Pre- & Post-Cons
This list of workshops is subject to change as additional workshops are finalized and added to the agenda.
Pre-Conference Activities
April 11 - 12
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
New CEO Academy
What’s included: Breakfast, lunch, reception, snacks, and materials
Price: $600 for members; $1200 for non-members
(You must be a new first-time CEO to participate in this workshop.)
This two-day professional development opportunity for CEOs in their first two years will cover the most pressing trends and issues impacting our sector. Participate with your peers and hear from equity, enrollment management, and college operations experts. Case studies and other hands-on activities will be included in this session. (Breakfast and lunch included, as well as a closing reception.)
April 12
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The AACC Unconference: Where Attendees Control the Agenda
An unconference is a participant-driven meeting in which the agenda is set by attendees, often emphasizing collaboration and open discussion rather than formal presentations. It encourages interaction, networking, and the sharing of ideas in a more fluid, informal setting than traditional conferences.
8:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Ask a Search Consultant
Deposit: $50
Need help determining what you need to do to excel in your career. Book a session with a veteran search consultant for personalized support in career advancement. Participants in these 20-minute meetings are required to upload their current resumes and answer two key questions:
- Aspiring Position - articulate the job role they aim for next, encouraging clarity in their immediate career objectives.
- Ultimate Career Goal -- reflect on their long-term professional aspirations, fostering a vision for their career trajectory
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Foresight Essentials for Higher Education
Member Rate: $400; Non-Member Rate $800
Strategic foresight involves tools, processes, and mindsets for navigating the uncertainties in higher education. This half-day learning experience is designed for leaders who want to integrate more foresight into their roles and organizations. Participants will learn from faculty at the Institute for the Future (IFTF), the world’s oldest independent futures organization, to strengthen their foresight and insight skills through practical, hands-on exercises using tried-and-true tools and frameworks. In this session, you will grasp fundamental foresight concepts, ignite your strategic creativity—even if you don’t believe you have a great imagination—and come away with ideas for applying futures thinking processes to your work. We will address:
- Defining the professional strategic foresight practice
- Use cases for foresight in the higher education sector
In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of social media influencing across different generations. The session focuses on essential skills for becoming an effective influencer, emphasizing authenticity, high-quality content creation, and a deep passion for one's niche. By the end of the session, attendees will have a comprehensive toolkit to help them thrive as authentic influencers who create captivating content and resonate personally with their communities, regardless of generational differences.
Unlocking the Power of Workforce Pell: Mobilizing Community Colleges for Learner and Employer Success
Member Rate: $400; Non-Member Rate $800
Join us for the workshop "Unlocking the Power of Workforce Pell: Mobilizing Community Colleges for Learner and Employer Success," where we will explore actionable strategies for community colleges to effectively prepare for the anticipated changes in Pell Grant eligibility stemming from the upcoming Negotiated Rulemaking. As the landscape of workforce development shifts, this session will provide insights into how institutions can design and implement short-term training programs that meet the demands of high-wage, in-demand jobs while qualifying for Pell funding. Participants will learn best practices for aligning academic offerings with industry needs, effectively engaging with local employers, and creating pathways that support both learner success and workforce readiness. Through collaborative discussions and practical exercises, attendees will develop a roadmap to ensure their colleges are equipped to leverage Pell Grants for innovative programs that enhance access to education, support equitable workforce participation, and ultimately benefit their local economies. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the full potential of Workforce Pell and empower your community.
How to Up Your Influencer and Social Content Game
Member Rate: $400; Non-Member Rate $800
In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of social media influencing across different generations. The session focuses on essential skills for becoming an effective influencer, emphasizing authenticity, high-quality content creation, and a deep passion for one's niche. By the end of the session, attendees will have a comprehensive toolkit to help them thrive as authentic influencers who create captivating content and resonate personally with their communities, regardless of generational differences.
Post-Conference Activities
April 14
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Each session is $200 for members and $500 for non-members.
Reimagining the Path: Transforming the College-to-Career Pipeline for Tomorrow's Workforce
In this workshop, participants will explore innovative models designed to bridge the gap between higher education and employment. The discussion will focus on integrating college curricula with workforce needs, emphasizing experiential learning opportunities, industry partnerships, and competency-based education. Attendees will learn about successful case studies demonstrating practical strategies for aligning academic programs with in-demand job skills, as well as resources that empower colleges to facilitate student placements directly related to their earned credentials. This session aims to equip educators and administrators with actionable insights and tools to enhance graduates' employability and foster collaborative relationships with employers, ultimately transforming the pathway from college to career for future professionals.
