40th 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 and All That Jazz.
Just as jazz is born from the interplay of distinct voices coming together in creative harmony, student success emerges when faculty, advisors, support staff, and institutional leaders collaborate with intention and purpose. Every role carries its own rhythm, and when those rhythms align, the result is a campus culture where students thrive.
The 40th Annual Meeting of AD&D will bring together higher education professionals in the spirit of New Orleans itself—a city built on creativity, community, and the transformative power of connection. Attendees will explore innovative strategies, emerging trends, and collaborative approaches that support student learning, belonging, retention, and success.
From improvising new solutions to first-year student transitions, to composing data-informed retention strategies, to building cross-campus and industry partnerships that carry students from enrollment to career readiness, this meeting offers something meaningful for every professional in the room. Here, every voice matters, and no one plays alone.
Join us in New Orleans as we explore how inspired collaboration and creative thinking can transform student success initiatives across our campuses—and make something truly worth listening to.
Please 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 7, 2027
9:00am - 11:00am | Conference Registration - Be sure to sign up for Friday Dine Arounds. More information to come.
11:00am - 12:00pm | First-Time Attendees & New AD&D Member Orientation
1:00pm - 4:00pm | Leadership Academy
4:00pm – 6:00pm | Greetings and Welcome Reception
Thursday, April 8, 2027
8:00am – 11:00am | Conference Registration
9:00am - 10:15am | General Session & Keynote Presentation
10:15am - 10:30am | Break (with refreshments and coffee) (Mezzanine)
10:30am - 11:45am | Breakout Session I
Breakout A - Best Practices Session
Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion
11:45am - 1:30pm | Lunch on Your Own
1:45pm - 2:45pm | Panel Discussion
2:45pm - 3pm | Break (with refreshments)
3:00pm - 4:15pm | Breakout Session II
Breakout A - Best Practices Session
Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion
5:00pm | Dinner on Your Own (Visit and Enjoy New Orleans!)
Friday, April 9, 2027
9:00am - 10:15am | Breakout Session III
Breakout A - Best Practices Session
Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion
10:15am - 10:30am | Break (with light refreshments)
10:30am - 11:45am | Breakout Session IV
Breakout A - Best Practices Session
Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion
12:00pm - 1:30pm | Lunch, Annual Business Meeting & Election (Lunch provided)
1:45pm - 2:45pm | Committee Kickoff Meetings - ALL are encouraged to come explore and get engaged!
Committee Options:
- Annual Meeting Planning Committee
- Membership & Marketing Committee
- Professional Development Committee
3:00pm – 4:15pm | Innovation & Best Practices Showcase - "What's Working at Your Institution?"
4:15pm - 5:30pm | 40th Anniversary Celebration, Awards, & Recognition Ceremony
6:30pm - 8:30pm | Dine Arounds
Saturday, April 10, 2027
9:30am - 11:00am | The Leadership Table: A Mentoring Breakfast (All attendees are strongly encouraged to attend)
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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