The spring semester is SUNY’s busiest conference season, and this year the SUNY Center for Professional Development delivered an impressive seven conferences in just ten weeks — General Education Conference, Internship Summit, SURC, Graduate Research Conference,SUNY Technology Conference, Conference on Instruction and Technology, and AIRPO. Conferences remain one of our strongest strategies for professional development, community building, and supporting learning across the system.
A sincere thank‑you to the CPD team who made this possible, especially the Delivery and Services team led by Michaela Rehm, whose coordination and dedication ensure high‑quality experiences for SUNY faculty, staff, and students.
It’s also time to refresh our annual SUNY Alphabet Soup. This resource is essential for onboarding new SUNY colleagues and capturing the depth and breadth of SUNY’s work. Please send new or updated acronyms to theCPD General Email Inbox so we can keep it current.
Lisa Raposo
Executive Director
New Program Area
We’re excited to share our own Meghan Mesanovic has recently stepped into the role of Accessibility Program Manager, where she’ll be leading efforts to strengthen our commitment to inclusive, accessible experiences for everyone. In this role, she’ll help shape strategy, support teams, and champion accessibility across the organization.
A big part of this work includes accessibility training programs—engaging, practical learning sessions that help teams build products with accessibility in mind from the start. These trainings cover essentials like inclusive design, assistive technologies, and WCAG standards, and give teams hands-on tools to create experiences that work for all users.
We’re excited to see Meghan help drive accessibility forward in such a meaningful way!
Certificates & Courses
Department Chair Academy
The SAIL Institute’s Department Chair Academy is a live online leadership development program designed to strengthen the skills and confidence of current and aspiring department chairs, coordinators, and academic leaders through interactive workshops, coaching, DiSC Work of Leaders assessment, and asynchronous learning opportunities.
Join the 2026 OTTER Institute—this year’s “Triple A Edition” focused on Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence, and Adaptability—for free professional development webinars on the latest trends and innovations in online education, open to all SUNY members and available by recording after the event.
Build wellbeing and resilience through this 7-week, self-paced course focused on meditation, self-care, and mindful communication for working professionals.
Enrollment is open on a rolling basis for Supporting Neurodiversity Across SUNY: Practical Strategies for Our Campus Communities, a new self-paced systemwide training that equips faculty, staff, and student leaders with practical strategies to better support neurodiverse students across academic and campus life settings.
NYS Community College Leadership Academy – Now accepting nominations
Nominations are now open for Cohort 4 of the 2026–2027 NYS Community College Leadership Academy, with submissions due August 1 and program details available at the nomination portal and the program website.
Tonka Jokelova teaches the Online Teaching Certificate with SUNY CPD, bringing expertise in Instructional Design, Online Education, and Accessibility. Her course guides participants through the process of designing and developing real online courses they can implement on their campuses.
The program is highly practical and collaborative, offering participants structured feedback from the instructor and their peers while allowing flexibility to align course design with their own teaching styles and institutional needs. Whether developing a few modules or a full course, participants gain hands-on experience in building meaningful online learning environments.
Tonka values the way participants’ questions and conversations shape the learning experience, helping refine and strengthen course design in real time. One of the most rewarding outcomes of the program is seeing participants’ completed courses reflect both their unique teaching voice and the shared learning journey of the cohort.
Through her work with SUNY CPD, Tonka continues to advance thoughtful, student-centered online teaching practices across the SUNY system.
In The Community
Science of Learning / Learning Science CoP
Faculty, instructional designers, librarians, advisors, and staff are invited to join the new Science of Learning Community of Practice launching this year, bringing together educators and professionals interested in how humans learn and how learning science can strengthen teaching and support practices across SUNY.
CPD has long supported accessibility through its UDL programming, digital accessibility trainings, and a range of professional development opportunities designed to help campuses create more inclusive learning and working environments. Recently, CPD has formalized Accessibility as a program development area, supporting the Electronic Information Technology and Disability Services Communities of Practice. Join us in congratulating Meghan Mesanovic on her move into the role of Accessibility Program Manager, where she will lead CPD’s expanding efforts. This is an exciting and important step for CPD, You can expect to see an increase in programming for faculty and staff over the coming months as we deepen our focus in this area.
