Our Vision
We create innovative growth opportunities through intentional, robust collaboration to enrich the experience of all our students, faculty, staff, and alumni/ae. We strive for academic excellence, inclusivity, and transforming our campuses and surrounding city with a constant focus on equity We enable institutions to provide opportunities and impact that they would not be able to deliver on their own
Our Priorities
Catalyze and Support Justice and Equity Initiatives
Create a Shared COF Student Experience
Develop Joint Health and Wellness Initiatives
Be the “Consortium of Choice” for Faculty and Staff Prioritize Collaboration
REFLECTING ON 2024
This year’s Annual Report highlights the continued impact of collaboration across our Colleges of the Fenway community in FY24 It is inspiring to see how our collective efforts have continued to enrich the student, faculty, and staff experience through meaningful collaboration and innovation Working together to address the issues of the moment we focused on fostering knowledge sharing and collaborative learning
The launch of the COF AI Think Tank provides a platform for exploring the transformative role of artificial intelligence in education, while the faculty panel discussion on the Israel-Hamas conflict convened 141 participants to hear about the history and complexities of this conflict and region
Our orchestra and chorus performances provided an outlet for artistic expression, increased awareness of women and BIPOC composers, and demonstrated the role of the arts in engaging the issues of our times through their two performances including Dragons and Other Imaginary Creatures and This Land Collectively our mission to enhance opportunities for students and cultivate a shared student experience reached new heights, with over 7,000 instances of engagement through performing arts, intramurals, and campus-wide celebrations Highlights included the Block Party, Roller
12,029 undergraduate students
$7,610,475 value of joint contract and program savings
7,009
student engagement instances
2,265 faculty & staff members
$2,503,986
COF operating budget
984 faculty & staff member engagement instances
Student Government Presidents were honored on the field at Fenway Park, joined by administrators from their institution and Red Sox mascots Wally & Tessie , March 2024
CATALYZE AND SUPPORT JUSTICE AND EQUITY INITIATIVES
Justice and Equity Initiatives within Professional Development
Faculty & Staff of Color, Friends, and Allies
The Faculty and Staff of Co (FSOC) is coordinated Development and Academi Colleges of the Fenway. Th virtually on the first Friday of t the academic year This time and staff with the opportunity members of higher education i New England During the co and staff of color and allies a login via Zoom with their beverage to discuss various successes, share career tips, re on upcoming Boston-based pr
Throughout the year, the events brought together 96 attendees from both COF institutions and NE HERC member institutions. The February coffee hour featured a presentation by artist and staff member Ekua Holmes of MassArt. Traditionally, the last event in May is an in-person networking event, with the 2024 gathering hosted at Wentworth
Ekua Holmes
Faculty and Staff of Color, Friends, and Allies gathering in May 2024. The meetup featured COF colleagues and others from New England HERC campuses.
Artist
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast
Our community came together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during our 26th Annual MLK Breakfast Celebration on Tuesday, January 30th. Hosted by Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), 125 faculty and staff participated in this thought-provoking and inspirational community event.
Attendees were welcomed to the event by Kevin Dolan, MCPHS Chief Human Resources Officer, and Clara Reynolds, MCPHS Chief Inclusion Officer Rick Lessard, President of MCPHS, delivered a wonderful introduction to the event’s programming An annual tradition, COF Executive Director Claire Ramsbottom shared remarks about the history of this inspiring event and called upon the audience to continue working towards big goals and ideals Attendees were treated to performances by the COF Jazz Band and COF Chorus.
Ella Howard, Professor, Wentworth Institute of Technology, receives the 2024 COF Inclusive Service Award for outstanding efforts in promoting inclusivity within our COF community.
Matoaka Kipp, Director of the REEF Support Center at Simmons University and Julián Latshang, Associate Dean of Students at MCPHS embrace at the MLK breakfast.
The event featured two guests, each lending their expertise and reflections on the impact of MLK’s legacy on their work Dr Valerie L Ward, Senior Vice President and Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Boston Children’s Hospital, and Assistant Professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School, delivered the informative keynote address Emmanuel alumna Elieen Milien shared about her work as Project Director at We Got Us, a Boston-based student-led grassroots organization working to increase access to equitable healthcare.
