.

Nominations Open for the 2025 FACT2 Excellence Awards

The SUNY Faculty Advisory Council on Teaching and Technology (FACT2) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 FACT2 Excellence Awards through December 8th, 2025.

These system-wide honors recognize outstanding achievement and dedication among faculty, instructional support professionals, and administrative leaders who advance teaching and learning through the innovative use of technology.

Awardees exemplify SUNY’s commitment to excellence, access, and innovation—and will be recognized at CIT 2026, hosted by Stony Brook University.

Award Categories:

• Excellence in Instruction: Community Colleges
• Excellence in Instruction: State-Operated and Statutory Campuses
• Excellence in Instructional Support: Community Colleges
• Excellence in Instructional Support: State-Operated and Statutory Campuses
• Excellence in Administrative Leadership: Community Colleges
• Excellence in Administrative Leadership: State-Operated and Statutory Campuses

Learn more about the award criteria and submit your nomination by December 8th, 2025.

For questions, contact Dr. Janet Nepkie, FACT2 Awards Chair, at Janet.Nepkie@oneonta.edu.

Register Now: SUNY CPD Professional Development Week

Registration is open! Join us December 8th–12th, 2025 for Professional Development Week, featuring a series of free, one-hour virtual sessions offered daily from 12:00–1:00 p.m.

This year’s lineup includes:

• Microsoft Copilot: Boosting Productivity with AI
• Transcending Imposterism and the A.N.T.s That Hold Us Back
• Expanding Learning Pathways: Lumen Circles, Coursera, and Google Certificates
• How Successful People Remain Calm
• Building Connection and Collaboration with Viva Engage

Participate in one session or attend them all—each event is designed to help you learn new skills, gain fresh insights, and connect with colleagues across the SUNY system.

Save the Date: SUNY SURC 2026

Mark your calendars! The 2026 SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC) will take place at two locations this spring:

• SURC West – SUNY Fredonia, Tuesday, April 21st, 2026
• SURC Central – Upstate Medical University (Syracuse), Friday, April 24th, 2026

Students and mentors from all academic disciplines are encouraged to participate in this showcase of undergraduate research and creative activity across SUNY.

More details will be shared soon—visit the link below for updates or email SURC@SUNY.edu with questions.

Call for Proposals – SUNY CIT 2026

May 26th–29th, 2026 | SUNY Stony Brook

The Conference on Instruction and Technology (CIT) invites educators, technologists, administrators, and thought leaders from across SUNY and beyond to submit proposals for CIT 2026.

This year’s theme, Designing the Future of Learning, highlights the transformative power of resilient teaching, innovative practices, and inclusive strategies that drive student success.

Share your insights, showcase successful models, and collaborate with colleagues shaping the future of teaching and learning.

Proposal deadline: January 9th, 2026, at 11:59 PM

Learn more and submit your proposal at cit.suny.edu.

Instructor Spotlight: Dan Barrancotta

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on Dan Barrancotta, Instructional Designer at SUNY Genesee Community College and instructor for SUNY CPD’s Instructional Design Certificate Program.

Dan helps educators and designers create learning experiences that are equitable, flexible, and responsive to diverse learners. His course emphasizes collaboration, authentic projects, and peer learning—empowering participants to design with empathy and purpose.

“This program offers the tools, frameworks, and practical strategies needed to rise to the challenge of designing for modern learners.”

Thank you, Dan, for inspiring SUNY professionals to apply intentional, inclusive, and learner-centered design practices in their work!

Connect, Share, and Collaborate on Viva Engage!

Did you know? The SUNY Learning Commons on Viva Engage is your members-only space to connect with colleagues from across the SUNY system!

In the Commons, you’ll find:

• Communities of Practice and Groups focused on shared interests or professional roles
• Topic-based groups where you can dive into specialized discussions
• Spaces to share photos, updates, and event highlights
• And the option to request new groups for projects, initiatives, or emerging topics

We already have an active SUNY CPD group—and there are many other channels where you can:

• Ask questions
• Share resources and best practices
• Celebrate successes and milestones

Access is open to anyone with a Microsoft email, but to keep groups focused and relevant, you’ll just need to fill out a short form to be added.

Ready to get involved? Click the button below to see our active communities.

Let’s keep building our SUNY community together—one conversation at a time!

