AASCU 2025 Annual Conference for Presidents and Chancellors
Engage with colleagues and subject matter experts for community, resources, and hope in the face of the challenges facing higher education.
Register now.
Join us this November in Nashville.
Imagine the Possible.
Regional public universities are critical economic engines, drivers of innovation, inspirations to inventors, anchors of our communities and rooted in core values. We can—with intention—shape the future by imagining the possible.
Who should attend?
- Presidents & Chancellors
- Presidential Spouse/Partners
Benefits of participation:
- Small- and large group community building and networking via affinity group meetings, roundtable discussions, open committee meetings, and receptions and meals
- Discussion-based, solutions-oriented workshops and concurrent sessions for participants to reflect, strategize, learn, and share promising practices and gain national perspective from thought leaders
- Informative and inspiring plenary sessions meant to empower and equip future-focused leaders
- Rich and relevant programming for spouses and partners
Program highlights
Our conference is designed to support learning, authentic connections, and reflecting.
- Inspiring plenary sessions focused on the unique value proposition of regional public universities and how we tell the story of our collective impact, as well as trends from across sectors impacting and influencing higher education, updates from the Hill, and more
- Engaging workshops for participants to reflect, strategize, share promising practices, and connect with one another and thought leaders
- Networking and connecting opportunities during meals, receptions, committee meetings, and affinity group gatherings
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.
Schedule at a Glance
Preliminary schedule subject to change.
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
New Presidents Academy – Closing Session
2-4 p.m.
Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
3-6 p.m.
Immersive Experience (Optional):
Tour of National Museum of African American Music
4-5 p.m.
Council of State Representatives
8:30-11:30 a.m.
AASCU Board of Directors Meeting
9-11 a.m.
Preconference Workshops
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Affinity Group Meetings (Lunch)
12:45-3 p.m.
Women Presidents and Chancellors Program
1-1:25 p.m.
Promising Practice
1:30-3:15 p.m.
Spouse/Partner Meet & Greet and Networking Session
1:45-2:30 p.m.
Roundtable
3:30-5 p.m.
Opening Plenary
5-6 p.m.
Opening Reception
6-10 p.m.
Opening Dinner
8-8:30 a.m.
Spouse/Partner Morning Walk
8-9 a.m.
Breakfast
8:30-9:15 a.m.
LGBTQ Presidents and Chancellors Affinity Group (Breakfast)
8:30-9:15 a.m.
Focus Group
8:30-9:15 a.m.
Breakfast Roundtables
9:30-11 a.m.
Plenary
11:15 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
Topical Sessions
11:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
Spouse/Partner Session & Lunch
12:15-1:45 p.m.
Luncheon: President-to-Presidents Lecture and Distinguished Alumnus Award
2-3 p.m.
Committee Meetings
2-3:30 p.m.
Spouse/Partner Networking Activity
3:15-4:05 p.m.
Topical Sessions
4:15-5:15 p.m.
Plenary
5:15-6:30 p.m.
Evening Reception
7 p.m.
Dinner on your own or optional salon dinners with thought partners
8-8:30 a.m.
Spouse/Partner Morning Walk
8-9:30 a.m.
Breakfast
8-9 a.m.
Committee Meetings (Breakfast):
Postsecondary Value Commission Task Force
Millennium Leadership Initiative Executive Steering Committee
9-9:45 a.m.
Breakfast Roundtables
9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Spouse/Partner Program
10-10:50 a.m.
Topical Sessions
11-11:50 a.m.
Topical Sessions
12:15 p.m.-2 p.m.
Closing Luncheon: Keynote and Transfer of the Gavel
Confirmed Speakers

Luis
Maldonado
Vice President of Government Relations and Policy Analysis
AASCU

Ora H.
Pescovitz
President
Oakland University (MI)

Gerard
Puccio
SUNY Distinguished Professor
State University of New York, Buffalo State

