AASCU 2026 Annual Conference for Presidents and Chancellors
Engage with colleagues and subject matter experts for community, resources, and hope amid the challenges facing higher education.
Save the date.
Join us this November in Savannah.
Beacons of Hope: Regional Public Universities Delivering America’s Promise.
Regional public universities (RPUs) serve as beacons of hope in their communities by catalyzing social mobility, preparing learners to lead and serve in a rapidly changing world, aligning education and workforce needs, strengthening local economies, and fostering civic responsibility.
The AASCU Annual Conference is the premiere convening of RPU presidents and chancellors. This event is uniquely focused on:
- Learning, reflection, and authentic connection
- Public, access-oriented universities
- Civic connections, student outcomes, and workforce partnerships
- Presidential leadership and decision-making
Who should attend?
- Presidents and chancellors
- Presidential spouses/partners
Benefits of participation:
- Gain strategic insights from thought leaders on national and state trends shaping higher education
- Engage in meaningful peer dialogue on leadership challenges and opportunities unique to RPUs
- Strengthen professional networks and trusted relationships with presidential colleagues
- Leave with renewed perspectives, practical ideas, and a stronger sense of shared mission
- Reflect, strategize, learn, and share promising practices
- Benefit from leadership-focused engagement opportunities for spouses and partners
Program highlights
Our conference is designed to support learning, authentic connections, and reflection.
- Inspiring plenary sessions focused on the unique value proposition of RPUs and how we tell the story of our collective impact, as well as trends from across sectors impacting and influencing higher education, updates from the Hill, and more
- Engaging sessions and conversations for participants to reflect, strategize, share solutions, and build community
- Networking and connecting opportunities during meals, receptions, committee meetings, and affinity group gatherings
- A sunset riverboat cruise offering space to connect, reflect, recharge and enjoy historic Savannah views, storytelling, and southern hospitality
Check out the programming we have planned.
Confirmed Plenary Session Speakers
President-to-Presidents Lecturer
Distinguished Alumnus Award Winner
Impact
2025 annual conference highlights:
93%
Percent of attendees that rated the relevance of topics and issues covered as excellent or good
96%
Percent of attendees that felt more connected to their colleagues after attending
97%
Percent of attendees that rated the speaker quality as excellent or good
“The current environment is extremely challenging, especially for regional public universities, yet we all are finding ways to continue to serve students and improve outcomes. I’m so proud of my colleagues across the country and grateful for AASCU’s advocacy and bringing us together. We are stronger together!”
“A quality convening with inclusive speakers and thought leaders that focused on reimagining the possible. Truly one of the best AASCU presidential convenings.”
Join us in Savannah.
Registration will open in mid-May.
Registration fees
| ATTENDEE TYPE | EARLY BIRD RATE (BY JULY 27) |
REGULAR RATE (AFTER JULY 27) |
|---|---|---|
| Member Presidents/Chancellors | $1,200 | $1,350 |
| Non-Member Presidents/Chancellors | $2,200 | $2,350 |
| Former President/Chancellors, AASCU Consultants |
$900 | $1,050 |
| Spouses/Partners (including those of former presidents/chancellors) |
$775 | $900 |
If you need assistance with the registration process, please contact meetings@aascu.org or call Felicia Durham, Senior Meetings and Membership Associate, at (202) 478-4673.
If you need to cancel your registration, please review the refund schedule below:
Refund Schedule
- Cancellations received before August 21, 2026: Eligible for a 90% refund
- Cancellations received between August 21, 2026, and October 23, 2026: Eligible for a 50% refund
- Cancellations received after October 23, 2026, or no-shows: No refund available
Refund Processing
All approved refunds will be issued within 30 days of receiving the refund request.
How to Cancel
Send your request to Natalie Whisonant with the subject line: AC26 Cancellation. If payment was made by check, please include the name of the person or organization to whom the refund should be issued.
Accommodations
Hyatt Regency Savannah
2 W. Bay Street
Savannah, GA 31401
AASCU Rate: $267 plus 15% local GA taxes per night
Reserve by Friday, Oct. 23
AASCU is committed to the health, safety and well-being of all attendees at our gatherings. We follow all local rules and CDC guidance and closely monitor conditions related to COVID-19 and other public health emergencies. Attendees at all AASCU events agree to adhere to the following health and safety protocols.
Before leaving home
- AASCU strongly encourages all participants to be fully vaccinated. The CDC provides definitions of “fully vaccinated” and “up to date.”
- Stay home if you feel unwell or have any COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. We recommend attendees wear masks while traveling to and from the event and follow COVID-19 safety practices in the days leading up to the event.
- We strongly encourage attendees to take a rapid antigen COVID-19 test before traveling and before arriving to AASCU convenings.
Onsite during the event
- Masks are recommended and will be available at the registration desk.
- If you are experiencing cold or COVID-19 symptoms please be respectful and wear a mask.
- Self-administered COVID-19 rapid antigen tests will be available at the registration desk. We encourage participants test themselves upon arrival before joining the conference.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
- If you feel unwell, develop symptoms of COVID-19, or test positive for COVID-19 at any time during the convening, seek medical care and do not attend the meals or gatherings.
- If you test positive during the conference, please notify AASCU staff by emailing meetings@aascu.org.
AASCU reserves the right to modify these policies and procedures at any time given the rapidly changing nature of any current and ongoing public health emergencies.
AASCU is committed to making our convenings accessible to all individuals. If you need auxiliary aids or services, please email us (meetings@aascu.org) at the time you register.
By participating in an AASCU conference, you are automatically authorizing AASCU to use your name, photograph, voice, or another likeness for purposes related to the mission of AASCU, including but not limited to publicity, marketing, websites, social media vehicles, and any other AASCU-related electronic forms or media for the promotion of AASCU and its various programs.
Please complete the form at the bottom of this page to inquire about partnership opportunities for this event.
2026 Annual Conference Partners
Complete the form below if you are interested in being a partner in our event.
Questions about the 2026 Annual Conference? Let us know.
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