You’re invited to New York City, March 16–20, for the 2025 ACUI Annual Conference!

Registration
Schedule
Travel
Conference Program Team
The 2025 Conference Program Team is creating a meaningful and memorable experience in New York City, March 16–20. Through the planning process, the team was drawn to three main themes: Connecting, Innovating, and Big Ideas. 
  • Connecting: We want you to connect with each other, yourself, or and your work. We hope you’ll leave New York with a fuller heart than you came.
  • Innovating: We look forward to providing an educational experience that’s world-class, following in the footsteps of the city, which is led by creativity and the idea that anything is possible.
  • Big Ideas: New York is the Big Apple after all. We invite big ideas to be shared, so that when we leave, we’re ready to keep ourselves, our profession, and this Association moving forward.

It is our belief that guided by these themes and in partnership with our own ACUI Core Values we’re already working to create an impactful and meaningful Conference experience for everyone.

All-Conference Sessions

To connect and inspire, the 2025 Annual Conference will feature three all-conference sessions. Additional details will be available soon about the third session, but you won’t want to miss our opening and closing keynotes!

Opening Keynote: Rob Lawless

On a mission to spend one hour, 1-on-1, with 10,000 different people, Rob Lawless sees the world from an incredibly unique perspective. After earning a finance degree, working as a business analyst, and transitioning to a sales role at a venture-funded startup, he began to miss the authentic connection he’d experienced in college. As a result, he set off on a journey in November 2015 to meet 10,000 people for an hour each for no specific reason. The responses were overwhelmingly positive, and he began meeting people from incredibly diverse backgrounds. Lawless’s interactive and captivating keynote will take you through his incredible experience and share how making meaningful connections can drive growth and innovation within your organization.

Closing Keynote: Dr. Terrell Strayhorn

Dr. Terrell Strayhorn is a leading authority in the fields of education, psychology, and leadership—internationally known for his groundbreaking research and scholarship on sense of belonging. He currently serves as professor of education and psychology at Virginia Union University, where he also works as vice provost, interim dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, director of research in the Center for the Study of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and principal investigator of The Belonging Lab. Authoring over 12 books, more than 200 academic publications, and dozens of op-eds, letters, and blogs, Dr. Strayhorn has dedicated his career to working with individuals from diverse, vulnerable, and system-impacted backgrounds.  

Schedule

The 2025 Annual Conference will be full of opportunities to learn and connect as a community of professionals. Each day will feature a conference-wide experience—keynotes, talks, and adventure experiences. Following a wide range of preconference and tour programs, the event will start on Sunday, March 16, with welcome activities and keynote, regional meetings, an opening gathering, and special off-site regional campus visit and dinner experiences. Monday will include educational sessions, an all-conference sessions, and lunch at the opening of the ACUI Expo. Tuesday will feature educational sessions, the ACUI Expo, and the unique ACUI Adventure experiences in the afternoon. And Wednesday, March 27, will include educational sessions, the final keynote, and the annual closing banquet and celebration. Learn more about highlights from this year’s schedule below.

View Tentative Schedule
Senior Managers Program: Creating Inclusive Communities
Saturday, March 15, 1–8 p.m. & Sunday, March 16, 8:30 a.m.–Noon | Registration Fee: $175

This preconference program is designed for senior managers to address critical topics in student unions and student life. As student affairs practitioners, we are often charged with providing and creating spaces for our campus community members. The expectations and needs of our students, our staff, our community members as well as ourselves to be seen, heard, and valued is more important as ever. Often we are charged with creating and sustaining an inclusive campus culture while navigating a changing professional landscape and student demographic along with a variety of societal/political pressures and differing perspectives. How do senior professionals navigate understanding the work of creating a space of belonging and inclusion and increase learning and practicing the skills needed to support the humans that need that space, including themselves? These and other topics of conversations will be led by Dr. Tanya Williams of Authentic Coaching and Consulting, equity and belonging educator and consultant. Materials, one dinner, and coffee/breakfast snack are included as part of the registration fee.

Mental Health First Aid Training | Saturday, March 15, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Registration Fee: $160

Mental Health First Aid is an eight-hour course that teaches adults 18 years and older how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. All participants would receive a Mental Health First Aid certification after attending. Lunch and materials are included as part of the registration fee.

