Ignatian Collaboration: AJCU Conferences & Programs Form Colleagues in Mission

For the member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), collaboration is not just a practice: it’s a mission. Through conferences, affinity groups and leadership programs, AJCU is helping faculty, staff and administrators at Jesuit colleges and universities across the United States (and even Canada, Belize and Australia) to collaborate together and support each other’s work in Jesuit higher education.

Key to the Association’s collaborative efforts are its Conferences and affinity groups. Both provide forums for the exchange of ideas, information and best practices; support the professional development of their members; and present opportunities for AJCU representatives to engage in cross-institutional collaboration. Most of the AJCU Conferences host meetings at least once a year, and many of them facilitate regular communication among members through AJCU listservs. Conferences span a wide range of departments on campuses, from campus ministry and human resources, to honors programs and study abroad. Active affinity groups include the AJCU Career Services Consortium. A full list can be found at ajcunet.edu/conferences.

AJCU’s two signature leadership programs also provide opportunities for faculty and staff to meet with each other, while deepening their understanding of Ignatian pedagogy and spirituality. The Jesuit Leadership Seminar is held annually at Loyola University Chicago. This one-week program features keynote addresses from presidents and administrators at Jesuit colleges and universities, and breakout sessions on themes relevant to Jesuit higher education. The Ignatian Colleagues Program (ICP) is an 18-month program for lay faculty and staff, who seek to deepen their formation as leaders at Jesuit institutions. ICP features an immersion trip, a silent retreat, monthly online group conversations and a capstone experience for each participant.

In 2020, Georgetown University will host the Commitment to Justice in Jesuit Higher Education Conference. This Conference (one of more than 30 sponsored by AJCU) will celebrate its 20^th anniversary, and feature presentations and poster sessions, representing some of the many academic and professional collaborations between AJCU institutions and Conferences. More information can be found atcsj.georgetown.edu/justice2020.

For nearly 50 years, the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities has been proud to support collaboration among its member institutions, all in service of and to the Society of Jesus. Today, as the higher education landscape continues to evolve across the United States, such collaboration is more important than ever. As we look ahead to our next 50 years, we thank and affirm the work of our presidents, faculty, staff, administrators and students: our colleagues in mission.