Morning Workshops
Communication and Coalition Building for Higher Education Advocacy: Practical Approaches to Legislative Engagement
Sue Balter-Reitz, Professor of Communication, Montana State University – Billings
John Cech, Senior Fellow, Government Affairs, Smith Garson
Scott Jenkins, Founder, Managing Partner, Trillium Insights
Ben Cannon, Executive Director, Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission
Clayton Christian, Commissioner of Higher Education, Montana University System
College and university leaders face increasing pressure to navigate polarized legislative environments while effectively advocating for their institution. This interactive workshop will provide participants with actionable strategies for persuading legislators at the local, state, and national level including 1) understanding the legislative landscape and the process of policy making, 2) identifying resources for advocacy, 3) determining effective rhetorical strategies, 4) building coalitions, and 5) effective state and federal governmental relations. Participants will leave the workshop with pragmatic strategies they can employ in their specific policy environments.
Algorithmic Governance? How AI is Reshaping Institutional Norms and Quality Assurance Standards
Melanie Gottlieb, Executive Director, AACRAO
Artificial intelligence is not simply automating existing processes in higher education; it is reshaping institutional norms, governance structures, and the definition of quality assurance. This interactive session will explore how AI is affecting institutional integrity, student success, and compliance frameworks, with an emphasis on practical considerations for registrars, admissions, enrollment managers and student services professionals. Participants will leave with a set of framing tools to approach practical questions on the use of AI in higher education settings.
Advancing Student Success: Strategic Prioritization for Student Success (Past/Current ITA Institutions Only)
Jill Robinson Kramer, Vice President, Gardner Institute
Drew Koch, Chief Executive Officer, Gardner Institute
Join the Gardner Institute and colleagues across the country who are in various stages of Institutional Success Planning, driven by the data collected through this process. We will review cross-institutional themes, explore alignment with accreditation standards, and provide an opportunity for collaboration among Gardner Institute partner institutions. (This workshop is open to any institution that has completed—either currently or in the past—the Institutional Transformation Assessment (ITA), the Readiness, Willingness & Ability Survey, and the Sensemaking & Strategic Prioritization process with the Gardner Institute.)
Preparing for 2027: A Peer Evaluator Workshop on NWCCU’s New Standards (Invitation Only)
Ed Harri, Executive Vice President, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Teresa Rivenes, Senior Vice President, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
NWCCU’s revised Standards for Accreditation are scheduled for institutional use in 2027 — and this workshop will prepare you for them. All active peer evaluators are encouraged to attend as we walk through key changes to the Standards and work through case studies using resources developed for institutions and evaluators alike. Participants will leave ready to serve effectively on peer evaluation teams and equipped with ideas to support evaluation readiness at their own institutions.
Afternoon Workshops
Navigating the Inflection Point: Board Governance, Financial Viability, and Strategic Consolidation in Higher Education (Presidents/CEOs Only)
Selena Grace, President, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Higher education is at a defining crossroads. Enrollment pressures, shifting demographics, rising operational costs, and the growing complexity of institutional governance are forcing presidents to lead with greater strategic clarity than ever before. This intensive half-day workshop brings together experienced leaders to tackle three of the most consequential challenges facing institutional leaders today:
- governing boards that understand their role and function as genuine partners,
- financial models built for long-term resilience, and
- the complex landscape of mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
Through facilitated panels, case-based discussion, and peer exchange, participating presidents and CEOs will leave with practical frameworks, hard-won insights, and a network of colleagues navigating the same terrain.
Practical AI Tools for Accreditation: Getting the Most Out of AI at Work
Justin Gandy, Assistant Provost for Accreditation and Institutional Research, Dallas Baptist University
Everyone’s talking about AI, but has it actually helped you? This session will help you use AI in your daily work—even if you have never used it before. Bring your laptop for a hands-on session to explore how AI can save time and resources as a partner in your work. Use cases will include understanding Accreditation Policies and Standards, research and market analysis, program-level assessment and curriculum mapping, outcome evaluation, and other ways to leverage the power of AI in your institution’s accountability and continuous improvement work.
Measuring What Matters: How Unique Mission Outcomes Demonstrate Distinctive Value
Teresa Rivenes, Senior Vice President, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Scott Friskics, Director of Sponsored Programs, Aaniiih Nakoda College
Erik Gimness, Director of Institutional Research, The Evergreen State College
Tyson Heath, Director, Academic Standards and Policies, Western Governors University
LoriAnn Sanchez, Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness, Northwest Nazarene University
Every institution has a unique mission — but can you measure it? This workshop brings together assessment leaders from tribal colleges, faith-based institutions, online institutions, and liberal arts schools to explore how diverse institutions capture evidence of what makes them distinctively valuable. Through panel conversation, real examples, and hands-on activities, participants will examine how mission-aligned assessment translates into compelling, accreditation-ready evidence of institutional ROI. Walk away with concrete tools, peer-tested examples, and a draft framework you can adapt at your own institution to measure the unique aspects of your mission.
Getting Ahead of OBBBA’S New AHEAD Regulations: From Compliance to Improvement Insights
Alexandria Radford, Principal, Sova
Federal AHEAD regulations stemming from OBBBA bring both new expectations and new opportunities for colleges and universities. This interactive workshop will first distill what institutional research leaders and leaders responsible for academic and institutional strategy need to know about the regulations. The session will then offer a framework for moving beyond compliance and toward uncovering actionable insights that inform institutional decision-making and improvement. Guided discussions with peers will surface common challenges, promising approaches, and opportunities to be proactive rather than reactive. Attendees will leave with clarity on the requirements, a practical reference guide, and a plan for using AHEAD to strengthen their institution and student outcomes.
