March 2024 Recap

Summer FUN

Coming soon!

Make sure you don’t STRIKE OUT this summer by missing out on opportunities for COF faculty and staff. If you do you might be MISERABLES We promise it will be BASKETS of fun!

Hey, COF Community! March was bustling with excitement here at Colleges of the Fenway, and we're thrilled to share all the latest updates with you! From thoughtprovoking AI and teaching discussions to the rhythms of Zumba, there have been lots of events and programs that have enriched our shared community. Enjoy our March recap!

If its open across the COF, we would love to !

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

TEACHING & LEARNING CONFERENCE

On Friday, March 22nd, Emmanuel College hosted this year’s Teaching & Learning Conference “Teaching in the Age of AI." The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Provost Joe Kurtz of Emmanuel College, who set an innovative tone by revealing that his opening remarks were crafted by an AI tool

Throughout the hybrid program, attendees from all five institutions participated in a dozen insightful sessions led by both faculty and staff Topics ranged from "Architecture & AI" to "Fighting Racist Robots: The Importance of Teaching Prompt Generation in DEI Work," demonstrating the diverse perspectives on AI in education.

58 faculty and staff attendees

Attendees also explored collaborative teaching opportunities and utilizing case studies across various disciplines, showcasing collaboration possibilities across the COF. During the networking lunch hour, seven research posters were presented, offering additional insights and fostering discussions among participants.

Overall, the event provided a dynamic platform for educators to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore the evolving role of AI in shaping teaching and learning experiences It highlighted the importance of adapting teaching methodologies to leverage AI's potential while addressing challenges such as bias and diversity in AI applications.

ALL ONE HEALTH: RAISING CHILDREN IN A SOCIAL MEDIA ERA

On March 13th, a virtual session titled "Raising Children in a Social Media Era" addressed the complexities of parenting amidst the pervasive influence of social media. Attendees explored strategies for navigating the impact of social media on child development and family dynamics Discussions encompassed setting boundaries, fostering healthy online habits, and promoting digital literacy among children For those unable to attend, recordings of the session are available on the Colleges of the Fenway (COF) website, providing access to valuable insights for a wider audience

THE ABCS OF EFFECTIVE RISK MANAGEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION

On March 14th, Kathy Rogers, Esq. facilitated a virtual session titled "The ABCs of Effective Risk Management in Higher Education" The session covered crucial legal pillars for managers to be aware of when overseeing staff in higher education settings. Topics included FERPA, harassment policies, disability accommodations, mandated reporter obligations, and handling performance issues.

Attendees gained valuable insights into navigating the legal complexities of higher education administration, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The session provided a comprehensive overview of key considerations for effectively managing risk and promoting an equitable and welcoming work environment within educational institutions.

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ADMISSIONS

StudentPanelforGlobalAffairsProgram

At the end of March, the Admissions and Enrollment committees welcomed Academic WorldQuest to the Emmanuel campus Run by the World Affairs Councils of America, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, the program is dedicated to engaging and educating Americans on global issues.

The 80 high school student group was made up of 20 different Massachusetts schools competing on knowledge of current international politics, geography, global economics, history, and world cultures. During halftime, the high schoolers heard from a COF student panel about their experiences academically and socially at their institutions. Students highlighted their courses, professors, internships, student organizations, campus programming, and COF opportunities.

Keeping it in the neighborhood, Boston Latin School won first place and will go on to the national competition in Washington, DC.

to our students, faculty, and staff winners of our March Madness bracket challenge!

Women’s Tournament:

1st: Malik T., Wentworth

2nd: Anthony V, Wentworth

3rd: Lisa J, Simmons

Men’s Tournament:

1st: Angelina S., MCPHS

2nd: Bronson G., Emmanuel

3rd: Brianna R., Wentworth

80 participants

NEW COF STAFF

ALLISON O'CONNOR

DIRECTOR OF COLLABORATIVE BUSINESS SERVICES

Returning to COF in a new role, Allison has over 20 ye of experience working in higher education and non-p 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 th Fenway, Inc., and Boston University. Her previous role COF was Director of Academic Programs and Professional Development where her work was prima focused on faculty and staff professional developmen and shared academic programs She is rejoining Colleges of the Fenway, Inc. after having served most recently as the Director of Procurement at Curry Colle

ASHLEY SCIRE

DIRECTOR OF SPORTS AND RECREATION

While new to working at the COF central office, Ashley is returning to the COF community. Ashley comes to COF having worked most recently as Assistant Athletic Director at Brooks School and Coaching the Varsity Girl's Ice Hockey Team. Prior to Brooks, Ashley Kilstein Scire spent three years at Wentworth as Associate Athletic Director, overseeing sports and managing coaches. She worked as a liaison to admissions, housing, club sports, and the Student Athlete Advancement Committee Her experience also includes serving as the Assistant Women's Ice Hockey Coach at Princeton University and the Head Women’s Ice Hockey Coach at Plymouth State University

