The Council of Independent College’s 2024 Presidents Institute convenes at a time and place in which higher education is at the center of intense political debate. This year’s theme engages that debate: “Under the Big Tent: Independent Higher Education in a Democratic Society.” On January 4–7, 2024, at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida, we will affirm our shared commitment to the essential role of higher education in fostering civic values and highlight our distinctive and diverse missions and values as CIC member colleges and universities.
Beyond engagement with this year’s theme, at CIC’s 2024 Presidents Institute, presidents, presidential spouses and partners, and industry experts will explore timely and relevant solutions to a range of pressing issues. Plenary panels will offer direction and strategic advice on the application of risk management principles to presidential decision-making and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on higher education. Additional sessions will address financial sustainability; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); workforce engagement; student needs; board relations; and career discernment among other subjects.
The Presidents Institute is your place to find inspiration, renew your vision and purpose, and build and deepen professional relationships.
Who Participates?
The Presidents Institute annually gathers more than 300 independent college and university presidents among nearly 700 total participants. In addition to the main Program for Presidents, the Institute (January 4–7) includes a parallel Program for Presidential Spouses and Partners.
Prior to the opening of the Presidents Institute, we also offer the New Presidents Program (NPP) on January 3–4, for CIC member presidents in their first or second year. NPP includes a parallel Program for Spouses and Partners of New Presidents as well.
Retired presidents, guests, and families are welcome to attend. See registration and participation details below.
Featured Speakers
-
Robin E. Baker
President, George Fox University
-
Elfred Anthony Pinkard
President in Residence, Council of Independent Colleges
-
L. Song Richardson
President, Colorado College
-
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
President, Augustana University
-
Juliette Kayyem
Belfer Senior Lecturer in International Security, Harvard Kennedy School of Government
-
Jennifer Keating
Teaching Professor, University of Pittsburgh
-
Illah R. Nourbakhsh
K&L Gates Professor of Ethics and Computational Technologies, Carnegie Mellon University
-
Marjorie Hass
President, Council of Independent Colleges
-
Barbara K. Mistick
President, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
Plenary Sessions
Independent Higher Education in a Democratic Society
How have politically charged legislation and polarizing campus perspectives recently affected independent colleges and universities? During this panel, CIC presidents discuss the crucial place of CIC member institutions in a functioning democracy.
Robin E. Baker, President, George Fox University (OR)
Elfred Anthony Pinkard, President in Residence, Council of Independent Colleges
L. Song Richardson, President, Colorado College
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, President, Augustana University (SD)
A New Model for Managing Risk as a College or University President
Richard Ekman Keynote Address in Higher Education
Learn about cutting edge risk management principles to anticipate and overcome crises. Develop the tools needed to minimize the consequences of crises when they inevitably happen. Immediately following the plenary, apply these risk management principles in interactive case study sessions.
Juliette Kayyem, Belfer Senior Lecturer in International Security, Harvard Kennedy School of Government
Artificial Intelligence and the Responsibility of Higher Education
Are we losing the wisdom race in advancing AI? Or does AI provide new opportunities for a better world? Explore the present and future impact of artificial intelligence on higher education.
Jennifer Keating, Teaching Professor, University of Pittsburgh (PA)
Illah R. Nourbakhsh, K&L Gates Professor of Ethics and Computational Technologies, Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
The Policy Agenda for Independent Higher Education
It has been another year of intense political focus on higher education. The leaders of the two national associations serving independent colleges and universities will discuss the implications for the sector and the impact presidents and other leaders can have on policy and legislative agendas.
Marjorie Hass, President, Council of Independent Colleges
Barbara K. Mistick, President, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
Workshops
President-Board Relations
January 7, 10:15 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
(Open only to currently serving college and university presidents)
This participatory workshop will provide a primer on foundational elements of the president-board relationship—including college bylaws, fiduciary responsibility, and institutional governance—and will address the president’s role in building and guiding an effective board. Using case studies and other materials, facilitators will lead discussions on a range of topics including handling contentious conversations; presidential evaluation; and strategic leadership, planning, and policy. The workshop is designed to be highly engaging and interactive, with many opportunities for presidents to ask questions and share their own experiences with one another in a confidential setting.
