OneCCRI / Professional Development Day

Professional Development Day - One Team, One Mission: A Commitment to Excellence

Friday, April 3rd, 2026

8am - 4pm

CCRI's Professional Development Day (PDD) will take place on Friday, April 3rd with a full day of in person activities at the Warwick Campus. This year’s theme is One Team, One Mission: A Commitment to Excellence and features a wide range of professional development workshops and community engagement activities for CCRI faculty and staff. Join your colleagues to learn from subject matter experts, enjoy community building activities, and recognize employees for their years of service and exemplary contributions to the college. 

The annual Service Awards ceremony will also be celebrated during Professional Development Day, recognizing the years of service employees have dedicated to the college. We'll also be featuring the Employee Recognition Award Ceremony to celebrate employees’ unique contributions to the college in aspiring towards excellence. Please register no later than Friday March 20th to be included in the headcount for swag, lunch and your learning sessions.

Register Here

Agenda

• 8am - 8:55am: Continental Breakfast + Sign-In
• 9:00am - 9:20am: Welcoming
• 9:30am - 10am: Keynote Speaker
• 10:10am - 11:10am: Training Session 1
• 11:20am - 12:20pm: Training Session 2
• 12:30pm - 1:30pm: Lunch
• 1:15pm - 1:45pm: Service Awards
• 1:45pm - 2:15: Employee Recognition Awards
• 2:30pm- 3:30pm: Community Engagement Activities [Play and learn about the Achieving the Dream board game, Professional Headshots, Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation, the DISC Assessment Workshop, and Fix Your Content]

Workshop Options:

• Session 1: Cybersecurity at CCRI: Real Threats, Real Risks, Real Protection

  • Description: 

    Cybersecurity threats are not abstract. They are happening every day, including here at CCRI.

    In this session, participants will examine real cybersecurity incidents that have impacted the College and explore the broader landscape of cyber threats occurring nationally and globally. You will gain insight into how frequently attacks occur, how they evolve, and why higher education institutions are frequent targets.

    Most importantly, this session will provide practical strategies you can use immediately to protect yourself, your data, and the College’s systems. Whether you work with student records, financial data, or simply use email daily, this session will help you recognize risks and strengthen your digital security habits.

  • Presented by: Kevin Crawford, Technical Professor I, Computer Science and Cybersecurity; David Rowbotham, Director of Information Security, IT Cybersecurity

 

• Session 2: From Cheating to Authentic Learning in an AI-world

  • Description: Based on the book The Opposite of Cheating by Tricia Bertram Gallant and David Rettinger, we will propose and discuss several ways faculty can respond to student misuse of AI in the classroom and alternative approaches that promote authentic learning and mastery of course outcomes. The session will be interactive and faculty can leave with concrete implementation plans for the F2026 semester.

  • Presented by:

    Leslie Killgore, Professor of Social Sciences; 

    Rachel Rogers, Director, Center for Teaching Excellence and Professor of Psychology

 

• Session 3: Project Management: Achieve Confidently Through Planning

  • Description: Attendees will learn about basic project management concepts including fundamental principles, various tools, and techniques to effectively plan, execute, and close projects. Participants will learn key concepts such as developing scope, establishing effective interdepartmental collaboration, scheduling, identifying dependencies, assessing and managing risk, and adapting to project constraints.

  • Presented by: Pete Bardsley, Associate Director of Organizational Effectiveness

 

• Session 4: Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness

  • Description: 

    This session will provide a focused and comprehensive overview of campus safety and emergency preparedness. Faculty and staff will receive guidance on best practices during emergency situations, along with updates on ongoing safety enhancements across the College, including enhanced technologies, procedures, and response protocols.

     

    The presentation will outline both past and current safety initiatives and highlight the evolution of the College’s approach to preparedness. In addition, the session will address the role of the CARE Team (formerly known as the Threat Assessment Team) and explain how it supports the campus community by responding to concerns related to emotional and physical safety

  • Presented by: 

    Major Tim Poulin, Deputy Police Chief & Assistant Director Public Safety; 

    Dr. Taiwo Adefiyiju, Dean of Students

 

• Session 5: Success You Can See: Measuring Outcomes throughout the Student Journey

  
  

  • Description: Have you ever wondered how the College is using data to improve student outcomes? Let's get specific and review some of the most common metrics the College is using to measurably enhance how we serve our students. Join members of the College's Institutional Effectiveness team for an interactive presentation where you'll learn about the metrics we're tracking throughout the student lifecycle, including as part of our partnership with Achieving the Dream. You'll also see some of the new data tools, including dashboards, that are available to help answer some of the most common questions we receive about who our students are and what they achieve.