New offerings are already in development, including programs on assessing vendor accessibility and on evaluating risk and compliance—two areas of growing importance for campuses navigating accessibility requirements and procurement processes.
We are thrilled to welcome Meghan into this role and look forward to the expanded support and expertise she will bring to the SUNY community.
Lisa Raposo
Executive Director
In Case You Missed It
Pictured Above: CIT program, pens, student presenter, closing speaker; Emily Laird, awards, SBU mascot and attendee, Echo360 vendor, and Julie Hartley Moore presenting an award to Gregory Ketchem. The annual CIT conference, hosted by the SUNY Center For Professional Development, took place May 25th-29th at Stony Brook University. The conference brought together inspiring leaders, recognized outstanding individuals in their fields, introduced cutting edge vendors and built upon an ever growing professional network.
Follow the SUNY Center For Professional Development on LinkedIn, Facebook and Viva Engage for more pictures and stories on what you missed and how you can get involved next year!
Summer Courses for Inclusive Teaching and Learning Enhance your teaching impact by mastering inclusive assessment strategies and powerful communication techniques that help you better engage, support, and drive success for diverse learners across every learning environment.
Equitable Evaluation and Assessment of Student Learning
June 30 – August 3, 2026
Essential Communication Skills for Inclusive Teaching August 4 – September 7, 2026
Take your leadership to the next level by gaining the skills, strategies, and confidence to drive meaningful assessment initiatives on your campus through this interactive, fully online course designed for emerging and experienced leaders alike.
Build practical skills across SUNY’s Business Intelligence workshops with hands-on, live Zoom sessions designed to help you create, analyze, and share student and financial data reports—from introductory fundamentals to advanced query development. Learn more about the following courses:
Build confidence and boost your career by mastering the essentials of project management in this engaging, hands-on two-day workshop designed to give you practical tools, real-world experience, and a shared framework you can immediately apply on the job.
Step into a high-impact leadership role in online education by gaining the strategic, technical, and leadership skills needed to design, manage, and grow innovative distance learning programs in this comprehensive certificate experience.
Transform your leadership potential into real impact through this immersive, multi-month academy that blends coaching, hands-on projects, and powerful self-discovery experiences to help you lead with confidence, influence, and purpose
NYS Community College Leadership Academy – Now accepting nominations
Nominations are now open for Cohort 4 of the 2026–2027 NYS Community College Leadership Academy, with submissions due August 1 and program details available at the nomination portal and the program website.
Instructor Spotlight: Dawn DeLeury Jones, SUNY Schenectady
Dawn DeLeury Jones of SUNY Schenectady teaches the Career Readiness Champion Certificate Program: Introduction to the Career Development Process with SUNY CPD. She brings strong experience in Career Development and Adult Learning, and her course helps participants better understand how career readiness develops and how to intentionally build those skills in the people they support.
The program is practical and designed for real-world application. Participants explore ways to strengthen career readiness through a variety of roles, including career services, advising, and both curricular and co-curricular work. It also helps participants become more familiar with campus resources and how to connect individuals to the right support.
Throughout the course, participants build stronger connections within their institutions and leave with clear, actionable steps to help students develop career readiness competencies. The learning environment is collaborative, encouraging idea sharing and discussion that participants can bring back to their own work.
After helping develop the concept and framework for the program, Dawn chose to teach with SUNY CPD as a way to combine her career development expertise with her background in adult learning. She enjoys continuing to grow her own skills while supporting others across SUNY in strengthening career readiness efforts.
Emma Sheedy Communications & Community Engagement Manager
We are pleased to welcome Emma Sheedy as our new Communications and Community Engagement Manager at the SUNY Center for Professional Development. Emma brings a strong nonprofit background, most recently serving at the Jewish Federation of Central New York, along with a decade-long independent music career. With a diverse skill set spanning marketing, communications, consulting, and education, she offers a dynamic and creative perspective. We are excited for Emma to bring her strategic insight and fresh voice to the SUNY CPD community.