John Patrick
Walsh
Assistant Vice President for Federal Relations
AASCU

Charles L.
Welch
President and CEO
AASCU

Alisa
White
President
Sam Houston State University (TX)
Impact
2024 annual conference highlights:
3.6/4
Rating for relevance of topics and issues covered.
3.6/4
Rating for the quality of speakers.
100%
Percent of attendees that felt more connected to their colleagues after attending.
Join us in Nashville.
If you need assistance with the registration process, please contact [email protected] or call Felicia Durham, Senior Meetings and Membership Associate, at (202) 478-4673.
Registration fees
ATTENDEE TYPE | EARLY BIRD RATE (BY JULY 18) |
REGULAR RATE (AFTER JULY 18) |
---|---|---|
Member Presidents/Chancellors | $1150 | $1300 |
Non-Member Presidents/Chancellors | $2150 | $2300 |
Former President/Chancellors, AASCU Consultants |
$900 | $1050 |
Spouse/Partners (including those of former presidents/chancellors) |
$775 | $900 |
Participants who cannot attend are eligible for partial refunds as follows:
- Cancellation requests received by Friday, September 13, 2025 (5pm ET) will be charged a $250 administrative fee.
- Cancellations received between September 13 and October 24, 2025, at 5 p.m. (ET) will incur a $500 cancellation fee.
- Cancellations received after 5 p.m. (ET) on October 24, 2025, and no-shows are not eligible for refunds.
All refunds will be issued within 30 days of receipt of the refund request. When writing to cancel or submit a refund request, please email [email protected].
Accommodations
Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza
2100 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (800) 815-6397
Rooms in the AASCU Room Block are $269 (plus taxes and fees).
Reserve by October 24.To reserve your hotel room, please click the “Make A Reservation” button on the upper-right corner of the screen. To change the dates of your stay, please click the red dates at the top of the next page for the event calendar.
All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card. This card will be charged in the event of a cancellation, no-show or deposit when warranted. Group rates are subject to availability.
Meeting attendees must confirm their reservation by Friday, October 24, 2025. The hotel may accept reservation requests after October 24 as space is available and at market rates. We encourage guests to book early as we anticipate high demand/interest in guests wishing to arrive early or extend their stay.
All rooms are subject to taxes, which is currently 16.25% per room, $2.50 City Tax per night per night, and is subject to change without notice.
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.
For a contactless check-in experience, register to become a World of Hyatt Member.
Download the World of Hyatt app, attach your reservation and opt in for Online Check-in and Mobile key entry.
Quiet Zone
In respect for all guests and their ability to have a good night’s rest, quiet hours are observed from 10 p.m.–8 a.m.
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 $269 for single and double occupancy.
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
Hotel policy requires guests to cancel by 4 pm local time 48 hours before arrival to avoid a penalty fee of 1 nights’ room and tax.
Wi-Fi
When selecting from your available Wi-Fi connections, utilize Hyatt WIFI Free (25mbps). Additionally, the hotel has upgraded high-speed Wi-Fi for $5 per 24 hours. AASCU will provide complimentary WFI in all meeting spaces.
Travel Information
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is 20 minutes from the Loews Nashville Hotel.
Car rentals, taxis, town car/limo, bus service, and rideshare options are available at the airport.
There are taxi and rideshare options available at the airport.
Parking
- Self-parking for guests at Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza is $49 + tax per day, per vehicle
- Valet parking is $54 + tax per day, per vehicle
- Oversize Vehicle Charge: $65/night (Mandatory Valet)
- Bus/Truck/Trailer: $4/foot
Local Attractions
The Country Music Hall of Fame, Adventure Science Center, Grand Ole Opry, Nashville Zoo, Ryman Auditorium, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Vanderbilt University, Bluebird Café, and Centennial Park are all short drive away. Downtown Nashville is less than two miles away and has numerous music venues and restaurants.
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 [email protected].
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 accessible to all individuals. If you need auxiliary aids or services, please email us ([email protected]) at the time you register.
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.
Questions about the 2025 Annual Meeting? Let us know.
"*" indicates required fields