Independent colleges and universities are engines of opportunity, and their contributions to society have never been more needed. At the 2026 Presidents Institute from January 4–7, at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida, CIC member presidents will explore strategies that empower campuses to fulfill their missions and remain resolute in serving the common good.
CIC’s 2026 Presidents Institute provides 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 explore the future of the academic social contract, campus cultures of resilience, identity and pluralism in the current landscape of higher education, and the federal policy agenda. Concurrent, discussion, and interactive sessions—whose content is overwhelmingly derived from presidential proposals and feedback—will provide peer wisdom on board relations, finances, partnerships and mergers, accreditation, artificial intelligence, legal and political issues, and media relations.
The Presidents Institute is the place to deepen professional relationships, find inspiration, expand your vision, and renew your purpose as an independent higher education leader.
Who Should Participate?
Each year, the Presidents Institute convenes over 300 independent college and university presidents. With additional registrants, total participation at the Institute is around 700 people. Presidential spouses and partners, industry sponsors, and retired presidents are also 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. Also, just prior to the opening, we offer the New Presidents Program (NPP) on January 3–4, for CIC member presidents in their first or second year at an independent college or university. NPP includes a parallel program for spouses and partners of new presidents.
Featured Speakers
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Emily J. Levine
Associate Professor of Education and History, Stanford University (CA)
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Mitchell L. Stevens
Professor of Education and Sociology, Stanford University (CA)
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Kia Afcari
Director of Greater Good Workplaces, Greater Good Science Center
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Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas
Science Director, Greater Good Science Center
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Grant Cornwell
President Emeritus, Rollins College (FL)
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Eboo Patel
Founder and President, Interfaith America
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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
The Academic Social Contract
Richard Ekman Keynote Address in Higher Education
CIC institutions are part of a diverse ecosystem in US higher education confronting a dramatic renegotiation of the academic social contract. The academic social contract is an implicit agreement in which private colleges and universities provide myriad services to society in exchange for public subsidy, autonomy, and prestige. In this session, experts in the history and sociology of education will discuss the origin and evolution of the academic social contract; summarize the political, economic, and competitive dynamics that have eroded the contract from its zenith during the twentieth-century Cold War; and challenge independent colleges and universities to take proactive leadership in addressing the most pressing civic challenges of our time.
Emily J. Levine, Associate Professor of Education and History, Stanford University (CA)
Mitchell L. Stevens, Professor of Education and Sociology, Stanford University (CA)
Building a Resilient Campus Culture
Drawing on the science of happiness, this session will offer advice to presidents for attending to their own wellbeing while encouraging cultures of resilience on their own campuses. The plenary will be followed by interactive sessions that delve deeper into the topic of individual and institutional resilience.
Kia Afcari, Director of Greater Good Workplaces, Greater Good Science Center
Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas, Science Director, Greater Good Science Center
Identity, Pluralism, and the Current Landscape of Higher Education
Higher education is among the key American social institutions where people of diverse identities and divergent ideologies learn to live in community. This plenary explores how to curate pluralist campus environments to bridge deep disagreements while respecting individual and cultural differences.
Grant Cornwell, President Emeritus, Rollins College (FL)
Eboo Patel, Founder and President, Interfaith America
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. Don’t miss this year’s conversation on the current federal legislative and policy agenda between the leaders of two national associations serving independent colleges and universities.
Marjorie Hass, President, Council of Independent Colleges
Barbara K. Mistick, President, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
Pre-Institute Programs
January 3–4
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 1,650 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 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 time 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 they can serve most effectively and with personal fulfillment.
Preliminary Schedule
(Schedule subject to change)
7:45 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
New Presidents Program
7:45 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program
7:15 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
New Presidents Program
7:15 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program
5:00–6:15 p.m.
Richard Ekman Keynote Address in Higher Education: The Academic Social Contract
6:15–8:00 p.m.
Welcome Dinner
7:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Spouses and Partners Program
7:00–8:30 a.m.
