39th AD&D Annual Meeting Schedule At-A-Glance
The Association of Deans and Directors of University Colleges and Undergraduate Studies (AD&D) is committed to providing quality learning opportunities for its members and other deans, directors, and undergraduate studies professionals. This year's conference theme is "Student Success: A Team Sport".
Just like championship teams that adapt their strategies to maximize the strengths of every player, higher education needs to unite faculty, advisors, support staff, and institutional leaders as a cohesive force. Each role is essential in implementing new strategies that promote student success.
The 39th Annual Meeting of AD&D will empower attendees to foster collaboration among internal and external partners, ensuring students progress smoothly from enrollment to career readiness.
From enhancing ‘pre-game prep’ for first-year students to utilizing AI-driven ‘coaching’ and forging ‘league partnerships’ with industry, our focus is on transforming innovative strategies into successful outcomes. Here, every role is valued, and no participant is left behind.
Join us as we explore effective strategies for turning responsive ideas into impactful results where every contribution counts!
Note our high-level schedule, which follows, will assist in planning your participation in the Annual Meeting.
The schedule is subject to change.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
4:00pm – 7:00pm | Conference Registration - Be sure to sign up for Friday dine arounds and drop off your university resource items. (2nd Floor - Near Elevators)
5:00pm – 6:00pm | First-Time Attendees & New AD&D Member Orientation (Mint 1 Room)
6:00pm – 8:00pm | Greetings and Welcome Reception (Dine Around Sign Up | Committee Sign Up) (Spirit Room)
Thursday, April 16, 2026
8:00am – 11:00am | Conference Registration (2nd Floor - Near Elevators)
9:00am - 10:15am | General Session & Keynote Presentation: Designing Student Centered Success Practices in a Time of Uncertainty
Dr. Stevie Lawrence II, Provost & Vice Chancellor - Academic Affairs, Winston-Salem State University (Mint 1 Room)
10:15am - 10:30am | Break (with refreshments and coffee) (Mezzanine)
10:30am - 11:45am | Breakout Session I
Breakout A - Best Practices Session (Mint 1 Room)
“The Comeback Playbook: Strategies for Supporting Adult Learner Degree Completion” – Jane Sanchez Swain, Montclair State University
With over 36 million U.S. adults having “some college, no credential,” this session explores how a newly launched degree completion program embraced a team-based support model grounded in strengths-based advising and student-centered reengagement from admission to graduation. Strategic collaboration across Admissions, Marketing, Registrar, Financial Aid, and Academic Policy has shifted the narrative, with returning students saying, “Put me in, Coach!"
Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion (Spirit Room)
“Representation, Relationships, and Persistence: Supporting BIPOC Student Success in Advising Contexts” – Temeshia Lemons, Montclair State University
This facilitated discussion will explore how representation and meaningful advisor-student relationships influence the persistence and success of BIPOC students across institutional contexts. While research often highlights challenges at low-retention institutions, this session broadens the conversation to examine how advising practices, sense of belonging, and culturally responsive engagement impact student outcomes.
Drawing from professional experience working with diverse student populations, the session will begin with a brief overview of key themes related to representation, trust-building, and student persistence. Participants will then engage in a guided discussion to reflect on their own institutional practices, share strategies, and identify opportunities to strengthen support for BIPOC students.
Discussion will focus on:
- The role of representation in fostering student belonging and persistence
- How advisor-student relationships influence engagement and retention
- Practical strategies for culturally responsive advising
- Institutional barriers and opportunities for improving student success outcomes
11:45am - 1:30pm | Lunch on Your Own - RESTAURANT OPTIONS
1:45pm - 2:45pm | Panel Discussion - AI and Student Success (Mint 1 Room)
Led by the following: Tangela Towns, Winstom-Salem State University; Christina Downey - University of Indiana; Saint Rice - Lincoln University of Missouri, and Shafonda Spain - Alabama State University
2:45pm - 3pm | Break (with refreshment)
3:00pm - 4:15pm | Roundtable Discussion - Continued Discussions Regarding AI and Student Success (Mint 1 Room)
Led by the following: Tangela Towns, Winstom-Salem State University; Christina Downey - University of Indiana; Saint Rice - Lincoln University of Missouri, and Shafonda Spain - Alabama State University
5:00pm | Dinner on Your Own - RESTAURANT OPTIONS
Friday, April 17, 2026
9:00am - 10:15am | Breakout Session III
Breakout A - Best Practices Session (Mint 1 Room)
“Level Up! Math Pilot Program” – Kim Stack, University of Rhode Island
Student Success was a team sport this past year in preparation for a math pilot program. As we know, math is a key ingredient to STEM success. A group of faculty from Math, Chemistry, and Engineering and staff from University College, Admissions, and Student Affairs prepared a two week summer on campus intensive math program to help students who are pursuing STEM majors. The students who were selected to participate took the ALEKS math placement test and scored at the pre-calculus level. As a result, students enhanced math competencies, strengthed sense of belonging, and felt more confident in tackling calculus.
Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion
“Integrating Perkins into University College: Supporting Special Population Students through Holistic Structures” – Michael Zaborowski, Ferris State University
Ferris State University has embedded Perkins support within its University College, alongside programs such as TIP (Michigan's Tuition Incentive Program), Disability Services, Advising, Honors, and First-Generation initiatives. This facilitated discussion explores strategies, challenges, and opportunities in supporting federally defined Special Population students through integrated structures designed to enhance access, persistence, and success.
10:15am - 10:30am | Break (with light refreshments)
10:30am - 11:45am | Breakout Session IV
Breakout A - Best Practices Session (Mint 1 Room)
Best Practices: “A Second Chance: Supporting Students After Academic Dismissal” – John Cruz, The University of Rhode Island
This session presents an equity-centered, team-based model—the Program for Academic Skills and Success (PASS) at the University of Rhode Island—designed to support first-year students after academic dismissal.
Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion
“From Silos to Synthesis: Building Teams for Student Success” – Michelle Hayford, North Carolina State University
Do your unit leaders miss opportunities to collaborate with their colleagues to better leverage the strengths of the larger team to support mutual goals? Is your work mired by siloed understandings of roles and responsibilities? Share ideas for creating synergy among your team members in service of greater student success.
12:00pm - 1:30pm | Lunch, Annual Business Meeting & Election (Lunch provided) - BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA (Mint 1 Room)
1:30pm - 2:30pm | Committee Kickoff Meetings - ALL are encouraged to come explore and get engaged!
Committee Options:
- Annual Meeting Planning Committee (Spirit Room)
- Membership & Marketing Committee (Mint 1 Room)
- Professional Development Committee (Mint 1 Room)
2:30pm – 6:00pm | Visit and Enjoy Charlotte, North Carolina - RESTAURANT & ATTRACTION INFORMATION
6:00pm | Dine Around Opportunities (meet in lobby)
Attendees are encouraged to participate. Multiple cuisines are available.(Meal on your own and not included in registration - SIGN UP HERE - Be sure to sign up by 12pm on Thursday, April 17.) - Dine Around Options are available HERE.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
9:00am – 10:15am | Breakout Session V: (Two Options)
Breakout A - Best Practices Session - "By Design: Supporting Equitable, Assessed Learning Models of Advising"- Laura Masterson, Managing Director, Academic and Career Development, Indiana University Indianapolis; Jason Bentley, Dean of University College, Ferris State University (Mint 1 Room)
Many institutional advising efforts reflect a flexible, decentralized model. These models may result in uneven student support, inconsistent advisor expectations and resourcing, and at best, an unwieldy assessment plan. This session highlights two institutions (Indiana University Indianapolis and Ferris State University) and their work to design academic advising as a more unified, equitable, and learning-focused system. This session offers practical examples that allow participants to leave with decision points, and resources for use in their realities.
Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion (Spirit Room)
“Motivating the Coaches: Keeping Staff Engaged and Retained” – Arthur Watson, Texas A&M University
During a time of uncertainty in higher education, staff may often feel unmotivated and overwhelmed. This session will discuss practical and budget friendly ways to keep staff engaged and hopefully retained to do the work we are passionate about doing—helping students succeed.
10:15am – 10:30am | Break (with refreshments) (Mezzanine)
10:30am- 11:30am | Panel Discussion - "Team Building Strategies" - Panelists: Kim Stack - University of Rhode Island, Temeshia Lemons - Montclair State University, Karl Mooney - Texas A&M University (Mint 1 Room)
Just as championship teams adapt their playbook to bring out the best in every athlete, effective managers strive to maximize the strengths and capabilities of their staff. When we understand what each team member contributes — and create the conditions for those contributions to shine — we build stronger, more resilient units that advance our shared mission.
In this panel discussion, we will explore winning approaches to developing high-performing teams in higher education. Panelists will share strategies for identifying individual strengths, cultivating confidence, and creating an environment where staff feel both supported and challenged. We will also highlight ways to design meaningful opportunities that allow employees to stretch their skills, take ownership, and fully leverage their talents.
Participants will gain insight into practical tools, intentional leadership practices, and collaborative techniques that help teams excel. Whether you are leading a department or working to strengthen cross-campus collaboration, this conversation will offer guidance for building teams that work cohesively, adapt effectively, and elevate student success through collective effort.
11:30am – 12:00pm | Takeaway Planning & Conference Closing Remarks (Mint 1 Room)
Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the AD&D Office at (844) 705-3293 or email us at [email protected].
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