4 Reasons Why We’re Hosting a Discussion of Higher Education and Technology

By: Father Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J., President, University of San Francisco and Dr. Leslie E. Wong, President, San Francisco State University

In an ever-changing world, it’s important for university leaders to build on their strengths, core values, and missions while connecting to new resources to deliver on strategic initiatives for future generations.

That’s why the University of San Francisco and San Francisco State University are co-hosting the first Innovation Leadership Forum for higher education leaders at Salesforce.org on January 29 in San Francisco. It is sure to be an engaging, informative half-day of discussion centered around the role of technology in advancing cultures of innovation, student success, and workforce development.

Why is USF involved?

The University of San Francisco’s mission is to inspire students to go forth and set the world on fire, to create a more humane, just, and sustainable world. Cura personalis (care of the whole person) is a Jesuit tradition that inspires USF’s distinct style of education — one in which intellect is only one part of an individual’s full development. USF sees learning as a humanizing, social activity rather than a competitive exercise. USF promotes a culture of service that respects and promotes the dignity of every person. In order to do this, USF has initiatives to recruit diverse faculty, enroll a diverse student body, and provide an attractive campus environment and resources.

USF provides:

1. Learning resources that enhance curriculum and support scholarship
2. Technology solutions to enhance learning and improve service
3. Facilities to support outstanding educational programs

Why is SF State involved?

Founded in 1899, San Francisco State University’s teaching methods were defined as “radical.” SF State has been shaking things up ever since. Through a process of continuous improvement and evolution, SF State is connected to innovation, creating opportunities for students to discover their unique paths. SF State alumni are known worldwide as agents of change, creative artists, activists, inventors and company founders.

Why should you attend the Innovation Leadership Forum at Salesforce.org? Here are 4 reasons:

1. University students deserve a great experience

If you’re a president or a provost, you want to enable holistic success throughout the student lifecycle: from admissions and enrollment, to alumni and fundraising. Having integrated case management, admissions software, and integrated student information systems is table stakes. What sets a great university apart from average is a next-gen student experience. This requires outstanding services — which means using technology effectively throughout the student lifecycle from prospect to alumni to donor.

2. Peer learning

This event will be a fantastic opportunity to network, learn, and ideate with regional leadership.
Salesforce.org empowers higher education institutions with the tools they need to create a connected campus. By attending, you’ll learn from your peers about ways presidents and provosts address institutional goals and see how to become a center of excellence.

3. Workforce development: The role of the university

We are committed to developing a more equitable and inclusive workforce, and like you, want all students to be prepared for tomorrow. Let’s discuss how to close the gap between degrees and jobs and connect students to alumni and employers.

4. Be on the cutting edge: The connected campus

Hear from keynote speakers who will address transformation and the tough challenges facing higher education today, including:

• Tony Prophet, chief equality officer at Salesforce
• Dr. Mark Lombardi, president of Maryville University

You’ll get a chance to see how other higher education innovators are using technology to become connected campuses. Explore how online offerings can expand and add to your current offerings.

In summary

You should attend if you’re a university provost or president who wants to network, learn, and ideate to address transformation and the tough challenges facing higher education today.

Where:

Salesforce East Building
350 Mission St., 30th floor
San Francisco, CA 94105

When:

Monday, January 29, 2018
12:00 – 7:00pm
(includes lunch, afternoon snack, and cocktail reception with appetizers)

Interested in attending? Email Razan Roberts, [email protected], to get registration details. Space is limited.

We look forward to seeing you there!

About the Author
Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, President, University of San Francisco
Since 2014, Father Paul J. Fitzgerald has served as the 28th president of the University of San Francisco. Born in Burbank, California, Fr. Fitzgerald earned a BA in history from Santa Clara University in 1980. He holds a PhD (doctor of philosophy) from the Institut catholique de Paris, a PhD from the Sorbonne, and an MDiv, STL from Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.

Fr. Fitzgerald currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Loyola University in New Orleans; the Board of Governors of the Commonwealth Club; and the Board of Regents of Archbishop Mitty High School. His prior board service includes the Ecclesiastical Board of the School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College and the Board of Trustees of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Fluent in four languages, he is a published author of numerous scholarly articles and popular essays.

Dr. Leslie E. Wong, President, San Francisco State University
Dr. Leslie E. Wong serves as president of San Francisco State University. He leads more than 3,000 faculty and staff as they serve a student population of over 30,000, and maintains research interests in educational technology, academic assessment, and the role of underrepresented minorities in the academy.

Dr. Wong is committed to providing students with an exceptional educational experience forged in the intellectual energy of one of the world’s most innovative cities and fostered by the diversity, creativity, and dedication of SF State’s faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Dr. Wong is devoted to moving San Francisco State forward to achieve its full potential. He co-chaired the recently completed strategic planning process that produced a value-driven roadmap to advance the university’s goals. He also launched SF State’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign to provide the resources necessary to support the needs of SF State students in the 21st century as well as the innovative research and creative projects of SF State students and faculty. Early campaign success contributed to new scholarship funds, the renovation of the SF State gym, and the revitalization of the athletics program.

He also serves on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Colleges and Universities and is a member of the National Collegiate Athletics Association’s Division II President’s Council. He is a member of the California State University’s Ethnic Studies Task Force and he is an active board member of both the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and the Bay Area Council. Dr. Wong received the 2014 Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education President’s Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to the field of higher education.