Retention in Colleges and Universities: Meeting the Challenge by
Preparing High School Students for a Meaningful and Successful College Life.

Stefanos Gialams, Ph.D, President, American Community Schools of Athens, Athens Greece

Peggy Pelonis, Ph.D. Director, American Community Schools of Athens, Athens Greece

Abstract: Preparing high school students for a meaningful and satisfying College life should be a major challenge and opportunity for all educators. Today more than ever, students must be prepared for careers not yet known to us, opportunities that we cannot imagine. Questions that arise include: what makes sense to teach our students? How should we teach them to think and make decisions? What skills will be essential and which processes shall we help them cultivate? We believe that the answers deriving from the teachings of the ancient Greeks, are encompassed in the concept of “Morfosis”. (Gialamas&Pelonis 2009). We define Morfosis as the Sustainable, Holistic, Meaningful and Harmonious education. Morfosis relies on specifically defined principles and values which enhance the concept of living a full life with ethos, as dictated by the ancient Greeks.

Merging Profit and Not-for-Profit Cultures: Issues and Challenges

Patricia A. Breen, PhD Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs

Jeffrey J. Keith. M.B.A Senior Vice President - Finance and Administration The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Abstract: Using a private graduate institution as a case study, this presentation describes how traditional business strategies involving diversification and strategic urgency can bring a non-profit academic institution from the brink of bankruptcy to financial viability. It also describes approaches for integrating these strategies with a traditional academic culture through the establishment of incentives, ownership, and transparency.

How USA Based Educational Institutions Can Achieve
Sustainable Competitive Advantage Globally

Sofia Hilentzaris, Ph.D Vice Chancellor of Enrollment and Student Affairs University of Indianapolis, Athens

Abstract: In a global educator’s mind the following has to be crystal clear, -a student’s decision to choose between institutions is based on the unique economic, social, cultural, political, governmental, environmental, competitive and personal factors in place on the one hand. On the other hand globalization in many ways is making consumers and therefore students around the world more and more alike (Keegan 2001). Where does exactly education stand in this new, global world? How much local and how much global is it or should it be to gain and sustain competitive advantage? One of the popular approaches is think globally, act locally.

Understanding the environmental forces in the education arena in different countries around the globe is of great importance in positioning USA based institutions, comprehending the challenges and opportunities in place and setting a strategy to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.
Therefore some of the questions we need to ask as global educators are:
• What is the current legal/governmental, political, cultural, social, economic and competitive environment in the country of interest with respect to private vs. public education?
• What can an educational institution based in the USA do to enhance its market position and gain a larger market share, i.e. achieve sustainable competitive advantage?

Veterans in Transition:
The Forgotten Potential Student Population in Higher Education

Dr. John Schupp Director, Supportive Education for the Returning Veteran Cleveland State University

Dr. Randy Plunkett National Director of Military Affairs DeVry University

Abstract: With the implementation of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, experts predict a marked increase in college attendance by veterans and military members. This is a panel discussion of how to make campuses more military and veteran friendly. Techniques for engaging feedback from current veteran students, policy examination, and finding outside resources will be explored. Dr. John Schupp of Cleveland State University will also present on the Supportive Education for the Returning Veteran (SERV) Program at CSU.

Strengthening the Academic Department through
Empowerment of Faculty and Staff

	Abour Cherif, Ph.D Associate Dean – Program Development, DeVry University		Benjamin Ofori-Amoah, PhD Professor and Chair- Department of Geography, Western Michigan University
	Karen Murkar, MA Chair, School of Accounting & Financial Services Faculty of Business Seneca College		Lin Steforak, Ph.D. Director, Program Development DeVry University
	Bashar Hanah, Ph.D Associate Provost Ithaca College

Abstract: Empowerment of employees has been a primary concern of business for many decades, under the premise that involvement of employees in decision making leads to superior performance and results. Acceptance of the practical value of empowerment by colleges and universities is more recent and more rare, despite the centrality of ideas such as faculty governance. Because of this, today’s chairs are under pressure to create and maintain a positive departmental culture that meets the needs of faculty, staff, students, and also the goals of the department and the mission of the institution. Classroom learning and student achievement are at the core of the institutional mission and goals. In order to determine the best ways to effectively achieve the vision and mission, in this presentation, we recommend a manageable framework for creating a culturally empowered department.

Jo Miller, M.A. Quality Officer CQUniversity of Australia