Concurrent Sessions 3
Sponsored by
Concurrent Sessions 3 | Monday, March 30 – 3:30-4:30 p.m.
LOCATION:
Olmsted 4-7
LEARNING FRAMEWORK:
Core
TRACK:
Risk Management, Compliance and Public Policy
2026 HIGHER ED EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR LAW UPDATE
This interactive session will delve into the latest information and updates on key higher education employment and labor law challenges and considerations.
Ira Shepard, General Counsel, CUPA-HR, and Of Counsel, Saul Ewing LLP; Jennifer Robins, Counsel, Saul Ewing LLP
LOCATION:
Commonwealth 7
LEARNING FRAMEWORK:
Core
TRACK:
Data and Metrics
BEYOND BASE PAY: HOW DATAONDEMAND INFORMS STRATEGIC DECISIONS AT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
CUPA-HR’s DataOnDemand is known for delivering world-class compensation data, but its functionalities go far beyond establishing base salaries. In this session, members of CUPA-HR’s research team will present case examples of how higher ed HR professionals and leaders use DataOnDemand to inform strategic decisions other than base pay — from right sizing the workforce to implementing and maintaining employee experience initiatives (e.g. flexible work). You’ll leave with new insight into how DataOnDemand can inform a range of mission-critical workforce decisions.
Melissa Fuesting, Ph.D., Associate Director of Research, CUPA-HR; Karen McDonnell, Vice President, Human Resources, and Chief Human Resources Officer, Kennesaw State University; Jackie Bichsel, Ph.D., Associate Vice President of Research, CUPA-HR
LOCATION:
Commonwealth 8
LEARNING FRAMEWORK:
Strategic Leadership
TRACK:
Strategy
LEVERAGING SHARED GOVERNANCE TO ENHANCE THE EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE
This session will provide insight into the strategic partnership between HR and shared governance at the University of Colorado. Learn the benefits of this partnership in relation to employee retention, engagement and satisfaction, as well as ways in which you can implement this valuable partnership at your institution.
Clara Smith, Principal Training and Development Specialist, and Jessica Sandoval, Senior Employee Relations Consultant, both of University of Colorado Boulder
LOCATION:
Olmsted 1-3
LEARNING FRAMEWORK:
Engagement
TRACK:
Leadership Development
MULTITASKING: MYTH OR METHOD? HOW IT IMPACTS ENERGY AND PRODUCTIVITY
In this lively, hands-on session, we’ll debunk multitasking myths and explore how task-switching drains energy and impacts accuracy. Learn the brain science, test your own habits, and leave with simple, powerful tools to improve focus, streamline workflow and strengthen team effectiveness. This session is sponsored by Creative Planning.
Tina Goodacre, Director, Human Resources, Maryville College
LOCATION:
Commonwealth 6
LEARNING FRAMEWORK:
Core
TRACK:
HR Technology
THE GREAT SKILLS MERGE: WHY “HUMAN” SKILLS ARE YOUR BEST AI STRATEGY
Drawing on exclusive Cornerstone OnDemand labor market data and emerging 2026 projections, this session will explore “The Great Skills Merge” — the rising convergence of technical capabilities and uniquely human skills across all campus functions. AI isn’t replacing people; it’s raising the premium on judgment, empathy, ethical reasoning and complex collaboration. These “human skills” are no longer soft; they are now core expectations for faculty, staff and administrators.
Mike Bollinger, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Cornerstone OnDemand