7:00 PM: Vespers (Wharton)
Join the SWAU family for an evening of worship, fellowship, and fun! We will begin with Vespers in Wharton Auditorium

8:30 PM: Bowling (Alley Cats)
Following vespers, there will be bowling and fellowship at Alley Cats in Burleson

Academic Excellence & Student Success Part 1 (Faculty Only)
Our first full day focuses on the academic practices and student support systems that contribute to student achievement. Faculty will engage in workshops designed to strengthen advising, improve student engagement, enhance instructional effectiveness, and reinforce institutional expectations.

8:15–8:50 AM: Prayer, Welcome, and Colloquium Overview (Wharton) (All encouraged to attend)

9:00–11:50 AM: Rotating Faculty Workshops (Pechero)

• Office of Student Success (OSS) – Director Adrianna Ross - Room 111
• Assessment & Student Learning Outcomes – Dr. Kisha Norris - Room 112
• Maximizing Canvas & Academic Technology Tools (ROEH) – David Mendoza (ITS) - Room 113

12:00–12:50 PM: Lunch (Faculty and Staff)

1:00–5:00 PM: Leadership & Organizational Excellence (All Faculty and Staff) (Wharton)
Led by Dr. Darla Shaw, CEO of Talent Masters, selected university leaders will participate in focused training designed to strengthen leadership capacity and prepare for a successful academic year

Enrollment, Technology & Operational Readiness (Faculty & Staff)
A successful academic year requires strong collaboration across every area of the institution. Tuesday's sessions focus on enrollment growth, employee resources, and the tools and processes that support operational excellence.

8:00–8:50 AM: Prayer, Welcome, and Daily Instructions (Wharton)

9:00–11:50 AM: Rotating Workshops (Moore)

• Enrollment & Student Recruitment – VP Rahneeka Hazelton - Room 105
• Human Resources Workshop – Director Wanda Morin & Irene Lazarus - Room 106
• SWAU Technology Tools & Digital Resources – ITS Team - Room 110

12:00–12:50 PM: Lunch

1:00–2:10 PM: Music & Speaker (Wharton)
Pastor Taurus Montgomery M.A., (Guest Speaker, Vocation and Calling)

2:15–5:00 PM: Human Resources & Finance Workshop (Wharton)
Topics include purchasing procedures, travel authorization, Divvy, payroll processes, reimbursements, and institutional compliance expectations. Workshop by the Business and Human Resources Departments.

Team Building Retreat (Faculty & Staff)
This day is dedicated to investing in one another. Through team-building experiences, collaborative discussions, and leadership development activities, we will strengthen relationships and deepen our shared commitment to the mission of SWAU.

8:30-3:00 PM: Group Dynamix (Meet at SWAU) 
*Meet at the gym parking lot at 8:30 AM. Group Dynamix from 10am – 2pm. Return by 3pm.

Focus Areas

• Building High-Performing Teams
• Mission & Purpose Alignment
• Accountability & Collaboration
• Intentional Leadership

All University & New Employee Orientation
The SWAU community will gather for the annual All-University Meeting to celebrate accomplishments, receive institutional updates, and hear the vision for the year ahead.

8:30–10:30 AM: All-University Meeting (Wharton)
Devotion from Pastor Derek Lazarus, Fort Worth First Seventh-day Adventist Church Featuring an introduction with President Dr. Nelu Nedelea

1:00–4:00 PM: New Employee Orientation
Designed to introduce new employees to the culture, mission, resources, and expectations of Southwestern Adventist University

Academic Excellence & Student Success Part 2 (Faculty Only)
Faculty will continue to engage in workshops designed to strengthen advising, improve student engagement, enhance instructional effectiveness, and reinforce institutional expectations.

8:00–11:00 AM: Rotating Faculty Workshops (Pechero)

• Advising & Registrar Processes – Dr. Jason Kowarsch - Room 111
• Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) – Dr. Renard Doneskey - Room 112
• Academic Affairs & Institutional Expectations – Dr. William Smith - Room 113

11:00AM – 12:00PM: Departmental Meetings (if necessary)