Justice and Equity Initiatives within Student Experience
Pride
Colleges of the Fenway was proud to co-sponsor 3rd Annual Pride Block Party in partnership with Wentworth Institute of Technology in June 2024, celebrating equity, collaboration, and community. With the theme “Proud to Be Here,” the event featured a drag show, face painting, food trucks, and an LGBT+ history exhibit, blending fun with education. Despite being moved indoors due to a mid-June heat wave, the block party united students, faculty, and staff from all five COF institutions. Looking ahead to 2025, COF has integrated the Pride Block Party into its operations budget, ensuring sponsorship across all institutions and fostering collaborative planning
Wentworth’s Director of Student Engagement, Joseph Rios welcomes students to the 3rd annual COF Pride Block Party in June 2024.
Anna Pyche WIT, Class of 2024 COF Orchestra
Anna, a senior studying Biomedical Engineering at Wentworth Institute of Technology with a COF Sustainability Minor, has fully embraced the opportunities offered by the Colleges of the Fenway Her journey with COF began during a high school tour of Wentworth, where she was drawn to the humanities and language courses available across member institutions
Throughout her time at Wentworth, Anna has actively cross-registered at three other institutions to complete her COF sustainability minor. One of her most impactful experiences was co-teaching an after-school program on sustainability through a Simmons University class. “It was my first time teaching, and it really pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Anna reflected. She also collaborated on projects with local organizations like Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Food For Free, and the Muddy Water Initiative
International Engagement
Hosted the International Student Welcome event at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum with 75 attendees.
Inaugural COF International Student Advisory Board with 4 COF schools represented.
Hosted the International Researcher and Scholar Breakfast at Simmons University.
COF International Thanksgiving held at Emmanuel College with 17 attendees
Hosted the 2024 Academic WorldQuest Competition for 100 high school students
Partnered with WorldBoston to host three international delegations:
Women and Entrepreneurship Startups
International Group
Diversifying University Partnerships Mexico
Promoting Higher Education STEM Vocations
Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation
COF coverage for Simmons staffing vacancies.
GEO CENTER Task Force
In FY24, a GEO Center Task Force was convened to assess the institutional needs for International Education support, the role and function of GEO Center in supporting those needs, and to make recommendations for future role and staffing. The highest priority needs listed below speak to the strengths and scope of the GEO Center’s work:
Database management and coordination of online applications through Terra Dotta
J-1 Exchange Visitor management and oversight
International SOS contract negotiation and management
Sprintax nonresident tax software negotiation and management
Campuses were estimated to collectively incur an additional $536,372 beyond current GEO Center costs to replicate its services individually.
412
students traveled abroad
75 students traveled domestically
150 students participated in COF Study Abroad Week
48 different countries were visited to by students
$174,471 saved in volume discounts when contracts were negotiated through the GEO Center
Shared
The 2023-2024 academic year marked a period of impressive growth and accomplishment. Across the five ensembles, participation grew, reflecting increased student engagement. The five ensembles performed sixteen concerts and twelve other community events throughout the academic year, including the Intercollegiate Choir Festival, Veterans Luncheon, MLK Breakfast, White Coat Ceremony, and the National Anthem at Fenway Park
Student leadership also grew within our programs as the dance, orchestra, and chorus groups entered their second year of student executive boards. With theater adding its first student executive board, over thirty students are in leadership positions within COF Performing Arts.
"Being a part of COF Music motivates me every day."
Performing Arts Ensemble Participation FY 24
- Wentworth Student
Choreographed by Autumn Cabral, Emmanuel Colleges, “Just Run” is an example of one of the 22 student pieces throughout 2023-2024
“Getting to know and work with the people in COF Theater was the highlight of my semester. Everyone is so kind and welcoming and made the experience very fun!"
- Simmons Student
Since FY22, every ensemble has grown from the previous academic year and during the past five years the overall number of students in COF Performing Arts has almost doubled. Percentage increases over the past five years:
Orchestra +52%
Chorus +400%
Dance +64%
Theater +73%
Jazz Band +167%
The program has also grown in quality with investments in equipment, student choreography, growth in technical theater, guest artists, asynchronous curriculum in jazz band, and student leadership.
