This year’s theme is, "The 21st Century Community College as a Catalyst for Change". Within the folds of political optimism, economic instability, ecological concern, technological advancement, and social reform, we find ourselves in a period of history marked by overwhelming transformations. Change can evoke fear, uncertainty, and discomfort, but it can also inspire and initiate profound vision, innovation and progress. This year’s theme not only captures the prominent issues affecting the world today, but also provides an opportunity to reposition and strengthen the centrality of the community college, as an untapped resource from which many solutions can be developed and deployed.

As a forum for exploration and reflection, Opening Sessions encourages collaboration and dialogue among faculty and administrators. This year we will explore the role that the community college plays as an agent of change. In this time of transition, LaGuardia Community College has an opportunity to be a leading force in education, to facilitate "greener" initiatives, and to promote social and political reform, both locally and globally. How can we better connect our students with the challenges, aims and initiatives of the surrounding community? How has technology impacted what we do both in and out of the classroom? What pedagogical practices have we used to teach our students about the shifting global economy and sustainability measures? How can the College respond to President Obama's call for community service? Given the multidimensional shifts being experienced both locally and globally, what resources can we use to help students make the best decisions about their future? How are discipline specific classroom objectives contributing to an awareness of global concerns?

The program includes 21 workshops offered in three concurrent sessions scheduled throughout the day. In addition, there will be a keynote speaker at noon.

We hope that the rich perspectives and insights that are shared today will guide us in the coming academic year and beyond, as we explore the changes that we face and that we are forging ahead, here at LaGuardia.