On the surface, there is only one thing we have in common: we are spouses and partners of academic leaders. A mixed bag of men and women at different stages in our lives, with a variety of life experiences matched only by the variety of our personalities. If I were planning a conference for rock collectors, I would despair if told that the target audience was not the collectors, but the people who partner them. How does one program meaningfully for an audience about who one knows just this single fact, that they are all spouses or partners of rockhounds?
Paraphrased from Spousework: Partners Supporting Academic Leaders
Teresa Johnston Oden, 2007
The role of presidential spouse or partner is unique in higher education: it rarely has a position description and varies enormously depending on the campus and the skills, interests, and personal circumstances of the individual. It is not a position to which the spouses or partners apply but one at which they all hope to succeed. It can be challenging, frustrating, and exhausting, but it can provide a singular opportunity for couples to know each other more fully and to work together in meaningful partnership. And it will likely be among the most richly rewarding and deeply fulfilling experiences for those fortunate few who have the privilege to serve in the role.
CIC’s Presidential Spouses and Partners Program is designed to offer insight, advice, support, and fellowship to those who share this unique role. Developed in consultation with an advisory group of experienced presidential spouses and partners, it is held in conjunction with the Presidents Institute each January and provides opportunities for learning and sharing in a variety of interactive, informative, and entertaining formats. Consistently, the most valued benefit of the program, as cited in evaluations, is the networking that takes place among presidential spouses and partners from other institutions.
The vision of the Presidential Spouses and Partners Program is for participants to:
- Enhance their understanding of the role of presidential spouse or partner
- Engage in fellowship with others serving in the same role
- Acquire tools for success in the role
Recognizing the diversity of backgrounds and interests of presidential spouses and partners, the program features an array of presentations, workshops, and informal discussions. Participation in all sessions is optional. Spouse and partner sessions tend to focus on topics that are of special relevance to the spouse/partner role, rather than on higher education issues and trends that are offered through the presidents’ program. Spouses and partners who are more interested in general higher education matters are encouraged and welcomed to attend sessions for presidents, unless otherwise noted.
Volunteers are always welcome to participate in planning and presenting programs for the Presidential Spouses and Partners Program. For more information, please contact Angela Cant, senior advisor, Presidential Spouses and Partners Program; presidential spouse, Wilkes University (PA), at acant@cic.edu.
Featured Speaker
Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program
January 3–4, 2025
Please note: Pre-registration is required for this program.
The Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program (SPoNPP) runs concurrently with CIC’s New Presidents Program prior to the Presidents Institute. Participants create networks of colleagues, confidants, and friends who share an understanding of their unique role and who can provide mutual support as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of that new role.
Hotel and Travel
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
23808 Resort Parkway
San Antonio, Texas 78261
(210) 276-2500
Presidents Institute Room Rate:
$259 single/double per night
Deadline for CIC Rate:
December 2, 2024
The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is nestled amid 600 acres of oak-covered hills in the Texas Hill Country and is just 12 miles from the San Antonio International Airport. The resort features bright guestrooms, two swimming pools, a luxury spa, a fitness center, and includes the River Bluff Water Experience, a 9-acre water park with a 1,100-foot lazy river. The property features six onsite dining options as well as a PGA tour championship golf course. The hotel is located about 20 miles from downtown San Antonio and near several attractions including wineries, SeaWorld, Shops at La Cantera, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and the San Antonio Botanical Gardens.
Presidents Institute participants will receive a 10 percent discount on spa services offered at the JW Marriott’s Lantana Spa. You may book a spa appointment online or call (210) 276-2300 and indicate that you are with CIC. View additional spa information online. Valet parking at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is $45 overnight. Daily self-parking is available at a daily rate of $29. Please note the rates are subject to change. (Rates as of May 2024.)
The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is located approximately 12 miles or 20 minutes from the San Antonio International Airport (SAT). Transportation to the hotel is available through several taxicab and shuttle providers located at the outer commercial curbside at Terminal A. For assistance, please see the Airport Ground Transportation employee (wearing red shirt).
Taxicab fare from the San Antonio International Airport is $45 one-way and shared ride shuttle fare is approximately $73 each way.