Performing Arts Ensemble Participation
FY20-FY24
528
hours of classes and rehersals
3,154 in-person and live-stream audience members COF Performing Arts Concerts4
Amanda McCluskey, MassArt as Glinda and Lea Cabaero, Simmons as Dorothy in the spring musical, Oz: 2024, March 2024 The production was directed by 15-year COF Theater Director, Tom Davison, and two student assistant directors: Carlina Soto, MassArt, and Grace McCarthy, MCPHS
Student Leadership in Action: Inaugural Dance Conference
The performing arts student executive board (e-board) program, launched in FY23, has expanded student leadership opportunities across the Colleges of the Fenway This was highlighted by the COF Dance e-board’s two-day dance conference on February 2425, 2024 which brought together 52 participants for workshops led by seven local guest artists and concluded with 40 attendees at a Boston Ballet performance. Planned entirely by students, the event showcased the e-board’s ability to create impactful, large-scale events that enrich the student experience and strengthen the COF community.
“I didn’t have plans to continue dancing after high school and this program has completely brought back my love for it. I truly feel at home in this program and I can’t wait to spend the next 3 years here!"
Abigail Balonis Emmanuel, Class of 2026
COF Dance
As a high school senior, Abigail discovered Colleges of the Fenway Dance while watching their spring show on YouTube. Inspired by the energy and camaraderie she saw, she made COF a key factor in her college decision.
Despite nerves about joining a new group, Abigail found a welcoming and supportive environment at COF Dance. Her first-year experience was so impactful that she became even more involved, taking on the role of fundraising chair in her second year.
Being part of COF Dance also allowed Abigail to embrace diverse perspectives and learn from students outside her major The collaboration required for choreography and event planning taught her to communicate effectively and work seamlessly with peers from various backgrounds This exposure to different ideas and experiences has enriched her understanding of cultural sensitivity and teamwork, qualities she knows will be essential in providing compassionate and inclusive care in her future healthcare career.
-MassArt Student
Group photo during the COF Dance Conference, February 2024
Center for Sustainability
Students from MassArt, Simmons, and Wentworth pose with their project at the 2024 Muddy River Symposium
Mini-Grants
Faculty jurors awarded (3) COF minigrants to students exploring sustainability through research projects and initiatives:
Advancing Lab Sustainability: Emmanuel College's Waste Reduction Initiative, Leila Ahmed (Emmanuel)
Powering Tomorrow, One Step at a Time, Aakash Mukherjee and Abdallah Shafiullah (Wentworth)
Ecological Forensics: eDNA Metabarcoding for Insect Biodiversity Monitoring, Anna Saunders (Simmons)
Event attendees explore student research projects
Fall Teach-In
On October 17, 2023, the Center for Sustainability and the Environment hosted the Fall Teach-In featuring a speaker from Eastie Farm, of East Boston The event featured a discussion of Eastie Farm’s advanced urban farming infrastructure as well as the role urban farmers play in food justice and equity
Environmental Forum
Spring 2024 Environmental Forum rse, taught by Dr Adam Silver, Director of the COF Center for Sustainability and the Environment and Emmanuel College professor, enrolled 45 students and focused on food justice. The course examined the intersection of food insecurity, sustainability, and justice, highlighting how political decisions at various government levels contribute to persistent hunger, as emphasized by Congressman Jim McGovern’s quote, “Hunger is a political condition.” While considering global perspectives, the course centered on challenges in creating a sustainable, equitable food system in Massachusetts and the Boston metro area, using experiential learning to explore policies aimed at addressing food insecurity
Muddy River Symposium
The 18th Annual Muddy River Symposium took place on April 10th, 2024 at Simmons University’s Paresky Center with the theme of celebrating ‘Stewardship and Civic Engagement in a Sustainable Local Ecosystem.’ A highlight was the fireside chat between Stephen Exner, President of Fenway Victory Gardens, and Ellen Faszewski of Boston University, a founding member of the COF Center for Sustainability and the Environment, where they discussed the vital role of collaboration in advancing sustainability efforts.
