Session 1: Governance of Colleges and Universities

• Peter Eckel, Senior Fellow and Director of Leadership Programs, University of
  Pennsylvania (USA)
• H.E. Hassan Diab, Former Prime Minister of Lebanon and Former Vice President
  American University of Beirut (Lebanon)
• Carlos H. García, Chief of Staff and Director of Institutional Relations, CETYS University
  (Mexico)

The session explored the distinctive governance issues faced by institutions, highlighting global variations in governance models and the complexities of navigating cultural and political landscapes. Specific case studies were addressed, illustrating these challenges in various contexts. The panel discussion expanded to address the importance of collaborative governance structures in response to evolving trends, such as shared governance and sustainability integration. The impact of technology on traditional models was also examined, emphasizing the need to adopt collaborative and adaptable governance approaches.

Session 2: An Overview on IAUP, including Leadership Surveys

• Fernando León García, President, CETYS University (Mexico) and President of IAUP

The session overviewed the IAUP, highlighting evolving leadership objectives since the COVID-19 pandemic through insights from surveys and interviews focused on challenges and key focus areas for the coming years.

Session 3: The Nature of the Presidency & Senior Leadership in Higher Education: Achieving Purpose and Impact

• Ted Mitchell, President, American Council on Education (USA) - Virtual
• Arturo Cherbowski, Executive Director, Santander Universidades (Mexico) 

The session centered on the evolving nature of university leadership and the challenges faced by presidents due to increased external influences like government and large donors. The growing activism of university boards and its impact on presidential duties were highlighted, likened to a whack-a-mole game of constantly addressing new issues. The importance of discerning legitimate concerns from “white noise” and managing attention effectively was stressed, along with the need for clear guidelines on presidential speech. The mission of universities to create critical thinkers amid external pressures and polarized viewpoints was discussed, emphasizing accountability for student success. The need to reconnect faculty with institutions and the potential political impacts on higher education, such as reduced research funding and ideological influences, were noted, with suggestions for giving provosts more responsibility in shaping academic culture.

Session 4: Institutional Mission, Vision, and Planning

• Amine Bensaid, President of Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (Morocco) - Virtual
• Elizabeth Stroble, Chancellor Emeritus, Webster University (USA) – Virtual
• Balvir S. Tomar, Chancellor, NIMS University (India)
• Fernando Galván Reula, President Emeritus, Universidad Alcalá de Henares (Spain) and Secretary General of IAUP

The session centered on institutional mission, vision, and planning, discussing the experiences of educational leaders in transforming their institutions through strategic changes, leveraging history, and expanding globally. Emphasis was placed on creating clear visions and missions to enhance performance, supported by policies, collaborative research, and industry cooperation. Strategic planning was highlighted, with proposals for new KPIs and objectives to foster growth and success. The importance of cultural shifts towards committed objectives, decentralized leadership, and participative management was underscored. The session concluded with reflections on balancing strategic planning and impact, emphasizing adaptability, measurable goals, and the role of external facilitators.

Session 5: A Conversation on Putting Internationalization Front and Center

• Francisco Marmolejo, Higher Education President, Qatar Foundation (Qatar) - Virtual
• Fanta Aw, NAFSA Executive Director and CEO (USA) - Virtual
• Hans de Wit, Emeritus Professor & Distinguished Fellow, Boston College (USA/Netherlands)

This session highlighted the increasing internationalization driven by competition, rankings, and funding, but noted its exclusionary benefits to a small percentage of students and top universities. Inclusive strategies, regional variations in priorities, risks like brain drain and financial constraints, and political impact on internationalization were discussed. The need for improved policies, a different approach to research, and strategic partnerships based on context rather than rankings was stressed. The complexities of international student mobility were also discussed focusing on complementarity over reciprocity.

Session 6: Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Pilar Aranda, Former President, Universidad de Granada (Spain) – Virtual
• Carmen Lamagna, Former Vice Chancellor, American International University (Bangladesh)
  
  

The session touched on various topics including implementing a Vice Presidency for inclusion and diversity, highlighting challenges like climate change, gender equality, and pandemic impacts on students. Emphasis was placed on quality training, representation, and work-life balance. The need for institutional commitment and a holistic approach to promote gender equality and inclusion in education was stressed. Data showing women’s underrepresentation in leadership and faculty roles prompted suggestions for supportive policies. Plans for an inclusion and equality office and proposals for positive discrimination and quotas were discussed. The session concluded by addressing team composition challenges and the importance of ongoing dialogue.