Conference Theme: Charting a Course: Leadership in a Transforming Academy
Registration will open on June 15, 2026
Call for Programs
Colleges are navigating one of the most dynamic periods in higher education history. Demographic shifts, financial pressures, political scrutiny, rapid technological change, and evolving student and workforce expectations are reshaping the work of deans and academic leaders.
The CCAS Annual Meeting is designed to provide practical leadership guidance grounded in real experience. We invite proposals which move beyond the description to offer actionable strategies, tools, case studies, and data-informed approaches.
Sessions should provide clear takeaways that deans and academic leaders can implement on their campuses.
Priority Topic Areas
Governance, Policy, & Public Context
- Academic freedom and institutional neutrality
- Legislative influence on curriculum and administration
- Tenure reform and governance transitions
- Crisis leadership and managing controversy
- Communicating institutional value to stakeholders
- Strengthening public perceptions of higher education and the arts/sciences.
Enrollment & Student Success
- Demographics and shifting enrollments
- Retention strategies
- Rethinking general education
- Career and workforce readiness
- ROI of liberal arts degrees
Finance & Resource Strategy
- Budget reform and new allocation models
- Development and advancement strategies
- Restructuring colleges and departments responsibly
- Evaluating the academic portfolio
Faculty Affairs & Leadership
- Hiring and retention practices
- Workload equity and faculty burnout
- Change management for deans
- Succession planning
- Interdisciplinary partnerships
- Leadership development within colleges
Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies
- Scope, opportunities, and limitations of AI
- Academic integrity in the age of generative AI
- AI policy development at the college level
- AI’s impact on teaching, assessment, and research
- Preparing students for an AI-integrated workforce
- Ethical, equity, and data governance considerations
Campus Climate & Well-Being
- Mental health and resilience for leaders and faculty
- Communicating inclusion and belonging efforts
- Leading through activism and campus tensions
- Climate change and institutional responsibility
Proposal Expectations
Competitive proposals will:
- Emphasize practical application and transferable models
- Include data, measurable outcomes, or case studies where possible
- Provide tangible tools, templates, or frameworks
- Encourage participant engagement and discussion
- Reflect diverse institutional types and perspectives
We welcome proposals from deans, associate/assistant deans, other academic leaders, and industry partners who bring meaningful expertise to arts & sciences leadership.
Conference Session Types & Definitions
Workshop (3 Hours)
A highly interactive, in-depth session designed to provide sustained learning, skill-building, and practical application. Workshops allow participants to move beyond discussion into strategy development, structured exercises, scenario work, or tool creation.
Best for:
- Leadership skill development
- AI policy design or implementation planning
- Budget modeling or resource allocation exercises
- Change management frameworks
- Strategic planning processes
- Faculty workload or equity audits
Workshops should include clear learning outcomes, a structured agenda for the full three hours, participant engagement activities, and tangible takeaways (templates, frameworks, planning tools, etc.). Proposals must demonstrate how time will be actively used rather than lecture-based.
Panel Presentation (75 Minutes)
A facilitated session featuring 2–4 presenters who offer multiple perspectives on a shared topic relevant to Arts & Sciences leadership. Panelists provide brief, structured remarks followed by moderated discussion and audience Q&A.
Best for:
- Exploring complex or contested issues
- Comparing approaches across institution types
- Highlighting varied campus contexts
- Legislative or policy developments
Proposals should identify the central question guiding the panel and describe the distinct contribution of each presenter.
Roundtable Discussion (75 Minutes)
A highly interactive, participant-driven conversation focused on a specific challenge or emerging issue. A facilitator provides brief framing (5–10 minutes) and then guides structured discussion among attendees.
Best for:
- Peer exchange and shared problem-solving
- Timely or emerging issues
- Topics requiring candid conversation
Proposals should outline guiding questions and describe how the facilitator will ensure inclusive participation and meaningful takeaways.
Promising Practice Presentation (75 Minutes)
A case-based session highlighting an initiative, program, policy, or model that has demonstrated positive results or early success. Presenters share context, implementation strategy, outcomes, lessons learned, and considerations for replication.
Best for:
- Enrollment or retention initiatives
- Budget reform or restructuring efforts
- Career readiness models
- AI governance approaches
- Faculty recruitment or development strategies
Proposals should include evidence of impact and practical guidance for adaptation at other institutions.
Theory to Practice Presentation (75 Minutes)
A session that bridges research, scholarship, or conceptual frameworks with practical application in college leadership. Presenters translate evidence or theory into concrete strategies that deans can implement.
Best for:
- Leadership and organizational change
- Faculty workload equity or burnout research
- Public trust and communication strategy
- AI ethics and institutional policy
- Student success frameworks
Proposals should clearly articulate both the theoretical foundation and the practical implications for Arts & Sciences leaders.
Submit sessions proposals at: https://whova.com/call_for_speakers/qEhaKEIAg6jYvayi4djQArTG0n7jL36HYchyswou8meLoyneKUKFoiI7P72B7Lus/