“On the surface, we share only one thing in common: we are spouses and partners of academic leaders. Yet within that single thread lies a tapestry of personalities, life stages, and experiences as varied as the institutions we serve.”
Adapted from Spousework: Partners Supporting Academic Leaders by Teresa Johnston Oden (2007)
The role of a presidential spouse or partner in higher education is unlike any other. There’s no job description, no application process—only the shared hope of serving well. Each campus, each couple, and each individual bring a distinct blend of talents, interests, and circumstances to this deeply personal and public role. It can be demanding and unpredictable, but it also offers extraordinary opportunities for connection, growth, and meaning.
The Council of Independent Colleges’ Presidential Spouses and Partners Program celebrates this unique journey. Designed in collaboration with an advisory group of experienced spouses and partners, the program offers insight, fellowship, and inspiration for those walking beside academic leaders. Held in conjunction with the Presidents Institute each January, it features interactive sessions, lively discussions, and moments of reflection that honor both the challenges and the joys of presidential life.
Participants consistently cite the networking and camaraderie that emerge as the program’s most lasting benefit; the program offers a chance to share stories, exchange ideas, and build friendships that extend far beyond the conference.
Participants will:
- Deepen their understanding of the presidential spouse or partner role
- Engage in fellowship with others who share similar responsibilities
- Discover tools, ideas, and advice for success and fulfillment
Recognizing the diversity of backgrounds and interests among spouses and partners, the program offers a rich mix of presentations, panel discussions, and informal conversations. Sessions focus on topics uniquely relevant to the spouse or partner experience—from navigating visibility to fostering campus community—while those interested in broader higher education issues are warmly invited to attend sessions within the Presidents Program.
Volunteers are always welcome to help shape and present future sessions, ensuring the program continues to reflect the voices and experiences of those who live this remarkable partnership. For more information, please contact Kelly Shushok, senior advisor, Presidential Spouses and Partners Program; presidential spouse, Roanoke College (VA), at kshushok@roanoke.edu.
Featured Speaker
Preliminary Schedule
Opening Session
Humility, Connection and the Courage to Create Together
Spouses and partners of college presidents exercise a unique form of leadership, one rooted not in formal authority, but in presence, relationship, and the ability to help others feel seen, supported, and connected. In a world increasingly shaped by technological change and impersonal systems, these human capacities matter more than ever.
Drawing lessons from the choir room, this interactive plenary will explore how humility can serve as a powerful catalyst for trust, creativity, and collective flourishing. Together, we will explore three practices that help people thrive in times of uncertainty: anticipating surprise, making others powerful, and reminding one another of our shared meaning. You will leave with practical tools for fostering connection, cultivating belonging, and strengthening the vital, often unseen leadership you bring to your family, campus, and community.
David Berry, Principal and Founder, RULE13 Learning; Lecturer, California State University San Marcos
Joint Sessions
Joint sessions are designed for the mutual interest of both presidents and spouses/partners and couples are encouraged to attend together.
Leading Beyond Campus: Community Engagement in Partnership
Strong presidencies extend beyond campus. This session explores how presidents and their spouses or partners can engage communities together—building trust, strengthening strategic partnerships, and bridging town–gown divides. A panel of presidential couples will share how they amplify institutional impact and represent the university, individually or together, with purpose in the broader community.
Two Careers, One Campus: Navigating the Presidency and Your Partner’s Career on Campus
This session invites presidents and partners to explore the dynamics of navigating dual professional identities under one institutional roof and the opportunities and complexities that arise. Presidential couples and partners will share insights on managing perceptions, balancing professional autonomy with shared purpose, maintaining collegial relationships, and the challenges of negotiating campus roles for spouses and partners. Through candid conversation and practical strategies, participants will examine how to navigate dual roles with integrity, foster healthy boundaries, and align professional and institutional goals while maintaining personal and professional wellbeing.