International Symposium – The Changing Role of the Student Union & Student Life
Saturday, March 15, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Registration Fee: $150

The International Symposium: The Changing Role of the Student Union & Student Life aims to bring together student union and student life leaders from around the globe. This thought-provoking event explores the evolving landscape of student unions and student life, and the critical role they play in shaping campus communities. Participants will be challenged to consider the future of student unions and student life, projecting themselves 10 years forward. What will change? How should we prepare? What should we prioritize?  This session will help professionals navigate what lies ahead, prioritize innovation, and develop future-oriented strategies. Lunch and materials are included as part of the registration fee. This session is being presented by the International Student Unions & Student Life Community of Practice.

Lessons Learned from the Commuter Student Capital of the World
Saturday, March 15, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Registration Fee: $55 

Participants will utilize New York City public transportation to visit campuses throughout the experience. We’ll depart the Marriott Marquis with a MetroCard and a sense of adventure as we ride the rails and walk the trails of an NYC commuter student. We’ll tour four distinct urban campuses along the #2 train line focusing on the commuter experience of each unique student body. We will visit Pace University (small, private), Medgar Evers College (small, public), SUNY–Downstate (medical school), and Brooklyn College (mid-size, public) throughout the day, meeting with constituents and touring spaces that focus on their commuter student experience. Along the way, we’ll be sure to build some community and probably some blisters, too! Transportation expenses are included as part of the registration fee. Lunch will be on your own during the experience, but we will have dedicated time to eat. Please note this experience will require a significant amount of walking. This session is being presented by the Commuter Campus Community of Practice.

Community of Practice for Multi-Ethnic Professionals & Allies (COMP): Transformational Leadership – An Exploration of Best Practices | Saturday, March 15, Noon–5 p.m. | Registration Fee: $55 

This preconference will be a discussion to prepare leaders in higher education with the knowledge, tools, and courage to meet complex challenges and create change at their institutions. The preconference will be a process where leaders engage and influence others by recognizing their needs, raising motivation, and providing ethical frameworks for data driven decision-making. Materials and a coffee/snack break are included as part of the registration fee. This session is being presented by the Multi-Ethnic Professionals & Allies Community of Practice (COMP).

Campuses in the Spotlight: Free Speech and Student Activism Center Stage
Saturday, March 15, 1–5 p.m. | Registration Fee: $55 

In the vibrant, ever-evolving landscape of higher education, the dynamics of free speech, campus activism, and active dialogue are critical. Join us for an engaging full-day preconference workshop where we delve into these pivotal topics through the lens of the performing arts. This preconference will provide participants with the tools and strategies needed to navigate and promote constructive conversations on campus. By the end of the day, attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of how to balance free speech, student activism, and your community standards; how to support diverse viewpoints; and how to turn potential conflicts into opportunities for growth and learning. Join us on this journey to ensure that every voice is heard and respected, both on and off the stage. Materials and a coffee/snack break are included as part of the registration fee. This session is being presented by the planning team of ACUI’s 2024 Active Dialogue Institute.

StrengthsFinder: Leveraging Your Strengths in Higher Education | Sunday, March 16, 9 a.m.–Noon Registration Fee: $65

Come join your peers on a journey to discover and leverage your strengths! This engaging and entertaining session will focus on learning about and applying your strengths in higher education. This session would be applicable for students and higher education professionals looking for specific strategies on using the StrengthsFinder assessment for personal and community growth. Using Gallup’s “Name It, Aim It, Claim It” philosophy, participants will leave the session with a new approach to goal setting, navigating difficult situations, and self-exploration. This session includes a code to take the Strengths assessment; however, participants do also have the option to use existing results. Materials, a StrengthsFinder assessment code, and a coffee/snack break are included as part of the registration fee.

Another PreCon for the Ages: Intergenerational Communication for Women in Student Affairs
SUNday, March 16, 9 a.m.–Noon | Registration Fee: $55

Join us for a second, deeper dive into intergenerational communication in the student union. Through a lively discussion, you will learn about the different generations in the workforce including character traits and best practices for interacting with these generations.  After our learning session, we will host an intergenerational panel discussing women in the workplace and how we can learn from and support each other.  We will wrap up the preconference by creating connections through roundtable discussions. Open to all genders, this session will build on our discussions from Denver, but attendance at last year’s event is not required. Materials and a coffee/snack break are included as part of the registration fee. This session is being presented by the Women’s Leadership Community of Practice.

