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 culture, navigating change, and managing resources.
- Competency development in professional supervision; mission-centered goal setting; and navigating institutional dynamics.
- 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.
Schedule
You may now find the full schedule online (subject to change as event is finalized).
Event Guide Details
Some information related to the event is only available to registered attendees.
- Either visit the desktop site or download the Eventsential app from your phone’s app store (once downloaded, search 2026 Aspiring Directors Institute to add the guide).
- Select “Log In” in the upper right corner. As prompted, enter the email address used when you registered.
- If you have never created an account with Eventsential, it will ask for your first and last name, then send an email for you to sign in to the event (as confirmation of your identity).
- If you have created an account with Eventsential before, it will simply send an email that will allow you to sign in to the event.
- When logging in to Eventsential in the future, you will simply need to provide your email address, then use the link provided via email to access your account. There is no requirement to create a password.
If upon initial access of the conference program website, you are unable to access the locked down sections, please refresh or navigate to another content area. This should dismiss the message about restrictions. If access issues persist, please request assistance through the “Need Help” feature on the program website.
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. Go Express Travel offers an Airport shuttle service between the airport and the Indiana Memorial Union. Tickets include one standard bag size plus one carryon for $33 one way.
Please note that tickets are for one-way travel. You will need to book a ticket to get from the airport to the Indiana Memorial Union, and a second ticket to get from the Indiana Memorial Union to the airport.