Connect with a supportive community of peers who help one another to drive inspiration, innovation, and partnerships.
Discover how this inclusive network can help maximize resources in the charge to deliver successful programming that meets the needs of our communities.
What You Can Expect from the Meeting:
- Connect and share with your peers from various UW campuses.
- Acquire information on new programming ideas and platforms gaining the tools required to adapt and move forward during these changing times.
What Past Participants have said:
- “Being new in my position and to the UW System, it has been insightful to learn what others are doing.”
- “I received so many excellent ideas from other program managers including program topics, strategies, processes, etc. The networking time was especially helpful.”
- “I am bringing back to my team what other campuses are doing to help us evaluate our own processes. It was great to network with other campuses to ask questions and exchange ideas/information.”
Planning Committee
Stephanie Hobbins, Planning Committee Co-Chair, UW-Milwaukee | Sierra Skindzelewski, Planning Committee Co-Chair, UW-Oshkosh
Renee Chrz, UW-La Crosse | Stefanie Stamper, UW-Parkside
Rebecca Bauer, UW-Stevens Point | Amy Domaszek, UW-Madison
Hannah Sims, UW-Whitewater
Stephen Schmid, UW Office of Online & Professional Learning Resources | Inga Dilla, UW Office of Online & Professional Learning Resources
Meet Our 2026 Presenters
Samantha Dye
Samantha Dye, MA, MCC, ACTC is the Program Developer and Director of Education for Professional Coaching at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, an International Coaching Federation (ICF)–accredited organization. In this role, she designs scaffolded, accessible coach training programs aligned with ICF competencies and intentionally connected across levels, supporting the development of coaching skills over time. Samantha is a Master Certified Coach (MCC) and holds the ICF’s Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC). With a passion for coaching and a strong commitment to adult learning, she focuses on building coaching capacity in others to create meaningful, sustainable impact.
Together, Samantha and Michelle have led the transformation of an accredited Level 2 program from fully in-person to fully virtual, co-created an accredited Level 1 add-on program, and developed engaging, practice-based programs and courses that support diverse learner groups. Their collaborative work is grounded in strengthening learner outcomes and building sustainable program models, while maintaining the rigor and reputation of both the International Coaching Federation and the UW System.
Michelle Galarowicz
Michelle Galarowicz is the Program Specialist for Professional Coaching at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she partners closely in the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of coaching education programs. Michelle brings deep expertise in learner experience and online learning delivery, working closely with learners from initial interest in an accredited coach training program through final certification completion. She is passionate about curriculum development and content management and cares deeply about advocating for learners and creating meaningful, supportive experiences in both traditional and virtual learning environments.
Together, Samantha and Michelle have led the transformation of an accredited Level 2 program from fully in-person to fully virtual, co-created an accredited Level 1 add-on program, and developed engaging, practice-based programs and courses that support diverse learner groups. Their collaborative work is grounded in strengthening learner outcomes and building sustainable program models, while maintaining the rigor and reputation of both the International Coaching Federation and the UW System.
Andy Miller
Andy Miller is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the College of Business at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. He teaches undergraduate, MBA, and Executive MBA courses in project management, strategy and change, and business analytics.
Before joining UW–Oshkosh full time, Andy worked as a software engineer and project manager in the technology industry. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh.
Andy is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM), and Prosci Certified Change Practitioner. In addition to teaching, he provides project management training and consulting for organizations and has led study abroad programs in Germany, Peru, Africa, the Netherlands, and Australia.
Stefanie Stamper
Stefanie Stamper began her career at UW-Parkside in January 2020 as an Outreach Program Manager for Professional Development. Prior to joining UW-Parkside, she spent five years as a Senior Trainer and Organizational Development Specialist, supporting employee learning and development in both the financial and healthcare industries.
In November 2022, Stefanie was promoted to Assistant Director of Noncredit Programs for Professional and Continuing Education. In this role, she oversees the following: a diverse portfolio of professional development and continuing education offerings, including those listed on Wisconsin’s Eligible Training Program List (ETPL, customized training partnerships with organizations, community enrichment programming, and UW-Parkside’s Adventures in Lifelong Learning (ALL) Institute. In addition, Stefanie leads marketing efforts for Professional and Continuing Education and serves as project manager for the UW-Parkside’s digital badging initiative.
