Concurrent Sessions 4

Concurrent Sessions 4 | Tuesday, October 7 – 9:00-10:00 a.m.

A COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION OF TOTAL COMPENSATION AND SUCCESSION PLANNING

Explore total compensation models’ broadening definitions by reviewing example processes and programs, including a compensation review, succession plan, alternative benefits, and rewards and recognition programs. This session is sponsored by Cornerstone OnDemand. 

Megan Elliott, Vice President for Human Resources, and Janie Szabo, Director of Human Resources, both of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

BUILDING CONNECTION AND BELONGING: EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS  

Curious about launching employee resource groups (ERGs) on your campus? In this session, you’ll hear from members of the System Administration Office at the University of Colorado about how they created ERGs. You’ll leave with tools and strategies to help build ERGS at your institution. This session is sponsored by PageUp.

Morgan Endsley, Project Coordinator; Ginger Minges, Executive Assistant for the AVP and Chief Audit Executive; Thanh Nguyen, Director of Collaborative Initiatives; Turner Rafter, Senior HR Business Partner; Kristin Turner, Assistant Vice President, HR and Learning and Development, all of University of Colorado System Office

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Learn how two institutions have developed next-generation leaders through a curriculum focused on personal awareness, leading people and programs and building strong networks.

Melanie DeSantis, Associate Vice President for Human Resources/CHRO, Franklin & Marshall College; Dr. Victor DeSantis, Vice President for University Relations and Strategic Initiatives, Millersville University

FIND YOUR VILLAGE: BUILDING YOUR HR NETWORK IN HIGHER ED

In higher ed HR, your success is shaped by the people you connect with. This interactive session explores how to build your village through networking, mentorship and authentic relationships. You’ll hear stories and tips from two leaders who’ve done it. This session is sponsored by The Chronicle of Higher Education. 

Jamee Harrington, Vice President of People, Culture and Safety/Chief HR Officer, Rogue Community College; Nicole Englitsch, Organizational Development Manager, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

HIRING 50-STATE TALENT, COMPLIANTLY

 Learn about the varying state laws to be aware of when growing your workforce across all 50 states. We’ll discuss meal breaks, sick leave, IC Classification and other labor pitfalls to be aware of as you find the best talent for your institution.

David Israel, Corporate Counsel, Innovative Employee Solutions

PROMPT ENGINEERING FOR SMARTER, EASIER HR WORKFLOWS

This session will explore how AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot can streamline HR tasks, from document templates to performance management and training. Discover ways to reduce admin time while ensuring security and confidentiality, empowering HR leaders to protect employee and company data. This session is sponsored by Cornerstone OnDemand. 

Emily Hernandez, HRIS Manager, and Aaron Miley, Associate Director, Human Resources, both of Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center – New Orleans

TALENT ACQUISITION AND RETENTION IN A SHIFTING LANDSCAPE: ENSURING A SUSTAINABLE WORKFORCE AMIDST CHANGE AND UNCERTAINTY 

Higher education institutions are navigating an increasingly challenging talent landscape, facing heightened competition from various sectors, financial challenges and federal uncertainty. In this session, we’ll explore actionable strategies to future-proof your workforce by focusing on innovative recruitment, strengthening your employer brand and implementing effective retention initiatives.

Kevin Stevenson, Chief HR Officer, The University of New Mexico; Ron Sanchez, Vice President of Organizational and Talent Development, San Jacinto College; Oscar Medina, Principal, Thought Leadership and Advisory Services, Cornerstone OnDemand

THE POWER OF STORYTELLING: IMPACT AND INFLUENCE TO LEAD FROM WHERE YOU ARE

Storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used to shape, create and steward culture and influence strategy. In this session, you’ll learn how to use stories to deliver impact and influence HR practices by building connection and understanding. This session is sponsored by TIAA. 

Jay Stephens, Vice President of People and Culture, University of Montana – Missoula

UNDERSTANDING RETENTION: RESULTS AND STORIES FROM THE CUPA-HR 2025 EMPLOYEE RETENTION SURVEY

HR leaders are focusing on building strong employee experiences that support retention. CUPA-HR’s 2025 Employee Retention Survey captures both staff and faculty perspectives, offering critical insights into why employees stay or leave their institutions. In this session, we’ll highlight key national trends related to job demands, benefits, flexibility, workplace culture and supervisory challenges. Then, two leaders that administered the survey institution-wide will share their reactions to their data and how they translated insights into action. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of national patterns, real-world examples of how institutions are addressing retention, and actionable strategies you can bring back to your own campus.

Jennifer Schneider, Ph.D., Senior Survey Researcher, CUPA-HR; Liz Ross, Executive Director of Human Resources, Pellissippi State Community College; Connie Putland, Chief HR Officer, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater