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Summer Council of Presidents and Experienced Presidents Retreat

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July 18-22, 2008 • Vail Cascade, Vail, Colorado


200 Summer Council BrochureJoin colleagues at AASCU’s annual summer retreat to explore topics related to life in the presidency. Our program theme, “The High Road,” draws on our Colorado mountain setting to frame sessions addressing our obligations as leaders to build campuses of civility, sustainability and public purpose.  Attendance is limited to current presidents and chancellors of member institutions, family members and guests.

Download Brochure (PDF)



Program

Thursday, July 17
Arrivals for individuals participating in the July 18th program for Women Presidents and Chancellors
Friday, July 18

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Women Presidents and Chancellors Program  ($75 separate registration fee)
Please note on the AASCU registration form if you plan to attend.
Breakfast on your own, but  refreshment breaks and lunch provided.
Convener:  Ruth Janssen Person, Chancellor, Indiana University Kokomo

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Male Spouse Roundtable

3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Committee on Professional Development Meeting
Chair: Bruce Bergland, Chancellor, Indiana University Northwest

5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Experienced Presidents Retreat and Working Dinner  ($475 separate registration fee)
Download Brochure (PDF)

Retreat Facilitators:
Joseph W. Cox, Chancellor Emeritus, Oregon University System
Jessica S. Kozloff, President Emerita, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Sal D. Rinella, Vice President, STRATUS, and former President, Austin Peay State University       

6 p.m. (by invitation)
Dinner for AASCU Board of Directors and Professional Development Committee

Saturday, July 19

7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Registration

8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
AASCU Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
Chair: Carlos Hernandez, President, New Jersey City University

8:30 a.m. – Noon
AASCU Board of Directors Meeting
Chair: Carlos Hernandez, President, New Jersey City University

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Continuation of Experienced Presidents Retreat

Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch for New Presidents and Spouses with AASCU Board of Directors and Committee on Professional Development
All presidents and chancellors appointed since July 2007, and their spouses or guests, are cordially invited. Please sign up on the AASCU registration form if you plan to attend.

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Spouse Hospitality

2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Spouse Programs Committee

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Selected AASCU Committee Meetings

  • 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
    Committee on International Education

  • 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
    Committee on Teacher Education

  • 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
    Distinguished Alumnus Award Search and Selection Committee

4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Opening Session: A Glimpse of Colorado
Continuing a Summer Council tradition, the program opens by highlighting special features of Colorado’s history and culture.

5:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sky’s the Limit - Opening Reception and Dinner Buffet  (ticketed $75 per person; $30 youths under 16)
Greet old friends and make new acquaintances under the clear Colorado skies, then enjoy a delicious buffet dinner.

Sunday, July 20

7:30 a.m. – Noon
Registration

7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Continental Breakfast for Presidents, Spouses and Youths
(Youth join parents for breakfast before their outing)

8:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Youth Orientation and Outing
Sign up on the AASCU registration form ($65 registration fee includes three morning activities).

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Michael SchwartzKeynote  – Academic Discourse and the Diversity of Ideas
Speaker: Michael Schwartz, President, Cleveland State University, Ohio

A recent book co-authored by Michael Schwartz and William Bowen proposes that if the aim of universities is to create, preserve and transmit knowledge, this mission is best fulfilled if the institutions are dedicated to sustaining the free and open expression of ideas, opinions and beliefs.  These and related theories will be explored in a thought-provoking and interactive session.

9:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. 
Academic Discourse and the Diversity of Ideas:  Presidential Panel Responses and Open Discussion

Noon
Lunch on an individual basis

Afternoon
Sunday Afternoon Optional Tours

  • 12:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
    Scenic Colorado Mountain Railroad Tour (includes picnic lunch)  (ticketed $ 82 per adult; $70 per youth under 13)

  • 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
    Rocky Mountain Jeep Excursion  (ticketed $84 per adult; $73 youths under 13)

  • 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
    18 Holes of Golf - Vail Municipal Golf Course (ticketed $99 per person includes green fees and cart rental)

  • 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
    Guided Tour through the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens (ticketed $10 per person)

Sunday Evening Optional Tour
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
New York Philharmonic Concert Performance at the Gerald Ford Amphitheatre (ticketed $62 per person)

Evening
Dinner on an individual basis

Monday, July 21

7:30 a.m. – Noon
Registration

7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Presidential Affinity Group Continental Breakfast Meetings
• African-American Presidents
• Asian-American and Pacific Islander Presidents
• Hispanic and Latino Presidents

7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Spouse Breakfast Program

7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Continental Breakfast for Presidents and Youths
(Youth join presidents for breakfast before their outing)

9 a.m. – Noon
Youth Outing
Sign up on the AASCU registration form.