The Complexities & Rewards of Student Organizations | Sunday, March 16, 9 a.m.–Noon | Registration Fee: $55

Join us in discussing and sharing the many complexities and rewarding aspects of advising student organizations. We’ll talk about the historical significance of student organizations to a college campus and how they continue to impact the higher education landscape. With free speech and freedom of assembly once again at the forefront of this work, a collaborative educational session can’t come at a better time. Materials and a coffee/snack break are included as part of the registration fee. This session is being presented by the Student Organization Advisors Community of Practice.

Hudson Theater Broadway Tour | Sunday, March 16, 9–11:30 a.m. | Registration Fee: $55 

Journey back in time and explore one of Broadway’s oldest venues, with a Hudson Theatre tour. Beginning in Times Square, tour-goers will be transported back to where it all began—in 1903 when the glitz and glamor of theatre was at its peak.
 
For over 100 years the theatre’s walls have witnessed tragedy, gangsters, and legends of pop culture, music, and Broadway who created iconic moments amid the glow of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s original lighting. For an hour and forty-five minutes guests will bask in these stories told in the theatrical silence of an empty Broadway theatre—a rare, one-of-a-kind experience to peek behind the curtain on Broadway! Utilizing iPads full of rarely seen photographs and videos from our intense research, you will see Hudson Theatre’s past and present merge like never before.
 
This is a walking tour that will require walking approximately one New York City block to the venue. Registration includes a ticket to the private tour.

Circle Line Cruise of Manhattan | Sunday, March 16, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Registration Fee: $55 

During this two hour and 30 minute cruise, you’ll cruise along all three NYC rivers, pass under 20 bridges, and see over 130 of the city’s most iconic landmarks including the Manhattan skyline, Little Island, Hudson Yards, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge and downtown Brooklyn, Yankee Stadium, the George Washington Bridge and, of course, an up close look at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island! Led by world-famous tour guides, telling the story of New York City as you journey around the full island and enjoy the best sightseeing experience NYC has to offer!
 
This cruise experience will require navigating to Pier 83 Midtown, approximately one mile from the conference hotel. Registration includes a ticket to board the temperature-controlled, state-of-the-art cruise boat for the guided tour.

Walking Tour: Greenwich Village & High Line | Sunday, March 16, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Registration Fee: $35 

On this three-hour walking tour, we’ll see 19th century row houses and cobbled streets which in the 20th century became where Jazz, art, gay rights, and culture thrived. We’ll be sure to include pop culture sites from movies and tv shows and where Bob Dylan arrived to New York. In the Meatpacking District, we’ll study how this neighborhood went from being half abandoned to being one of New York’s hippest areas. (Includes Chelsea Market, Meatpacking District, and Washington Square Park).
 
This is a walking tour that departs from and returns to the conference hotel. Registration includes a ticket to the guided walking tour and any required transportation to/from destinations.

Walking Tour: Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO | Sunday, March 16, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Registration Fee: $35 

On this three-hour walking tour, we pass beautiful brownstones on picturesque tree-lined streets and make our way through one of New York’s nicest new waterfront parks. We also venture into DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Underpass). Now fashionable, it was once a desolate industrial wasteland. Along the way, we’ll get incredible views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
 
This is a walking tour that departs from and returns to the conference hotel. Registration includes a ticket to the guided walking tour and any required transportation to/from destinations.

Walking Tour: Central Park and Upper West Side | Sunday, March 16, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Registration Fee: $35 

On this three-hour walking tour, we visit the must-see sites of the New York City’s massive 843-acre Central Park. Learn the secrets and backstories of Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Terrace, and the Dakota amongst others. We’ll also get a feel for neighborhood life in the Upper West Side, a classic New York neighborhood.
 
This is a walking tour that departs from and returns to the conference hotel. Registration includes a ticket to the guided walking tour and any required transportation to/from destinations.

Radio City Music Hall Tour | Tuesday, March 18, 9–11 a.m. | Registration Fee:  $35

Step into the spotlight with the Radio City Music Hall Tour Experience! Follow in the footsteps of legends like the Rockettes and musical greats on this captivating 60-minute guided tour. Immerse yourself in the unrivaled glamour and splendor of Radio City’s iconic architecture. Explore the Great Stage, discover the hidden gem, The Roxy Suite, and meet a Rockette in our newly designed experiential moment. Make your visit unforgettable—capture moments and share the magic!
 
This is a walking tour that will require walking approximately 0.5 miles (four blocks) to the venue. Registration includes a ticket to the private tour.

