Upcoming Events @ ACPA Plan ahead, stay inspired, and grow with purpose.
The 2026 ACPA Professional Development Calendar features our most robust learning opportunities and Institutes. Through engaging dialogue and practical strategies, these events will have you turning theory to practice right away. Whether you’re focused on professional growth, building connections, or sparking new ideas, these events are designed to support your journey and keep you connected to a dynamic community of peers.
Jan-Mar 2026
Jan 22: Supervisor Strengths Institute
Learn to become a more effective supervisor and show up authentically in your leadership role while gaining skills around how to feel balanced, aligned, and able to genuinely enjoy your work.
Jan 22: Strengths Accelerator Academy
This program was designed to give you the guidance you need to transform yourself, your team, or even your entire campus into a robust Strengths- based culture.
Feb 03: Program Design School
Join Erin Fischer from the Leadership and Training Studio for a two-day, hands-on, engaging session where you will learn how to write participant guides, facilitator guides, and identitfy learning methods.
Mar 03: Facilitation School
Learn the top 12 things participants need from facilitators, how to flex your style, how to make concepts sticky, the power of storytelling, and leave with tips and tricks to make your programs more interactive.
ACPA26
Mar 29: NextGen Institute
Baltimore, MD • 29-30 March 2026
A unique opportunity for undergraduate students to learn about the field of student affairs. Topics include the breadth of functional areas, trends in Student Affairs, different types of colleges and universities, the graduate school application and selection process, and ACPA.
ACPA26 30 March to 2 April Baltimore
ACPA26 will be a space of learning and growth where we will center the current state of higher education. In Baltimore we will Be More Anchored–– more grounded in our roots, true to our core values, and unwavering in our purpose.
Mar 29: Dean of Students Institute
Baltimore, MD • 29-30 March 2026
A deeply engaging and interactive program designed to support and develop professionals working or interested in the Dean of Students (DOS) arena as they consider and manage their unique roles.
May-Oct 2026
May 29: Phyllis L. Mable Emerging Leaders Institute
This Institute for entry-level professionals includes group discussions and individual mentoring with faculty. It’s an opportunity to come together, identify and address complexities facing those at this level.
Oct 09: Master;s Student Conference
Virtual Event • 9, 16 & 23 October 2026
This virtual conference will allow current Master’s students to deepen their understanding of the field, prepare for the next steps in their career, and network with colleagues. This event is the perfect way to meet other graduate students in higher ed programs.
Jun 23: Student Affairs Assessment Institute
Get ready to make 2026 a year of growth and connection! Our Professional Development Calendar is packed with opportunities to learn, collaborate, and put new strategies into action. From skill-building sessions to networking with peers, each event is designed to help you grow professionally.