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
General Session for Presidents and Spouses
The Changing Media Landscape and What It Means For You
Jeffrey J. Selingo, Editor, The Chronicle of Higher Education

 

 

 

 

 

10:30 a.m. – 12 Noon
General Session for Presidents and Spouses
Personal Narratives: Public Roles & Private Lives
Presidents and spouses will share personal accounts of how they have handled the challenges that arise from life in the public arena and the interplay between their public and private roles. Panelists will reflect on lessons learned as a springboard for all presidents and spouses to discuss similar experiences.

Noon
Lunch on an individual basis

12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Concurrent Book Discussions
Join presidents and spouse colleagues for an informal “brown bag” lunch and discussion of one of the works below, focusing on implications for those in leadership roles.

  • 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
    A Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
    Discussion Leader - Howard Cohen, Chancellor, Purdue University Calumet

  • 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
    The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership by Stephen B. Sample
    Discussion Leaders - Elaine Maimon, President, and Mort Maimon, Governors State University, Illinois

  • 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
    Running Alone: Presidential Leadership from JFK to Bush II:  Why It Has Failed and How We Can Fix It by James McGregor Burns
    Discussion Leader - Joe Gow, Chancellor, University of Wisconsin La Crosse

Monday Afternoon Optional Tours

  • 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
    White Water Rafting (Class II Rapids) (ticketed $88 per adult; $77 per youth under 13)

  • 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
    18 Holes of Golf - Vail Municipal Golf Course (ticketed $99 per person includes green fees and cart rental)

  • 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    “Favorites of Vail” Guided Tour  (ticketed $20 per person)

6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Reception featuring presidential entertainment

Evening
Dinner on an individual basis

Tuesday, July 22

7:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Spouse Breakfast/Roundtable Discussions (light fare available)

Presidential Discussion
Strengthening Local K-12 Schools: Balancing Engagement with Expectations
Discussion of strategies and approaches that lead to mutually beneficial partnerships between universities and K-12 school districts. What is an appropriate role for colleges and universities in collaborating with local schools? How are metrics for improvement identified, defined, tracked, and measured? What are pitfalls to these collaborative efforts and what are best practices that directly involve presidents and chancellors?

Morning
Breakfast on an individual basis for youth

9 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Youth Outing
Sign up on the AASCU registration form

9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
General Sessions for Presidents and Spouses

  • Personal and Financial Planning from a Legal Perspective
    Jo Hern Curris, Director of Spouse Programs, AASCU

  • Health/Wellness and Stress Management
    From Colorado, the nation’s fittest state, tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude despite the pressures of the president-spouse roles.
    - Cheryl Norton, President, Southern Connecticut State University
    - Mark Harvey, Metropolitan State College of Denver, Colorado

11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Harry FramptonFarewell Brunch and Closing Address
The High Road: A Corporate Perspective
Harry H. Frampton III, Managing Partner, East West Partners, Vail, Colorado

Harry Frampton, whose vision helped grow Vail and Beaver Creek into two of the world’s finest mountain resorts, will share the approach his company has taken to the “green revolution” and the importance of protecting sensitive mountain environments.
(ticketed $40 per person; $20 per youth under 16)

Tuesday Optional Tours

  • 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
    18 Holes of Golf - Vail Municipal Golf Course (ticketed $99 per person includes green fees and cart rental)

  • 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
    Kayaking in the Canyon
      (ticketed $80 per person)

General Information

Ground Transportation Service
Colorado Mountain Express provides ground transportation to and from both airports and Vail Cascade.  To receive our group discount, call 800.525.6363 and reference the group code: AASCU.
- Denver International Airport - $70.40 per person each way
- Eagle County Airport - $42.50 per person each way


Car Rental
Hertz is the official car rental company for the Summer Council.

Rates are guaranteed from July 15 through July 25, subject to car availability.  Rental cars are available from the Denver International Airport and Eagle County Airport.  Participating locations may have airport fees, surcharges, and motor vehicle fees related to car rental, which are separate charges from tax.

Call the Hertz Meeting Sales Desk at 800.654.2240 and metion the code Hertz CV#011B0071.  Hertz will provide the best rates available. (All “0” are zeros).

Standard rental conditions and qualifications apply.  Advanced reservations are recommended.