Chinatown & Little Italy Food Tour | Tuesday, March 18, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Registration Fee: $135

ACUI, take a taste of NYC! Enjoy the Best Food Tour in Little Italy & Chinatown, established 2009, featuring a three-hour food tour of two historic NYC neighborhoods! This tour has two to three seated tastings and five to six on-the-go tastings to ensure that you explore both neighborhoods in three hours. Experience Chinatown and Little Italy through flavor, culture, and history. As your intimate group is led through the maze of the streets that make up Chinatown and Little Italy, your licensed guide will make sure to entertain you with fascinating historical stories and fill your stomach with delicious tastings. You will be sure to discover secrets of the city, historic parks, and exquisite NYC architecture. After the tour, your guide will provide plenty of tips on additional places to see and eat. More information on this experience is available here.
 
Please note that due to scheduling obligations, participants of this experience will not be able to participate in ACUI Adventure.
 
This is a walking tour, and will require a subway ride between the hotel and the neighborhoods. Registration includes a guided tour, the outlined tastings, and subway transportation.

MetLife Stadium Tour | Wednesday, March 19, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Registration Fee: $55

Join ACUI for a one-of-kind experience! MetLife Stadium is home to not just one, but two NFL franchises, the NY Giants and NY Jets, is one of the largest stadiums in the NFL, and is one of the busiest stadiums in the world. MetLife has hosted major events including Super Bowl XLVIII, WrestleMania, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, NHL Stadium Series, and the Copa America Centenario Final. Additionally, they are honored to serve as the upcoming host stadium for the FIFA World Cup 26 Final. Now is your time to enjoy access as this tour invites you to take a behind the scenes look at all this stadium has to offer! Your guided tour will visit some of the stadium’s premium spaces, such as the Commissioners Club, Press Box, and luxury suites, as well as includes a walk on the field where some of your favorite athletes have played each week. Note that all aspects of this tour are subject to availability based on the stadium-wide event schedule.
 
This is a walking tour, and will require approximately a 30-min bus ride to the stadium. Registration includes a guided tour and bus transportation.

Apollo Theater Tour | Wednesday, March 19, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Registration Fee: $35 

Located in Harlem, The Apollo is a vibrant nonprofit organization that celebrates and presents work that centers Black artists and voices from across the African Diaspora. The tour will be led by Mr. Billy Mitchell, who has interacted with thousands of visitors from around the world, transporting them through The Apollos history and pivotal eras in Harlem. Through a unique presentation that is part performance and part historical lecture, he will share his backstage memories and stories about Apollo legends like James Brown, Stevie wonder, Mary J. Blige, and more. He connects the past, present, and future of The Apollo with his inspiring storytelling and behind-the-scenes insights.
 
This is a walking tour, and will require a subway ride between the hotel and the theater. Registration includes a guided tour and subway transportation.

Market 57 Chelsea Food Tour | Wednesday, March 19, 2:30–5:30 p.m. | Registration Fee: $105

ACUI, take a taste of NYC! Savor the culinary diversity at Market 57 Food Hall, New York City’s newest dining destination, curated by the James Beard Foundation. It showcases an array of deliciously innovative vendors from unique minority-and women-owned businesses. This two-hour indoor food tour features seven exclusive tastings, each skillfully prepared, providing a delectable exploration of New York City’s culinary landscape. The stunning views of NY Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Little Island, and Historic Pier 57, all within proximity to Chelsea Market and the High Line, create opportunities for the perfect New York City moment. More information on this experience is available here.
 
This is a walking tour, and will require a subway ride between the hotel and the neighborhoods.

Sunday, March 16, 6:30–9 p.m. | Registration Fee: $65 

Connect with colleagues from your geographic area on an opening night experience for dinner at a local campus on Sunday, March 16. Participants will travel to a nearby institution to see their facilities and enjoy a meal, while networking others from your region. Specific locations for each region’s experience will be shared by January when you will asked to sign up for a Tuesday afternoon ACUI Adventure. 
 
You belong to a region, and all conference registrants are encouraged to participate in these unique gatherings. Find out more about ACUI’s regions at www.acui.org/regions! 
 
Registration for these experiences will be an add-on during registration, and transportation and dinner are included in this registration fee. 
 

Tuesday, March 18, 1–5 p.m. | Registration Fee: Included with registration

ACUI Adventures will continue in New York City on Tuesday afternoon. During this educational opportunity, conference participants will get the chance to experience the city, area campuses, or take a deeper dive on a topic of interest. In January, conference registrants will be able to select from a number of unique experiences—all included in your conference registration fee.
 
