A New Name. A Shared Commitment to Student Success.

Welcome to the Association of Deans and Directors for Undergraduate Education and Student Success.

AD&D connects higher education leaders who strengthen undergraduate education and help students succeed. We bring colleagues together to exchange ideas, address shared challenges, and build professional relationships that support their leadership and their students.

Whether you lead a university college, an undergraduate studies division, or another unit advancing undergraduate education and student success, you have a place in AD&D.

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Our Name Has Changed to Reflect the Work You Do

Formerly the Association of Deans and Directors of University Colleges and Undergraduate Studies, we are now the Association of Deans and Directors for Undergraduate Education and Student Success.

Our new name reflects the responsibilities of our members and the many ways institutions organize their work to support undergraduate students.

University colleges and undergraduate studies divisions remain an important part of our community. Our membership also includes leaders whose responsibilities extend across academic advising, first-year experiences, general education, retention, completion, and other areas essential to undergraduate success.

The new name makes our purpose clearer and our invitation broader: wherever your work sits within your institution, AD&D welcomes leaders who share responsibility for undergraduate education and student success.

Our close-knit community, commitment to professional learning, and tradition of meaningful connection continue. For current members, membership continues without interruption, and no action is required.

Read the President’s Name Change Announcement


Who We Are

A professional community that understands your work.

Leading undergraduate education requires collaboration across programs, departments, and institutional priorities. AD&D provides a place to connect with colleagues who understand those responsibilities and are willing to share what they are learning.

We bring together academic leaders for candid conversations, professional development, and the exchange of effective practices. Through our annual meeting and opportunities to connect throughout the year, members build relationships they can turn to for perspective, practical ideas, and support.

Our purpose is to strengthen the leadership, programs, and partnerships that help undergraduate students learn, persist, and graduate.

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Who We Serve

Different titles. Different campus structures. A shared purpose.

AD&D welcomes deans, directors, associate and assistant deans and directors, and other higher education leaders whose responsibilities support undergraduate education and student success.

Our community includes leaders working in:

  • University colleges and undergraduate studies

  • First-year experiences and student transition programs

  • Academic advising and academic support

  • General education and undergraduate academic programs

  • Learning communities and interdisciplinary initiatives

  • Retention, persistence, and degree completion

  • Campus partnerships that advance undergraduate student success

Whether you lead a longstanding division or a newly established initiative, AD&D offers a community where your experience contributes to the conversation.

Find Your Place in AD&D

Why Join AD&D?

Build connections that support your leadership and inform your work.

Connect with colleagues who understand your challenges.
Develop relationships with peers who share responsibility for undergraduate education and student success across a variety of institutional settings.

Bring practical ideas back to your campus.
Exchange approaches to advising, student transitions, academic programs, retention, and completion. Learn from colleagues’ experiences and contribute your own.

Make time for meaningful professional learning.
Participate in conversations and professional development focused on the issues shaping your work and the undergraduate experience.

Share your expertise and help shape our community.
Contribute through presentations, committee service, and member engagement. Your perspective can help other leaders and inform AD&D’s future.

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Let’s Move Undergraduate Education Forward Together

Your work helps shape how students experience college and what they can accomplish. AD&D gives you a community of colleagues with whom to examine challenges, share possibilities, and strengthen that work.

Join us as we begin this next chapter as the Association of Deans and Directors for Undergraduate Education and Student Success.

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The Benefits of Membership

Become a member of the Association of Deans and Directors of University Colleges and Undergraduate Studies (AD&D) and join a dynamic community of forward-thinking Deans and Directors from University Colleges and Undergraduate Studies from across the country. When you join AD&D, you experience a vibrant community, essential tools, and exceptional learning that will enhance every aspect of your professional development.

 

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Join Us at the 39th Annual AD&D Meeting!

This year's theme, "Student Success: A Team Sport," emphasizes the importance of collaboration among faculty, advisors, support staff, and leaders. Just like championship teams, we must leverage every participant's strengths to drive student success. Engage in discussions about innovative strategies, from enhancing first-year experiences to forging industry partnerships. Together, we’ll explore how to transform responsive ideas into winning outcomes where every role matters and no one is left on the sidelines. Don’t miss out!

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