With 83 attendees, the symposium was filled with inspiring discussions, culminating in the poster awards that honored projects focused on local social action, environmental justice, water management, and sustainability science The day also included a special moment with the dedication of an award in memory of Fran Gershwin, a key community member of the Muddy River Restoration Management and Oversight Committee, underscoring the deep commitment to environmental progress and community collaboration.
Event attendees listen to the Muddy River Symposium keynote speaker
Muddy River Winning Projects
The Francis Allou Gershwin Local Social Action Award went to the team behind "Food Waste and Climate Change Implications" by students from Emmanuel, Simmons, and Wentworth.
The Environmental Justice Award recognized the efforts of the "Charlesgate Farmer’s Market" by students from Emmanuel, MassArt, and Wentworth.
The Water Award celebrated the team behind "Tracking the Flow of the Muddy River” by students from MassArt, Simmons, and Wentworth
The Sustainability Science Award honored "Ecological Forensics: eDNA Metabarcoding for Insect Biodiversity Monitoring” by Anna Saunders, Simmons.
Ellen Faszewski, Associate Dean, Boston University, and founding faculty member of the COF Center for Sustainability, moderates a conversation with keynote speaker Stephen Exner, President, Fenway Victory Gardens
Academics
Cross-Registration
The Colleges of the Fenway Cross-Registr platform, Quottly, used to automate facilitate the cross registration process, f significant challenges during the Spring Summer 2024 registration periods. processing errors caused registration is ultimately leading to Emmanuel Coll withdrawal from utilizing the platform, optin an alternate process for Spring, Summer, Fall 2024 registrations. Due to these ong issues, the Quottly contract will not be rene upon expiration at the end of FY25
Despite the platform's difficulties, c registration remained available to our student community, with 20 students enroll Summer 2023, 166 in Fall 2023, and 153 for Sp 2024 A student survey revealed a satisfaction rate, with students appreciating ease of registration, the opportunity to en with new faculty members, and the varie courses available. However, areas improvement included better support administrative questions and providing map easier navigation on different campuses.
2023-2024 Cross-Registration
93%
of cross-registered students are likely or very likely to recommend cross registration to another student
Top courses for cross-registration:
Emmanuel: Beginning Arabic I, Beginning Italian I, Beginning Italian II
MassArt: Architecture of Boston
MCPHS: Basic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II, Social Psychology, Chemical Principles II
Simmons: Introductory Physics II
Wentworth: Algorithms, Ethical Hacking, Computer Science I, Toys Are U.S.: America at Play
Andrew Dore MassArt Housing & Residence LIfe
Joining MassArt in 2007, Andrew has dedicated his career to supporting students, with a brief tenure at North Shore Community College before returning as Director of Housing and Residence Life in 2022.
In his current role, Andrew oversees all aspects of housing operations at MassArt, from move-ins and housing selection to student and parent engagement. He collaborates with campus departments, COF institutions, and external partners, bringing a holistic approach to supporting students "I enjoy the variety of this role the successes, the challenges and the opportunities to connect students with resources they might not otherwise have access to," Andrew shared
Reflecting on the unexpected emergency closure of the Tree House this year, he highlighted how COF collaboration turned a chaotic moment into an opportunity to strengthen campus bonds. "There’s no institutional shell to pierce we’re on the same team," he emphasized.
Sports & Recreation
Intramurals
In 2023-2024, COF Intramurals grew in the number of participants, sports offered, and lengths of the seasons provided We welcomed 1,191 unique participants, a 11% increase from 1,077 in 2022-2023
Based on the large number of student waitlisted in fall 2022, COF was able to work with Emmanuel and Wentworth to secure fields on both campuses for Sunday intramurals. This meant that we could run both flag football and soccer at the same time.
Unfortunately, our spring volleyball season was cancelled as the gym was rented to an outside group during the timeslot COF had previously used While our participation was up 11% overall, participation in winter/spring intramurals was down 23% because of this reservation cancellation
1,191
Unique student participants in intramurals
98% of intramural participants said they would participate next academic year
471 Students played multiple intramural sports
11%
Increase in unique intramural participants from FY23
Student Leadership in Intramurals
In winter 2024, COF successfully relaunched its Student Supervisor Program, which had faded out during the pandemic as supervisors graduated and in-person programming paused.