Special thank you to our local partners working with the Conference Program Team to make this adventure possible! More details will be available closer to the event.

We are excited to feature educational sessions that 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 have been invited to submit a proposal reflecting the key conference themes and targeted core competencies

The deadline for educational session submissions was Tuesday, September 10 and is now closed. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions about a submission.

Registration

The 2025 Annual Conference offers valuable professional development opportunities included in your registration fee:

  • 10 educational session blocks
  • Three all-conference sessions
  • Two times to discover product solutions from exhibitors
  • One afternoon of unique learning adventures

Each day of the conference will feature multiple programs to facilitate attendees to connect as a community, discover innovative and creative practices, and be inspired by bid ideas through receptions, showcases, community gatherings, meals, and more. Full conference registration will include a light opening reception, a lunch in the ACUI Expo, and a dinner at the closing banquet. The cancellation policy for the event is available here.

EARLY REGISTRATION
(THROUGH DECEMBER 17)
  • Professional Member: $825
  • Professional Nonmember: $995
  • Student Member: $425
  • Student Nonmember: $525
  • One-Day Member Registration: $325
  • One-Day Nonmember Registration: $425
  • Retiree Registration: $475
REGULAR REGISTRATION
(DECEMBER 18–FEBRUARY 6)
  • Professional Member: $925
  • Professional Nonmember: $1,095
  • Student Member: $475
  • Student Nonmember: $575
  • One-Day Member Registration: $375
  • One-Day Nonmember Registration: $475
  • Retiree Registration: $475
LATE REGISTRATION
(AFTER FEBRUARY 6)
  • Professional Member: $995
  • Professional Nonmember: $1,195
  • Student Member: $525
  • Student Nonmember: $625
  • One-Day Member Registration: $450
  • One-Day Nonmember Registration: $550
  • Retiree Registration: $475
Additional Registration Options

Interested in just attending one meal or joining us for the closing banquet? Email [email protected] to explore these options.

Seasoned Professionals & Retirees Homecoming (Wednesday Only) | Registration Fee: $275
Looking to reconnect with ACUI colleagues?  Want to know what is happening with ACUI? Enticed by the opportunity to take advantage of the sights and sounds of New York City?  The Seasoned Professionals and Retirees (SPAR) Community of Practice has planned an afternoon experience specifically designed for ACUI retirees. Seasoned professionals are welcome!  The agenda will include an update on the state of ACUI, followed by educational sessions of interest to retirees, a cash bar social, and the traditional closing banquet. Make time to renew old friendships and reconnect with your professional organization!

Registration for this option includes access to sessions on Wednesday, light snacks at the social, and dinner at the closing banquet.

Wednesday, March 19:
  • Noon–1 p.m. – Check-in
  • 1–2:50 p.m. – All-Conference Session
  • 3–3:50 p.m. – State of ACUI Session
  • 4–4:50 p.m. – Educational Sessions
  • 5–7 p.m. – Social (cash bar)
  • 7–9 p.m. – Closing Banquet

You may also add a optional post-conference tour for Thursday, March 20.

Travel and Hotel

HOTEL

The core of all conference activities and lodging is at the New York Marriott Marquis at: 1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036. Book your hotel by February 11 to secure the ACUI group room rate of $289 (plus taxes and fees).

Book HOtel

Enjoy this inspiring location on Times Square in the heart of Manhattan for your stay during the conference to support the association in minimizing risk and offsetting costs. 

TRANSPORTATION

Three are major airport hubs serve New York City and are recommended for arranging your travel to the conference: 

Amtrak routes through New York Penn Station are also available to get you into Manhattan, just one mile from the New York Marriott Marquis.

Closer to the event, additional recommendations will be published about public and ground transportation options from these locations.

Meet the 2025 Conference Program Team

  • Susan Canady, Chair, University of Maryland
  • Sarah Aikman, Northern Kentucky University
  • Alisha Campbell, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
  • Mara Dahlgren, Indiana University
  • Yakima Melton, Arizona State University
  • Anthony Roberson, California State University–San Bernardino
  • Martin Ryan, University of Limerick
  • Stan Sweeney, Washington University in St. Louis
  • Melissa Ulmer, Rowan University
  • Julie Wagner, University of Michigan
  • David Wilder, Middlebury College
  • Justin Rudisille, ACUI Central Office