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Welcome; College Bylaws, and Institutional Governance
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
President’s Role in Building and Guiding an Effective Board
12:30–1:00 p.m.
Box Lunches and Break
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Dealing with Contentious Topics
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Common Questions: Board Size, Committee Structure, Term Limits, Presidential Evaluation, Fundraising, Etc.
3:00–3:30 p.m.
Closing
Facilitators:
Roslyn Clark Artis, President, Benedict College (SC)
Herman Felton, President, Wiley University (TX)
Melanie Humphreys, President, The King’s University (Alberta, Canada)
Paul Pribbenow, President, Augsburg University (MN)
Michael Sosulski, President, Washington College (MD)
Financial Challenges and Structural Deficits
January 7, 10:15 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
(Open only to currently serving college and university presidents)
This interactive workshop will equip presidents with strategies to analyze and address the most pressing financial challenges on campus. Sessions will help attendees understand the symptoms, origins, and severity of financial deficits, and point them toward solutions. Drawing on guided sessions and case study exercises, participants will be able to better identify the contributions to deficits that derive from a range of financial practices including discounting tuition, deferred maintenance, enrollment management, annual giving, and program costs. They will also come away with a better understanding of the political and communications issues that come with resolving structural deficits.
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Symptoms and Origins of Structural Deficits
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Cost Control
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Working Lunch; Solution Support
1:30–2:30 p.m.
Revenue Generation
2:30–2:45 p.m.
Break
2:45–3:30 p.m.
Campus Applications
Facilitators:
Mike Maxey, President Emeritus, Roanoke College (VA)
Paul Friga, Clinical Associate Professor of Strategy, University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler School of Business; Senior Consultant and Practice Area Leader for Strategic Transformation of Public Higher Education, AGB Consulting
Speakers:
Kamalika Sandell, President, Core Education PBC
Roslyn Clark Artis, President, Benedict College (SC)
Elizabeth Davis, President, Furman University (SC)
Bob Lindgren, President, Randolph Macon College (VA)
John Loyack, Chief Executive Officer, Alvernia University (PA)
Allison Morrison-Shetlar, President, University of Lynchburg (VA)
Steve Probst, Senior Partner, Gray Associates
Gerry Rooney, President, St. John Fisher University (NY)
Program Schedule
Locations of events are provided to registrants in the Guidebook application. The link to download the app will be sent via email to registrants, and CIC staff will be available to assist at the registration desk upon arrival.
Pre-Institute Programs
January 3–4, 2024
Please note: Pre-registration is required for these programs.
New Presidents Program
CIC’s New Presidents Program (NPP) runs concurrently with CIC’s Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program. NPP provides the relevant tools and wise counsel that keep a young presidency on a smooth course. The agenda focuses on the practical needs and resources to help participants avoid early pitfalls while capitalizing on the opportunities that the first year represents. Ample opportunities for formal and informal conversations allow participants to build community.
Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program
The Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program (SPoNPP) provides a supportive, intimate, and confidential environment for participants as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of their new role. A small team of experienced presidential spouses leads the group through a comprehensive exploration of the spouse and partner role and helps each participant understand how he or she can serve in that role most effectively and with personal fulfillment. Participants have the option to connect with experienced mentor/buddy volunteers who can offer ongoing advice, support, and encouragement. Participants in the Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program are strongly encouraged to register also for the Spouses and Partners Program offered during the Presidents Institute January 4–7. While the SPoNPP explores the nature of the spouse and partner role and how each individual fills that role, the Spouses and Partners Program offered during the Presidents Institute addresses a wider variety of topics, many more practically oriented.
