AASCU 2022 Annual Conference
Engage with topical experts and colleagues in exploring how to be effective in the new leadership landscape.
The next chapter: strengthening our collective impact.
AASCU’s annual conference provided participants the opportunity to engage with topical experts and colleagues in exploring how to be effective in the new leadership landscape.
Who should participate?
- Presidents & Chancellors
- Spouse/Partners
How will you benefit?
- Hear from higher education thought leaders and partners at 7 plenary sessions
- Collaborate with peers at 11 workshops and 15 committee and affinity group meetings
- Enjoy special programming for presidential spouses and partners
- Ample networking and connecting opportunities in a retreat setting
Session recordings
Meeting registrants can log in to access recordings to these sessions:
- Welcome and Plenary Session: Leadership in the Fade of Crisis
- The Next Chapter of Higher Education Leadership
- Updates From the Department of Education and the Hill
- Distinguished Alumnus Award Presentation and President-to-Presidents Lecture Program
Program highlights
Our conference was designed to support learning, networking, and reflecting.
- Inspiring plenary sessions focused on the unique value proposition of regional public institutions and how we tell the story of our collective impact, as well as trends impacting higher education, social justice and equity, updates from the Hill, and more
- Engaging workshops for participants to reflect, network, share promising practices and connect with thought leaders
- Networking and connecting opportunities during meals, receptions, committee meetings, and affinity group gatherings
We took full advantage of the California sunshine and the lush grounds and gardens at the Park Hyatt Aviara.
Schedule at a Glance
1:30–3 p.m. | Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
Cynthia Teniente-Matson, president, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, and chair, AASCU Board of Directors |
6–9 p.m. | AASCU Board of Directors Dinner |
7 a.m.–4 p.m. | Registration |
7:30–11 a.m. | AASCU Board of Directors Meeting
Cynthia Teniente-Matson, president, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, |
11 a.m.–2 p.m. | New Presidents Academy 2022 cohort and NPA faculty only |
12–4 p.m. | TIAA Private Consultations |
2–4 p.m. | Council of State Representatives
Heidi M. Anderson, president, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and chair, Council of State Representatives |
2–4 p.m. | AFFINITY GROUP MEETING
Women Presidents and Chancellors Program Gloria J. Gibson, president, Northeastern Illinois University, and co-chair, Denise A. Battles, president, State University of New York at Geneseo, and co-chair, Women Presidents and Chancellors Affinity Group |
2:15–4 p.m. | SPOUSE/PARTNER PROGRAM
Welcome and Networking Hour SPEAKERS: Mike Matson, presidential spouse, Texas A&M University-San Antonio Alison N. Nooks, presidential spouse, Gordon State College (GA) |
4:15–4:30 p.m. | Break |
4:30–6 p.m.
LIVESTREAMED |
OPENING PLENARY SESSION
Welcome and Plenary Session: WELCOME: Cynthia Teniente-Matson, president, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, MODERATOR: Mildred García, president, AASCU SPEAKERS: Jolene Koester, interim chancellor, The California State University Deborah F. Stanley, interim chancellor, The State University of New York CLOSING: Karrie G. Dixon, chancellor, Elizabeth City State University (NC) |
6–7:30 p.m. | Opening Reception Support provided by TIAA
Featuring the California State University San Marcos Jazz Ensemble REMARKS: Liz Morse, managing director, head of associations, TIAA |
7 a.m.–4 p.m. | Registration |
7:30–8:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
AFFINITY GROUP MEETING
Hispanic Presidents and Chancellors Affinity Group (Breakfast) Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, president, California State University, Fresno, and chair, Hispanic Presidents and Chancellors Affinity Group |
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AFFINITY GROUP MEETING
Asian American/Pacific Islander Presidents and Chancellors Affinity Group (Breakfast) Ellen Junn, president, California State University, Stanislaus, and chair, Asian American/Pacific Islander Presidents and Chancellors Affinity Group |
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8:30–9 a.m. | EXEMPLARY PRACTICE SESSION:
The Art and Science of Supporting Adult Learners Support provided by CAEL Scott A. Campbell, vice president for partnership development, Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) |
EXEMPLARY PRACTICE SESSION:
Increasing ROI With Data-Informed Student Success Initiatives Steve Turner, president, Northeastern State University (OK) |
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8:30–9:15 a.m. | Solutions Hub |
9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | TIAA Private Consultations |
9:15–10:30 a.m.
