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 | 1st Floor Hotel Foyer (near fountain at entrance) - 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 | Valencia (1st Floor)

6:00pm – 8:00pm | Greetings and Welcome Reception | Courtyard (3rd Floor)

Thursday, April 10, 2025
8:00am – 11:00am | Conference Registration | Hotel Foyer | 1st Floor Hotel Foyer (near fountain at entrance)

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
 | Valencia (1st Floor)
     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 (with refreshments and coffee)

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

     Breakout A - Best Practices Session: Empowering Students: A Blueprint for Student-Centered SuccessErinne Weber, Wiley University | Valencia (1st Floor)

     Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion: Reimagining Academic Advising: Professionalization and Impact on the Student Experience - Michael Zaborowski, Ferris State University | Siena (1st Floor)

 

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

1:45pm - 2:45pm | Panel Discussion: Responsive. Relevant. Resilient: Navigating Change in the Undergraduate Landscape | Valencia (1st Floor)
     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, Wiley University Valencia (1st Floor)

     Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion: Strategies to Implement AI in Academic Advising - Kesha Reed, North Carolina State University | Siena (1st Floor)

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 Valencia (1st Floor)

     Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion: Critical Thinking at a Large Land Grant University - Ken Johnson, North Carolina State University | Siena (1st Floor)

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

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

     Breakout A - Facilitated Session: Leading Through Times of Uncertainty and Change - Adrienne Sewell, Indiana University- Bloomington Valencia (1st Floor)

     Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion: ReFOCUS at Ferris: Accelerating Academic Recovery - Shelly VandePanne, Ferris State University | Siena (1st Floor)

12:00pm - 1:30pm | Lunch, Annual Business Meeting & Election | Verona (2nd Floor)

1:30pm - 2:30pm | Committee Kickoff Meetings - ALL are encouraged to come explore and get engaged! 
Committee Options:

  • Annual Meeting Planning Committee | Siena (1st Floor)
  • Professional Development Committee | Executive Boardroom (2nd Floor)

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: Best Practices: From Study to Success: Mapping Career Outcomes by Major - Kim Stack, University of Rhode Island | Valencia (1st Floor)

        Breakout B: Facilitated Discussion: Beyond the Narrative: Impactful Strategies for Equity and Student Success – Michael Zaborowski, Ferris Sate University | Siena (1st Floor

10:15am – 10:30am | Break (with refreshments) - 1st Floor Foyer

10:30am- 11:30am | Panel Discussion: Hot Topics - Navigating the Future: Hot Topics in Higher Education Leadership | Valencia (1st Floor)
      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 | Valencia (1st Floor)

 

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].