Hotel Information
Diplomat Beach Resort
3555 South Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
(954) 602-6000
All program sessions of the 2024 Presidents Institute will be held at the Diplomat Beach Resort.
Presidents Institute Room Rate:
$279 single/double per night
Deadline for CIC Rate:
Friday, December 1, 2023
Hilton’s Diplomat Beach Resort provides a beachfront location that extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway. The hotel features bright guest rooms, two beachfront pools (including an infinity pool), and an ultramodern spa. The hotel also includes ten restaurants, two of which are celebrity chef-owned, and state-of-the-art fitness and entertainment areas. Additional features are beach and waterfront activities, such as fishing and jet skiing, off-property golf and tennis, as well as a Kids Club. Guests can explore the area by taking the Sun Shuttle, operated by Circuit. To schedule a ride, download the “Ride Circuit” app from the App Store or Google Play. Scheduled rides are $2 per person, or you may ride for free by stopping the nearest Sun Shuttle driver or by boarding the shuttle at one of the following designated stops:
- City-operated “Garfield” Parking Garage at A1A and Connecticut Street
- Johnson Street Mobility Hub at A1A and Johnson Street
- City-operated “Nevada” Parking Garage at A1A and Nevada Street
The shuttle operates Sunday to Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
The Presidents Institute registration and hotel reservation deadline is Friday, December 1, 2023. Please note that hotel reservations made after the deadline can be accommodated only on a space-available basis and may be at a rate higher than the CIC rate. Hotel rooms may sell out before the deadline, so participants are encouraged to register for the Institute and reserve their hotel rooms as soon as possible.
Hotel Reservation Procedure: Participants first need to register for the Presidents Institute. Upon paid Presidents Institute registration, participants will receive an Institute confirmation email that includes detailed hotel reservation instructions and a code to make a Diplomat Beach Resort reservation at the CIC discounted rate.
The CIC hotel rate of $279 for single or double occupancy may be available for rooms reserved for the period of December 28, 2023–January 10, 2024, for participants who would like to extend their stay. Please note that rooms reserved during extended dates are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guest rooms must be canceled up to 72 hours prior to arrival or a cancellation fee of up to one night’s stay will be charged. Also note that the hotel’s policy requires a daily credit card hold of $125 per room for incidentals. If a bank debit card is used, the available balance of the account will be reduced at the time of check-out.
Spa Services
Presidents Institute participants will receive a 15 percent discount on spa services offered at the Diplomat Beach Resort. To make an appointment, call (954) 602-8400 and indicate that you are with CIC. Additional information is available online at the Diplomat Beach Resort.
Travel
The Diplomat Beach Resort is located approximately 10 miles (fifteen minutes) from Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) and twenty-two miles (30 minutes) from Miami International Airport (MIA). Transportation to the hotel is available from both airports through several taxicab and shuttle providers located on the ground level just outside the baggage claim area. Taxicab fare from Fort Lauderdale International Airport is a zone rate of $35 one-way and shared ride shuttle fare is $13 each way. From Miami International Airport, the taxicab fare is approximately $75, and the shared ride shuttle fare is $37 one-way.
While reservations are not needed for shuttle service to the hotel, advance reservations are recommended when returning to the airport.
- Go Airport Shuttle (Fort Lauderdale International Airport): (800) 244-8252
- Super Shuttle (Miami International Airport): (305) 871-1000
Rideshare
Only Lyft service is available from Fort Lauderdale International Airport. However, both Uber and Lyft services are available from Miami International Airport.
Car Rental
Budget/Avis service is available at the Diplomat Beach Resort for guests who wish to rent a vehicle. Contact Budget/Avis at (754) 202-1182. View additional car rental information.
Hotel Parking
Valet parking at the Diplomat Beach Resort is $52 overnight. Self-parking is available at a daily rate of $41. A 15 percent discount will apply to these or prevailing rates for participants of the Presidents Institute. Please note the rates are subject to change. (Rates are as of April 2023.)