Looking for a way to get connected?! Join us at our next Regional Conference to become more engaged with ACUI. Regional Conferences focus on building community, offering professional development, expanding networks, connecting with mentors, and learning skills that can translate to any career. Regional Conferences have been designed with a renewed focus on emerging professionals and students to help them connect with others, share ideas, and learn best practices.
Join Region VI for the 2026 Regional Conference at the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, November 13–15!
Join us at the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor amid the vibrant colors of fall to connect, inspire, and grow together! We are looking forward to hosting an unforgettable experience centered on the lessons and perspectives that truly stick with us.
Don’t miss this opportunity for thought-provoking conversations on what it means to lead and connect. Come ready to share your unique insights, bring valuable takeaways back to your campus, and recharge with your professional community!
Registration
Regular (Through October 16)
- Professional Member: $350
- Professional Nonmember: $450
- Student Member: $250
- Student Nonmember: $350
- Retiree: $150
Late (After October 16)
- Professional Member: $400
- Professional Nonmember: $500
- Student Member: $300
- Student Nonmember: $350
- Retiree: $150
Tentative Schedule
Friday, November 13
- 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. –Preconference Tours (More information below)
- 3–4:15 p.m. – Opening
- 4:30–5:20 p.m. – Educational Session Block 1
- 5:30–6:20 p.m. – Educational Session Block 2
- 6–8 p.m. – Dinner
- 8–9 p.m. – Region VI Socials
(Student and Professional)
Saturday, November 14
- 9–9:50 a.m. – Educational Session Block 3
- 10–10:30 a.m. – Expo
- 10:30–11:20 a.m. – Educational Session Block 4
- 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. – Lunch
- 1–3 p.m. – Afternoon Adventure
- 3–3:50 p.m. – Educational Session Block 5
- 4–4:50 p.m. – Educational Session Block 6
- 6:30–8 p.m. – Banquet
- 8–9 p.m. – Region VI Socials
(Student and Professional)
Sunday, November 15
- 9–9:50 a.m. – Educational Session Block 7
- 10–11:30 a.m – All-Conference Closing
Preconference Tours
“Big House” Michigan Stadium Tour
Friday, November 13, 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Experience the grandeur of Michigan Stadium like never before with our exclusive behind-the-scenes tours! Guided by knowledgeable tour experts, you’ll journey through the storied history of “The Big House,” gaining insider access to areas typically off-limits to the public. Marvel at the expansive field, explore the locker rooms where legends have prepped for victory, and walk through the tunnel where players have felt the thrill of game day. Whether a die-hard Wolverines fan or a history enthusiast, our tour promises an unforgettable exploration of one of college football’s most iconic venues. Join us and discover why Michigan Stadium is not just a place, but a legacy.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Campus Farm
Friday, November 13, Noon–2 p.m.
This tour will provide an in-depth look at Campus Farm followed by options for exploring the Conservatory or outdoor trails. The Campus Farm at Matthaei Botanical Gardens is student-driven multi-stakeholder living learning lab for sustainable food systems work built around food grown by students for students in a learning community that fosters student leadership development and high-impact teaching and learning opportunities. A living collection of plants from around the world, the Conservatory connects beauty with purpose. Through research, teaching, and partnership, we care for these plants in ways that honor their origins and invite shared responsibility for the future of our planet. Learn more about the Mattaei Botanical Gardens and Campus Farms on their webpage.
Maize & Blue Cupboard
Friday, November 13, 1–2 p.m.
The Maize & Blue Cupboard is dedicated to ensure members of the University of Michigan community—whether on a tight budget or physically restrained from getting to a grocery store—receive equitable access to healthy, nutritious, and nourishing food and the ability to prepare it for themselves or others. During this time, attendees will be volunteering their time to package up emergency food kits that will later be distributed across campus. Learn more about the Maize and Blue Cupboard on their webpage.
Gerald Ford Presidential Library
Friday, November 13, Noon–1 p.m.
Before he left the presidency, Gerald Ford donated to the government all of his congressional, Vice Presidential, and Presidential historical materials, including the files of his White House staff. He was the first President to do so while still in office. The 1974-77 presidential papers of Gerald Ford and his White House staff form the core collection. These are supplemented by the pre- and post-presidential papers of Gerald Ford, the papers of Betty Ford, collections of Federal records, and more. The Library opened to the public on April 27, 1981 covering 50,000 square feet of space. Housed inside the Library are: 23 million pages of documents; 325,000 still photographs; 3,500 video hours; 3,000 audio hours and 787,000 feet of motion picture film. During this time, attendees will have the opportunity for a self-guided walk through the library and the chance to chat with an on site archivist. For more information on the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library, visit their webpage.
Call for Educational Sessions
We are excited to invite you to share your expertise with your regional colleagues at this year’s Region VI Conference. Each day, professionals across ACUI create programs, communities, and experiences that leave a lasting impact on students. Yet some of the most valuable lessons and ideas never make it beyond our own campus. When we share those experiences with one another, however, they have the power to inspire, transform, and create impact far beyond a single institution. We invite you to reflect on what has truly stuck with you and consider how your experiences can inspire someone else. What knowledge or perspective do you have that could help someone lead, grow, connect?
Most importantly, what will you share that will truly “Make It Stick?”
Submit your proposal here by September 1!
Travel
Hotel
Region VI has confirmed limited room blocks at two lodging locations for the conference:
Bell Tower Hotel
300 S. Thayer Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Secure the group rate of $189 per night by October 9
Graduate By Hilton Ann Arbor
615 East Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Secure the group rate of $229 per night by October 13
Sponsorship
Interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities at the Region VI conference? Reach out to Brigid Griffin at griffib4@miamioh.edu.
Regional Conference Planning Team
2026 Conference Chair
Brigid Griffin
Miami University
griffib4@miamioh.edu
2027 Conference Chair/Logistics Chair
Ryan Benjamin
Transylvania University
rbenjamin@transy.edu
Logistics Team
Kevin McMahan
University of Michigan
mcmahan@umich.edu
Membership Chair
Cathy Fitzpatrick
Michigan State University
carsonc@msu.edu
Membership Team
Natalie Preston
University of Michigan
prestnat@umich.edu
Programming Chair (Keynotes)
Deirdre Turner
Wayne State University
dturner@wayne.edu
Programming (Sessions)
Yaqob Nagi
Wayne State University
ef2693@wayne.edu
Programming (Student Track)
Artturi Harcher
Virginia Commonwealth University
harchera@vcu.edu
Programming (Student Track)
Anusha Bose
University of Michigan
bosean@umich.edu
Communications Liaison
Taylor Jackson
Virginia Commonwealth University
jacksontl4@vcu.edu
Host Chair
Stephanie Beld-Steichen
University of Michigan
sbeldste@umich.edu
Host Team
Linsey Scriven
University of Michigan
scrivenl@umich.edu