The Learning Org

Volume 6 no. 3

At the SUNY Center for Professional Development, our work is grounded in a commitment to innovative, equitable, and evidence‑informed teaching and faculty development. CPD supports those doing the work of teaching and learning across the system through programs and communities that strengthen practice and advance student success.

Led by Chris Price, Director of Educational Development, CPD convenes a SUNY‑wide community of practice for faculty developers to share resources, learn from one another, and build meaningful connections across campuses. To connect with Centers for Teaching and Learning across the system, build community, and access shared resources, visit our newly developed resource SUNYs Centers for Teaching and Learning.  

We invite you to explore the upcoming offerings highlighted below, register for events, and share these opportunities with colleagues on your campus.

Lisa Raposo

Executive Director

Featured This Month

Instructor Spotlight: Stephanie Malmberg, Ph.D.



This month we highlight Stephanie Malmberg, Ph.D., Associate Vice President and Dean of Learning and Student Success at SUNY Broome Community College. Centering student success, Dr. Malmberg brings both scholarship and deep professional commitment to her CPD course, Teaching for Racial Equity (T4RE).

T4RE engages participants in critically examining how race, whiteness, and power shape teaching and learning. Through readings, dialogue, and flexible assignments, educators reflect on their assumptions and implement actionable strategies to create more equitable classrooms. The course is discussion-driven, intellectually challenging, and personally meaningful.

Rooted in her dissertation research, Dr. Malmberg describes the course as especially urgent and values the opportunity to work alongside faculty and staff as they address real problems of practice. She also appreciates SUNY CPD’s strong partnerships and the passion facilitators bring to their work.

Call for Course Designers & Instructors: Enhancing IT Service Delivery in Higher Education

CPD is seeking designers and instructors to develop and teach a six-week, asynchronous online course introducing ITIL best practices for higher education.

Course development: Mar–May 2026 | First offering: Late June/Early July 2026 | Online (Brightspace)

Compensation:

• $1,750 to design the course

• $1,750 per course offering (minimum 10 participants)

Who should apply:

• IT leaders, managers, and staff with ITIL experience

• Campus professionals working closely with technology services

• SUNY faculty and staff (priority given; co-designers/co-instructors considered)

Application requirements:

• Summary of ITIL experience (required)

• Experience delivering professional development in higher education (preferred)

• Brief description of proposed course activities

• Resume or CV

Apply by Friday, March 9, 2026 by emailing materials to Kris Lynch (kris.lunch@suny.edu).

Volunteer Reviewers Needed – Academic Innovation Grants

We are seeking volunteers to serve as peer reviewers for the grant proposals. Reviewers typically evaluate 3–5 proposals and spend 4–6 hours reviewing during March. Applicants may also serve as reviewers; reviewers are not assigned proposals from their home campus.

Conferences & Events

Certificates & Courses

Leadership

Connect With The Community

Volume 6 no. 3

Learn the Data Literacy Essentials Needed for Higher Education in 2026

Strengthen your ability to use data for decision-making with our Data Literacy in Higher Education program—an online, asynchronous series offered via Brightspace.

Start with Fundamentals of Working with Data (Jan 6th–Feb 16th, 2026) to build a foundation in data concepts, governance, and analysis, then continue with Storytelling with Data (Feb 17th–Mar 30th, 2026) to turn insights into impactful narratives.

Perfect for faculty, staff, and administrators who use data to inform planning, assessment, and strategy.

Career Readiness Champion Certificate Spring 2026 

Equip yourself to support student career success with Career Readiness Champion Certificate, an online program designed for faculty and staff across campus.

The three-course series includes:

• An Introduction to the Career Development Process (Jan 6th–Feb 16th) – Learn foundational competencies for advising, coaching, and guiding students in career planning.
• Designing Your Career Development Toolkit (Feb 17th–Mar 30th) – Explore career resources, campus services, and strategies to help students achieve their goals.
• Integrating Career Development into Your Role & Campus Culture (Mar 31st–May 11th) – Apply your learning to create a concrete plan for embedding career development into your work and campus environment.

Ideal for faculty, advisors, coaches, counselors, student affairs staff, and anyone supporting students’ career journeys.

DEISJ Curriculum Development Certificate Program

This three-course certificate supports SUNY educators in developing curriculum that aligns with SUNY’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice (DEISJ) General Education outcomes. Developed by SUNY DEISJ faculty fellows and staff, the program builds foundational knowledge and practical course design fluency.

