Live Boricua. The Land of Enchantment. Visit the Continent of Puerto Rico. No Passport, No Problem. The current or previous Puerto Rico Tourism Company campaign slogans are but a brief description of what makes this island in the Carribean an exceptional place. Whether it’s its cobblestone roads, historical forts, natural wonders, or the colorful buildings, Puerto Rico has a lot to offer everyone. The island has been part of the United States for over a century and represents in total over five hundred years of history and culture since the arrival of the Spanish in 1493. It combines the soul of its native population with Spanish, African, and American influences that continuously shape the food, art, customs, music and language of the island today. Whether you prefer to take it fast or “despacito”, AASCU’s 2025 Annual Conference will be a unique experience.

The University of Puerto Rico is recognized worldwide for its educational excellence and scientific productivity. It is also an engine of socioeconomic development in Puerto Rico through the training of entrepreneurs and the construction of the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem with the greatest impact on the island and the Caribbean region. The UPR System office and University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras are currently AASCU members and look forward to welcoming our membership to their island and sharing their rich history and culture with the AASCU community.

• Global Climate Leadership: An Immersive Experience in El Yunque National Forest   
• More time for connecting with one another  
• Later starts each day so you can focus on wellness and reflections 
• Daily, optional wellness activities 
• No in-person Solutions Hub. Instead, support our thought partners by participating in their sessions, visiting their resources in the meeting app, and connecting with them in person at meals and during other networking breaks. 
• Welcome reception Saturday evening celebrating the 25th anniversary of AASCU’s Millennium Leadership Initiative 
• Outdoor meals and receptions 

Learn about research and educational partnerships in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, and opportunities for collaboration and global climate leadership on-site at El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. national forest system.  

Transportation to/from El Portal visitor Center in El Yunque will be provided. Participants should be prepared for a short, easy walk through the rainforest. More details to come as the program is finalized. 

This experience is sponsored by AASCU’s committee on sustainable development. There is no additional fee to participate, however, pre-registration is required and space is limited. Register early to save your spot! 

To fit the location, we’ve set the dress code as “resort casual.” Leave your suit in your office and pack your linen, khakis, polos, or sundresses instead. Plan for mild temperatures outside and air-conditioned conference spaces indoors.  

The average temperature in Puerto Rico in November is 81 degrees F. 

No, the AASCU Annual Conference will be offered in-person only. Attendees will have access to virtual materials in the meeting app that they are encouraged to share with their cabinet members. 

Check-In / Checkout

Guest accommodation will be available at 4 p.m. on arrival day and reserved until 11 a.m. on departure day.

Note: All requests for early check-in are REQUESTS.

Group Rates

Group rates may be honored three days before group arrival and three days after group departure based on availability. Book early.

Note: We cannot provide or honor the group rate for reservations made outside the block or via third parties (Expedia, Tripadvisor, Kayak, etc.).

Sleeping room options are available at the group rate of $249 for single and double occupancy. There is a maximum occupancy of four people per room, per territory law. Third or fourth adult rate is $30 per person per night. Rollaway beds are available upon request and available at a rate of $25 each day.

Early Departure Fee

If a guest checks out before the reserved checkout date, the Hotel will add an early checkout fee to the guest’s account. Guests wishing to avoid an early checkout fee should advise the Hotel one business day before arrival.

Cancellation Policy

Should you need to cancel your reservation, please notify the hotel at least 72 hours before your arrival date to avoid a one-night deposit fee.

The Resort offers guests a pristine location with a two-mile stretch of golden beach, situated next to the Marmeyes River and within a 600-acre private estate. Guests can explore the natural beauty of the mangroves, bask in the sun on the pristine beach, and enjoy direct access to the Atlantic Ocean.

• Golf
• Things To Do in Puerto Rico

Travel Information

San Juan International Airport, also known as Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, is forty-one miles from the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach and Golf Resort.

Car rentals, taxis and rideshare options are available at the airport.

Other transportation options: fareharbor.com | gsipuertorico.com

AASCU has arranged a selection of optional tours and activities for your upcoming travel.

The activities are managed by Innovation DMC, a local destination management company. 

AASCU is committed to the health, safety and well-being of all attendees at our gatherings. We follow all local rules and CDC guidance and closely monitor conditions related to COVID-19 and other public health emergencies. Attendees at all AASCU events agree to adhere to the following health and safety protocols.

Before leaving home

• AASCU strongly encourages all participants to be fully vaccinated. The CDC Vaccines website provides definitions of “Fully Vaccinated” and “Up To Date”.
• Stay home if you feel unwell or have any COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. We recommend attendees wear masks while traveling to and from the event and follow COVID-19 safety practices in the days leading up to the event.
• We strongly encourage attendees to take a rapid antigen COVID-19 test before traveling and before arriving to AASCU convenings.

Onsite during the event

• Masks are recommended and will be available at the registration desk.
• If you are experiencing cold or COVID-19 symptoms please be respectful and wear a mask.
• Self-administered COVID-19 rapid antigen tests will be available at the registration desk. We encourage participants test themselves upon arrival before joining the conference.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• If you feel unwell, develop symptoms of COVID-19, or test positive for COVID-19 at any time during the convening, seek medical care and do not attend the meals or gatherings.
• If you test positive during the conference, please notify AASCU staff by emailing meetings@aascu.org.

AASCU reserves the right to modify these policies and procedures at any time given the rapidly changing nature of any current and ongoing public health emergencies.

AASCU is committed to making our convenings inclusive and accessible to all individuals. If you need auxiliary aids or services, please email us (meetings@aascu.org) at the time you register.    

• Hotel Accessibility

By participating in an AASCU conference, you are automatically authorizing AASCU to use your name, photograph, voice, or another likeness for purposes related to the mission of AASCU, including but not limited to publicity, marketing, websites, social media vehicles, and any other AASCU-related electronic forms or media for the promotion of AASCU and its various programs.

Please complete the form at the bottom of this page to inquire about partnership opportunities for this event.