Stefanie is actively involved on campus and in the community. She serves as Secretary of the Parkside Employee Alumni Group (PEAG) and is a member of the Leadership Racine Planning Committee. A proud graduate of Leadership Racine’s Class of 2023 and a 2007 UW-Parkside alumna, she is passionate about serving learners, professionals, employers, and the community through lifelong learning opportunities.
Outside of work, Stefanie is a certified instructor for Zumba, Zumba + Lift, Strong Nation, and Strong Nation with Weights. When she’s not teaching fitness classes, she enjoys volunteering with local community theaters, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Randy Barker
Randy Barker, M.S.Ed., LPC, is the Director of Student Health and Counseling Services and Founding Director of the Pruitt Center for Mindfulness and Well-Being at the University of Wisconsin–Superior. With more than 20 years of experience in counseling, higher education, teaching, and leadership, Randy is a sought-after speaker and trainer in mental health and well-being. He is the creator of the PERMANENT Model of Well-Being, a holistic framework integrating the mind, body, and spirit to help individuals and organizations strengthen well-being and thrive.
Wendy Norem
Wendy Norem is the Associate Director of Marketing at the UW-Milwaukee’s School of Continuing Education, where she leads strategic marketing initiatives that drive enrollment, engagement and revenue growth. With more than 30 years of experience in marketing and branding, Wendy has successfully navigated the evolution from traditional media to today’s digital-first landscape. She is passionate about combining data-driven insights, compelling storytelling, and effective project management to create impactful marketing strategies.
Lauren Seidl
Lauren Seidl is the Communications Specialist at UW-Milwaukee’s School of Continuing Education, where she leads social media and content strategy. With over a decade of experience across tourism, e-commerce and higher ed, she’s managed a number of social channels with varying budgets, audiences and branding needs.
Samantha Meyer
I specialize in identifying where systems create confusion or pain points for students, and translating complex processes into clearer, more intuitive experiences across the full student lifecycle—from initial enrollment, through participation, and re-enrollment. Naturally data-driven and fueled by curiosity, I focus on how people interact with systems and use those insights to design more accessible, learner-centered approaches to higher education.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00 am - 9:00 am |
Registration/Continental Breakfast - The Grand Ballroom BC |
| 9:00 am - 9:10 am |
Opening | Presenter - The Grand Ballroom BC |
| 9:10 am - 10:15 am |
Keynote PresentationThe Art and Science of Listening| Randy Barker - The Grand Ballroom BCThis one-hour workshop will explore how being truly listened to impacts the brain, reduces stress, and strengthens connection. Participants will learn practical science-based listening skills and strategies that enhance trust, improve communication, and foster psychological safety in both personal and professional relationships. |
| 10:15 am - 10:30 am |
Break |
| 10:30 am - 11:15 am |
Breakout Session ILeveraging LinkedIn: Organic Posting Strategies to Broaden Your Visibility | Wendy Norem and Lauren Siedl - Room 209Struggling to get seen on LinkedIn? This session breaks down ways to get more eyes on your content by leaning into personal accounts and leveraging LinkedIn as a source preferred by artificial intelligence. Building Connections, Sharing Solutions, and Strengthening Continuing Education Across Wisconsin. | Stefanie Stamper - Room 213Back by popular demand! After a great response and engaging conversations last year, we’re bringing this networking session back to continue building connections among continuing education professionals across Wisconsin. Join colleagues from around the state for a fast-paced, interactive 45-minute session focused on sharing ideas, discussing common challenges, exploring emerging trends, and identifying opportunities for collaboration. Through networking activities and group discussion, participants will exchange practical strategies, make valuable connections, and leave with new ideas and resources to support their work throughout the year. |
| 11:15 am - 11:30 am |
Break |
| 11:30 am - 12:15 pm |
Breakout Session IIThe Learner Experience Audit: Identifying Communication Gaps Between Systems and Students | Samantha Meyer - Room 209This session explores how communication across continuing education systems shapes the full student experience—from initial interest and enrollment through course participation and re-enrollment. When messaging, instructions, and expectations are unclear or inconsistent, students may hesitate, disengage, or fail to return for additional learning. Using learner personas and journey mapping, participants will examine their own programs from the student perspective to identify where clarity breaks down across the entire lifecycle. The focus is on practical strategies to improve communication, reduce friction, and create a more seamless and understandable experience that supports both enrollment and continued participation. ”With 14 years of experience at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee’s