July 13, 2026 – July 16, 2026
Build skills and strategies to support your career advancement in higher education! The 2026 Aspiring Directors Institute is a four-day intensive professional development program, which will be hosted at Indiana University on July 13–16.
Each day of the institute will offer specially curated content sessions, in addition to structured opportunities for discussions, meaning making, and relationship building throughout. Learn about relevant trends impacting higher education through the topics of leadership, organizational development, planning, and fiscal management.
Attendees will explore:
- Strategies and skill sets that support advancement in the profession.
- Relevant trends impacting higher education including organizational development, planning, and fiscal management.
- Competency development in professional supervision; assessment and goal setting; and navigating institutional dynamics to manage resources effectively.
- Networking opportunities with a cohort of peers who can support you through your journey.
This seminar is designed for mid-level professionals who aspire to higher level positions in student affairs. Focusing on career advancement in higher education and preparing employees to be senior leaders is good for everyone: the organization, the students, the campus community, and the individuals looking to advance.
Each day of the Institute will offer specially curated content sessions, in addition to structured opportunities for discussions, meaning making, and relationship building throughout. Join your peers to learn about relevant trends impacting higher education with a lens of social justice and equity woven throughout.
Tentative Schedule
MONDAY, JULY 13
- 3:30–4:30 p.m. – Institute Welcome
- 4:30–6 p.m. – Indiana Memorial Union Tour
- 6:30–8 p.m. – Opening Dinner (included)
- Evening networking
TUESDAY, JULY 14
- 8:30 a.m.–Noon – Sessions
- Noon–1 p.m. – Lunch (included)
- 1–5 p.m. – Sessions and Roundtables
- 6–8 p.m. – Dinner (included)
- Evening networking
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
- 8:30 a.m.–Noon – Sessions
- Noon–1 p.m. – Lunch (included)
- 1–5 p.m. – Sessions and Roundtables
- Dinner on own, evening networking
THURSDAY, JULY 16
- 8:30–11:30 a.m. – Sessions
- 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. – Closing Lunch (included)
- Optional IU tours, departures
Registration
Registration includes all educational programs and resources, as well as three lunches and two dinners.
Regular (through June 1)
- Professional Member: $675
- Professional Nonmember: $850
Late (June 2–July 1)
- Professional Member: $775
- Professional Nonmember: $950
Travel & Lodging
Aspiring Directors Institute will be hosted in the Indiana Memorial Union at Indiana University–Bloomington.
HOTEL
A block of rooms is available at the Biddle Hotel in the Indiana Memorial Union, with lodging options from $109–139 per night. If you are interested in having a roommate during IPDS, please select the option in the registration form.
Hotel Group Code: ACUI26
Parking
Day Parking Rate: $5 per hour, maximum daily rate is $28
Airport
The closest airport is the Indianapolis International Airport.