Note: This year’s summit will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with breakfast served starting at 7:45 a.m. Following the initial launch of registration, there was an update to the agenda, which resulted in some employees receiving an Outlook invite with an incorrect time block. Please refer to the updated details below and adjust your plans accordingly. Reminder emails sent to registered attendees will also reflect this correction.
The wait is over — the full agenda for Metropolitan State University of Denver’s second annual Community Collaboration Summit is here, and it’s packed with opportunities to learn, connect and grow. From thought-provoking Community Circles to skill-building professional-development sessions, this event offers something for everyone.
Now that the full details are out, employees can plan their day, map their experience and make the most of everything this event has to offer.
Check-in, breakfast and opening remarks
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m., with breakfast available starting at 7:45 a.m. Opening remarks, including comments from President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.
Morning speed networking
8:45-10:15 a.m.
Following opening remarks, participants will take part in four 15-minute speed-networking rotations, giving participants the chance to connect with colleagues from across the University. Senior leaders will be stationed at tables to facilitate conversations, while additional chairs will be available to accommodate attendees.
Community Circles
10:30-11:45 a.m.
During Community Circles, attendees have the option to select and participate in an interactive workshop and discussion designed to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration:
- Design Thinking: Post-Grad Data Storytelling — Led by Meredith Jeffers, executive director of Strategy, and Buffy Ribble, executive director of Data and Analytics, this session will take a design-thinking approach to developing ideas and prototypes for how the University leverages post-grad data to tell our students’ stories.
- Straddling the Fence: Moving From Faculty to Professional Staff — Facilitated by Lori McKinney, this session creates space to share experiences, navigate role transitions and form supportive networks.
- My Beautiful Flawed Self: Art for Healing, Community and Social Change — Led by Randall Boldt, this hands-on session uses art to promote healing, identity exploration and cultural humility.
- Supporting Our Colleagues in the Current Political Environment — Facilitated by Soj Sirivanchai, program manager of the Gender Institute for Teaching and Advocacy, this workshop will focus on understanding and supporting faculty and staff members who are experiencing stress and uncertainty in the current environment.
Professional-development opportunities
Noon-1:15 p.m.
Participants will have the option to choose from four professional-development workshops focused on personal and professional growth:
- Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others — Facilitator Richard Miccio explores strategies to prevent burnout, manage compassion fatigue and maintain well-being while working in support roles.
- Generative AI at MSU Denver: Foundations, Prompts and Practical Use Cases — Facilitator Sam Jay introduces artificial-intelligence fundamentals and prompting strategies, offering practical tools to responsibly integrate AI into daily work.
- Creating a Generative Conflict Culture at MSU Denver — Facilitator Elise Krumholz explains how to transform conflict into an opportunity for collaboration, innovation and stronger team dynamics.
- Disability Identity, Culture and Inclusion — Facilitator Zach Clark examines disability identity and culture while providing actionable steps to foster equity and belonging on campus.
A single remote session will be held virtually for all fully remote workers who registered and selected this option. The topic will be “Listening to Engage,” presented by Rybchenko. Details on how to join will be communicated directly to those enrolled.
Lunch and keynote address
1:30-2 p.m.
The afternoon keynote will feature Elizabeth Kleinfeld, who will share insights on personal growth, professional development and building resilience. The session will conclude with a live Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the speaker. Boxed lunches will be served at the start of this session.
The keynote address will be livestreamed for remote attendees who registered with this option.
The event will conclude with door prizes and community time, wrapping up at 2:30 p.m.
Why you should attend
With the full agenda now available, this is your chance to:
- Engage in rich conversations during interactive Community Circles.
- Boost your skills through high-impact professional-development sessions.
- Explore emerging topics such as AI, data storytelling and inclusive culture.
- Connect with colleagues across roles, departments and disciplines.
There’s still time to register. RSVP for the event by Sept. 5 to attend.
Registered attendees will receive reminders as the date of the event approaches. Participating employees should check their email to stay updated on logistics.