In The Community
Happy Retirement Mike Notarius! After 32 years of dedicated service, ITEC leader Mike Notarius announced his retirement, reflecting on a career defined by collaboration, leadership, and impact across SUNY. He also shared transition plans, introduced interim leadership, and celebrated receiving the SUNY Lifetime Achievement Award.
Science of Learning / Learning Science CoP
Faculty, instructional designers, librarians, advisors, and staff are invited to join the new Science of Learning Community of Practice launching this year, bringing together educators and professionals interested in how humans learn and how learning science can strengthen teaching and support practices across SUNY.
Career Development/Adult Learning | SUNY Schenectady
About Dawn
Dawn DeLeury Jones is a career development professional at SUNY Schenectady with expertise in career readiness and adult learning. She is passionate about helping individuals intentionally build career readiness competencies and connect their experiences—whether curricular or co-curricular—to meaningful career outcomes.
Courses Taught
Career Readiness Champion Certificate Program: Introduction to the Career Development Process
Why Take This Course?
This course helps participants understand how career readiness develops and how to be more intentional in fostering these competencies among the individuals they serve. It is valuable for those working in career services, advising, or within curricular and co-curricular programming, as well as anyone seeking a clearer understanding of institutional resources and referral pathways.
Participants gain practical insight into supporting career readiness across diverse contexts, making the course especially timely as institutions continue to prioritize workforce preparation and student success.
What to Expect
Participants can expect to strengthen connections within their institutions related to career readiness. Through the course, they will identify actionable steps to help the students they serve build essential career readiness competencies.
The experience is collaborative and applied, allowing participants to translate new knowledge into practical strategies they can immediately use in their roles.
Instructor Reflection
Dawn finds that she learns something new each time she teaches this course. Participants often bring significant experience in career development and experiential learning, contributing valuable insights and perspectives.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the course is the shared learning that takes place—whether through brainstorming programming ideas or exchanging new resources. Dawn describes her role as a learning guide, helping to facilitate meaningful conversations and collaborative growth among participants.
Why She Teaches for SUNY CPD
Dawn chose to teach for SUNY CPD after helping to develop the concept and framework for the Career Readiness Champions Certificate Program and creating the curriculum for the introductory course. Teaching allows her to blend her extensive career development expertise with her background in adult learning while continuing to grow professionally.
She values the opportunity to expand her own skills while supporting others in their development, fostering a community of learning across the SUNY system.
Tonka Jokelova is an instructional designer and online education specialist at SUNY Canton with expertise in instructional design, online teaching, and accessibility. She is passionate about helping educators create engaging, effective online learning experiences that support both student success and instructor satisfaction.
Courses Taught
Online Teaching Certificate
Why Take This Course?
The Online Teaching Certificate program provides participants with the opportunity to design and develop courses they can immediately use on their campuses. Throughout the process, participants receive interactive feedback from the instructor and engage in meaningful discussions with peers, creating a collaborative learning environment focused on practical application.
As one participant shared, “I really appreciated how practical and applicable this course was. Each assignment directly contributed to building a real course, which made the experience feel meaningful and relevant. I also found the discussions valuable, as they allowed me to learn from peers with different perspectives and approaches to course design.”
What to Expect
Participants can expect a flexible and supportive experience that allows them to tailor their work to their own teaching styles and campus needs. Whether building a few modules or developing an entire course, participants have the freedom to shape their projects in meaningful ways.
Those who choose to develop a full course during the program benefit from more extensive feedback from both the instructor and fellow participants, helping them refine and strengthen their course design.
Instructor Reflection
Teaching this program has reinforced for Tonka the importance of remaining flexible and responsive to learners’ needs. Participant questions often reveal opportunities to clarify concepts and improve the learning experience.
One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching the program is seeing participants’ completed courses at the end. Each course reflects the ongoing conversations, design principles, and personal teaching styles that participants bring to the experience. Tonka also values watching participants support one another, build professional connections, and learn from shared experiences. These interactions help her continue to grow as both an instructor and a learner.
Why She Teaches for SUNY CPD
Education—and especially high-quality online education—is Tonka’s passion, profession, and mission. She enjoys sharing resources, fostering conversations about effective online teaching, and helping instructors create courses that are rewarding for both students and educators. Through SUNY CPD, she values the opportunity to collaborate with faculty across the SUNY system and contribute to meaningful professional growth.