The revived program empowers experienced student referees to step into supervisory roles, where they coach and mentor less experienced student officials, fostering skill development and confidence These student supervisors not only ensure the smooth operation of games and events but also serve as role models and leaders within the COF community By providing opportunities for peer-to-peer training and leadership, the program has revitalized COF’s intramural and recreational offerings, creating a stronger and more supportive environment for all participants.
Angelina Sao MCPHS, Class of 2025
COF Sport & Recreation
When Angelina started her college journey at MCPHS University, she was eager to immerse herself in campus life and find meaningful connections after spending much of her early college experience online. Colleges of the Fenway became her gateway to creating those lasting bonds and memorable experiences.
Engaging in COF Sports and Recreation, Angelina embraced roles as a student referee, scorekeeper, and event volunteer. Her involvement spanned across intramural leagues for volleyball, pickleball, and softball, and she enjoyed supervising games while interacting with students and staff Participating in events such as open houses and orientations further enriched her experience, as she helped introduce Colleges of the Fenway opportunities to new and returning students
Pickleball Champions, March 2024
Shared Student Experience within Block & After Party
Student Activities
The COF Block Party and After Party in September 2023 brought the Colleges of the Fenway community together for an unforgettable afternoon and evening of fun and connection. Students, faculty, and staff from across the colleges came together to celebrate the start of the academic year, building community and fostering a shared sense of belonging through these milestone events.
The event featured a vibrant block party with 50+ tables of on- and off-campus resources, local businesses, and cross-campus clubs Afterward, students participated in an exciting after party, transforming the MassArt DMC into a roller rink with a live DJ
Spirit Week
April 2024 was full of energy and community spirit as we celebrated COF Spirit Week Highlights included two surprise food truck events featuring Cookie Monstah and Daddy’s Fried Dough, where students eagerly followed Instagram clues to uncover the location of these delicious treats
The week culminated with COF Night at Fenway Park on April 11th, where SGA presidents were honored on the field for their leadership, and the COF chorus, led by conductor Dan Ryan, delivered a powerful performance of the national anthem. Spirit Week was a celebration of the shared student experience, showcasing the strength of the COF community and its love for springtime fun
Over 2,000 people participated across the two events, marking the highest attendance since Wheelock College left the consortium in 2018.
SGA presidents honored at Fenway Park, April 2024
Scenes from Block and After Party, September 2023 and one of the student designed stickers
DEVELOP JOINT HEALTH AND WELLNESS INITIATIVES
Health and Wellness Iniatives within Sports & Recreation
Zumba
We continued offering Zumba classes for the entire COF community, partnering with Emmanuel College’s EC Zumba Club. The club hosted themed events like Zumbaween, Glow Zumba, and Lady Gaga vs. Taylor Swift, with student leaders facilitating two Zumba nights each semester. These events consistently bring energy and excitement to the community, fostering connections among students. While most events were a success, our final Zumba night was canceled due to a loss of access to the campus gym
Students at Turkey Trot, November 2023
Turkey Trot
The 18th Annual Colleges of the Fenway Turkey Trot, held on November 11, 2023, had a total of 55 participants representing all five colleges in the consortium. The event, a 5K run/walk through the Back Bay Fens and Clemente Field, was also a food drive, with participants donating 76 pounds of food, which was distributed to food banks on each campus
Kayaking on the Charles
During summer and Fall 2023, COF Sports & Recreation organized three different kayak outings on the Charles River with Paddle Boston, with 79 students venturing out Students were able to take in the great views of the Boston skyline and the Esplanade, as well as other nearby landmarks like the Zakim Bridge, M.I.T., and the Museum of Science These outings provided students with an opportunity to connect with nature, take a break from campus life, and support their mental health through outdoor activity and scenic exploration. The events allowed participants to form new connections
Students kayaking on the Charles River, September 2023
Students at Glow Zumba, October 2023
Professional Development
Training & Development Series
In 2023-2024, 16 faculty and staff from COF institutions participated in online webinar workshops offered by employee assistance program partner AllOneHealth. We are looking into how to better align these programs with employee interest.
