39th AD&D Annual Meeting Schedule At-A-Glance
The Association of Deans and Directors of University Colleges and Undergraduate Studies is committed to providing quality learning opportunities for its members and other deans, directors, and undergraduate studies professionals. This year's conference theme is "Student Success: A Team Sport".
Note our high-level schedule, which follows, will assist in planning your participation in the Annual Meeting.
The schedule is subject to change.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
4:00pm – 7:00pm | Conference Registration - Be sure to sign up for Friday dine arounds and drop off your university resource items.
5:00pm – 6:00pm | First-Time Attendees & New AD&D Member Orientation
6:00pm – 8:00pm | Greetings and Welcome Reception
Thursday, April 16, 2026
8:00am – 11:00am | Conference Registration
9:00am - 10:15am | General Session & Keynote Presentation: Designing Student Centered Success Practices in a Time of Uncertainty
Dr. Stevie Lawrence II, Vice Provost & Chancellor - Academic Affairs, Winston-Salem State University
10:15am - 10:30am | Break (with refreshments and coffee)
10:30am - 11:45am | Breakout Session I
Breakout A - Best Practices Session
“The Comeback Playbook: Strategies for Supporting Adult Learner Degree Completion” – Jane Sanchez Swain, Montclair State University
Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion
“Representation, Relationships, and Persistence: Supporting BIPOC Student Success in Advising Contexts” – Temeshia Lemons, Montclair State University
This facilitated discussion will explore how representation and meaningful advisor-student relationships influence the persistence and success of BIPOC students across institutional contexts. While research often highlights challenges at low-retention institutions, this session broadens the conversation to examine how advising practices, sense of belonging, and culturally responsive engagement impact student outcomes.
Drawing from professional experience working with diverse student populations, the session will begin with a brief overview of key themes related to representation, trust-building, and student persistence. Participants will then engage in a guided discussion to reflect on their own institutional practices, share strategies, and identify opportunities to strengthen support for BIPOC students.
Discussion will focus on:
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The role of representation in fostering student belonging and persistence
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How advisor-student relationships influence engagement and retention
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Practical strategies for culturally responsive advising
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Institutional barriers and opportunities for improving student success outcomes
11:45am - 1:30pm | Lunch on Your Own
1:45pm - 2:45pm | Panel Discussion
2:45pm - 3pm | Break (with refreshment)
3:00pm - 4:15pm | Roundtable Discussion - Led by the following:
Tangela Towns, Winstom-Salem State University
Christina Downey - University of Indiana
Saint Rice - Lincoln University of Missouri
Shafonda Spain - Alabama State University
5:00pm | Dinner on Your Own
Friday, April 17, 2026
9:00am - 10:15am | Breakout Session III
Breakout A - Best Practices Session
“Level Up! Math Pilot Program” – Kim Stack, University of Rhode Island
Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion
“Integrating Perkins into University College: Supporting Special Population Students through Holistic Structures” – Michael Zaborowski, Ferris State University
10:15am - 10:30am | Break (with light refreshments)
10:30am - 11:45am | Breakout Session IV
Breakout A - Best Practices Session
Best Practices: “A Second Chance: Supporting Students After Academic Dismissal” – John Cruz
Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion
“From Silos to Synthesis: Building Teams for Student Success” – Michelle Hayford, North Carolina State University
12:00pm - 1:30pm | Lunch, Annual Business Meeting & Election
1:30pm - 2:30pm | Committee Kickoff Meetings - ALL are encouraged to come explore and get engaged!
Committee Options:
- Annual Meeting Planning Committee
- Professional Development Committee
2:30pm – 6:00pm | Visit and Enjoy Charlotte, North Carolina
6:00pm | Dine Around Opportunities (Meal on your own and not included in registration - Signup will be available at registration)
Saturday, April 18, 2026
9:00am – 10:15am | Breakout Session V: (Two Options)
Breakout A - Best Practices Session
"By Design: Supporting Equitable, Assessed Learning Models of Advising" - Laura Masterson, Managing Director, Academic and Career Development, Indiana University Indianapolis; Jason Bentley, Dean of University College, Ferris State University
Many institutional advising efforts reflect a flexible, decentralized model. These models may result in uneven student support, inconsistent advisor expectations and resourcing, and at best, an unwieldy assessment plan. This session highlights two institutions (Indiana University Indianapolis and Ferris State University) and their work to design academic advising as a more unified, equitable, and learning-focused system. This session offers practical examples that allow participants to leave with decision points, and resources for use in their realities.
Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion
“Motivating the Coaches: Keeping Staff Engaged and Retained” – Arthur Watson, Texas A&M University
10:15am – 10:30am | Break (with refreshments)
10:30am- 11:30am | Panel Discussion - "Team Building Strategies" - Panelists: Kim Stack - University of Rhode Island, Temeshia Lemons - Montclair State University, Karl Mooney - Texas A&M University
Just as championship teams adapt their playbook to bring out the best in every athlete, effective managers strive to maximize the strengths and capabilities of their staff. When we understand what each team member contributes — and create the conditions for those contributions to shine — we build stronger, more resilient units that advance our shared mission.
In this panel discussion, we will explore winning approaches to developing high-performing teams in higher education. Panelists will share strategies for identifying individual strengths, cultivating confidence, and creating an environment where staff feel both supported and challenged. We will also highlight ways to design meaningful opportunities that allow employees to stretch their skills, take ownership, and fully leverage their talents.
Participants will gain insight into practical tools, intentional leadership practices, and collaborative techniques that help teams excel. Whether you are leading a department or working to strengthen cross-campus collaboration, this conversation will offer guidance for building teams that work cohesively, adapt effectively, and elevate student success through collective effort.
11:30am – 12:00pm | Takeaway Planning & Conference Closing Remarks
Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the AD&D Office at (844) 705-3293 or email us at [email protected].
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