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:

Friday, January 16, 2026 | 10:15–11:15 am

Two concurrent offerings — please attend the session that aligns with your role and interests. 

1. Divisional Structure Update - Campus Center 105 (Strite Conference room)
   Facilitators~ Deans Sarah Bixler, HAAS and Michael Horst, BHNS
   Co-hosted by Faculty Senate, the Provost, and the Divisional Deans
   (Faculty encouraged; staff welcome)

• Overview of divisional/departmental structures
• Update on program leadership design
• Review of recommended department groupings
• Time for questions and feedback
  
  

2. Personality Meet Productivity: Not just how you are wired, but discovering how you work - Suter Science Center 106
   Facilitator~Cherelle Johnson, Instructor of Business and Leadership
   Co-hosted by Human Resources and Staff Senate
   (All staff welcome; faculty optional)

• Discover how to do your best work, what fuels or drains you, and how your gifts contribute to team success.
•  Using the Working Genius framework, learn practical tools to collaborate across differences, value diverse contributions, and build intercultural competency.
• Learn tools to work with clarity, curiosity, and mutual respect—advancing EMU’s commitments to academic excellence, peace and justice, and active faith.

 

Friday, January 23, 2026 | 10:15–11:15 am

Campus Update – Open to All Faculty and Staff

Location: MainStage Theater (University Commons 170) and online

This all-campus gathering will provide a shared look ahead as we begin the spring semester.
The session will feature updates from:

• • President Dycus
  • Student Government Association (SGA)
  • Staff Senate
  • Faculty Senate

 

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

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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.