More than 650 members of the CCRI faculty, staff and administration gathered at the Knight Campus in Warwick on Wednesday, March 1 for the college’s fourth annual All-College Professional Development Day. The days’ activities were the result of intensive planning by more than 40 faculty and staff members, and were assured of smooth execution by the support of dozens more.

President Ray Di Pasquale opened the morning session by introducing a student, Kelley Conti, who spoke about the challenges she has overcome in pursuing her education while dealing with a progressive visual impairment. Conti’s story made a connection with the audience of educators and support professionals, which spurred a standing ovation that continued upon the introduction of President Di Pasquale.

Di Pasquale, in his State of the College address, praised the work done by members of the CCRI community in building the college as a resource for all Rhode Island citizens and businesses. “The high regard that we have in this community is no accident. In fact, it is a testament to your commitment and dedication that we have such high standing, and you are to be congratulated for this hard work,” he said.

Di Pasquale then went on to speak frankly about the important issues facing the college today, including budget woes, uncertain enrollment prospects and the upcoming visitation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). He reaffirmed his promise to maintain the highest level of communication, citing the top responses received in his inaugural presidential survey on areas for improvement, and assuring follow-through on those concerns.

The president was joined in a panel discussion by Commissioner Jack Warner of the RI Department of Higher Education, Middlesex Community College President Dr. Carole Cowan and NEASC Director of the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education Dr. Barbara Brittingham. The group discussed “Higher Education in a Time of Transition,” exploring themes of student success, changing student profiles, and challenges arising in a time of dire state budget limitations.

After a lively lunch, participants chose from seven breakout sessions ranging from “Innovation in Teaching and Learning,” where faculty gathered to identify and discuss innovative curricular models, to “Give ‘em the Pickle,” a hugely popular customer service seminar. Each session was facilitated by CCRI faculty and staff members with topical expertise, in some cases supplemented by the perspectives of guest presenters. The session participants produced “action items” – areas where they could see room for change and inspiration to re-model existing practices.

In the coming weeks, the action items, as well as the materials provided in each workshop, will be presented in a collection of follow-up Web pages also featuring photos of the day and the results of a feedback survey. Look for the Web address for these materials to be announced soon.