Staff Development and Engagement
The Division of Student Affairs regularly provides staff with resources and opportunities designed to support and encourage community-building, staff engagement, professional development, and personal enrichment. Current and ongoing opportunities available to Division staff for the 2026-27 academic year are as follows.
Opportunities for Professional Development Offered Through the Division of Student Affairs
Division-wide Professional Development Opportunities
Division Fall Town Hall
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Duncan Student Center, Dahnke Ballroom
Division Walk-in Conference
Thursday, January 21, 2027, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
McKenna Hall
Division Spring Town Hall
Thursday, April 1, 2027, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location TBD
End-of-Year Mass and Reception
Tuesday, May 18, 2027, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Location TBD
New Division Staff Professional Development Opportunities
Connections Program
The Division of Student Affairs Connections Program is a year-long onboarding series designed to help full-time staff members who have joined the Division in the last academic year connect with colleagues, visit campus locations, and learn more about Student Affairs’ areas and departments from members of the Senior Leadership Team. All sessions are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and lunch is provided.
Connections Program dates for the 2026-27 academic year are as follows:
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History and Mission of the Congregation of Holy Cross
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Featuring Vice President for Student Affairs, Fr. Gerry Olinger, C.S.C. -
Connecting with the areas of Student Development and Residential Life
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Featuring Associate Vice President for Student Development, Brian Coughlin, and Associate Vice President for Residential Life, Karen Kennedy -
Connecting with the areas of Campus Ministry and Belonging and Engagement
Thursday, November 19, 2026
Featuring Assistant Vice President for Campus Ministry, Fr. Pete McCormick, C.S.C., and Assistant Vice President for Belonging and Engagement, Doug Thompson, Ph.D. -
Spring Semester Welcome Back Lunch
Thursday, January 14, 2027 -
Connecting with the areas of Career Development and Student Health and Wellness
Thursday, February 18, 2027
Featuring the Assistant Vice President for Career Development and Assistant Vice President for Student Health and Wellness, Christine Caron Gebhard, Ph.D. -
Connecting with leaders in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Thursday, March 18, 2027
Featuring Advisor to the Vice President for Student Affairs, Tony Oleck; Director of Finance and Operations, Kathy Brannock; and Director of Communications, Kate Morgan -
End of Program Celebration
Thursday, April 22, 2027
Featuring a guided tour of the office of Fr. Theodore “Ted” Hesburgh, C.S.C., on the 13th floor of Hesburgh Library
For additional information about the Connections Program, please email Kathy Brannock, Director of Finance and Operations; Arianne St. Aubin, Assistant Director, Student Development; or Gretchen Hensley, Project Coordinator, Office of Student Affairs.
Connections Program 2.0
The Connections Program 2.0 provides staff members in their second year with the Division who have previously completed the initial onboarding program an opportunity to continue engaging with colleagues and other initiatives throughout the broader Division. Connections Program 2.0 dates for 2026-27 are as follows, and additional information is forthcoming.
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Wednesday, February 10, or Thursday, February 11, 2027
Opportunities for Staff Engagement
Offered Through the Division of Student Affairs
Division Community-building Lunches
In the spirit of connecting with colleagues and strengthening relationships Division-wide, Student Affairs will host three lunches in fall 2026 for Division staff to connect, collaborate, and build community with one another in a casual on-campus setting.
Each gathering provides colleagues from each of the Division’s six areas the opportunity to meet new people, share ideas, and learn more about the work happening throughout Student Affairs. All lunches will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Legends with no formal agenda.
If you are interested in attending one of the Division’s Community-building Lunches this fall, please complete this form and select all the dates you are available. While staff will only be invited to attend one of the three lunches being offered, knowing staff availability allows for a greater cross-selection of staff. After submitting the registration form, someone will be in touch with more details and a calendar invitation. Space is limited, so please be sure to RSVP.
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- Thursday, November 5, 2026
- Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Fall Break Day of Service
Wednesday October 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Division staff will prepare lunch for the residents of Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home away from home for families of children receiving medical care at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. Please note that space for this Day of Service is limited to the first 10 people to register. Register here.
Advent Morning of Reflection
December 2026
Additional information forthcoming
Lenten Reflection
February 2027
Additional information forthcoming
Spring Break Day of Service
March 2027
Additional information forthcoming
Additional Professional Development Opportunities and Resources
Boston College Professional Development Series
Division staff are invited to attend one or more free virtual professional development sessions being offered through the Boston College Division of Student Affairs throughout the 2026-27 academic year. Now in its fourth year, the free virtual series brings together student affairs professionals from institutions across the country for practical conversations about leadership and our work with students. With professional development budgets often limited, it is an accessible way for individuals and teams to continue learning from experienced leaders in the field. Learn more and register here.