38th 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 "Responsive. Relevant. Resilient: Navigating Change in the Undergraduate Landscape". 

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 9, 2025
4:00pm – 7:00pm | Conference Registration | Hotel Foyer

5:00pm – 6:00pm | First-Time Attendees & New AD&D Member Orientation 

6:00pm – 8:00pm | Greetings and Welcome Reception

Thursday, April 10, 2025
8:00am – 11:00am | Conference Registration | Hotel Foyer

9:00am - 10:15am | General Session & Keynote Presentation: Designing Student Centered Success Practices in a Time of Uncertainty
Dr. Michael Preston | Associate Vice-President for Student Success at Texas State University 

     In today's rapidly changing world, it is crucial to design student-centered success practices that can adapt to uncertainty. This presentation will explore innovative strategies to support students' academic and personal growth, even in unpredictable times. By focusing on personalized learning, fostering resilience, and leveraging technology, we can create a supportive environment that empowers students to thrive. Join us as we discuss practical approaches to aligning educational goals with the evolving needs of students, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Let's not sugarcoat this, the work is hard, but we are built for it, our students depend on it.

10:15am - 10:30am | Break

10:30am - 11:45am | Breakout Session I

     Breakout A - Best Practices Session: Empowering Students: A Blueprint for Student-Centered SuccessErinne Weber

     Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion: Reimagining Academic Advising: Professionalization and Impact on the Student Experience - Michael Zaborowski

 

11:45am - 1:30pm | Lunch on Your Own

1:30pm - 2:45pm | Panel Discussion: Responsive. Relevant. Resilient: Navigating Change in the Undergraduate Landscape
     In a rapidly evolving higher education landscape, how can institutions stay responsive, relevant, and resilient? This panel brings together leaders from diverse higher education institutions to share strategies for navigating technological changes, demographic shifts, and evolving institutional expectations. Discover how institutions are reimagining student-centered approaches,  fostering inclusive ecosystems, and leveraging data-driven innovation. This panel discussion will explore strategies for building resilience, maintaining relevance, and staying nimble amidst significant change. Join us to gain insights and practical approaches to help institutions adapt and thrive in this dynamic environment.

2:45pm - 3pm | Break (with refreshment)

3:00pm - 4:15pm | Breakout Session II

     Breakout A - Best Practices Session: Undergraduate Education as a Driver for Social Innovation - Are We Ready? - JoAnn Scales

     Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion: Future-Proofing Careers: Unlocking the Potential of AI-driven Digital Badges - Harika Rao

5:00pm | Dinner on Your Own

Friday, April 11, 2025
9:00am - 10:15am | Breakout Session III

     Breakout A - Best Practices Session: From Study to Success: Mapping Career Outcomes by Major - Kim Stack, University of Rhode Island

     Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion: Critical Thinking at a Large Land Grant University - Ken Johnson, North Carolina State University

10:15am - 10:30am | Break (with light refreshments) 

10:30am - 11:45am | Breakout Session IV

     Breakout A - Best Practices Session: Fostering Development and Success for First- and Second-Year Students at an HBCU - Raven Payne

     Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion: ReFOCUS at Ferris: Accelerating Academic Recovery Shelly VandePanne

12:00pm - 1:30pm | Lunch, Annual Business Meeting & Election

1:30pm - 2:30pm | Committee Kickoff Meetings - Come explore and get engaged! 
Committee Options:

  • Annual Meeting Planning Committee 
  • Professional Development Committee 

2:30pm – 6:00pm | Visit and Enjoy San Antonio, Texas (on your own)

6:00pm | Dine Around Opportunities (Meal on your own and not included in registration - Signup will be available at registration)

Saturday, April 12, 2025

9:00am – 10:15am | Breakout Session V: (Two Options)

     Breakout A: Facilitated Discussion: Beyond the Narrative: Impactful Strategies for Equity and Student Success – Dani Hiar

     Breakout B: Best Practices: Empowering Networks for Institutional Improvement: Strategic Doing for Student Success - Christina Downey

10:15am – 10:30am | Break

10:30am- 11:30am | Panel Discussion: Hot Topics - Navigating the Future: Hot Topics in Higher Education Leadership
      Join peers for a dynamic dialogue on the most pressing issues reshaping higher education in University Colleges and Undergraduate Studies. This session will explore rapid organizational restructuring, legislative shifts impacting funding and academic freedom, and emerging trends in equity, technology, and student engagement. Participants will share strategies to adapt to evolving institutional demands while balancing mission-driven priorities in an era of unprecedented change.

11:30am – 12:00pm | Takeaway Planning & Conference Closing Remarks

 

ANNUAL MEETING OVERVIEW
ANNUAL MEETING REGISTRATION
ANNUAL MEETING HOTEL INFORMATION

Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the AD&D Office at (844) 705-3293 or email us at [email protected].