  • Presented by:

    Phil Gordon, Director Institutional Research & Analytics; 

    Mason Blackthorn, Specialist Data Visualization

 

• Session 6: Designing for Student Impact: Drafting CCRI's ATD Plan

  • Description: 

    Join the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) for an interactive session highlighting our work as part of Achieving the Dream’s Transforming Community Colleges cohort. In Year 1, we’ve laid the foundation for transformative change by engaging cross-functional teams, analyzing key student success data, and identifying equity-centered priorities to guide our next steps. This session will provide an overview of CCRI’s progress to date, share key insights from our data analysis, and invite participants to provide feedback on our draft action plan for Years 2 and 3. Come ready to reflect, question, and contribute to

    the evolving roadmap of student success at CCRI.

     

  • Presented by: 

    Madeline “Maddie” Burke, Associate Vice President of Career, Technical, and Continuing Education; 

    Christine I. Turenius-Bell, Ph.D., Interim Dean, Business, Science, Technology & Math

 

• Session 7: Community Vibrancy and the Texas Outcomes & Support Project

  • Description: How can CCRI staff use labor market and employment data to inform program design, advising, and student services? Dr. Jeremy Anderson, Achieving the Dream Coach and Vice President of Institutional Research at Collin College (TX), will lead a session on translating labor market intelligence and federal data into actionable strategy. Drawing on work from the Ray Marshall Center’s Texas Outcomes & Support Project, he will explore how connecting academic programs to real-world employment outcomes can strengthen advising, improve student decision-making, align programs with workforce demand, and advance long-term economic mobility and community vibrancy.

  • Presented by: Dr. Jeremy Anderson is one of CCRI’s Achieving the Dream coaches and currently serves as Vice President of Institutional Research at Collin College in McKinney, Texas. He previously served as Vice President for Learning Innovation, Analytics, and Technology at Bay Path University in Massachusetts and has led initiatives in IT, instructional design, data analytics, and career and workforce development.

 

• Session 8: Early Alerts, from Starfish to the Knight Success Hub
  • Description:

    This panel-style session is designed to show the value of using early alerts to promote student success. Faculty members on the panel will talk about their experience using early alerts systems, from the outgoing Starfish system to the incoming Civitas, the software behind our rebranded Knight Success Hub. The session will include a demo of the new Civitas software, as well as information for how Advising and Tutoring and Writing Center

    staff follow up on alerts they receive.

  • Presented by:

    Jessica Araujo, Assistant Professor, English; 

    Rob Pezzillo, Associate Professor, Business and Professional Studies; 

    Justin Mercier, Student Success Coach Leader; 

    Stephanie Carter, Director, Tutoring and Writing Centers

 

• Session 9: Active Learning in Online Courses: How to Keep Students Engaged
  

  • Description: Are you finding that some of your online students seem to go MIA during the semester? Are you wondering how to keep online students engaged through the semester? Are you interested in learning about and attempting active learning techniques in an online setting? Then this workshop is for you. We will review active learning techniques, and you’ll walk away with ideas from your colleagues and facilitators to implement in your courses.

  • Presented by: 

    Kristen Swithers, Associate Professor, Biology; 

    Karen Kortz, Professor, Physics and Engineering

 

• Session 10: Marketing & Organizational Communication: Turning Ideas into Impact
  

  • Description: 

    Have a project, initiative, or idea you want people to notice? Wondering how to partner more effectively with Marketing?

     

    This session will help you better understand how CCRI’s Marketing team works and how to collaborate to create communications that are clear, accessible, and impactful. Participants will gain insight into marketing roles, workflows, and best practices, including strategies for promoting initiatives and services across the College.

     

    We will explore practical guidance on effective messaging, and how to communicate impact and purpose in ways that resonate with students, staff, and the broader community.