Optional Tours

Reserve tours early.  Early reservations will help ensure you get into the activities you want.

Most tours require a minimum number of participants and many tours have maximum limits.

If a tour does not meet the minimum number required and is cancelled, or is filled to capacity before you sign up, AASCU will offer you alternatives or refund your fees.

Descriptions of Tours

Sunday, July 20

12:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Scenic Colorado Mountain Railroad Tour

(ticketed $82 per adult; $70 per youth under 13 – includes picnic lunch)

Lunch-to-go will be provided as you board the motor coach for historic Leadville, “the highest incorporated city in North America.”  The group will enjoy a few minutes at the train station before boarding the 2 p.m. Colorado and Southern Railroad for a 2 hour trip.  We will follow the headwaters of the Arkansas River up to a spectacular view of Fremont Pass and the Continental Divide.  Then it is down to the French Gulch water tower to view Mt. Elbert, Colorado’s highest peak. Be sure to bring your camera and a jacket/sweater (10,000 foot elevation).  The train leaves the station rain or shine.

Tour includes round trip coach transportation, picnic lunch and narrated train ride. The service provider is the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad Company and additional information may be obtained by calling 866.386.3936 or 719.486.3936.


2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Rocky Mountain Jeep Excursion
(ticketed $84 per adult: $73 per youth under 13)

Experience the magic of the Colorado Rockies in four-wheel drive Jeeps.  Knowledgeable guides will take you to elevations as high as 12,000 feet on Jeep trails in the Whitewater National Forest.  Travel through thick forest and open meadows filled with wildflowers while enjoying crystal clear mountain streams and local wildlife.  Be sure to bring your camera and a jacket/sweater.
Nova Guides, Inc. in Vail is the service provider for this tour and questions can be directed to them at 719.486.2656.


1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
18 Holes of Golf at Vail Municipal Golf Course
(ticketed $99 per person includes green fees and cart rental)

Offering unmatched views of the Gore Range, the Vail Municipal Golf Club is located in the heart of Vail.  Because golf balls fly further at 8,200 feet, bunkers, cart paths and water features are laid out with special care.  Inquiries: 970.479.2260.


3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Guided Tour through the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
(ticketed $10 per person)

Escape to explore a stunning mountain garden situated high in the Rocky Mountains.  Set at the base of Colorado’s impressive Gore Range, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens offers a wide assortment of perennial beds, rock gardens and waterfalls.  A knowledgeable guide will provide a narrative of the garden elements and offer insights to enhance the experience of viewing this astonishing array of unique and beautiful high elevation plants.


6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
New York Philharmonic Concert Performance at the Gerald Ford Amphitheatre
(ticketed $62 per person)

The New York Philharmonic is the oldest symphony orchestra in the country, and this outdoor concert is sure to please young and old alike.  Under the eyes of conductor Bramwell Tovey, and featuring James Ehnes on violin, the Philharmonic will present “Romancing the Riviera,” celebrating the music of such composers as Rossini, Saint-Saëns, Sarasate, and more.


Monday, July 23

2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
White Water Rafting (Class II Rapids)
(ticketed $88 per adult; $77 per youth under 13)

Enjoy the scenic Shoshone Rapids on a beautiful section of the Colorado River surrounded by high-mountain scenery. Be ready to paddle through whitewater rapids then float for fun on this tour geared toward the casual rafter. Professional guides will provide safety training for the Class II rapids and point out sites of interest on this family-friendly excursion.

Although this is a "moderate" whitewater experience, it may not be for everyone. It is difficult to predict conditions on the river and although all possible precautions will be taken, whitewater rafting can be dangerous and you will need to sign a release form prior to rafting. Nova Guides, Inc. in Vail is the service provider for this tour and questions can be directed to them at 719.486.2656.


1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
18 Holes of Golf (Vail Municipal Golf Course)
(ticketed $99 per person includes green fees and cart rental)

Offering unmatched views of the Gore Range, the Vail Golf Club is located in the heart of Vail.  Because golf balls fly further at 8,200 feet, bunkers, cart paths and water features are laid out with special care. Inquiries: 970.479.2260.


2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
“Favorites of Vail” Guided Tour
(ticketed $20 per person)

 Everyone has their favorite places they want friends to enjoy when visiting.  A guide will escort the tour through some of the locals’ favorite spots in Vail including: a jewelry and retail store in the heart of the village that has served as a longtime symbol of the Vail Valley; a high-end retail clothing store that has been a family tradition for four generations; an authentic Austrian cuisine spot where the group will stop for a quick refreshment and enjoy the patio; a fine art gallery and a glass gallery.


