Conference Agenda

May 19-21, 2026

Memorial Union, Madison, WI

*Topics may be modified to provide the most up to date content*

 Full session descriptions can be found here.

Tuesday, May 19th 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

  • Concurrent Pre- Conference Workshops: these sessions are intended to provide background on a variety of topics and offer high-value take-aways. Topics may include:
    -Compliance 101: strengthening your program
    -Student success 101: wellbeing, retention, and persistence
    -Graduate funding
    -Fostering culture and leadership
    -Free expression on campus
    -False claims act technical compliance

Wednesday, May 20th 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

  • Breakfast and Welcome
  • Keynote: Federal Higher Education Landscape and Constitutional Crisis - Peter Lake
  • Morning Sessions:
      -Perceptions of Higher Education
      -Student Readiness and Completion
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon Sessions:
    -Panel on Immigration
    -AI and Academic Integrity
  • Tabletop Conversations
  • Evening Reception

Thursday, May 21st 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  • Breakfast
  • Keynote: Stories, Strategies, and Stats for Student Success – Elliot Felix
  • Morning sessions:
            -The Washington Update – Jon Fansmith, ACE
            -The Case for Financial Sustainability – Dr. Chuck Ambrose, Husch Blackwell
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon sessions:
             -The Legal Perspective – Aaron Lacey, Coburn Thompson
    -Student mental health
  • Capstone fireside chat

Website Hosted by UW Conferences & Events

conferences@union.wisc.edu | 702 Langdon St. | Madison, WI 53706