Explore how institutions are strengthening leadership, strategy, governance, and organizational effectiveness to advance their missions and position themselves for long-term success. Proposals might share approaches to strategic planning, financial and enrollment management, governance, organizational culture, institutional sustainability, or transformation.

Show how accreditation, assessment, evidence, and institutional effectiveness can strengthen quality and drive meaningful improvement. Proposals may share effective practices, lessons learned, or new approaches to accreditation activities, program review, assessment, and continuous improvement.

Explore how institutions are improving learning and the student experience from curriculum and instruction to advising, support, and completion initiatives. Proposals should highlight practices and approaches that strengthen learning and help students succeed.

Share how institutions are creating stronger connections among education, careers, communities, and other educational partners. Proposals might explore employer and community partnerships, transfer and educational pathways, work-based learning, career readiness, or new approaches to meeting workforce and learner needs.

Examine the forces reshaping higher education and how institutions are responding. Proposals might address AI and emerging technologies, policy and regulatory change, shifting demographics, new educational models, or other developments challenging institutions to rethink how they fulfill their missions.

ARC2027 welcomes proposals from higher education leaders and professionals eager to share valuable insights, experiences, research, and advice. Proposals involving students are highly encouraged, with discounted registration fees available for student presenters. Students who volunteer at least six hours during the conference may have their registration fee waived (limited slots available). Please contact events@wscuc.org for additional information.

Note: Proposals from vendors or individuals promoting products or services will not be reviewed through the standard process. Click here for sponsor opportunities.

WSCUC’s conference advisory committee will evaluate proposals based on:

• Overall quality, focusing on clarity and tangible outcomes
• Relevance and applicability to other institutions and situations
• Alignment with selected topic
• Appeal to conference attendees

Proposals that emphasize evidenced-based action, institutional mission, and student success are preferred. Priority is given to proposals from accredited institutions in good standing, as well as proposals that feature varied perspectives, such as students, institutional stakeholders, or members of the public.

WSCUC will notify prospective presenters between late December 2026 and January 2027.

Presenters and co-presenters must register for the conference, pay the full registration fee, and arrange their own travel and lodging. All presenters and co-presenters must be present in person to deliver their session. There is no option for virtual or hybrid presentation at ARC2027.

Electronic materials should be submitted by March 19, 2027 if you would like them made available to attendees. WSCUC does not cover the cost of materials used during the session. Each meeting room will be equipped with a projector, screen, and internet access; presenters should bring their own laptops. Workshop sessions will have tables for attendees to collaborate in small groups. Additional logistical details will be provided to presenters as the conference date approaches.

Definitely! We look forward to reviewing your new proposal.

Yes! Whether or not you’re submitting a proposal, there are various ways to contribute:

• Serve as a session moderator: Moderators introduce speakers, provide brief framing remarks, enforce time limits, and lead the Q&A.
• Engage on social media: Share tips, insights and initiate discussions.
• Propose your own idea: We value creativity and welcome unique ways to contribute.

Please indicate ways you’d like to contribute in the proposal form or email us directly.

Early Bird registration for ARC2027 is $800 through March 10, after which standard and onsite rates will apply. The conference will be held at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. A limited block of rooms is available at the discounted rate of $325 plus tax for single or double occupancy.