COF offered an open-enrollment virtual training, "Creating Your Professional Identity," tailored for early-career professionals across the community
The session focused on building a professional identity, finding one’s voice, and gaining confidence, influence, and respect in the workplace A total of 14 participants attended this interactive session.
Ad Hoc Trainings and Events
War in the Middle East Panel Event: In response to institutional requests, COF organized a panel to educate the community about the Israel-Hamas conflict. The event featured Emmanuel College professors Adam Silver, Lenore Martin, Melanie Murphy, and Petros Vamvakas and was moderated by Ambassador Jeffrey Delaurentis, Warburg Chair in International Relations at Simmons University
A total of 132 attendees participated
Kathy Rogers Performance Management and Risk Management Trainings:
These sessions provided professional development on effective performance management practices and strategies for mitigating organizational risks A total of 46 attendees participated across the two trainings.
Ashley Scire Director of Sports & Recreation
Ashley Scire became Director of Sports and Recreation in April 2024, returning to the consortium after serving as Associate Director of Athletics at Wentworth Institute of Technology
She brings extensive experience in collegiate athletics, having previously coached at Princeton University, where she helped ead the Women’s Ice Hockey team to the ECAC Hockey Tournament semifinals twice and an NCAA Division I Tournament appearance in 2019 Prior to that, Scire was Head Coach of Women’s Ice Hockey at Plymouth State University, where she transformed the program and earned ECAC East Coach of the Year honors.
Ashley earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Union College and a Master’s degree in Legal Studies from Albany Law School. In addition to her coaching and administrative work, she was appointed to the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Rules Committee in 2020.
BE THE “CONSORTIUM OF CHOICE“ FOR FACULTY AND STAFF
Being
AI Think Tank
The COF Artificial Intelligence Think Tank is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of education through research, innovation, and collaboration at the intersection of artificial intelligence and pedagogy. Comprising a diverse cadre of higher education professionals from our institutions, the groups’ mission is to explore, evaluate, and communicate the transformative potential of AI in teaching and learning. The COF AI Think Thank was organized into three subgroups each focused on a specific theme:
Applications of AI Ethics & Equity Student Survey
New England HERC
The New England HERC (New England Higher Education Recruitment Consortium) is the largest database for higher ed careers in New England
In FY24, COF institutions:
Posted 237 jobs
Received 72,125 detailed views
Activated 22,867 email alerts*
*Email notification whenever a new job posting is available that matches the criteria set up by candidate on search platform
Allison O’Connor Director of Collaborative Business Services
Returning to COF in a new role, Allison O’Connor has over 20 years of experience working in higher education and non-profit organizations, where she has gained experience with strategic planning, project management, and policy development. She has held several leadership roles throughout her career at Curry College, Colleges of the Fenway, Inc, and Boston University.
Allison is a past board member of the Massachusetts Association of Women in Education and the Association of College Unions International (Region VIII). She also serves on the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts and holds professional memberships in the Project Management Institute Mass Bay and the National Association of Educational Procurement She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Assumption University and a Master of Arts in higher education administration from Boston College.
Leadership Management Program (LMP)
The COF Leadership Management Program, sponsored by Colleges of the Fenway, Inc. and open to Longwood Collective employees, fosters professional development by recognizing and cultivating leadership and management excellence among staff and faculty This cohort-based program provides participants with valuable opportunities to learn and connect with colleagues across the consortium, with nominations facilitated through their HR departments
In 2023-2024, the program piloted a new structure, splitting its traditional 10-session format into two levels: Level 1 and Level 2 This adjustment doubled program capacity, allowing it to serve employees at various experience levels more effectively The revamped
format received positive feedback from participants, supervisors, and the COF HR Committee, highlighting its success in meeting diverse professional development needs.
LMP 101
Designed to recognize and cultivate excellence among new and emerging leaders.
