AASCU’s American Democracy Project at Compact26
Join us in Chicago, where together we’ll strengthen civic learning and democracy at regional public universities through collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment.
Register now.
Reimagining civic engagement together.
For more than 20 years, AASCU’s nonpartisan American Democracy Project (ADP) has helped nearly 300 state colleges and universities prepare informed, active citizens who engage with different viewpoints and perspectives to drive collective progress. ADP continues to prepare students to lead in our democracy during a time of significant change and challenge. The need to reimagine and recommit to our civic engagement mission is more urgent than ever, and meeting this moment requires vision, collaboration, and connection across institutions and sectors.
That’s why we’re convening AASCU’s American Democracy Project at Compact26 on March 15–16, 2026, for a day and a half of ADP-focused dialogue, collaboration, and collective envisioning directly preceding the Campus Compact Annual Meeting (Compact26, March 16–18). We’ll accelerate the momentum gained during the 2025 American Democracy Project Summit.
This is more than a scheduling decision — it’s a strategic alignment. This collaboration reflects our belief that partnerships are essential. Campus Compact shares our commitment to democratic engagement, full participation through civic learning, and the public purposes of higher education. By convening together, we can strengthen our ADP community, build stronger coalitions, share tools and strategies, and support each other’s work in new and meaningful ways.
What to Expect:
- Facilitated discussions and invited speakers
- Opportunities to shape the future of ADP
- Space to imagine, plan, and build in community
- Professional development for civic educators and leaders
- Deeper partnerships and cross-campus connection
- A shared commitment to democracy that works for everyone
Who should attend:
- Faculty
- Staff
- Students
- Senior campus leaders
- Student affairs administrators
- Community partners
Benefits of participation:
- A dedicated focus on civic education at regional public universities through invited speakers and facilitated discussions designed specifically for the ADP community
- Opportunities to shape the future of ADP and collectively reimagine civic learning and democratic engagement in response to today’s challenges
- Stronger partnerships and peer connections across AASCU campuses, and with cross-sector allies who share a commitment to democracy and civic engagement
- Space to reflect, recharge, and build community with colleagues equally committed to advancing democracy in higher education
- Strategic collaboration with Campus Compact, giving participants access to both a tightly focused ADP gathering, and the expansive national Campus Compact network
Share your ideas, energy, and innovations to shape the future of the American Democracy Project.
ADP invites proposals for posters and ignite talks to be presented during ADP at Compact26 in Chicago. These sessions provide opportunities to share innovative ideas, showcase transformative campus projects, and inspire colleagues as we collectively shape the future of ADP.
- Posters offer a visual and conversational way to showcase your work in conversation with other attendees;
- Ignite talks are a compelling message delivered on the main stage in five minutes using 20 slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds.
Join us March 15–18, 2026, as we convene with purpose, reflect with clarity, and build the next era of civic engagement in higher education.
American Democracy Project at Compact26
March 15-16 ONLY
- $200
Compact26
March 15-18 INCLUDES ADP
- $875 (early bird-until Jan.15)
- $950 (regular-after Jan.16)
Frequently asked questions
No. If you only want to attend AASCU’s American Democracy Project register at this link [coming soon].
No. If you plan to attend both, register through Campus Compact. When you register for Compact26, you will select American Democracy Project at Compact26 as part of your registration process there.
This gathering is dedicated to reimagining the American Democracy Project for today’s democratic moment. It will feature invited speakers, campus-member led facilitated themed discussions, and collaborative planning sessions.
We believe collaboration is essential in this moment. Campus Compact’s mission to advance civic and community engagement in higher education aligns closely with AASCU’s goals for the American Democracy Project. Convening alongside their annual meeting allows us to strengthen partnerships, share strategies, and broaden our collective impact. We also hope this will maximize affordability and access for our ADP campuses, as we know conference travel can be expensive and time consuming.
In our previous collaboration with NASPA, we held a combined conference that integrated multiple types of higher education institutions. With American Democracy Project at Compact 26, we are maintaining a separate, dedicated gathering tightly focused on civic education at regional public universities, while still connecting with a larger national network through Campus Compact.
No.
Yes. If you sign-up to attend ADP you will get Campus Compact Member pricing for Compact26.
Our Impact
90%
90% of participants felt more connected to their colleagues after the 2025 ADP Summit
95%
95% of participants rated the relevance of topics at the 2025 ADP Summit at Excellent (66%) or Good (29%)
“I feel less lonely in the work of supporting dialogue and democracy in higher ed and the non-profit world. Public Libraries are a powerful venue and resource to promote local relationship building (crucial to improve the state of democracy). Its time to partner to have bigger impact.”
“Fighting for democracy requires continued patience and collaboration, but we can’t give up. I left with a renewed sense of community that I needed after a tough year.”
Accommodations
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 E Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL, 60602
Centrally located on the banks of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago, the hotel is steps away from numerous dining and entertainment options. It is also a short walk from the Chicago Riverwalk, Millennium Park, and much more. The hotel is conveniently located just a few blocks from several CTA stations, providing easy access to both Midway and O’Hare airports and much of the city.
Campus Compact and AASCU have a room block available at a reduced rate of $199 per night, plus taxes and fees. You can modify and cancel reservations online, and take advantage of any room upgrades, amenities, or other services offered by the Hyatt Regency Chicago by clicking the button below or calling 312-565-1234, ext. 50, and using the code G-XCCM. If you book through the link, the group rate is automatically applied. If you prefer to call, please mention you are with Compact26 and provide the code.
Reserve by Mar. 1, 2026.
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.
Our Partner
Questions about ADP at Compact26? Let us know.
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