School of Continuing Education, including nearly a decade as Program Manager for the Languages Department, I now serve in a technical and systems-focused role within the Center for Advancing Student Learning. My work centers on how institutional systems shape the student experience in continuing education, with an emphasis on communication clarity and process design. Addressing Burnout from Awareness to Action | Add Randy - Room 213Today’s professionals face unprecedented stress and emotional demands, resulting in rising burnout and disengagement. This one-hour workshop offers practical, science-based well-being strategies easily integrated into the workplace. Participants will learn how small, intentional shifts in daily routines can meaningfully boost both personal and professional well-being. |
| 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm |
Lunch and Networking | Room |
| 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm |
Breakout Session IIIPause the Fixing: A Coaching Mindset Lab | Samantha Dye and Michelle Galarowicz - Room 209Stop solving—start coaching. In this engaging, practice-based lab, participants will experience how pausing to get curious can spark deeper insight, stronger collaboration, and more sustainable solutions. Participants are invited to bring a real, current challenge and immediately apply the core skills of a coaching mindset—curiosity, listening, and reflection. Co-facilitated by a UW–Madison program developer and UW-Madison program specialist who have partnered for years, this session reflects a collaborative approach grounded in both coaching and learning design. Their partnership is rooted in the same practices this session will teach—curiosity, reflection, and thoughtful inquiry—enabling them to consistently deliver high-quality programs for diverse learner groups. Rather than jumping straight to advice or solutions, participants will engage in guided triad conversations to ask thoughtful questions, listen for meaning, and offer reflective insights. Facilitators will provide framing, prompts, and debriefs that connect practice directly to coaching competencies and effective learning design. This session is relevant for anyone who works with colleagues, learners, or teams and wants more effective ways to support growth and think through challenges. Participants will leave with:
At its core, this session invites a shift in how we show up with others’ challenges—recognizing that insight and meaningful change often emerge not from solving, but from slowing down, getting curious, and creating space for reflection. Rescuing Projects in Trouble | Andy Miller - Room 213Projects don’t always go according to plan. Missed deadlines, budget pressures, changing priorities, unclear expectations, team challenges, and unexpected risks can quickly turn a promising project into one that is struggling. Unfortunately, some of the most common responses to a troubled project can actually make things worse rather than better. In this session, participants will explore how to recognize the warning signs of a project in trouble, identify the underlying causes rather than simply treating the symptoms, and determine what can be done to get the project back on track. Through practical examples, participants will leave with a structured approach they can use to diagnose problems, make informed decisions, and rescue troubled projects. |
| 2:00 pm - 2:15 pm |
Refreshment Break | The Grand Ballroom BC |
| 2:15 pm - 3:00 pm |
Venue, Hotel and Parking
Venue:
The meeting will be held at the Universities of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Address: UW-Oshkosh Culver Welcome Center, 625 Pearl Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54901
Conference Room: Grand Ballroom BC, Conference Room 209 and 213
Building Map
Parking Information
Parking Map

Complimentary parking on a first-come, first-served basis is available to guests of the CFWC in parking lot #6, adjacent to the facility.
All other campus parking lots require a parking permit.
Hotel
Rooms available at:
Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center
Hotel Accommodations: No room block has been reserved at this hotel. Rooms are available at the Wisconsin state rate, subject to availability. Attendees may also book their hotel accommodations through Concur.
Book your room for UW CE Conference
- $101-$110 USD per night (Pick Government State Rate)
- Complimentary parking
- UW WisCard at check-in to qualify for state rate
- Valid tax-exempt certificate must be provided at check-in or emailed in advance to reservations@scarletthotelgroup.com
- When submitting the certificate by email, please include the guest’s name, arrival date, and confirmation number for reference.
- Last Day to Book: September 27, 2026, subject to availability
Keynote Presentation
The Art and Science of Listening | Randy Barker - The Great Hall
Breakout Sessions
Pause the Fixing: A Coaching Mindset Lab | Samantha Dye and Michelle Galarowicz - Room 209
Stop solving—start coaching. In this engaging, practice-based lab, participants will experience how pausing to get curious can spark deeper insight, stronger collaboration, and more sustainable solutions. Participants are invited to bring a real, current challenge and immediately apply the core skills of a coaching mindset—curiosity, listening, and reflection.
