Connecting in the Cloud

The Connecting in the Cloud series is an opportunity to come together in an informal, online setting to discuss challenges you're facing everyday. Registered members will participate in a facilitated brainstorming session around a specified topic, similar to an interest group but without the geographical challenges.

Upcoming Events

Stay tuned for more Connecting in the Cloud discussions TBD for August and September. Details will be posted as they are scheduled.

Past Events

July 22nd, 2pm ET/11am ET
Interest Group: Emerging Technology

In this installment of Emerging Technology discussion covered voice activated control.

June 22nd, 2pm ET/11am ET
Interest Group: Women in Technology

Group discussion on the topics of women in technology, facilitated by Kathleen Dooley, Director of Media Resources at Midwestern University. This session was not recorded to help create a safe space for all CCUMC members to have a place for productive conversation and community building.  

June 17th, 11am ET/8am PT
Tech Talk Series, EDID

Training offered Extron for 1 RU for live participants discussing advantages of provided 4K technology for signal processing in the classrooms. The seminar focuses on EDID, HDCP and the world of USB for the Modern Learning Space.

June 8th, 2pm ET/11 am PT
Interest Group, Instructional Design

Looking Back & Looking Forward: How Will What We’ve Learned Shape Classrooms in the Future - In this round table discussion, we will explored what the upcoming Fall semester looks like for CCUMC members now that we have had a taste of hyflex or hybrid instruction and the technology to support it.

Thursday, June 3rd at 2pm ET
Leadership Series: Refresh
This Leadership Series discussion focused on what steps institutions are taking to react to budgetary or personnel challenges that may have resulted from the past year. 

Tuesday, May 25th at 2pm ET
Interest Group: Leadership
This Leadership Interest group discussion explored the topics including of mentorship and burnout.

Thursday, May 20th at 11am ET
Technician Series: Audio
Hybrid learning and work-from-home have demonstrated that the “A” in AV is more important than the “V.” As we return to campus in support of high-flex instruction, audio engineers and technicians discuss the challenges they have faced and how to overcome them on an enterprise level. Roundtable discussion explored concerns from installation needs to supporting both on-prem and remote participants. 

Tuesday, May 11th at 2pm ET
Interest Group: Administration
Topics of the conversation was Labor Challenges in the Times of COVID. How are you dealing with staff turnover? Is class enrollment or teaching approaches at your institution dictating how you provide support moving forward? What challenges are you facing with new staff training and on-boarding? How do you budget for staff if you have no budget?

Thursday, May 6th at 2pm ET
Connecting in the Cloud Leadership Series: Repairs

At this session discussed how institutions handle repair and installation schedules, and allocating the necessary resources, budget and staff time to do so. 

This discussion was hosted by chair Kayden Kassof and esteemed helper Kathy Dooley.  Conversation focused on mental health amid the plethora of things happening in the world.  This session was not recorded to help create a safe space for all CCUMC members to have a place for productive conversation and community building.  

Thursday, April 8 at 2pm ET
Title: Connecting in the Cloud Session: Unraveling the mysteries of RFPs

At this session we discussed creating a framework for an RFP, things to consider that you may not have thought of, procurement and contracting policies, and more.

Thursday, March 18 at 2pm ET
Title: Creative Commencement

Discussing some examples of creative commencements held during COVID times, how commencements were modified, and the technology and gear needed to accommodate these creative solutions.

Thursday, February 18 at 2pm ET
Title: Open Discussion 

This session we'll host an open discussion as we kick off the spring semester.  

Thursday, October 29th at 2pm ET
Title: Open Discussion 

Join us for open discussion sessions every other Thursday through the end of the summer.  Topics will flow based on what folks want to discuss and can include leadership and administration, technical solutions, hardware considerations, and more!  If you have a question or want to share something you've been working on, please join us.

Thursday, September 17th at 2pm ET
Title: Open Discussion 

Join us for open discussion sessions every other Thursday through the end of the summer.  Topics will flow based on what folks want to discuss and can include leadership and administration, technical solutions, hardware considerations, and more! 

Thursday, September 4th at 2pm ET
Title: Open Discussion 

Join us for open discussion sessions every other Thursday through the end of the summer.  Topics will flow based on what folks want to discuss and can include leadership and administration, technical solutions, hardware considerations, and more! 

Thursday, August 21st at 2pm ET
Title: Open Discussion 

Join us for open discussion sessions every other Thursday through the end of the summer.  Topics will flow based on what folks want to discuss and can include leadership and administration, technical solutions, hardware considerations, and more! 

Thursday, August 6th at 2pm ET
Title: Open Discussion 

Join us for open discussion sessions every other Thursday through the end of the summer.  Topics will flow based on what folks want to discuss and can include leadership and administration, technical solutions, hardware considerations, and more! 

Thursday, July 23rd at 2pm ET
Title: Open Discussion 

Join us for open discussion sessions every other Thursday through the end of the summer.  Topics will flow based on what folks want to discuss and can include leadership and administration, technical solutions, hardware considerations, and more!

Thursday, July 9th at 2pm ET
Title: "Remote vs. In Person Services: A Discussion of Leadership" 

Possible topics could include: planning for Fall (staffing levels, student workers, office layouts, legal issues), remote vs. onsite services, engaging with remote teams, and ongoing support for professional development.

Thursday, June 18th at 2pm ET
Topic: What Will Classes Look Like in the Fall - Part 2

For part two, we want to focus on the less technological aspects of the fall semester. Possible topics could include hybrid classroom logistics, social distancing and classroom seating, sanitizing electronics, signage and communication campaigns, thermal sensors and screening, etc. Remember that these are freeform, member guided discussions, so please don't hesitate to bring your own questions and topics to the group! 

Hosts: Emerging Technologies Interest Group - Jim Spencer, University of Notre Dame and Trey Herb, University of Florida

Thursday, June 4th at 2pm at ET
Topic: What Will Classes Look Like in the Fall - Part 1

Join us for the second “Connecting in the Cloud” session on Thursday, June 4th where we'll discuss how technology is rising to the challenge and enabling hybrid classrooms and safer learning environments. What will your classrooms look like in August? 

Hosts: Emerging Technologies Interest Group - Jim Spencer, University of Notre Dame and Trey Herb, University of Florida

Thursday, May 21 at 2pm at ET
Topic: Commencement and the Disruption of Normal End of the Year Practices

Host: Joe Way, University of Southern California

Sustainability of Installations: Hidden Costs of the Future - 06/06/19

Our first topic is Sustainability of Installations: Hidden Costs of the Future and will explore questions like: how do you deal with it?, how do you make a business case upfront for sustained funding?, and how have you been successful?  If you have experience in this area or are currently experiencing these problems, pleas join.  We hope to have a rich dialog among members so we can learn from each other and possibly create a best practices guide for the future.

Managing Student Workers - 02/13/20

Our next topic is Managing Student Workers and will explore concepts like recruiting and retaining a diverse student workforce, managing training and performance review, and rewarding well performing student employees without budget for pay raises.  If you have experience with managing students or are currently having difficulties with student employees, please consider joining us.  We hope to have a rich dialog among members so we can learn from each other and possibly create a best practices guide for the future