Affinity Meetings
8:30–9:30 a.m.
Plenary Session: Building a Resilient Campus Culture
10:00–11:00 a.m.
Concurrent Sessions
- Bouncing Back as a College President
- Strategies for Spreading Joy on Campus
- Faith-Based Institutional Resilience
- Is Your Facemask On? Building a Resilient Leadership Team
11:00–11:30 a.m.
Networking
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions
- Assessing and Strengthening Governance
- Keeping Presidential Marriages and Partnerships Strong
- Legal Issues that Keep Presidents Up at Night
- Securing Your Financial Future
- Streamlining Transfer Through an Online Portal
- Trust Building in Times of Institutional Change
- Using AI to Maximize Your Efficiency as President
2:30–3:30 p.m.
Discussion Sessions
- Breaking Down Silos
- Building an Effective Executive Leadership Team
- Cultivating Industry Partners
- Presidential Sabbaticals
- Shared Governance in a Community of Trust
- Strategies for Combatting Real and Perceived Antisemitism on College Campuses
- Transforming Institutions with Agentic AI
2:30–3:30 p.m.
Information Sessions
- CIC Belong Network
- Introducing the New CIC KIT and FIT
- CIC Partnerships and Mergers Project
3:30–4:45 p.m.
Networking
5:00–6:00 p.m.
All-Institute Reception
7:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Spouses and Partners Program
7:00–8:30 a.m.
Affinity Meetings
8:30–9:30 a.m.
Plenary Session: Identity, Pluralism, and the Current Landscape of Higher Education
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Networking
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Discussion Sessions
- Competing for Relevance in a Consumer-Driven Era
- Embracing Adult Learners
- Emerging Technologies for Student Engagement and Success
- Fundraising and Advancement Strategies
- Navigating Faith Identity and Inclusivity in a Pluralist Campus Climate
- Program Sharing Between Institutions
- Presidential Compensation
- Presidents and Fraternity/Sorority Alumni Relations
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Information Sessions
- CIC Online Course Sharing Consortium
- CIC Campus Free Expression Project
- CIC AI Ready Network
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions
- AI and the Future of Work
- American Higher Education in an International Context
- From Accreditation Sanctions to Success
- How to Present Your Institution as a Strong Strategic Partner
- Offense or Defense in Washington, DC
- The Free Press, Free Speech Connection
2:00–2:30 p.m.
Networking
2:30–4:00 p.m.
Interactive Sessions
- Accreditors as Partners
- Building Boards and Board Relationships
- Public Roles, Private Lives
- Realistic Financial Advice in Volatile Times
- Simulating Mission and Revenue Decisions
- Strategic Combinations and Partnerships
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Celebration of Independent Higher Education
7:45–8:30 a.m.
CIC Annual Business Meeting
9:00–10:00 a.m.
Plenary Session: The Policy Agenda for Independent Higher Education
10:15 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Financial Challenges Workshop
Post-Institute Workshop
January 7, 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Please note: Pre-registration is required for this program.
Financial Challenges and Strategies for Cost-Cutting and Revenue Growth
(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 participants understand the symptoms, origins, and severity of structural deficits and other financial difficulties, and point them toward solutions. Drawing on guided sessions, best-practice examples, and case study exercises, we will discuss action plans for major program reviews, academic restructurings, new program introduction, administrative cost reduction, and non-academic revenue generation opportunities. Presidents will also have opportunities to share their own challenges and receive feedback from peers, coming away with actional frameworks, approaches, and tools to better address financial concerns.
