SPARK Program: Supporting Program Advisors through Reflective Knowledge-sharing

Overview

The SPARK Program is a gathering designed to support those in academic program leadership roles at Penn State. Through informal, hot-topic discussions, SPARK offers space for community, consultation, and growth.

The program is intended to build knowledge-sharing networks among faculty and staff who lead and support academic programs.

 All sessions can be accessed via Zoom link:

https://psu.zoom.us/j/99092536646?pwd=Qr7ida6MYo01e0dMS4d0FBGrMl04hd.1

Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll):  +16468769923,99092536646#  or +16469313860,99092536646# Meeting ID: 990 9253 6646 Password: 175466

Spring 2026 Sessions

Students in Crisis

February 19, 2026, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

  • This session will be moderated by Leigh Ann Haefner, PhD., Interim Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Penn State Altoona
Recording Link: https://psu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_vlledp20
Presentation Materials: 

The Space Between: Navigating Difficult Moments with Intention.

April 1, 2026, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. 

  • This session will be led by Nicole Webster, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, College of Health and Human Development

Fall 2025 Sessions

The Role of Program Chair and Graduate Program Head and Faculty, Post Doc, and Graduate Student Onboarding

September 23, 2025, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

  • Led by Michael Verderame, Senior Associate Dean, J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School;  Jennifer McCall-Hosenfeld, Associate Dean for Faculty Development, Penn State College of Medicine; Ann Clements, Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Penn State
Recording Link: https://psu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_iad0z6r8

Managing Challenges: Addressing Student Concerns & Complaints

October 23, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. 

  • Led by John Coupland, Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Department of Food Science; Todd Migliaccio, Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer, Penn State Berks
Recording Link: https://psu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_ad7ler73

Balancing the Schedule: Strategies for Course Scheduling and Enrollment

November 13, 2025, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. 

  • Led by Yvette Richardson, Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences; Greg Filbeck, Vice Chancellor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Samuel P. Black III Chair in Finance and Risk Management, Penn State Behrend
Recording Link: https://psu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_hbfoahh1
Presentation Material: 

Charting the Course: Strategic Planning for Disciplinary Units

December 2, 2025, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. 

  • Led by Alan Rieck, Associate Vice Provost and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education
Recording Link: https://psu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_ifo3yz5m
Presentation Material:

 

Who Should Attend

Anyone with program leadership responsibilities, including:

  • Program Chairs
  • Graduate Program Chairs
  • Professors-in-Charge
  • Assistant/Associate Program Chairs
  • Center Directors
  • Other faculty or staff in leadership roles

No registration is required

Program Features

  • Monthly Hot Topic Sessions
  • Led by internal experts from across the University
  • Curated and facilitated by Faculty Affairs Associate Deans and Directors of Academic Affairs (DAAs) at the campuses
  • Opportunity to connect directly with central offices
  • Open Q&A and peer sharing encouraged

Fall 2025 Topics

September

Guiding Growth: Faculty, Postdoc, and Graduate Student Onboarding
Mentoring, career development, and launching strong.

Recording: https://psu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_iad0z6r8

Slide Decks

October (Early)

Managing Challenges: Addressing Student Concerns & Complaints
Best practices for resolving student issues and supporting fairness.

November

Balancing the Schedule: Strategies for Course Offerings & Enrollment
Course planning, using the Optimizer, and securing teaching spaces.

December

Program Assessment for Strategic Vision and Growth
Aligning goals, identifying strengths, and envisioning the future.

Program Coordination

Each session is coordinated by dedicated Faculty Affairs Associate Deans or DAAs at the campuses. The Office of Faculty Affairs oversees the program to ensure relevance, alignment, and quality. Presenters are drawn from internal university offices—keeping it practical and cost-free.

Questions?

Reach out to Ann Clements, Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, at acc13@psu.edu.