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

MARCH WAS MADNESS

392 students

While basketball took over the minds of so many in March, it also took over the COF Basketball is one of the most popular sports run by COF intramurals. Because of this popularity, COF offers a recreational league and a competitive league and both were filed by students across all five campuses. Jayden R., an Emmanuel student learned about COF intramurals from a poster on his campus. Jayden enjoyed his season in the rec league saying, “It was very fun! I'm excited for next year”

While basketball is the biggest winter/spring program, intramural for pickleball and ultimate frisbee were also open to students In its second year, pickleball has a lot of students curious. While the intramural leagues wrapped up in early March, the demand for open pickleball times kept rolling in. Due to this demand COF is hosting open pickleball every Saturday in April at the Holmes Spor Center at Simmons University.

IN OUR ZUMBA ERA

CHECK OUT OUR CHAMPIONS

played unique student participants 28

INTRAMURAL MARCH STATS

MUSIC TO OUR EARS

matches played unique student participants

students played multiple sports matches

COF Sports and Rec once again collaborated with EC Zumba to open up programming to all COF students. Hosted in Evans Way/Tudbury Hall at Wentworth, this past month’s theme was Lady Gaga vs Taylor Swift (of course with black lights, glowing paint, and glitter!)

different leagues

MUSIC TO OUR EARS

244 attendees "This Land: Native Roots and Immigrant Dreams" was more than just a concert; it was a captivating musical exploration into heritage, belonging, and connection Under the direction of Maestro Dan P. Ryan, The Colleges of the Fenway Chorus and Orchestra led audiences through a poignant journey, reflecting on the shared struggles and triumphs that unite us all. From the stirring melodies of Tonya Wind Singer's "Creation" to the emotional soundscape of Dvorak's "New World Symphony," each piece resonated with the complexities of history and perspectives on land, ownership, and belonging

With over 120 performers on stage, including students, alumni, and staff, and the support of six talented guest artists, the concert was a true celebration of diversity and collaboration. The lyrics of Ysaye Barnwell's "Would you Harbor Me" echoed throughout the venue, serving as a reminder of our collective responsibility to each other and to the land we call home "This Land" not only showcased the exceptional talent within the COF community but also emphasized the power of music to unite and inspire us all.

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE COF THEATER

410 attendees

The Colleges of the Fenway theater ensemble delivered an amazing re-vamped Wizard of Oz musical set in 2024 With a record 410 audience members across the three shows, a dedicated team of 55 performers and tech crew members worked tirelessly onstage and behind the scenes to bring each production to life. One of the highlights was the set design, featuring mesmerizing projections crafted by a talented team of students, which vividly illustrated Dorothy's magical journey through Oz, adding depth and wonder to the performances.

After the performances, the eight graduating seniors were honored by the newly established student executive board Each senior was recognized onstage and presented with a framed and signed poster, a touching gesture to commemorate their contributions to the program. Among the talented performers, Amanda McCluskey, MassArt studet and a Performing Arts minor, shone brightly in her portrayal of Glinda. Her dedication and talent truly brought the character to life on stage. Overall the production was a great success!

CONTRACT CORNER

Snacks: Upgraded

Prestige Vending, our trusted provider of snacks and beverages on the go, has recently upgraded the MCPHS and Simmons campuses’ vending machines to state-of-theart glass-front, energy-efficient models These new machines not only look sleek but also offer a wider range of product options, including premium selections and the latest retail technology. The new machines from Prestige Vending will be a welcome addition to our daily routines, providing more choices and improved functionality. Here are some key features and benefits of the updated vending services:

Expanded Payment Options: The new machines accept various forms of payment, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and traditional cash payments. This flexibility ensures that everyone can conveniently access snacks and beverages

Easy Refunds and Reporting: Should you encounter any issues such as a product being out of stock or if you need a refund, Prestige Vending has made the process simple. You can easily request a refund or report an issue directly at the vending machine interface by scanning the QR code posted on each machine

This Collaborative Business Services agreement with Prestige Vending is shared between the MCPHS, Simmons, Wentworth, and Emmanuel campuses. These enhancements reflect COF’s commitment to improving campus amenities and providing the best possible experience for our students, faculty, and staff

LAVINIA PAUL

JESSIE WILLIAMS

ASHLEY SCIRE

BRENDA HUGGINS

SARAH BIGGERS

ALLISON O’CONNOR

SANDY OCCIL

ALEXANDRA KOCH

KHADIJA MBOUP

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Still to Come

Pride Block Party

June 20th