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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have difficulty registering for the conference?

If you encounter any issues with registration or need to make changes to your registration, please contact us at registration@nwccu.org for assistance.

When can I register for the conference?

Registration for the 2026 annual conference is open now! Please visit our Registration page for more information.

This year’s conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency at 808 Howell Street, Seattle, WA 98101. For more details about the hotel, please visit our Hotel and Travel page.

Will the conference be hybrid or have a virtual component?

This year’s conference will be in-person only. We are excited to gather in person, but we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause for those unable to attend in person.

What about hotel reservations?

A limited block of rooms has been reserved for conference attendees at a discounted rate. We strongly encourage you to book your room early to secure your stay. For more details, please visit the Hotel and Travel page.

When will the schedule be released?

Keep an eye on the Program page, where we will continuously post session details, speakers, and other important conference information. The full conference program is typically released in September, a couple of months before the conference.

Do I need to pre-register for the sessions I want to attend?

You do not need to pre-register for plenary or concurrent sessions; you can simply choose which sessions to attend during the conference. However, pre-conference workshops require separate registration.

How were the conference prices set?

Being mindful of rising travel costs, and tightening budgets at institutions, we have set registration fees to ensure an intellectually enriching, enjoyable, and affordable experience at the 2026 Annual Conference at the same rate as 2025. The fees help cover the costs of meeting rooms, event setup, food and beverage services, staffing, audiovisual equipment, and Wi-Fi. Additionally, part of the fees support honoraria and travel expenses for invited speakers and facilitators, as well as a number of complimentary registrations.

We are grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions help offset many of the event costs. If you have questions or need more details about the event or registration fees, please contact NWCCU’s Conference Team (conference@nwccu.org).

What discounts will be offered?

  • Complimentary registrations are available for select participants as part of our ongoing efforts to broaden access and engagement
  • We’re pleased to offer more scholarships this year than ever before. Details and application information can be found here.
  • We are pleased to offer discounts to NWCCU’s Peer Evaluators, including those who are retired. Contact the Conference Team at conference@nwccu.org with questions.

Do you provide scholarships?

Yes! To help ensure broad participation and attendance at our Annual Conference, we are offering a limited number of scholarships to attendees from institutions with limited resources. Scholarships will be available on a first come, first served basis. Please find more detailed scholarship information here.

What if I have other questions?

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to us at conference@nwccu.org. We’re happy to assist!

Who should attend the conference?

NWCCU’s Annual Conference is designed for members of the higher education community, including presidents and chancellors, peer evaluators, administrative professionals, CEOs, faculty members, ALOs, and institutional representatives. We welcome all who are passionate about advancing higher education.

What will I have access to as a general program attendee?

As a general program attendee, you will have access to:

  • All sessions, including the Tuesday evening keynote, Wednesday plenaries, and Thursday morning keynote
  • Drinks and snacks at the Tuesday evening welcome reception & poster session
  • Drinks and snacks at the Wednesday evening networking reception
  • Meals – breakfast on Wednesday and Thursday and the Beacon Award Luncheon on Wednesday
  • The opportunity to connect with other attendees and exhibitors in the beautiful pre-function area
  • All concurrent sessions on Wednesday and Thursday

Note: Additional fees apply to attend pre-conference programs on Tuesday, December 1.

Do I need to sign up for concurrent sessions?

No, attendees are not required to sign up for concurrent sessions. However, please note that space may be limited in some rooms, so we encourage arriving early for popular sessions.

What if I want to pay by check?

For payments via check, make your check out to NWCCU, and mail it with a copy of your registration confirmation.
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