Facilitators:
Paul Friga, Clinical Professor of Strategy, University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler School of Business; Consultant, AGB Consulting
Mike Maxey, President Emeritus, Roanoke College (VA); Senior Consultant and Senior Academic Coach, Academic Search
Hotel and Travel
Hotel Reservations
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 597-3600
Presidents Institute Room Rate:
$245 single/double per night
Deadline for CIC Rate:
December 1, 2025
All program sessions of the Presidents Institute will be held at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
Participants need to first register for the Presidents Institute in order to make a hotel reservation at the CIC discounted rate. Upon paid registration, participants will receive an Institute confirmation email that includes detailed hotel reservation instructions and a link to make reservations at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
The Presidents Institute registration and hotel reservation deadline is Monday, December 1, 2025. Please note that hotel reservations made after the deadline will 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.
The Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek hotel is located within the 482-acre Bonnet Creek Nature Preserve near the Walt Disney World Resort. Amenities include a full-service spa, golf course, and a three-acre pool with a lazy river. Adjacent to the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is the Waldorf Astoria Orlando with both properties offering a combined 12 dining options. Additionally, all amenities at the Waldorf Astoria are available to Signia by Hilton guests and can be billed directly to their Hilton guest rooms.
Valet parking at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is $57 overnight and self-parking is $40. (Rates are as of March 2025.)
Transportation
The Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is located about 20 minutes (18 miles) from the Orlando International Airport (MCO). Private transportation to the hotel is provided through Mears Transportation Group. Mears provides shuttle service starting at $94 one way and $172 roundtrip. Contact Mears Transportation Group: (855) 463-2776 or (407) 423-5566
Taxicab service is approximately $70 each way.
Rideshare services such as Uber, Lyft, and Wingz are permitted to operate at Orlando International Airport (MCO). The cost to use one of these services to travel to the hotel is approximately $40 each way.
Automobile Rental
There are several car rental companies available from Orlando International Airport.
For reservations with Alamo Rent-A-Car, call (844) 370-3164 or visit the Alamo website.
For reservations with National Car Rental, call (844) 370-3165 or visit the National website.
High Speed Rail/Train
Participants traveling from Miami International, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach airports can use the Brightline high-speed rail service for travel to Orlando.
Registration Information
To ensure timely preparation of accurate and complete conference materials, please register for the Institute by Monday, December 1, 2025.
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 2026 Presidents Institute and a printout of your online registration page, to:
2026 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 | $1,065 | $1,400 |
| Presidential Spouse or Partner | $640 | $920 |
| Retired President | $725 | 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 | $490 | $490 |
Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program (January 3–4)
| CIC Member Rate | Nonmember Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Spouse or Partner | $375 | $375 |
Optional Workshop (January 7)
(Advance registration is required as the workshop has a limited number of spaces.)
| CIC Member Rate | Nonmember Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Challenges | $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.
Family and Guests
All daytime sessions during the Presidents Institute, including breakfast and lunch sessions, are open only to registered participants. Tickets may be purchased on-site for special guests and family members to participate in the opening night Welcome Dinner on Sunday, January 4. Guest tickets for the Celebration of Higher Education dinner on Tuesday, January 6, may be ordered at the time of registration.
Childcare
Although CIC does not provide childcare services, several options are available through the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
Childcare service may be arranged directly through a private provider recommended by the resort by calling (407) 828-0920 or (800) 696-8105 or by visiting Kid’s Night Out.
The adjacent Waldorf Astoria Orlando also offers WA Kids Club, a specialized service that focuses on activities for children ages 5–12. Stays include kids making their own WA Kids Club “Waldy” T-shirt, poolside scavenger hunts, and craft creations. Advance reservations are required and can be made through the Waldorf Astoria’s concierge or by calling (407) 597-3600.
Spa Services
Spa services are offered at the Waldorf Astoria Spa and Presidents Institute participants will receive a ten percent discount on services. To make appointments, visit the Waldorf Astoria Spa website or call (407) 597-5500 and indicate that you are with CIC.
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 1. Refund requests received between December 2 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.
For hotel cancellations, go to your reservation confirmation email to “manage” your reservation or contact Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek at (407) 597-3600.
Contact Information
If you have registration or cancellation questions, contact CIC by phone at (202) 466-7230 or by email at conferences@cic.edu.