Academic Freedom on College Campuses
In an era where educational institutions face increasing pressures from political, social, and administrative influences, this workshop will provide a platform for educators, administrators, and policy advocates to discuss the importance of safeguarding academic integrity and fostering an environment conducive to open inquiry. Participants will delve into case studies that highlight both the challenges and successes related to academic freedom in community colleges. Through interactive discussions and collaborative activities, attendees will work together to identify strategies for promoting a culture of intellectual freedom that empowers faculty and students alike. The workshop will also address the legal and ethical frameworks governing academic freedom, as well as practical tools for advocating for and protecting individual rights within the educational landscape. By the end of the session, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the role of academic freedom in enhancing educational outcomes, as well as the tools needed to champion this essential principle on their campuses.
Best Practice Models Supporting Student Basic Needs
Join us for the workshop "Best Practice Models Supporting Student Basic Needs," where we will explore innovative and effective strategies to address students' essential needs in higher education. As the financial, emotional, and physical well-being of students increasingly impacts their academic success, this session will highlight proven models that institutions can adopt to ensure holistic support. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions and share insights on programs focused on food security, housing stability, mental health resources, and financial literacy. By examining case studies from institutions that have successfully implemented these practices, attendees will gain practical tools and actionable takeaways to enhance their support systems and foster an inclusive campus environment where every student can thrive. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your approach to student success.
Setting the Right Conditions to Implement AI Solutions on Your Campus
Join us for an insightful workshop, "Setting the Right Conditions to Implement AI Solutions on Your Campus," designed for educators, administrators, and technology leaders eager to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence in higher education. As AI continues to reshape the landscape of learning and administrative processes, it’s essential to understand how to create an environment conducive to successful implementation. Participants will explore the foundational elements for effectively integrating AI solutions, including aligning institutional vision, fostering a culture of innovation, and engaging stakeholders across departments. Through a combination of expert presentations, real-world case studies, and interactive discussions, attendees will gain practical insights into identifying specific needs, addressing potential challenges, and ensuring equitable access to AI technologies for both faculty and students. Additionally, the workshop will cover best practices for building interdisciplinary teams, securing necessary resources, and evaluating the impact of AI initiatives on educational outcomes. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and strategies to create sustainable conditions for AI adoption on their campuses, ultimately enhancing the educational experience and improving operational efficiency. Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of the AI revolution in higher education!
Expanding Horizons: High Quality, High Demand Career and Technical Education
Join us for the workshop "Expanding Horizons: High Quality, High Demand Career and Technical Education," where we will explore innovative approaches to developing career and technical education programs that align with the needs of the future workforce. With a focus on leveraging foresight methodologies from the Institute for the Future, participants will learn how to identify emerging professions that not only promise high wages but also contribute to economic resilience and growth. Through collaboration with industry partners, attendees will discover practical strategies for designing and implementing training programs that equip students with the skills needed for high-demand jobs. This interactive session will feature best practices, case studies, and expert insights on building curricula that anticipate market shifts, ensuring that institutions are not only responsive but also proactive in their educational offerings. Join us to expand your institution's capacity to empower students for success in a rapidly evolving job landscape.
Guided Pathways: Are the College’s Practices Aligned with the Student Voice
In the session "Guided Pathways: Are the College’s Practices Aligned with the Student Voice," participants will explore the critical relationship between institutional practices and student experiences in higher education. The workshop will highlight transformative initiatives undertaken by colleges that prioritize aligning their practices with the needs and aspirations of students, ensuring that their voices are integral to the redesign process. Drawing on real-life examples, attendees will engage in discussions about effective strategies for soliciting and incorporating student feedback into program development and decision-making. By emphasizing the importance of student participation, this session aims to empower colleges to create more responsive and supportive pathways that enhance student success and foster a culture of inclusivity and collaboration.
Bridging Opportunity Gaps: Using Data to Support Student Success in the Current Environment
We will tackle the current challenges facing higher education in the wake of shifting political landscapes and data scrutiny. As institutions navigate an environment increasingly skeptical of conventional data practices, this session will focus on innovative ways to harness data to identify and address issues that hinder student completion rates. Participants will engage in discussions on alternative data-collection methods, leveraging qualitative insights, and fostering collaborations across departments to build a comprehensive understanding of student needs. Through real-world examples and expert perspectives, attendees will explore how to adapt existing frameworks to effectively use data to drive interventions, craft policies, and enhance institutional practices that support all students. This session promises to equip participants with actionable strategies to champion data-informed decision-making and advocate for equitable student success, even under challenging circumstances.
Media 101: The Basics that Every President Should Know (CEO-only)
In the exclusive session "Media 101: The Basics that Every President Should Know," designed specifically for CEOs and institutional leaders, participants will gain crucial insights into the media landscape that impacts higher education. The workshop will cover essential media law topics, including free speech, defamation, and copyright, and will also address strategies for effective crisis communication. Through real-world case studies, attendees will explore the implications of media interactions and learn how to engage proactively with stakeholders. Interactive, hands-on exercises will empower leaders to apply their learning directly to campus scenarios, enhancing their skills in crafting messages, managing press relations, and leveraging social media. This session aims to equip college presidents with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the dynamic media environment confidently, ensuring effective leadership in both routine and crisis situations.
