Convocation - Fall 2026

Welcome!

On behalf of the Convocation committee and everyone on the Tri-C leadership team, I'm excited to welcome you to the Fall 2026 Convocation at the Metro Campus!

The start of another academic year is upon us, and we are kicking things off with a day of programming, networking, training and camaraderie to get you focused, prepared — and, above all, pumped! — for the 2026–2027 school year.

Over the past year, we've introduced the Vision 2030 Strategic Transformation Plan and its themes and pillars, which will serve as our "North Star" for the remainder of this decade and beyond.

We are looking forward to the continued implementation of this foundational plan, which will align all our people, processes and programs in a culture of collaboration and connection, with one goal in mind: the success of our students — not just to the completion of their studies but also to thriving-wage careers that last long after their college days are finished.

We are also looking forward to the continued growth of the STOMP Experience, a program we rolled out last year to ensure everyone at Tri-C — be they student, faculty, staff or other community member — has a voice and feels a sense of belonging at our College.

These are just two examples of how we are fundamentally changing how Tri-C functions as a beacon of higher education in Northeast Ohio. And each of our more than 3,200 employees will play a critical role in that change.

To our indispensable and unparalleled faculty, I continue to be in awe of your ability to open minds and impart knowledge. I hope today will reinvigorate you for the important work ahead in the coming year.

To our tremendous administrators, directors, managers and support staff, I hope you also leave here today energized and motivated. Some of you are student-facing and some are not, but each of you is vital to the success of our College and, by extension, our students.

I am thrilled to begin the new academic year alongside all of you. Let's welcome the new year together, with enthusiasm and unwavering support for one another!

With gratitude and respect,

Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D.
President

Morning Session Agenda

• Welcome remarks from the AAUP and JFSC Leadership
• Remarks from the College President
• Remarks from the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
  • Faculty Awards and Recognition
  • Updates from the EVP
• Mandel Faculty Fellow Awards
• Remarks from the Executive Vice President of Student Experience
• Faculty Professional Improvement Leave presentations

We are excited to host a back-to-school BBQ for the Convocation lunch!

Protein options include brisket, chicken and tofu. Sides include red beans and rice, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, roasted potatoes and cornbread.

For dessert, we'll offer gluten-free strawberry shortcake and vegan options.

Please have your Eventbrite lunch RSVP confirmation ready on your phone or bring a printed copy when entering the gymnasium. Please enter through the main entrance off of E. 30th St.

• Adjunct Engagement Session (MCC 201)
• Dean's Council meeting (MSHC 2A and 2B)
• Curriculum Drop-in Session MCC 066 or via WebEx