28 participants
100%
rated the overall program very good or excellent
“Hearing from the other leaders in the sessions made me realize we all have similar struggles and challenges, even in the varying positions . ”
-Leadership Management 101 Participant, 2024
LMP 201
Designed to elevate and sharpen the leadership and management skillsets of existing leaders. The overall goal of the LMP 201 series is to equip campus leaders with the tools to meet new and emerging management challenges
29 participants
83%
rated the overall program very good or excellent
“I feel I now have a practical set of guidelines to constructively approach problems within my team . ”
-Leadership Management 201 Participant, 2024
Teaching & Learning Conference
The COF Teaching & Learning Committee co-sponsored the Fall 2023 event, "The Three E’s of Teaching with AI: Ethics, Equity, and Empowerment," led by keynote speaker Flower Darby. Held in a hybrid format on October 23, with MassArt hosting the in-person portion, the event explored the ethical and equitable use of AI in education, empowering educators to adapt to this evolving technology.
The Spring 2024 Teaching & Learning Conference, "Teaching in the Age of AI," took place on March 22 at Emmanuel College Provost Joe Kurtz opened the event with remarks crafted by an AI tool, setting an innovative tone for the day Attendees explored opportunities for collaborative teaching and interdisciplinary case studies, while a networking lunch featured seven research posters, sparking discussions and fostering connections across COF institutions.
“I like the way the keynote speaker organized thinking about approaching AI The red, yellow, and green light frame was helpful I am in the yellow area, but it helped me think about how to move more into the green”
-Fall 2023 keynote participant
Mehmet Ergezer and Antonio Furgiuele
Associate Professor, Applied Mathematics, School of Computing & Data Science and Associate Professor, Architecture, School of Architecture & Design
Wentworth Institute of Technology
“Architecture & AI”
JoJo Jacobson
Director, Academic Support and Accessibility
Simmons University
“Fighting Racist Robots: The Importance of Teaching Prompt Generation in DEI Work”
Katrin Kriz and Janese Free Professor, Sociology and Associate Professor, Criminology & Criminal Justice
Emmanuel College
“Supporting Working College Students with Compassionate Pedagogy”
Tim Hanway
Assistant Professor of Practice, Health & Exercise Science
Simmons University
“AI Empowerment: The Sevenfold Path for Educators”
Jessica Parker
Adjunct Faculty, Healthcare Business and Technology
MCPHS University
“AI-Driven Practices in Doctoral Student Writing Development: Ethical Frameworks, Teaching Strategies, and Tools for Formative Feedback”
Joshua Gyllinsky, Koorosh Firouzbakht, and Richard Freedman
Visiting Assistant Professor, Computer Science, School of Computing & Data
Science; Visiting Assistant Professor, Computing & Data Science; and Adjunct Instructor, Computer Science
Wentworth Institute of Technology
“AI-Proofing Assignments Without Ignoring AI in the Higher Education Landscape”
PRIORITIZE COLLABORATION
Prioritize
within Enrollment & Admissions
Counselor Tours
The November 2023 in-person high school counselor tour welcomed 46 participants for a one-day immersive experience The event featured a presentation on Colleges of the Fenway, guided campus tours, and a student panel discussion As with many post-pandemic programs and events, late cancellations and no-shows presented a challenge to logistics
In May 2024, the Admissions Committee hosted a dedicated tour for 25 independent counselors from across the US in connection with the IECA conference in Connecticut. Counselors praised the opportunity to visit in person, learn about the consortium, and hear directly from students. Many highlighted the tour's efficient itinerary and variety of experiences as particularly valuable.
Additionally, the consortium launched a new strategy of hosting a COF reception at the IECA national conference to engage independent counselors in longer conversations and create more opportunities to learn about our institutions.
Matthew
Arrington Simmons University Visitor Experience
Allison O’Connor Director of Collaborative Business Services
Transitioning to higher education in 2017, Matthew discovered his calling in student support Drawn to Simmons University’s mission of equity and empowerment, Matthew joined the team in 2022, bringing his expertise in event management
In his role, Matthew oversees campus visits and events for prospective and admitted students, families, high school counselors, and community-based organizations. Partnering closely with COF colleagues, he has helped plan key initiatives such as the COF High School Tours and the Fall Counselor Tour. “Pooling our resources and ideas makes us stronger as a consortium.”