LIVESTREAMED |
PLENARY SESSION
The Next Chapter of Higher Education Leadership WELCOME: Ellen J. Neufeldt, president, California State University San Marcos Adela de la Torre, president, San Diego State University (CA) SPEAKER: Amit Sevak, president and CEO, Educational Testing Service (ETS) CLOSING: Timothy Mottet, president, Colorado State University Pueblo |
Excellence & Innovation Awards Presentation:
Support provided by Aramark Collegiate Hospitality and ETS Regional and Economic Development Award Civic Learning and Community Engagement Award |
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10:30–10:45 a.m. | Break |
10:45–11:45 a.m.
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WORKSHOP
Retire Inequality: Financial Wellness for All SPEAKERS: Kristin G. Esterberg, chancellor, University of Washington Bothell Shelly Eweka, senior director, financial planning strategy, TIAA Robert Murray, managing director, higher education sales, TIAA |
WORKSHOP
Dynamic Changes in College Athletics: Hear From the Experts MODERATOR: Andy Feinstein, president, University of Northern Colorado SPEAKERS: Dan Butterly, commissioner, The Big West Conference Jennifer Fraser, director of Division I governance, NCAA Bill McGillis, associate vice president and executive director of athletics, University of San Diego (CA) Tom Wistrcill, commissioner, Big Sky Conference |
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WORKSHOP
Strategic Enrollment Support provided by RNL SPEAKERS: Virginia “Ginny” Arthur, president, Metropolitan State University (MN) Eric Groves, senior vice president, campus partnerships, Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) |
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10:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. | SPOUSE/PARTNER PROGRAM
Roundtables and Lunch SPEAKERS: Jessica Berger, vice president of university advancement and executive director, California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) Foundation Tressa Kelly, presidential spouse, University of West Georgia Alison N. Nooks, presidential spouse, Gordon State College (GA) Leon Roberts Jr., presidential spouse, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Julie Virjee, presidential spouse, California State University, Fullerton John Patrick Walsh, director of federal relations and policy analysis, AASCU |
11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. | Lunch |
COMMITTEE MEETING
Advisory Committee on Membership (Lunch) Richard J. Helldobler, president, William Paterson University (NJ), and chair, Advisory Committee on Membership |
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COMMITTEE MEETING
Committee on Professional Development (Lunch) Andy Feinstein, president, University of Northern Colorado, and co-chair, Committee on Professional Development Zulma R. Toro, president, Central Connecticut State University, and co-chair, Committee on Professional Development |
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COMMITTEE MEETING
Committee on Student Success (Lunch) Tomás D. Morales, president, California State University, San Bernardino, and chair, Committee on Student Success |
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COMMITTEE MEETING
International Education Committee (Lunch) Daniel A. Wubah, president, Millersville University (PA), and chair, International Education Committee |
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COMMITTEE MEETING
Committee on Research (Lunch) |
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12:30–1:15 p.m. | Solutions Hub |
1:15–2:30 p.m.
LIVESTREAMED |
PLENARY SESSION
Updates From the Department of Education and the Hill WELCOME: Heidi M. Anderson, president, University of Maryland Eastern Shore FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SPEAKER: James Kvaal, under secretary, Department of Education IN CONVERSATION WITH: James T. Minor, chancellor, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville FROM THE HILL SPEAKERS: Luis Maldonado, vice president for government relations and policy analysis, AASCU John Patrick Walsh, director of federal relations and policy analysis, AASCU |
Excellence & Innovation Awards Presentation:
Support provided by Aramark Collegiate Hospitality and ETS Student Success and College Completion Award Sustainability and Sustainable Development Award |
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2:30–4 p.m. | SPOUSE/PARTNER PROGRAM
Group Activity |
2:30-2:45 p.m. | Break |
2:45–3:45 p.m. | WORKSHOP
Academic Program Evaluation: Markets, Margins, Enrollment, and the Missing Ingredient: DEI Support provided by Gray Associates Robert Atkins, founder and CEO, Gray Associates Emily Cutrer, president, Texas A&M University-Texarkana Milagros “Milly” Peña, president, Purchase College, State University of New York |
WORKSHOP
Mergers, Alliances, Consolidations: New Models Emerging WELCOME: Richard J. Helldobler, president, William Paterson University (NJ) SPEAKERS: Parwinder Grewal, president, Vermont State University Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, president, Pennsylvania Western University MODERATOR: Brian Prescott, vice president, National Center for Higher Education Management Systems |
