2024 COPLAC Summer Summit
Sunday, June 9 – Tuesday, June 11
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
47645 College Dr, St Mary’s City, MD 20686
St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) is honored to host the 2024 COPLAC Summer Summit from Sunday, June 9 – Tuesday, June 11, 2024. We eagerly anticipate welcoming our esteemed colleagues from across the COPLAC network to our picturesque campus, where the serene beauty of the St. Mary’s River will provide the perfect backdrop for fruitful discussions, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas during this memorable event.
The 2024 Summer Summit theme is Democratizing Opportunity: The Power of the Public Liberal Arts. Workgroup sessions during the Summit will focus on four specific issues that we all face. These topics will be addressed by on-site representatives from your campus. The hope is that these in-depth discussions, each co-facilitated by an SMCM leader with another COPLAC community member, will lead to both short- and long-term actions and deliverables, such as enhanced educational experiences at COPLAC institutions, as well as presentations at society- or industry-specific conferences, papers in journals, and op-eds.
A Note from President Tuajuanda C. Jordan, PhD
We are excited to host our COPLAC colleagues at St. Mary’s College of Maryland for the 2024 COPLAC Summer Summit. The Annual COPLAC Summer Meeting has been reformatted to have participants as members of workgroups that will discuss a particular topic and provide tangible actions. Therefore, the meeting has been rebranded as the 2024 COPLAC Summer Summit.
The topics to be discussed include:
- A. How do we support advocacy while protecting the institution’s interests?
- B. How can we harness the power of ChatGPT/Generative AI to meet strategic goals or enhance the educational experience?
- C. What are the ways to effectively foster access and opportunity in the recruitment, admission, and enrollment of a student body that reflects our public mission?
- D. How can we (individually and collectively) build the public liberal arts college brand among college admission and transfer counselors, community-based organizations, and other influencers in the college admission process?
Each workgroup will envision approaches that highlight our unrecognized “power” and the untapped potential of the public liberal arts colleges, collectively and individually. Our hope is that institutions will send teams so that we have representation from as many COPLAC institutions as possible in each workgroup, and participants go back to their campus and continue the conversations around each topic. The overall goal is that these discussions will lead to both short- and long-term actions/deliverables.
We look forward to having you on our campus this June!
Schedule At a Glance
Summit Registration Pricing
Individual Registration – $160 per person
Team Registration (3 or more) – $140 per person
Registration
Registration is limited to employees of COPLAC member institutions. Click Here to register!
Registration Deadline: May 15
About SMCM
As The National Public Honors College, St. Mary’s College of Maryland offers an undergraduate liberal arts education and small-college experience like those found at exceptional private colleges. St. Mary’s College shares the hallmarks of private institutions: an outstanding faculty, talented students, high academic standards, a challenging curriculum, small classes, a sense of community, and a spirit of intellectual inquiry. But as a state institution of higher education, St. Mary’s College is also committed to the ideals of affordability, accessibility, and diversity. By combining these virtues of public and private education, St. Mary’s College provides a unique alternative for students and their families.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland is named for the place it marks: the 17th-century capital of Maryland. The spectacular waterfront setting is in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay region. The campus is 75 miles southeast of Washington, D.C. and 97 miles south of Baltimore.
Situated in the serene beauty of St. Mary's County, our region is renowned for its breathtaking waterfronts, nature trails, and awe-inspiring vistas. Our charming town of St. Mary's City is abuzz with youthful and creative vigor, and our local economy thrives as a result.
At SMCM, our dedicated educators are deeply passionate about nurturing their students' growth on all fronts: personally, academically, and professionally. We actively engage in meaningful dialogues of our era by hosting esteemed thought leaders and speakers for campus-wide discussions, enriching the academic experience.
Graduates of SMCM shine in their respective careers, with many quickly advancing to secure competitive positions in exciting fields. This success is fostered by the array of professional opportunities we provide, including internships in vibrant cities, global leadership programs, and impactful undergraduate research initiatives. Our alumni embark on fulfilling careers or gain acceptance into esteemed graduate programs across the nation.
Committed to each and every one of our students, St. Mary's College of Maryland leaves an indelible mark on people's lives, shaping futures and making a profound difference.
Please visit our About Us page to learn more about SMCM.- Leonardtown Square: Immerse yourself in the heart of Leonardtown, where charming shops and delectable restaurants beckon. Take a leisurely stroll along Leonardtown Wharf, savoring the serene waterfront views.
- Solomons Island: Just a stone's throw away, Solomons Island awaits with its inviting shops, savory dining establishments, and a picturesque boardwalk that invites you to unwind by the water's edge.
- Point Lookout State Park: Nature lovers, rejoice! Explore the captivating landscapes, serene beaches, and intriguing history of Point Lookout State Park, a natural wonderland that's yours to discover.
- Historic St. Mary's City: Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of our region at Historic St. Mary's City. Engaging exhibits and interactive experiences bring the past to life.
- Patuxent Naval Air Station Museum: Take flight into the world of aviation at the Patuxent Naval Air Station Museum. Explore the evolution of flight and the heroic tales that have shaped the skies.