Co-facilitated by a UW–Madison program developer and UW-Madison program specialist who have partnered for years, this session reflects a collaborative approach grounded in both coaching and learning design. Their partnership is rooted in the same practices this session will teach—curiosity, reflection, and thoughtful inquiry—enabling them to consistently deliver high-quality programs for diverse learner groups.
Rather than jumping straight to advice or solutions, participants will engage in guided triad conversations to ask thoughtful questions, listen for meaning, and offer reflective insights. Facilitators will provide framing, prompts, and debriefs that connect practice directly to coaching competencies and effective learning design.
This session is relevant for anyone who works with colleagues, learners, or teams and wants more effective ways to support growth and think through challenges. Participants will leave with:
- A clearer understanding of what a coaching mindset is (and is not)
- Fresh perspectives on their own challenge
- Practical coaching skills they can apply immediately
- Insight into how structured practice and facilitation design deepen learning
At its core, this session invites a shift in how we show up with others’ challenges—recognizing that insight and meaningful change often emerge not from solving, but from slowing down, getting curious, and creating space for reflection.
Building Connections, Sharing Solutions, and Strengthening Continuing Education Across Wisconsin. | Stefanie Stamper - Room 213
Back by popular demand! After a great response and engaging conversations last year, we’re bringing this networking session back to continue building connections among continuing education professionals across Wisconsin.
Join colleagues from around the state for a fast-paced, interactive 45-minute session focused on sharing ideas, discussing common challenges, exploring emerging trends, and identifying opportunities for collaboration. Through networking activities and group discussion, participants will exchange practical strategies, make valuable connections, and leave with new ideas and resources to support their work throughout the year.
Rescuing Projects in Trouble | Andy Miller - Room 213
Projects don’t always go according to plan. Missed deadlines, budget pressures, changing priorities, unclear expectations, team challenges, and unexpected risks can quickly turn a promising project into one that is struggling. Unfortunately, some of the most common responses to a troubled project can actually make things worse rather than better. In this session, participants will explore how to recognize the warning signs of a project in trouble, identify the underlying causes rather than simply treating the symptoms, and determine what can be done to get the project back on track. Through practical examples, participants will leave with a structured approach they can use to diagnose problems, make informed decisions, and rescue troubled projects.
Leveraging LinkedIn: Organic Posting Strategies to Broaden Your Visibility | Wendy Norem and Lauren Siedl - Room 209
Struggling to get seen on LinkedIn? This session breaks down ways to get more eyes on your content by leaning into personal accounts and leveraging LinkedIn as a source preferred by artificial intelligence.
The Learner Experience Audit: Identifying Communication Gaps Between Systems and Students | Samantha Meyer - Room 209
This session explores how communication across continuing education systems shapes the full student experience—from initial interest and enrollment through course participation and re-enrollment. When messaging, instructions, and expectations are unclear or inconsistent, students may hesitate, disengage, or fail to return for additional learning. Using learner personas and journey mapping, participants will examine their own programs from the student perspective to identify where clarity breaks down across the entire lifecycle. The focus is on practical strategies to improve communication, reduce friction, and create a more seamless and understandable experience that supports both enrollment and continued participation. ”With 14 years of experience at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee’s School of Continuing Education, including nearly a decade as Program Manager for the Languages Department, I now serve in a technical and systems-focused role within the Center for Advancing Student Learning. My work centers on how institutional systems shape the student experience in continuing education, with an emphasis on communication clarity and process design.
Addressing Burnout from Awareness to Action | Add Randy- Room 213
Today’s professionals face unprecedented stress and emotional demands, resulting in rising burnout and disengagement. This one-hour workshop offers practical, science-based well-being strategies easily integrated into the workplace. Participants will learn how small, intentional shifts in daily routines can meaningfully boost both personal and professional well-being.
Registration for the UW Continuing Education Conference is now open.
Registration is free for all attendees. To register, click the link below and complete the registration form by September 16.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Inga Dilla at Inga.Dilla@wisconsin.edu.