Looking ahead to SUNY’s Conference on Instruction and Technology (CIT)
We are thrilled to share that registration is now open for SUNY CIT 2026, being hosted by Stonybrook University on May 26-29, 2026. CIT has always been a cornerstone of educational technology professional development across our system, offering a space where educators, technologists, and leaders come together to learn from one another, spark new ideas, and strengthen the practices that support our students.
This year’s conference continues that tradition with a rich lineup of sessions and keynotes, and pre‑conference workshops, which offer deep‑dive, hands‑on opportunities to build skills and explore emerging tools.
This years workshops include:
Cross-Cultural Learning: Don’t Go It Alone!
Preparing for Title II: Making Content Accessible in Brightspace and Microsoft Tools
Preserving Writing as a Means of Learning
Empowering All Learners with Technology
Getting Up to Speed with AI for Educators
Learn to Apply Ethical, Effective Learning with AI Using Metaliteracy
Vibe Coding Workshop
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your teaching practice, explore AI’s role in learning, enhance accessibility, or expand your digital skillset, there’s a workshop designed to meet you where you are and help you grow.
The SUNY CIT Conference is proud to feature two inspiring keynote speakers who are helping shape the future of teaching, learning, and technology in higher education.
Keynote Speaker – Sarah Rose Cavanagh
Sarah Rose Cavanagh is a psychologist, professor, and Senior Associate Director for Teaching and Learning at Simmons University. In her keynote, she will explore how emotion, motivation, and mental health influence meaningful learning experiences. Known for translating research into practical strategies, her work highlights the power of “compassionate challenge” in creating engaging, supportive classrooms that foster student success.
Closing Speaker – Emily Laird
Emily Laird brings a forward-looking perspective on the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in education. As an AI Integration Technologist at the University of Wisconsin–Stout, she works across campus and industry to advance AI literacy and support the thoughtful, ethical integration of emerging technologies. Her engaging approach helps educators and institutions move from curiosity to confident, effective use of AI.
Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Webinar Series
Explore how to expand inclusive college opportunities for students with intellectual disability through this free three-part SUNY webinar series designed to build awareness, knowledge, and campus readiness.
Study practical skills in learning‑outcomes design, curriculum mapping, and evidence‑based assessment practices to strengthen teaching, learning, and academic program quality across your campus.
Prepare to support institutional assessment and accreditation efforts by developing skills in strategic goal setting, measurement, data collection, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
Research early intervention strategies, instructional flexibility, differentiated instruction, and instructor support while at the same time understanding how to meet the needs of non-traditional students to implement better systems and pedagogical techniques to help them succeed and graduate.
Starts April 12, 2026
Teaching for Racial Equity
Use a transdisciplinary approach that draws on the fields of sociology and anthropology and integrated with educational and sociocultural philosophies of critical pedagogy. Gain understanding of the educational experiences of racially minoritized students as these inform student success outcomes.
Build confidence in understanding, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating data with practical techniques to apply directly to daily decision‑making and long‑term career goals
Build wellbeing and resilience through this 7-week, self-paced course focused on meditation, self-care, and mindful communication for working professionals.
Instructor Spotlight: David Runge & Andrew Buchmann
Co-instructors David Runge and Andrew Buchmann of SUNY Oswego teach Foundations of Academic Advising through the SUNY Center for Professional Development, helping professionals across the SUNY system strengthen their advising knowledge and skills.
The course is designed for both new and experienced advisors and emphasizes practical strategies, peer collaboration, and active engagement. Participants explore advising theory while developing tools they can apply directly in their work.
Runge and Buchmann also host a weekly podcast-style reflection during the course, highlighting key themes and insights emerging from participant discussions.
Through their collaborative teaching approach, they help create a dynamic learning environment where professionals across SUNY can connect, share experiences, and support student success.
At the SUNY Center for Professional Development, we spend our days helping others learn, grow, and strengthen their communities. As a department of SUNY Upstate Medical University, the SUNY CPD Heart Crew participates each year in the Syracuse Heart Walk to raise money for the American Heart Association. We walk to Save Lives. Help us reach our goals today by joining our team or donating towards our goal.