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WORKSHOP
The Strategic Talent Management Imperative: Support provided by EAB SPEAKER: Khadish O. Franklin, managing director and team lead, Research Advisory Services, EAB Alisa White, president, Sam Houston State University (TX) |
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3:45–4 p.m. | Break |
3:45–4:15 p.m. | Solutions Hub |
4–5:15 p.m. | PLENARY SESSION
The Threat to Democracy and Higher Education’s Responsibility SPEAKERS: Antonia Hernández, president and CEO, California Community Foundation Maya Wiley, president and CEO, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights IN CONVERSATION WITH: Cynthia Teniente-Matson, president, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Charles L. Welch, president, Arkansas State University System CLOSING: Ronald S. Rochon, president, University of Southern Indiana |
Excellence & Innovation Awards Presentation:
Support provided by Aramark Collegiate Hospitality and ETS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Award Leadership Development and Diversity Award |
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5:15–6:15 p.m. | Evening Reception Support provided by EAB
Featuring the San Diego State University Jazz Band REMARKS: Amy Schwartz, principal, office of the president, EAB |
6:15–8:30 p.m. | Dinner Support provided by Academic Search
REMARKS: Jay Lemons, president, Academic Search |
7 a.m.–4 p.m. | Registration |
7:30–8:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
Focus Group: Using Data to Build and Shape Enrollment Success (Breakfast) Facilitated by MARKETview
Alex White, founding partner, MARKETview |
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AFFINITY GROUP MEETING
African American Presidents and Chancellors Affinity Group (Breakfast) Karrie G. Dixon, chancellor, Elizabeth City State University (NC), and chair, African American Presidents and Chancellors Affinity Group |
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AASCU Consulting Meeting (Breakfast) By invitation only
Matt Ceppi, executive director, AASCU Consulting |
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8–9:30 a.m. | SPOUSE/PARTNER PROGRAM
New Member Welcome and Orientation (Breakfast) Mike Matson, presidential spouse, Texas A&M University-San Antonio Alison N. Nooks, presidential spouse, Gordon State College (GA) |
8:30–8:55 a.m. | EXEMPLARY PRACTICE SESSION
A Systemwide Approach to Student and Staff Career Advancement Support provided by Coursera James Henderson, president, University of Louisiana System Nathan Lippe, strategic university business development manager, Coursera |
EXEMPLARY PRACTICE SESSION
Engagement and Empathy: Insights From Sodexo’s Student Lifestyle Survey Support provided by Sodexo Julia Pfeifer, national senior director, growth and consumer experience marketing, Sodexo Cal Thetford, chief operating officer, Sodexo Universities, Sodexo |
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9–9:30 a.m. | PLENARY SESSION
Council of Presidents Annual Business Meeting SPEAKERS: Heidi M. Anderson, president, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Mildred García, president, AASCU Timothy Mottet, president, Colorado State University Pueblo, and treasurer, AASCU Board of Directors Cynthia Teniente-Matson, president, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, |
9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | TIAA Private Consultations |
9:30–9:45 a.m. | Break |
9:45–10:45 a.m. | WORKSHOP
The Changing Presidency Support provided by Academic Search Steven E. Titus, executive coaching practice leader and senior executive coach, Academic Search |
WORKSHOP
Strengthening Student Outcomes Beyond Completion: Research and Practice Support provided by Strada Education Dave Clayton, senior vice president of research, Strada Education Network Kimberly Sluis, vice president of programs, Strada Education Network |
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WORKSHOP
National Association of System Heads (NASH) Institute for System Innovation and Improvement: Focus on Transfer Shonda Gibson, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, The Texas A&M University System Rebecca Martin, executive director, NASH |
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SPOUSE/PARTNER PROGRAM
Maximizing the Journey |
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10:30–11 a.m. | Solutions Hub |
10:45–11 a.m. | Break |
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
LIVESTREAMED |
PLENARY SESSION
Distinguished Alumnus Award Presentation and INTRODUCTION: Nancy Niemi, president, Framingham State University (MA) DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS SPEAKER: Paul J. LeBlanc, president, Southern New Hampshire University INTRODUCTION: Charles L. Welch, president, Arkansas State University System PRESIDENT-TO-PRESIDENTS SPEAKER: F. Javier Cevallos, President-in-Residence, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and former president, Framingham State University |