While reservations are not needed for shuttle service to the hotel, advance reservations are recommended when returning to the airport.
- ShuttleWizard.com (San Antonio International Airport): (213) 205-0042
- Elife Limo: (800) 814-4204
Uber, Lyft, Wingz, and Wridz services are available the San Antonio International Airport. See information about ride shares.
There are several car rental companies available from the San Antonio International Airport (SAT). See information about rental cars.Please view the website for additional information.
Hotel Reservations
The Presidents Institute registration and hotel reservation deadline is Monday, December 2, 2024. 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.
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 JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa reservation at the CIC discounted rate.
The CIC hotel rate of $259 for single or double occupancy may be available for rooms reserved for the period of December 30, 2024–January 10, 2025, 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 if a credit card is presented at the time of check-in, a hold for the entire amount of the stay will be placed on the card. If a bank debit card is used at the time of check-in, the entire hotel stay will be charged and deducted from the card at that time.
Registration Information
To ensure timely preparation of accurate and complete conference materials, please register for the Institute by Monday, December 2, 2024.
Please review the current CIC Health and Safety Guidelines and the CIC Code of Conduct before registering for the Institute.
Registration and Payment Process
Please register for the Institute online. You may pay for the Institute by:
Submit a credit card payment online.
Please select the “pay by check” option and use the following account information for your ACH payment:
Council of Independent Colleges
Routing number: (ABA) 021052053
Account number: 99387090
Addendum: CIC 2025 Presidents Institute
ACH confirmations may be sent to: cicaccounting@cic.edu
Please select the “pay by check” option and use the following account information for your wire transfer payment:
Council of Independent Colleges
Banking Institution: Truist
Routing number: 054001547
Account number: 0005163140944
SWIFT Code: BRBTUS33
Wire confirmations may be sent to: cicaccounting@cic.edu
Mail a check payable to “Council of Independent Colleges,” with a memo indicating the check is for the 2025 Presidents Institute and a printout of your online registration page, to:
2025 Presidents Institute
Council of Independent Colleges
One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 320
Washington, DC 20036-1142
Registration Fees
The Presidents Institute registration fee includes all program sessions and resources, except for optional events and workshops. In addition, the registration fee covers all Institute breakfasts and lunches as well as the Welcome Dinner, All-Institute Reception, and the Celebration of Independent Higher Education.
| CIC Member Rate | Nonmember Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| President | $1,030 | $1,350 |
| Presidential Spouse or Partner | $620 | $890 |
Not a CIC member? In addition to reduced registration fees for the Presidents Institute, view the full list of member benefits.
New Presidents Program (January 3–4)
| CIC Member Rate | Nonmember Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| President | $475 | $475 |
| Presidential Spouse or Partner | $360 | $360 |
Optional Workshops (January 7)
(Advance registration is required as each option has a limited number of spaces.)
| CIC Member Rate | Nonmember Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Workshop: President-Board Relations (10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) | $85 | $85 |
| Workshop: Financial Challenges (10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) | $85 | $85 |
Guests, Families, and Childcare
All daytime sessions during the Presidents Institute, including breakfast and lunch sessions, are open to registered participants only.
- Tickets may be purchased onsite for unregistered presidential spouses and partners for the opening night Welcome Dinner on January 4.
- Family members are invited to participate in the All-Institute Reception on the evening of January 5; no tickets are necessary for this event.
- Tickets may be purchased at the time of online registration or onsite for adult guests for the Celebration of Independent Higher Education dinner on January 6.
- Children’s activities are available at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort Range Riders Kids Club. Supervised activities are available for kids between the ages of four and twelve. Arrangements can be made directly with the hotel by calling (210) 276-2500. View additional information on children’s activities online.
Dress Guidelines
Business casual or resort casual wear is appropriate throughout the Institute.
CIC Conference Registration and Cancellation Policies
Please note that CIC requires full payment by check, credit card, ACH, or wire transfer at the time of registration.
Refunds of the registration fee (less a $50 processing fee) will be given for cancellations received in writing, including email, no later than December 2.
Contact JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa for hotel cancellations at (210) 276-2500.
Contact Information
If you have registration questions, contact CIC by phone at (202) 466-7230 or by email at conferences@cic.edu.