Professional staff play a vital role in sustaining the student experience and advancing the mission of small liberal arts colleges. As the higher education landscape shifts, staff members at ACM member colleges benefit from opportunities to deepen their understanding of emerging trends and strengthen their capacity to lead and manage change. Navigating a Changing Higher Education Landscape brings together colleagues from across ACM campuses for shared learning, discussion, and practical skill-building. This program fosters peer connections that enhance how staff members engage in their day-to-day work with undergraduates.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Participants will attend a one-day, in-person workshop and two 90-minute virtual sessions focused on managing change, understanding evolving student needs, and identifying opportunities for innovation. Between sessions, participants will apply new insights gained on their campuses. The program is offered at no cost to staff at ACM member colleges.
PARTICIPATION CRITERIA
This program is designed for staff members on ACM campuses who work directly with current and prospective students, including, but not limited to, advisors, admissions counselors, student life professionals, and student-facing personnel in financial aid, IT, library services, and other relevant offices. Full-time and part-time staff are welcome. Participants should secure their supervisor’s approval before registering.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Participants will:
- Strengthen cross-campus connections and leverage diverse perspectives to foster collaboration and student-centered innovations.
- Learn to apply change management practices on their campus.
- Reflect on the evolving needs of Gen Z and Gen Alpha learners to consider how our campuses can better align services, communication, and support structures to foster student success in a rapidly shifting higher education environment.
PROGRAM DATES & REGISTRATION INFORMATION
To facilitate broad participation, ACM will offer this program four times. Participants should register for the event that occurs closest to their home. Attendees are responsible for transportation and lodging costs, if required.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis (up to 20 attendees per campus). Each in-person workshop is capped at 80 total participants. Late registrants may be accepted on a space-available basis.
Ripon College, Ripon, WI
- In-Person Workshop: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 (9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CT)
- Virtual Sessions: Friday, March 27, 2026 (9:30-11:00 a.m. CT) and Friday, May 1, 2026 (9:30-11:00 a.m. CT)
- Registration Deadline: January 16, 2026
or
Knox College, Galesburg, IL
- In-Person Workshop: Friday, February 27, 2026 (9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CT)
- Virtual Sessions: Friday, March 27, 2026 (12:00-1:30 p.m. CT) and Friday, May 1, 2026 (12:00-1:30 p.m. CT)
- Registration Deadline: January 27, 2026
or
Coe College, Cedar Rapids, IA
- In-Person Workshop: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 (9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CT)
- Virtual Sessions: Friday, April 10, 2026 (9:00-10:30 a.m. CT) and Friday, May 8 (9:00-10:30 a.m. CT)
- Registration Deadline: February 4, 2026
or
St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
- In-Person Workshop: Thursday, April 9, 2026 (9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CT)
- Virtual Sessions: Friday, May 8, 2026 (9:00-10:30 a.m. CT) and TBD
- Registration Deadline: March 9, 2026
Please contact [email protected] with questions.