Excellence & Innovation Awards Presentation:
Support provided by Aramark Collegiate Hospitality and ETS Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Teacher Education Award |
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12:30–2 p.m. | Lunch |
COMMITTEE MEETING
Postsecondary Value Commission Task Force (Lunch) |
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COMMITTEE MEETING
Committee on Sustainable Development (Lunch) |
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COMMITTEE MEETING
Rural Presidents and Chancellors Committee (Lunch) |
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COMMITTEE MEETING
Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI) Executive Steering Committee (Lunch) Ronald S. Rochon, president, University of Southern Indiana, and chair, MLI Executive Steering Committee |
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AFFINITY GROUP MEETING
LGBTQ Presidents and Chancellors Affinity Group (Lunch) Richard J. Helldobler, president, William Paterson University (NJ), and chair, LGBTQ Presidents and Chancellors Affinity Group |
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Solutions Hub | |
2–3 p.m. | WORKSHOP
Resilient and Agile: Institutional Transformation for the Long Term at USC Upstate Kenneth W. Dobbins, senior consultant, AASCU Consulting Bennie L. Harris, chancellor, University of South Carolina Upstate |
WORKSHOP
Enhancing Experiences: One University’s Approach to Becoming an Institution of Impact Support provided by Wiley University Services Jay Hatcher, senior vice president for business development and client management, Wiley University Services Ken Tucker, president, The University of West Alabama |
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3–3:15 p.m. | Break |
3:15–4:45 p.m.
LIVESTREAMED |
CLOSING PLENARY
Stewards of Place SPEAKERS: Kevin R. McClure, associate professor of higher education, Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina Wilmington Cecilia Orphan, assistant professor, Morgridge College of Education, University of Denver, and director of partnerships, Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges PANELISTS: Mark A. Nook, president, University of Northern Iowa and Kirk Nooks, president, Gordon State College (GA) MODERATOR: Ashish Vaidya, president, Northern Kentucky University |
Transfer of the Gavel
Cynthia Teniente-Matson, president, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, and chair, AASCU Board of Directors Heidi M. Anderson, president, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and chair-elect, AASCU Board of Directors |
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Closing Remarks
Mildred García, president, AASCU |
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4:45–6:15 p.m. | Closing Reception Support provided by The Registry
REMARKS: Lucille Sansing, senior consultant, The Registry |
impact
2022 conference survey says…
4.7/5
Rating for relevance of topics and issues covered.
4.8/5
Rating for the quality of speakers.
87%
Percent of attendees that felt more connected to their colleagues after attending.
Meet our lineup of speakers.
Heidi M.
Anderson
President
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Virginia (Ginny)
Arthur
President
Metro State University (MN)
Robert Gray
Atkins
CEO and Founder
Gray Decision Intelligence
Jessica
Berger
Vice President, University Advancement
CSUSM Foundation,California State University San Marcos
Dan
Butterly
Commissioner
The Big West Conference
Scott A.
Campbell
Vice President for Partnership Development
CAEL
Matt
Ceppi
Vice President of Strategic Development and Executive Director, AASCU Consulting
AASCU
Javier
Cevallos
Retired President
Framingham State University (MA)
Dave
Clayton
Senior Vice President of Research
Strada Education Foundation
Emily F.
Cutrer
Interim President
Sonoma State University (CA)
Adela Irene
de la Torre
President
San Diego State University (CA)
David
Denig
Senior Vice President, Sales
Ellucian
Karrie G.
Dixon
Chancellor
North Carolina Central University
Kenneth W.
Dobbins
Senior Consultant
AASCU Consulting
Berenecea Johnson
Eanes
President
California State University, Los Angeles
Shelly
Eweka
Senior Director, Financial Planning Strategy
TIAA
Andy
Feinstein
President
University of Northern Colorado
Khadish O.
Franklin
Managing Director and Team Lead, Research Advisory Services
EAB
Jennifer
Fraser
Director of Division I Governance
National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA)
Rachel
Frick-Cardelle
Presidential Spouse
State University of New York at Oneonta
Mildred
García
Chancellor
California State University System
Shonda
Gibson
Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Texas A&M University System
Parwinder
Grewal
President
Vermont State University
Eric
Groves
Senior Vice President, Campus Partnerships
RNL
Bennie L.