As part of the SUNY CPD Membership Model, your campus receives annual General and / or Technical Points to invest in professional learning and technical development. With the end of June approaching, now is the time to use any remaining points before they expire. In this issue, you’ll find a variety of opportunities—courses, events, and conferences —that are all eligible for point use. Reach out to your CPD Member Campus Liaison for more information. Explore what’s available and secure your spot while points are still active.
Take a look and make the most of your membership.
Lisa Raposo
Executive Director
SUNY Conference on Instruction and Technology (CIT)
Designing the Future of Learning: Resilient Teaching, Innovative Practices, and Student Success
Stony Brook University
May 26-29, 2026
ONE WEEK LEFT to register at the early bird pricing of $250!
Full conference registration cost increases to $300 May 6th.
Kick-off your conference experience with a pre-conference workshop! We have 6 workshops to choose from:
Preserving Writing as a Means of Learning: A hands on workshop on students’ AI use – for faculty, instructional designers, librarians, and more
Cross-Cultural Learning: Don’t Go It Alone!
Preparing for Title II: Making Content Accessible in Brightspace and Microsoft Tools
Getting Up to Speed with AI for Educators
Learn to apply ethical, effective learning with AI using Metaliteracy
Vibe Coding Workshop
Empowering All Learners with Technology
Thursday Evening Activity:
Get your team together for Trivia night! Join us at The Bench onThursday eveningduring CIT for dinner and trivia. Enjoy great food, test your knowledge, and connect with fellow attendees in a laid-back, social atmosphere just minutes from campus.
Use a transdisciplinary approach that draws on the fields of sociology and anthropology and integrated with educational and sociocultural philosophies of critical pedagogy. Gain understanding of the educational experiences of racially minoritized students as these inform student success outcomes.
Build confidence in understanding, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating data with practical techniques to apply directly to daily decision‑making and long‑term career goals
Build wellbeing and resilience through this 7-week, self-paced course focused on meditation, self-care, and mindful communication for working professionals.
Build the skills to lead with impact—this virtual course equips postsecondary leaders with coaching strategies, core competencies, and practical tools to support teams, students, and organizational change.
This month, we are highlighting Professor Samy Garas of SUNY Plattsburgh, instructor of Storytelling with Data in the SUNY Center for Professional Development.
In this course, Professor Garas helps faculty and staff transform complex data into clear, compelling, and decision-ready narratives. Emphasizing both technical skill-building and communication strategy, participants learn to use tools such as Excel, Power BI, and Tableau to create meaningful visualizations tailored to specific audiences.
A core focus of the course is helping participants move beyond reporting data to telling purposeful stories—defined by audience, decision context, and key takeaway. The course also emphasizes ethical and responsible data communication, including how visual design choices can influence interpretation.
Participants leave with an executive-ready data story, stronger visualization skills, and increased confidence in presenting data clearly and accurately in professional settings.
Professor Garas reflects that one of the most impactful aspects of teaching the course is seeing participants realize how small changes in framing and design can significantly improve clarity and understanding—shifting their work from “making charts” to communicating insight.
We thank Professor Garas for his continued contributions to SUNY CPD and his work in advancing effective, ethical data communication across the SUNY system.
In The Community
Connect on Viva Engage
Join SUNY colleagues in Communities of Practice and topic-based groups through the SUNY Learning Commons
A new community in the SUNY learning Commons designed to connect SUNY professionals who support student learning and success.
SLATE is a space to share best practices and innovative strategies in tutoring, learning support, academic coaching, and student engagement. Members can explore emerging topics like AI in tutoring, supporting neurodiverse learners, and engaging SUNY Reconnect students, while collaborating on approaches to improve gateway course success and retention.
Join the conversation to exchange resources, spark new ideas, and learn from colleagues across the SUNY system.
We surpassed our goal of $1,000—thank you to everyone who donated and walked alongside us. Your support made a meaningful impact in the fight against heart disease, and it was inspiring to see our community come together for such an important cause.
The CPD walked with almost 2,000 others through the Onondaga Community College campus. The walk raised more than $400,000 to support heart health initiatives and lifesaving education through the American Heart Association.