Concurrent Sessions
Concurrent sessions are an hour-long and focus on a variety of topics specific to the role of presidential spouse/partner. Concurrent sessions are generally presented by fellow spouses/partners on a topic within their experience or expertise. This year topics will include:
Stories Along the Way: The Evolving Role of Presidential Spouses
Through personal reflections and shared insights, this session explores how this unique role grows and shifts over time as presidential spouses and partners navigate expectations, challenges, and opportunities. You’ll hear from spouses and partners who have refined their roles—finding balance, drawing on their strengths and expertise, and discovering fulfillment in the position. This session includes a facilitated conversation, so come prepared to share your own stories of success, struggle, and growth.
Cultivating Connection
This is a fast paced, idea‑sharing session about campus engagement. Participants will exchange their favorite campus activities and events—those moments that build community, and strengthen the presidential couple’s relationship with students, faculty, and staff. You’ll leave with a collection of fresh, practical ideas you can implement on your own campus. The session blends quick, large‑group sharing with intentional opportunities to connect, dive deeper, and follow up on the ideas that resonate most.
AI Tools for Communication and Planning
Explore how you can use AI in ways that make you more effective, more informed, and more connected. AI can serve as a quiet strategic partner—helping you communicate with clarity, plan with confidence, and stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. This session is designed for those who are new to AI and curious about how it can support your communication, planning, and research in your role as a presidential spouse/partner.
Guided by the Mission
Hear from presidential spouses and partners who have grounded their work in the university’s mission and discovered a deep sense of calling in their role. Be inspired by individuals who bring their faith, values, and personal interests to campus life, shaping how they serve. A facilitated group discussion will invite you to share your own experiences, explore challenges, and ask questions in a supportive environment. You’ll return to campus energized, encouraged, and equipped with new perspectives for living your role with purpose.
Elevate Your Impact in Fundraising
Whether you’re new to fundraising or looking to deepen your influence, this session will help you gain clarity in your role and confidently embrace development work. Our panelists—who bring the dual perspective of presidential spouses and seasoned higher education fundraising professionals—will break down the essential elements of fundraising and illuminate how your voice can meaningfully shape donor engagement. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how to cultivate relationships, support donor stewardship, and partner effectively with your advancement team to strengthen your institution’s mission.
Book Discussion: The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters
The Art of Gathering (2018) by Priya Parker is a guide to designing gatherings—large or small—that are meaningful, memorable, and transformative. The core message is simple but powerful: great gatherings don’t happen by accident; they are intentionally designed. Parker provides ideas, and simple specific changes that can invigorate every group experience as she guides you through the process of designing gatherings that are meaningful and memorable. Join us for a book discussion and unlock new and creative ways to transform your next event. Rethink the traditional ways we come together and understand how to infuse meaning and connection when planning for any occasion.
Parker is the founder of Thrive Labs, where she helps activists, elected officials, corporate executives, educators, and philanthropists create transformational gatherings.
Luncheon Conversation Cafe
Choose your table, choose your conversation, and build your community. As spouses and partners of university presidents, we come from varied backgrounds, face different challenges and expectations, and take on different roles on campus. During this session, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences. Find comfort in each other’s stories, exchange advice, and form meaningful connections. Interested in more than one topic? Midway through the session, you’ll have the option to switch tables and join a new conversation—or stay where you are and keep the discussion going.
Potential discussion topics:
- Supporting aging parents
- Balancing young children at home
- Engaging when you live off campus
- Thriving when you’re an introvert
- Defining your role when you’re the first
- Juggling your own career
- Struggling to define your role
Regional Reception
Participants are invited to enjoy refreshments and conversation while reconnecting with longtime friends and meeting new colleagues from across regions. With no formal programming, this reception provides a relaxed environment for networking and strengthening relationships within the spouse and partner community.
Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program
January 3–4, 2027
Please note: Pre-registration is required for this program.
The Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program 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
Hotel Reservations
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
1 Park Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 564-3333
Presidents Institute Room Rate:
$279 single/double per night
Hotel Reservation Deadline for CIC Rate:
December 1, 2026
Hotel Reservation Procedure: 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 Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
The Presidents Institute registration and hotel reservation deadline is December 1, 2026. 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 Hilton San Diego Bayfront is a waterfront hotel overlooking San Diego Bay. It is near the Gaslamp Quarter and Petco Park, and within proximity to the Seaport Village, San Diego Zoo, and USS Midway Museum. The hotel features six dining venues including Starbucks. Amenities include a heated bayfront pool, a state-of-the-art fully equipped fitness center, bike rentals and a complimentary daily shuttle to the Hotel del Coronado Beach (scroll to the bottom of the page for shuttle times).
Valet parking at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront is $75 overnight with self-parking available at a discounted rate of $30 for participants. (Valet rate as of June 2026.)
Transportation
The Hilton San Diego Bayfront is located approximately 3 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Complimentary airport shuttles are available between terminals and the rental car center. Taxi and Ride Share services are available through several companies listed on the airport website. Uber, Lyft, Opoli, and Wingz are authorized to operate at the San Diego International Airport. The cost of using one of these services to travel to the hotel is approximately $25–30 one-way.
Automobile Rental
Several car rental companies have partnered with the San Diego International Airport to operate at the Rental Car Center. A complimentary shuttle bus runs continuously between the Rental Car Center and airport terminals.
Train Service
Amtrak Intercity and COASTER trains connect Los Angeles, Orange County, and coastal North County to downtown San Diego. For more information visit Amtrak California and the COASTER websites.
Registration Information
To ensure timely preparation of accurate and complete conference materials, please register for the Institute by December 1, 2026.
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 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 Presidents Institute and a printout of your online registration page, to:
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 and the Celebration of Independent Higher Education.
| CIC Member Rate | Nonmember Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| President | $1,090 | $1,430 |
| Presidential Spouse or Partner | $655 | $940 |
| Retired President | $740 | 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 | $500 | $500 |
Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program (January 3–4)
| CIC Member Rate | Nonmember Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Spouse or Partner | $385 | $385 |
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 |
Childcare
Although neither CIC nor the Hilton San Diego Bayfront provides childcare services, the hotel is family-friendly and offers several features and nearby activities well-suited for children:
On-Site Amenities for Kids
- The Pool Club: The hotel features a large, heated waterfront outdoor pool and a splash zone area that is popular with families.
Nearby Family-Friendly Attractions
- Seaport Village: A scenic, walkable waterfront area nearby with a historic 1895 carousel, casual dining, and kite flying.
- Coronado Island; Located across the bay from downtown San Diego. Known as “Crown City,” it is the home of the iconic Victorian Hotel del Coronado and features wide, sparkling beaches. There are daily buses from the Hilton San Diego Bayfront’s Promenade East Entrance and to the Hotel del Coronado. See bus schedule.
- Petco Park (home of the San Diego Padres): Located right across the pedestrian skybridge
- San Diego Zoo (in Balboa Park): The world-famous 100-acre wildlife park that is home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals, including more than 650 species and subspecies. Also check out Balboa Park’s museums, and Old Town San Diego that are a quick 10- to 15-minute drive or rideshare away.
- The New Children’s Museum: Located just a short walk away in downtown San Diego, featuring interactive art installations and hands-on play spaces.
- Participants may also take advantage of additional attractions and activities through San Diego’s “Show Your Badge” program, which offers discounts to certain venues and activities around the city.
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, in writing, to the attention of CIC Conferences at conferences@cic.edu.
For hotel cancellations, follow the link from your reservation confirmation email or contact Hilton San Diego Bayfront at (619) 564-3333.
Contact Information
If you have registration or cancellation questions, contact CIC by email at conferences@cic.edu.
