Faculty and Staff Conferences
The EMU Faculty and Staff Conferences aim to cultivate community at the start and close of each academic year. These gatherings provide vital space for faculty and staff to reconnect and welcome new colleagues. Whether energizing for the year ahead or reflecting on the months passed, we use this collective time for worship, thought-provoking input, conversation, and fellowship.
2026 Winter UnConference: Continuing the conversation - “Sustaining Together”
What is a Winter Unconference? As we transition into the spring semester, we recognize the value of bringing the full EMU community together without the constraints of a traditional schedule. This year, we are hosting a Winter Unconference throughout early January. Unlike a standard conference, this format utilizes existing meeting times to ensure maximum participation across the university.
Our Spring Convocation on January 7th serves as the official opening of the unconference. There are no formal programs or name badges; instead, we invite you to prioritize this shared time to reconnect and welcome our students back to campus together.
Please save the following dates for our continued unconference sessions:
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Friday, January 16, 2026 | 10:15–11:15 am
Divisional Structure Update
Co-hosted by Faculty Senate, the Provost, and the Divisional Deans
Divisional Deans Sarah Bixler and Michael Horst will provide an overview of the most recent phase of work which includes the creation of the department structure, program leadership and describe the collaborative process of configuring departments. After a presentation of the recommended departmental groupings, there will be an opportunity for faculty and staff to offer feedback and ask questions. -
Friday, January 23, 2026 | 10:15–11:15 am
More details to come!
2025 Fall Conference: “Sustain Together”
This year’s gathering, “Sustain Together,” will set the stage for the 2025-26 academic year.
Interim President Shannon Dycus will provide a President’s Address on Tuesday, August 12.
2025 Fall Conference Program At a Glance
2025 Fall Conference Full Program
Previous Conferences
2024 Faculty/Staff Gathering: "Faith & Meaning"
Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, plenary speaker
2023 Faculty/Staff Gathering: "Imagine Together"
Dr. Tynisha Willingham, plenary speaker
2022 Faculty/Staff Fall Conference: "Belong Together"
Dr. Safwat Marzouk, plenary speaker
2021 Faculty/Staff Fall Conference: "Grow Together"
Dr. Chris Johnson, plenary speaker
Tuesday morning video
Wednesday morning video
2018 Faculty/Staff Fall Conference: "Being or Becoming a Third Way University"
Dr. Felipe Hinojosa, plenary speaker
2017 Faculty/Staff Fall Conference
Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, plenary speaker
2016 Faculty/Staff Fall Conference: "Embracing Diversity"
Dr. Christena Cleveland, plenary speaker
Session I
Session II
2015 Faculty/Staff Fall Conference
Storytelling: Jennifer North Bauman, Michael King, and Laura Yoder
2014 Faculty/Staff Fall Conference: “Serving and Leading.”
John Stahl-Wert, plenary speaker.
Storytelling: Linda Gnagey, Ann Hershberger, Jason Lewkowicz, Lynn Veurink, and Dee
Weikle.
2013 Faculty/Staff Fall Conference: “Serving with Compassion.”
Leonard Dow, plenary speaker.
Storytelling: Tara Kishbaugh, Galen Lehman, and Andrea Wenger.
2012 Faculty/Staff Fall Conference: “Creativity in the University.”
Ted Swartz, plenary speaker.