About Professor Garas Professor Samy Garas specializes in Data Analytics and Interrogation, with a focus on helping professionals translate complex data into clear, actionable insights. His work emphasizes effective communication, ethical data use, and practical application across a range of institutional contexts.
Course Taught Storytelling with Data
Why Take This Course? Storytelling with Data equips participants with essential skills for communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders, including leadership, committees, students, and external partners. The course emphasizes tailoring messages to specific audiences, building practical visualization skills using tools like Excel, Power BI, and Tableau, and developing hands-on experience through weekly practice. Participants also learn to recognize and avoid misleading or unethical data representations—an essential skill for reporting, assessment, student success, compliance, and strategic planning.
What to Expect Participants can expect a highly practical, applied learning experience. By the end of the course, they will have developed a complete, executive-ready data story tailored to a specific audience and goal. The course strengthens participants’ ability to choose visuals intentionally, structure compelling narratives, and communicate insights with clarity and confidence. Emphasis is also placed on ethical and accurate data communication.
Instructor Reflection Teaching this course has reinforced that the biggest barrier to effective data storytelling is rarely technical—it is clarity of purpose and focus on the audience. When participants move away from trying to “report everything” and instead define a single decision, audience, and takeaway, the quality of their work improves significantly.
Another key insight is that professionals across roles are often data-rich but time-poor. The most effective projects translate complex information into concise, actionable messages for busy stakeholders. Particularly impactful are the moments when participants realize how small design choices—such as chart titles, ordering, scale consistency, and clear definitions—can dramatically influence interpretation. Watching this shift from simply “making charts” to communicating with meaning and integrity remains the most rewarding part of the course.
Why He Teaches for SUNY CPD Professor Garas values teaching for SUNY CPD because it allows him to support faculty and staff across the system with skills they can immediately apply in their work. He appreciates the course’s practical focus, where participants bring real challenges and leave with usable deliverables for meetings, reports, and decision-making contexts.
What he enjoys most is seeing participants shift from “sharing data” to communicating clear, decision-ready messages. As they learn to define their audience, focus on what matters, and present information ethically and effectively, their confidence grows and their impact increases.
About Andrew Andrew Buchmann works in academic advising at SUNY Oswego and is passionate about supporting professionals who help students succeed in higher education.
Course Taught Foundations of Academic Advising through the SUNY Center for Professional Development
Why Take This Course? Many advisors begin their roles without formal training in the discipline. This course provides a strong foundation for new advisors while helping experienced professionals connect advising theory to everyday practice.
What to Expect Participants will gain knowledge from course content while also learning from peers across institutions. Andrew and his co-instructor host a weekly podcast-style reflection during the course, sharing themes and insights from participant discussions.
Instructor Reflection Co-teaching this course has reinforced the importance of applying advising principles in daily work. Designing and teaching the course has encouraged deeper reflection on advising practices and how they support student success.
Why He Teaches for SUNY CPD Teaching for CPD provides an opportunity to give back to a community of professionals dedicated to supporting students. Sharing knowledge across the SUNY system helps strengthen advising practice and ultimately benefits the students served.
About David David Runge works in academic advising at SUNY Oswego. His work centers on helping students navigate their academic journeys while building meaningful connections that support their success.
Course Taught Foundations of Academic Advising through the SUNY Center for Professional Development
Why Take This Course? Academic advising knowledge is valuable for many professionals across higher education. Faculty, student affairs professionals, and those outside of advising can gain transferable skills that apply across the higher education landscape.
What to Expect Participants can expect an engaging course experience focused on participation and collaboration. Activities range from scenario-based advising practice to creating visual artifacts that highlight advising values. Discussion boards are a key part of the experience, encouraging participants to connect through dialogue, video, and audio.
Instructor Reflection Teaching this course provides the opportunity to learn from advisors with a wide range of experiences—from community colleges to four-year institutions and specialized advising programs. These perspectives continually challenge and expand his own understanding of advising practice.
Why He Teaches for SUNY CPD He enjoys the enthusiasm and engagement CPD learners bring to each course. Teaching for CPD provides the opportunity to contribute to a system-wide culture of professional growth and learning.
