Financial, political, and social disruptions pose a constant challenge for leaders of independent colleges and universities. In navigating these complex times, resilient leaders who strategically connect campus to community have a distinct advantage in ensuring the stability and success of their institutions. The CIC Presidents Institute, held from January 4–7, 2025, will explore ways that presidents can effectively engage communities to transform upheaval into opportunity. We hope you will join us at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas.
CIC’s 2025 Presidents Institute will provide presidents, presidential spouses and partners, and industry experts an opportunity to explore timely and relevant solutions to a range of pressing issues. Plenary panels will offer direction and strategic advice on mitigating conflict, preserving cultures of free expression, and effectively navigating the federal policy agenda. Concurrent sessions and workshops will provide peer wisdom on subjects such as financial sustainability, legal challenges, DEI and belonging, data management and technology, and graduate programming.
The Presidents Institute is your place to deepen professional relationships, find inspiration, and renew your vision.
Who Should Participate?
The Presidents Institute annually gathers more than 300 independent college and university presidents among nearly 750 total participants. Presidents, presidential spouses and partners, industry sponsors, and retired presidents are all eligible to register for the Institute. In addition to the main program for presidents (January 4–7), the Institute includes a parallel Program for Presidential Spouses and Partners.
Just 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.
Guests and families are welcome to attend select events. See registration and participation details in the “Registration Information” section below.
Featured Speakers
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Richard Guarasci
President Emeritus, Wagner College (NY)
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Amanda Ripley
Author and Journalist, New York Times
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Tony Banout
Executive Director, Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression, University of Chicago (IL)
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Jacqueline Pfeffer Merrill
Director of the Campus Free Expression Project, Council of Independent Colleges
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Kristen Shahverdian
Program Director, Campus Free Speech, PEN America
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Lori S. White
President, DePauw University (IN)
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Marjorie Hass
President, Council of Independent Colleges
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Barbara K. Mistick
President, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
Plenary Sessions
Building Partnerships between Campus and Community
With relatively modest investments, campuses can develop relationships with local public and private institutions to raise educational outcomes, promote entrepreneurship, and boost incomes. In this opening plenary, Richard Guarasci, former president of Wagner College (NY) and author of Neighborhood Democracy: Building Anchor Partnerships Between Colleges and Their Communities (2022), offers critical advice on revitalizing communities and campuses through strategic partnerships.
Richard Guarasci, President Emeritus, Wagner College (NY)
Breaking the Spell of High Conflict
Richard Ekman Keynote Address in Higher Education
Good conflict pushes us to be better people, but high conflict can be deeply unhealthy and unproductive. Join us for this special session with award-winning journalist and author of High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out, Amanda Ripley. Learn how to break free of high conflict and avoid the good-versus-evil, us-versus-them feuds that plague our society and our campuses.
Amanda Ripley, New York Times Bestselling Author and Journalist
Campus, Community, and Free Expression
Students, faculty, administrators, parents, alumni, and boards can differ significantly on free expression issues. Additionally, the wide variety of religious and historical missions at independent colleges and universities frame acceptable expression in myriad ways. This panel discussion focuses on moving communities and campuses toward a shared understanding of free expression.
Tony Banout, Executive Director of the Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression, University of Chicago (IL)
Jacqueline Pfeffer Merrill, Director of the Campus Free Expression Project, Council of Independent Colleges
Kristen Shahverdian, Program Director of Campus Free Speech, PEN America
Lori White, President, DePauw University (IN)
The Policy Agenda for Independent Higher Education
Decisions made in the nation’s capital continue to have a tremendous impact on the higher education landscape. Join the leaders of two national associations serving independent colleges and universities for our annual discussion of the current legislative and policy agenda.
Marjorie Hass, President, Council of Independent Colleges
Barbara K. Mistick, President, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
Workshops
President-Board Relations
January 7, 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
(Open only to currently serving college and university presidents)
This participatory workshop will provide an overview 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 small group work, facilitators will lead discussions on a range of topics including presidential evaluations, governance challenges, and political issues, both internal and external. 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 a.m.
Welcome
10:40–11:30 a.m.
Bylaws and Shared Governance
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Building and Guiding an Effective Board
12:30–1:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Contentious Topics and Challenges
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Questions from the Floor
3:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Facilitator:
Anne Houtman, President Emerita, Earlham College (IN)
Financial Challenges and Strategies to Combat Them
January 7, 10:30 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 structural deficits and other financial difficulties, and point them toward solutions. Drawing on guided sessions and case study exercises, participants will be able to better identify common financial problems that derive from a range of practices including discounting tuition, deferred maintenance, enrollment management, annual giving, and program development. They will come away with actional frameworks, approaches, and tools to better address financial concerns.
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Dealing with Deficits
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Cost Control
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Solution Support / Working Lunch
1:30–2:30 p.m.
Revenue Generation
2:30–3:30 p.m.
Campus Applications
Facilitators:
Paul Friga, Clinical Professor of Strategy, University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler School of Business; Senior Consultant, AGB Consulting
Mike Maxey, President Emeritus, Roanoke College (VA); Senior Consultant and Senior Executive Coach, Academic Search
Program Schedule
Locations of events are provided to registrants in the Guidebook mobile app. 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) 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.
Many of the more than 1,600 new presidents who have participated in the program since 1989 point to these features as particularly valuable:
- Presenters are current or recently retired CIC presidents and spouses or partners who understand the needs of their new colleagues.
- Professional networks are created as participants build relationships with colleagues who often continue to serve as informal advisors.
- The program makes efficient use of time and represents excellent value.
- Trusting friendships are established among participants providing confidential support and counsel on the most sensitive and consequential issues.
- The concurrent and at times overlapping Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program provides an opportunity for presidential couples to spend meaningful together.
Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program
The Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program (SPoNPP) runs concurrently with CIC’s New Presidents Program prior to the Presidents Institute. The vision of the Spouses and Partners of New Presidents 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
This program provides a supportive, intimate, and confidential environment for participants as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of their new position. 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 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.
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 services 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.)
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 link 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.
Transportation
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.
Registration Information
Online registration for the 2025 Presidents Institute is now closed. Please contact CIC by phone at (202) 466-7230 or by email at conferences@cic.edu to inquire if space is still available. Sponsors should contact Simone Smith at simone.smith@cic.edu.
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 |
| Retired President | $700 | N/A |
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 |
Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program (January 3–4)
| CIC Member Rate | Nonmember Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Retired President Eligibility
CIC welcomes retired presidents who wish to participate in the Presidents Institute and remain involved in discussions of professional matters with former colleagues. Retired presidents who work for a sponsoring firm should participate in the Institute as one of the firm’s representatives, not as a retired president. Questions about eligibility to register as a retired president should be directed to Jeff Woods, CIC vice president for member engagement, at jwoods@cic.edu.
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 children’s activity information 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. Refund requests received between December 3 and December 15 will incur a charge equal to 25 percent of the total registration fee. Requests received after December 15 and “no shows” are ineligible for a refund. All refunds will be issued after the Institute. Please send cancellation requests to the attention of Alonso De Los Rios, CIC conference coordinator, at adelosrios@cic.edu.
Contact JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa for hotel cancellations at (210) 276-2500.
Contact Information
If you have registration or cancellation questions, contact CIC by phone at (202) 466-7230 or by email at conferences@cic.edu.