Harris
Chancellor
University of South Carolina Upstate
Jay
Hatcher
Group Vice President for Business Development and Client Management
Wiley University Services
Richard
Helldobler
President
William Paterson University (NJ)
Jim
Henderson
President
University of Louisiana System
Antonia
Hernández
President and Chief Executive Officer
California Community Foundation
Tressa
Kelly
Presidential Spouse
Arkansas State University System
Jolene
Koester
Former Chancellor
California State University
James
Kvaal
Undersecretary
Department of Education
Paul J.
LeBlanc
President
Southern New Hampshire University
Jay
Lemons
President
Academic Search
Luis
Maldonado
Vice President of Government Relations and Policy Analysis
AASCU
Rebecca
Martin
Executive Director
National Association of System Heads
Mike
Matson
Presidential Spouse
San José State University (CA)
Michael
Mills
Presidential Spouse
State University of New York at Geneseo
James T.
Minor
Chancellor
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Timothy
Mottet
President Emeritus
Colorado State University-Pueblo
Robert
Murray
Managing Director, Higher Education Sales
TIAA
Mel C.
Netzhammer
Chancellor
Washington State University Vancouver
Ellen
Neufeldt
President
California State University San Marcos
Mark A.
Nook
President
University of Northern Iowa
Alison N.
Nooks
Spouse of Former President
Gordon State College (GA)
Kirk A.
Nooks
Former President
Gordon State College (GA)
Dale-Elizabeth
Pehrsson
Former President
Pennsylvania Western University
Milagros “Milly”
Peña
President
Purchase College, State University of New York
Julia
Pfeifer
National Senior Director, Growth and Consumer Experience Marketing
Sodexo
Brian
Prescott
Vice President
NCHEMS
Darlene
Repollet
Presidential Spouse
Kean University (NJ)
Leon
Roberts
Presidential Spouse
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Lucille
Sansing
Senior Consultant
The Registry
Amit
Sevak
President and CEO
Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Kimberly
Sluis
Vice President of Programs
Strada Education Foundation
Deborah
Stanley
Interim Chancellor
State University of New York System
Cynthia
Teniente-Matson
President
San José State University (CA)
Cal
Thetford
Chief Operating Officer, Sodexo Universities
Sodexo
Steven E.
Titus
Vice President & Executive Coaching Practice Leader
Academic Search
Zulma R.
Toro
President
Central Connecticut State University
Ken
Tucker
President
The University of West Alabama
Steve
Turner
President
Northeastern State University (OK)
Ashish
Vaidya
Former Senior Fellow
AASCU
Julie
Virjee
Spouse of Former President
California State University Fullerton
John Patrick
Walsh
Director of Federal Relations and Policy Analysis
AASCU
Charles L.
Welch
President and CEO
AASCU
Alex
White
Founding Partner
MARKETview Education Partners
Alisa
White
President
Sam Houston State University (TX)
Maya
Wiley
President and CEO
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Tom
Wistrcill
Commissioner
Big Sky Conference
Registration Fees & Accommodations
Registration for in-person participants includes:
- All plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, and networking sessions
- Meal functions (reception on Sunday evening; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Monday; and breakfast, lunch, and reception on Tuesday)
- Access to recordings of plenary sessions
- Access to the meeting app and all meeting resources
- The opportunity to take advantage of AASCU-negotiated discounted room rates at the Park Hyatt Aviara
*Virtual attendees may connect to plenary sessions and participate in real time in the Q&A. They will also have access to the recordings following the meeting, as well as the meeting app. Recordings will be posted 7–10 days following the meeting.
Attendee type | Early Bird Rate (Aug. 15–Sept. 16) |
Regular Rate (After Sept. 16) |
---|---|---|
Member President/Chancellor | $1,100 | $1,200 |
Non-Member President/Chancellor | $2,100 | $2,200 |
Former President/Chancellor, AASCU Consultants | $850 | $950 |
Spouse/Partner (includes spouses/partners of former presidents/chancellors) |
$750 | $850 |
Virtual Registration* (Member) | $350 | $350 |
Virtual Registration* (Non-Member) | $600 | $600 |
Accommodations
Park Hyatt Aviara
7100 Aviara Resort Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92011
aviara.park.hyatt.com