2024 Leadership Forum: Trailblazing in Higher Education Virtual Conference Success

The 2024 Leadership Forum: Trailblazing in Higher Education was an overwhelming success, attracting 346 registrants from diverse institutions and countries, including the United States, Kenya, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, alongside participants from Ontario and Canada. Attendees hailed from renowned universities such as Harvard, Concordia, and UBC, as well as esteemed colleges like Selkirk and Conestoga. Additionally, professionals from various organizations, including Immigration Services and Canadian Tire, were present.

Organized by the graduating cohort of the Master of Education, Higher Education Leadership field in the Higher Education program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto, under the coordination of Professor Katharine Janzen, the forum provided a dynamic and engaging environment for discussions on the future of global higher education. Key themes include digital transformation, sustainability, and navigating the complexities of internationalization and globalization within the higher education landscape.

The event featured a compelling lineup of keynote speakers and breakout sessions, each offering unique perspectives and valuable insights. Dr. Mark Daley's morning keynote, "Three Short Questions About AI," set the tone for exploring the role of artificial intelligence in higher education.

The forum also featured dynamic speakers for the breakout sessions. Dr. Jessica Denenburg focused on "Fostering Approaches to International Strategic Partnerships in Higher Education." Dr. David Kim addressed “Considering diversity in student spaces,” and Dr. Tim Fricker discussed “The current state of academic advising in Canada.”

In the afternoon, Angelique Saweczko's keynote, "International Enrolment Management in a Shifting Political Landscape," addressed the challenges and opportunities of attracting and retaining international students in an ever-changing global environment.

The panel discussion on "Digital Transformation in Higher Ed " featuring esteemed panelists Dr. Erin Aspenlieder, Nathalie Meija, Dr. Naureen Nizam, and Dr. Sesha Srinivasan was equally informative. This thought-provoking discussion explored the various facets of integrating digital technologies and innovative pedagogical approaches into higher education curricula.

The diverse participation and representation from global academic and professional organizations at the 2024 Leadership Forum underscore its significant impact. By bringing together leaders, researchers, and students from various backgrounds, the event shaped the future of higher education on a global scale through rich exchanges and collaboration. The recordings of keynotes, sessions, and discussions are available for those who could not attend, ensuring accessibility and continued inspiration within the higher education community.

• Morning Keynote - Dr. Mark Daley, Three Short Questions About AI
• Breakout Session – Dr. Jessica Denenburg, Fostering Approaches to International Strategic Partnerships in Higher Education
• Afternoon Keynote – Angelique Saweczko, International Enrolment Management in a Shifting Political Landscape
• Panel Discussion – Dr. Erin Aspenlieder, Nathalie Meija, Dr. Naureen Nizam, and Dr. Sesha Srinivasan, Digital Transformation in Higher Ed