     

  • Presented by: The Marketing and Communications Team

 

• Session 11: Student Support Ecosystem: How we work together to support student success at CCRI
  

  • Description: In this engaging session, you’ll gain an inside look at the vital role student services plays in supporting students every day. We will explore how these areas collaborate to guide students throughout their journey at CCRI. From application to academic planning, student advocacy, and cross-departmental collaboration, we will review what comprehensive student support looks like across the college. You will also gain insight into how student services align with and advance our shared institutional mission.

  • Presented by: 

    Digna Arias, Administrative Officer, One Stop Student Services; 

    Liz Ballou, Associate Director Student Success & Advising Systems and Operations

 

• Session 12: Promotion and Tenure Development
  

  • Description: Thinking ahead to promotion or tenure? Join the academic deans for a dynamic conversation about the process, requirements, and strategies to support your professional development on the path to these key career achievements.

  • Presented by: 

    Suzanne Carr, Dean of Health and Rehabilitative Sciences; 

    William Stargard, Dean of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

 

• Session 13: Investing Essentials: 5 Principles to Invest with Confidence
  

  • Description: This workshop walks attendees through the retirement process and provides information about retirement planning and financial considerations. TIAA financial consultants will talk participants through key steps, including determining retirement timelines and understanding benefits. The session aimed to empower employees with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their future, fostering confidence in their retirement journey.

  • Presented by: William Harig, TIAA Financial Consultant

 

• Session 14: Learn about your ERSRI Benefits
  

  • Description: Members of the Employees' Retirement System of Rhode Island (ERSRI) can learn about ERSRI benefits; touching on topics such as retirement eligibility, estimating your monthly allowance, schedule types, payment options, COLA, nominating beneficiaries, required documents, and much more.

  • Presented by: Kimberly DeCosta, Director Member Services ERSRI

 

• Session 15: Introducing Blackboard Ultra
  

  • Description: Join us for an engaging overview of Blackboard Ultra, CCRI's next-generation learning management system designed to streamline course design, enhance communication, and improve the student experience. In this session, faculty and staff will explore the updated interface, key instructional tools, and the timeline for CCRI's rollout.

  • Presented by: Dr. Mike Marrapodi, Executive Director for Online Learning and Technology

 

Community Engagement Options

• Session 1: Play and Learn about the Achieving the Dream board game

  • Description: Drop by on your own or with your colleagues to play Achieving the Dream's "The Finish Line" game. With a focus on improving student success and completion rates, The Finish Line increases awareness about generating opportunities and removing barriers to drive more equitable student outcomes at community colleges. By engaging with other players, participants examine and analyze the disparate experiences faced by each student. Dean Beth Anish will facilitate conversations around how we can relate the characters in the game to the students we serve, and what we can take away from the barriers and opportunities they encounter. 

  • Presented by: Beth Anish, Dean Learning Commons & Classroom Technology

 

• Session 2: Introduction to Mindfulness and Mediation

  • Description: This session will provide a brief overview of the concept of mindfulness and introduction to the practice of meditation. Participants will be invited to participate in three types of mindfulness meditation during the workshop. No background knowledge/experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and desire for a quieter mind.

  • Presented by: Genevieve Verdi, Associate Professor, Psychology

 

• Session 3: Fix Your Content

  • Description: The deadline for making our digital content digitally accessible is coming soon! If you have any remaining questions or need support with making your content WCAG 2.1 AA Compliant, please join us at this session. Bring your materials and a laptop, if you can!

  • Presented by: Rachel Rogers, Assistant Professor, Psychology and Program Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence

 

• Session 4: Professional Headshots for Employees

  • Description: Stop by to receive a complimentary professional headshot for use on your CCRI profile, LinkedIn, conference materials, or other professional platforms. Come ready to take your photo.

  • Presented by: David Fischbach, Specialist, Communications Design, Marketing and Communications

 

• Session 5: DISC Assessment Workshop

  • Description: Understanding Behavioral Styles to Strengthen Communication and Collaboration 
    In this interactive and engaging session, participants will explore the DISC Behavioral Assessment, a widely used framework for understanding individual communication styles and workplace behaviors. DISC identifies four primary behavioral tendencies: Drive, Influence, Support, and Clarity, and helps individuals better understand how they approach tasks, relationships, challenges, and change. 

  • Presented by: Pete Bardsley, Associate Director of Organizational Effectiveness