We are excited to be hosting the 2026 ACUI Annual Conference from March 8–12 in Pittsburgh, and it is our hope that educational submissions help create a meaningful and engaging educational experience for all of our attendees. Students and professional staff from all specialities, levels of leadership, regions, and involvement within ACUI are invited to submit a proposal. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, September 9.
As you consider your session proposal, we invite you to reflect on this year’s conference vision:
We envision a future where support and growth thrive readily through authentic connections, with peopleness at the center—empowering individuals, fostering community, and inspiring transformation in higher education through a caring, encouraging, and brave approach.
With that vision in mind, our theme focuses on support, growth, and readiness. We welcome session proposals that explore one or more of the following:
Proposals that highlight brave, caring, or encouraging approaches are strongly encouraged.
In addition to the themes, we are seeking out more education sessions on the topics members are asking for:
Your voice is important as our profession continues to learn and grow together. We hope you’ll join us by presenting a session at the Annual Conference and use the themes highlighted above to help you create your session submission.
Please note, you will need to create an account and profile with Sessionize, ACUI's platform for managing sessions, prior to submitting.
Presentation Types
25-Minute Flash Session
A 25-minute presentation on a selected topic to be presented individually or with a co-presenter(s). This delivery format provides a quick exploration of a topic area in and is designed for quick takeaways.
50-Minute Standard Session
A 50-minute presentation on a selected topic to be presented individually or with a co-presenter(s). This delivery format often explains or explores a specific topic area in depth and engages participants to think deeper in selected areas.
90-Minute Extended Session
A 90-minute presentation on a selected topic to be presented individually or with a co-presenter(s). This delivery format provides an extended conversation and/or facilitation into a specific topic area which could also include components of reflections, case studies, and small group discussions.
Poster Session
A passive content delivery format that captures a snapshot of a given topic or content area via a poster. Information is geared toward engaging attendees with a focus on providing information in a fun, creative, succinct and engaging manner. This would be a separate display, not a part of the Education Blocks.
Other
Participants can choose to write in what type of session they would like to present (within the time constraints of the listed sessions above 25 or 50 minutes), and the Conference Program Team will follow up if the session is selected.
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Participation Types
Activity
A highly interactive session centered around doing or creating. Participants engage in hands-on experiences such as simulations, role-playing, or creative exercises. The emphasis is on active participation, learning by doing, and often generating tangible takeaways or new perspectives.
Audience Q&A
A session designed for participants to directly engage with the presenter(s) by asking questions related to the session topic. This format typically follows a presentation or panel and allows for clarification, deeper inquiry, and dynamic interaction between speakers and the audience.
Group Discussion
An open, facilitator-guided conversation involving all attendees. This format emphasizes real-time exchange of ideas, shared reflections, and collective learning around a focused topic.
Lecture
A structured presentation led by the presenter or co-presenters, sharing in-depth information, expertise, or research findings with the audience. While primarily one-directional, brief opportunities for questions or reflections may be included.
Panel Discussion
A moderated session where a group of experts or stakeholders share diverse perspectives on a focused topic. Each panelist contributes insights, followed by a facilitated dialogue among panelists and audience input.
Roundtable or Small Group Discussion
Facilitators lead a collaborative session supported by selected presenters, panelists, or resources. The focus is deep conversation among participants on one or more topics, driven by audience engagement and co-created dialogue.
Self-Guided Content
Participants engage with curated materials at their own pace. No formal facilitation or live instruction is involved, making this ideal for asynchronous or supplemental learning. Example content includes posters, digital media, or print.
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Eligibility
Every presenter at the ACUI Annual Conference must be registered for the conference. Additionally, all presenters must meet at least one of the following qualifications:
Community
ACUI is committed to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment at its conferences and events. During our programs, we want all participants to share ideas, network, and enjoy the company of others, and we recognize that our ability to create this experience depends on the behavior of all in attendance.
Event speakers are expected to conduct themselves according to ACUI’s core values, and the ethical standards of the profession. All members of the ACUI community are to be considerate; refrain from any demeaning, harassing, or discriminatory behavior or speech; and immediately comply with any requests to discontinue objectionable behavior. The following are examples of unacceptable behavior:
We ask that all presenters at ACUI conferences be mindful that our audiences include students and professionals from all types of campuses and educational institutions, as well as corporate and nonprofit members and partners. Every effort is expected of presenters and speakers to include appropriate language, material, and examples for the Association’s target audience and membership.
Additional Expectations
To successfully deliver your content, we will require each presenter to:
Please note that the Sessionize platform requires fields in speaker profiles, such as a tagline, biography, and photo. These fields are default in the system and are not used in publication associated with the conference. The biography section can be used to support your experience/expertise aligned with your session proposal.