• Course 1: Foundational Concepts in DEISJ (January 27th – March 9th, 2026)
• Course 2: Select Topics in DEISJ (March 10th – April 20th, 2026)
• Course 3: Building Your DEISJ Curriculum (April 21st – June 1st, 2026)

Audience: Faculty, adjuncts, librarians, instructional staff, graduate assistants, and others involved in course design or teaching.

SUNY Business Intelligence Workshops (Online)

Join these live, half-day Zoom workshops to learn how to create, customize, and share reports using the SUNY Business Intelligence (BI) platform.

Two Introductory Student Data Workshops will be held on February 11th and March 17th, 2026, with an Advanced Workshop on April 30th, 2026.

Sessions run 1:00–4:00 p.m. ET and cost $50 per person, per workshop.

Nominations Open: Summer 2026 Leadership Program

SUNY Summer Leadership Retreat

August 3rd-7th, 2026

White Eagle Conference Center, Hamilton, NY

Now Accepting Nominations for the SUNY SAIL Summer Leadership Program. You may nominate yourself or someone else. Submit nominations before April 24th, 2026.

About the Program:

The summer program is a week-long retreat to enhance the leadership mindsets and skills of the participants, making them more effective leaders at their campuses and preparing them to take on more leadership responsibilities within SUNY in the future.



The week is devoted to the personal exploration of individual leadership, as well as gaining mastery in interpersonal, team, and collaborative dynamics. Throughout the week, participants are engaged in scholarly readings, thought provoking lectures, and challenging exercises, assessments, and case studies. Evening hours are devoted to fireside chats with senior leaders, coaching team feedback, team building and reflection. Participants leave with a professional development action plan and a new network of colleagues to assist them in continuing their growth.

Build Your Accessibility Skills with Deque University!

Did you know that SUNY provides free digital accessibility training through Deque University — available to all faculty, staff, and students? Deque offers a rich catalog of self‑paced, online courses covering web accessibility, document accessibility (like Word and PDF), mobile accessibility, and even customer service for people with disabilities. These courses help you create more inclusive digital content that works for every SUNY community member.

Whether you’re a content creator, developer, or educator, there’s something for you — and most courses take 60–90 minutes to complete. After enrolling, you’ll receive a certificate for each course you finish!

Registration is open for the 2026 SUNY Online Summit!

Dear Colleagues:

You are invited to join colleagues from across the SUNY system and beyond at the 2026 SUNY Online Summit, February 23rd-27th, 2026!  This year’s event will be delivered virtually and free of charge. 

The SUNY Online Summit is an annual SUNY-wide conference specifically focused on teaching and learning in the online modality. Over the past 25+ years, the Summit has evolved to address online learning in its entirety, including technology, student supports, administration of online programs, and instructional design. We welcome online faculty, administrators, instructional designers, technologists, concierges, faculty developers, researchers, students, and everyone who contributes to the success of online students. Anyone, including Friends of SUNY, are welcome!

Explore the Summit website for full conference details and registration information.

Register by February 16th, 2026 to receive access to the exclusive Summit Connect companion site in Brightspace where we will post all Summit session resources, supplemental materials, and continue the conversation in daily discussions. After February 16th, you’ll still enjoy the conference sessions, but access to the companion site will not be available.

We look forward to learning together and connecting with you at this year’s SUNY Online Summit!

SUNY Academic Innovation Grants

The SUNY Academic Innovation Grants (IITG and OER Impact Grants) are now open for the 2026–2027 cycle, offering over $1 million to support projects that advance teaching, learning, and student success. This year’s focus areas include AI, openness, and accessibility. Please share this opportunity with faculty and staff on your campus.

• Applications must be submitted through the Grant Application Portal.
• Guidance – including a Quick Start Guide, evaluation rubric, FAQ, and other resources – is available on the SUNY Academic Innovation Grants website.
• Proposals accepted Jan 4th–Mar 1st, 2026, with awards announced in May 2026.

Volunteer Reviewers Needed

We are seeking volunteers to serve as peer reviewers for the grant proposals. Reviewers typically evaluate 3–5 proposals and spend 4–6 hours reviewing during March. Applicants may also serve as reviewers; reviewers are not assigned proposals from their home campus. Sign up here.