New Presidents Academy

• Discussions of the evolving leadership competencies needed to lead in today’s complex and turbulent times
• Dialogues about AASCU institutions’ commitment to access and student success outcomes will be included throughout 
• We are committed to creating a supportive, engaging, and customized learning environment built on trust, confidentiality, and safety among the cohort 
• Program content is reevaluated each year to ensure we are meeting the needs of current presidents and chancellors and covering topics critical to the current context of higher education leadership 

• Support new presidents with a practical orientation to the presidency.  
• Create a community of support for new presidents to include peers and experienced (current and retired) presidents. The NPA network is an invaluable resource for presidents throughout their careers 
• Explore the president’s multiple roles  
• Assess current state of university including the effectiveness of the senior team

• Role of the president  
• Crisis management 
• Student-centered leadership 
• Fundraising  
• Strategic planning  
• Advocacy, government relations and advancement 
• Building and engaging your leadership team
• Financial management 

The 2026 NPA will take place from July to December 2026. 

 The program will feature:   

• Four-day, in-person gathering (July 22-25, 2026 at the Omni La Costa in Carlsbad, California)
• Monthly  interactive cohort gatherings via Zoom held over three months (August, September, and October) 
• Half-day in-person gathering in conjunction with AASCU’s Annual Conference (November 13-16, 2026 in Savannah, GA)  
• Formal mentoring with NPA faculty and current and retired AASCU presidents and chancellors (October 2026–May 2027)
• Access to AASCU (phone a friend) resource list of AASCU presidents and chancellors 

• The 2026 academy is open to first-time AASCU member and non-member presidents and chancellors appointed after July 2024.
• Exceptions may be made for presidents who began prior to July 2025 if space permits.
• All eligible members will be admitted as space allows.
• Nonmembers who are eligible will be allowed to register if space is available. 

No formal application is required. 

2026 Registration Fees

• Presidents/Chancellors from AASCU member institutions: $6,000
• Presidents/Chancellors from non-member institutions: $8,000 
• The registration fee covers program administration, meals during the in-person intensive, and all materials. The registration fee also includes participation in AASCU’s 2026 Annual Conference, November 13-16, Savannah, GA.

Scholarships

• Limited scholarships are available to accepted applicants from AASCU member institutions.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation requests received on or after June 1, 2026 are NOT eligible for a refund.
• If you need to cancel after June 1 please email leadershipdevelopment@aascu.org to explore if you are eligible for a deferral to a different iteration of NPA or receive a credit toward a different program.

The AASCU Spouse/Partner Program provides networking opportunities, professional development, and guidance, all tailored to the unique needs of presidential spouses and partners. Presidential spouses/ partners are encouraged to register for our 2026 New Presidents Academy. We have special spouse/partner programming and social activities planned in Carlsbad for NPA and our Annual Conference in Savannah, GA. 

2026 Registration Fees 

• Presidential spouse/partner from AASCU member institution: $1100
• Presidential spouse/partner from non-member institutions: $1200
• The registration fee includes meals during the NPA meeting and participation in AASCU’s 2026 Annual Conference, November 13-16, Savannah, GA