“For prospective students, the COF’s collaborative offerings including cross-registration serve as a significant draw, often cited in post-visit surveys,” Matthew noted
High School Counselors touring all five campuses in one day, November 2023
High School Tours
COF expanded its high school tour program in 2023-2024, fully operational under a dedicated planning group that met bi-weekly or weekly as needed Over the academic year, seven tours were hosted, engaging 166 junior and senior high school students:
Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter School
City On a Hill Charter School
Lewiston High School, ME
New Heights Academy, NY
Oxford Hills Comprehensive School
Somerset Regional High School
Portsmouth High School, NH
These immersive experiences showcased COF's academic and collaborative strengths, received high praise for the ambassadors' communication and expertise, and were enhanced by integrated website forms to capture leads and tailor tours to visiting groups' specific needs
Discover COF Webinair
In Fall 2023, the Admissions Committee hosted a collaborative webinar titled Discover the Colleges of the Fenway, designed to provide counselors nationwide with an in-depth overview of the consortium and its member institutions. The event attracted an impressive 219 attendees, representing 37 states.
Student panelists from each institution during the IECA, Independent Counselor Tour, May 2024
70
100% of respondents would recommend COF institutions to their students high school counselors toured the campuses over two tour dates
166 high school students toured all five campuses
65 COF tables & presentations at recruitment and engagement events
Key Responses
Various weather-related events, including Hurricane Lee and snowstorms
Ongoing Covid-19 data and preparedness
Supported campuses regarding Israel/Palestine student demonstrations
Responded to the MassArt/MCPHS Tree
House Evacuation and Rehousing incident
Key Collaboration Deliverables
Created a Covid-19/Flu Awareness letter for student reentry
Developed a three-hour in-person emergency preparedness training for resident assistants, building up on the On Demand course
Finalized Crisis Communications and Emergency Operations Plans
COF officially became a NOAA WeatherReady Nation Ambassador
Developed a COF 3-year Emergency Management Plan & Training List
Facilitated Exercises & Courses
2024 COF-wide Emergency Management
Functional Exercise
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for Staff and Students
3-hour Resident Assistant Emergency
Management training (MCPHS)
Active Threat Residential Staff (WIT)
RAVE Mobile Alert Troubleshooting and Demo
Student Teachers training (MassArt)
FBI Active Shooter Attack Prevention and Preparedness (ASAPP) Training
Faculty and Staff Orientation Training (MassArt)
Department Head Training(MassArt)
Promoted Stop the Bleed course
Shared “Protests & Demonstrations: Dealing with Conflict on Campus”
Training Highlights
322
138% increase in response operations trainings and exercises participants
16 new student CERT course graduates
18 response operations
Cost Avoidance
Current COF Contract Services
59 Joint Agreements
Student Services
100+ COF Managed Vendors for COF Operations & Joint contracts
Human Resources, Training & Development, and Travel
Academic Technology & Information Technology
Facilities, Safety, Financial/Legal/Risk
COF STAFF
ALEXANDRA KOCH
Director, Emergency Management
ALLISON O’CONNOR
Director, Collaborative Business Services
ASHLEY SCIRE
Director, Sports and Recreation
BRENDA HUGGINS
COF Center for Performing Arts
CLAIRE RAMSBOTTOM
Executive Director
JESSIE WILLIAMS
Director, Programs, Student Events, and Communications
KHADIJA MBOUP
Assistant Director, Global Education Opportunities (GEO) Center
LAVINIA PAUL
Office Manager/Special Projects Coordinator
REBECCA BACON
Director, Global Education Opportunities (GEO) Center
SANDY OCCIL
Assistant Director, Collaborative Business Services
SARAH BIGGERS
Director, Academic Programs and Professional Development
Performing Arts Ensemble Directors
KRISTEN DUFFY-YOUNG
Dance
TOM DAVISON
Theater
Phone Number
617.521.3955
Email Address
cofadmin@colleges-fenway.org
Website
wwwcolleges-fenwayorg
JASON WHITING
Jazz Band
DAN RYAN
Orchestra & Chorus
Cover Image: Eliijah Boyd, Wentworth and Performing Arts Minor, Appollo Corriea, Simmons perform at the COF Jazz Band Concert, November 2023