Tuesday, July 24

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
18 Holes of Golf at Vail Municipal Golf Course
(ticketed $99 per person includes green fees and cart rental)

Offering unmatched views of the Gore Range, the Vail Municipal Golf Club is located in the heart of Vail.  Because golf balls fly further at 8,200 feet, bunkers, cart paths and water features are laid out with special care.  Inquiries: 970.479.2260.


2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Kayaking in the Canyon

(ticketed $80 per person)

There are those who have always wanted to learn how to kayak but never had the time or opportunity. This half-day trip allows one to experience kayaking without having to make an extensive commitment of time.  On this trip each participant will paddle his/her own “sit-on-top kayak” through Class I and II whitewater rapids.  The outing will be fun for beginners and a unique experience for the whole family.
Alpine Kayak is the service provider for this tour and questions can be directed to them at 970.926.3867

Fees

Summer Council Meeting Registration Fee — $550

All presidents and chancellors attending the meeting must register and pay the registration fee, even if contributing to the program. There is no meeting registration fee for accompanying family members or guests. Participation is limited to the current presidents of AASCU member institutions.

Experienced Presidents Retreat Registration Fee — $475

4th Annual Woman Presidents and Chancellors Retreat Registration Fee — $75

Youth Program Registration Fee — $65

Register by Monday, July 7, 2008

Register on-line at www.aascu.org/meetings/08_summer_council/

OR Fax registration form to 202.478.5493

AASCU must receive cancellations in writing by Friday, July 11 for a full refund. Cancellations should be sent to finkelsteink@aascu.org.
After July 11, a $125 cancellation fee will be charged and deducted from all refunds. AASCU is unable to issue refunds for no shows or for attendees who fail to cancel by July 17.

Refunds for group meal function tickets and tour tickets
AASCU is required to guarantee food and tour functions well in advance of the Summer Council.
We must meet minimum guarantees.

We accept tickets for resale and will make every effort to accommodate changes and last-minute requests.

However, resale of tickets is not guaranteed, and if tickets cannot be resold, the attendee who reserved the ticket will be charged the full price (even if the ticket was held on the “honor system” without payment yet to AASCU).

Invoices and refunds are mailed within 30 business days after the meeting.


Youth Program  -   Registration Fee $65 per youth
AASCU plans activities for children (minimum age of 6) and young people during the morning hours on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday while their parents are in sessions. The charge covers the hired supervisors, breakfast, beverages and expenses for morning outings. Advance registration is required and parents must submit a release form before young people may participate.

Youth program participants will enjoy breakfast with their parents on Sunday and with their presidential parent on Monday and Tuesday mornings, before departing for activities.  Experience has taught us that in many instances, the young people do not eat unless they are with one of their parents.  This causes problems when they are hungry and away from the property on outings. They will return about noon, in time to meet their parents at the close of the morning sessions. We design activities based on the ages of the participants so specific information will be available closer to the meeting.  Typical activities include historical walks, biking outings, or excursions to points of interest to young people.

Contact the AASCU meetings office if you are considering bringing youths to the Summer Council.  We will maintain a list of possible participants in the youth program for other presidents to reference as they decide whether or not to bring their children. In this way, AASCU can share information that might enhance the success of the youth program.  We also need to know in advance how many participants to expect so we can arrange appropriate supervision.


Attire
Resort Casual Attire - casual and comfortable slacks, shorts or skirts. Vail is a walking town so comfortable walking shoes are important. You will want a jacket or sweater while in air-conditioned meeting rooms, on tours and for evening activities.

Climate
The average daily high in July is 75 degrees and the average low is 40 degrees.
For the forecast, go to: www.weather.com

Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone

Messages
As the Summer Council registration desk will not be open during the afternoon or evening, we suggest you give your office the following phone numbers for those who may need to reach you at the Vail Cascade Resort:
Guest room: 970.476.7111  Guest fax: 970.479.7020

Contacts for Inquiries

Summer Council Program or Experienced Presidents Retreat
Chris Bitting
202.478.4644
bittingc@aascu.org

Women Presidents Program
George Mehaffy
202.478.4672
mehaffy@aascu.org

Registration, Tours, Cancellations
Kevin Finkelstein
202.478.4690
finkelsteink@aascu.org

General Inquiries
Rosemary Lauth
202.478.4689
lauthr@aascu.org