2026 Conference Schedule

The 2026 Annual Conference will be held at The Westin Pittsburgh from October 17 - 21. 

Only AUCCCD members may register for and attend the Annual Conference. If you have questions about membership, please review our policy here or contact the AUCCCD Office.

2026 AUCCCD Annual Conference Important Dates

Dates subject to change

March 1: Call for Proposals Open
April 15: Call for Proposals Close
May 18: Early Registration & Hotel Reservations Open
September 1: Early Registration Ends (Registration prices increase after this date)
September 26: Hotel Reservation Cut-Off Date
October 17: Pre-conference
October 18 - 21: Annual Conference

2026 Conference Schedule

Schedule subject to change. Times are EST.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
3:00p - 6:00p Registration for Pre-Conference Open

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
7:00a - 6:00p Registration/Information Desk Open
8:00a - 9:00a Continental Breakfast for Preconference Attendees
8:00a - 1:00p IACS Board of Directors Meeting
8:30a - 4:00p Pre-Conference Workshops
9:00a - 12:00p AUCCCD Board Meeting – Board Members Only
11:30a - 1:00p Lunch Break (on your own)
4:00p - 5:00p  IACS International Meeting
4:30p - 5:15p  New Directors’ and First Time Attendees (NDFTA) Workshop - Learn More
5:00p - 6:30p  IACS Wine and Cheese Reception, Open to all attendees
6:30p - 9:30p  Opening Reception

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
7:00a - 6:00p Registration/Information Desk Open
7:00a - 8:30a Continental Breakfast 
7:00a - 5:00p Exhibits Open 
7:00a - 8:00a Worship Service
7:30a - 8:00a Meditation 
8:30a - 9:30a Partners'/Guests' Welcome & Informal Meeting
8:30a - 10:00a 1st Business Meeting
10:00a - 10:30a Break in Exhibit & Sponsor Hall
10:30a - 12:00p Opening Keynote Speaker
12:00p - 1:30p Connection Luncheon
12:00p - 1:30p Directors from Catholic Schools Luncheon
1:30p - 3:00p Breakout Sessions 
3:00p - 3:30p Break in Exhibit & Sponsor Hall
3:30p - 5:00p Breakout Sessions 
5:15p - 6:45p CCMH Meeting / Update, Open to all attendees - Learn More
Group Dinners (on your own)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
7:00a - 12:00p Registration/Information Desk Open 
7:00a - 8:30a Continental Breakfast
7:00a - 12:00p Exhibit & Sponsor Hall Open
7:00a - 8:00a Bob McGrath Annual Fun Run and Fun Walk
7:00a - 8:30a International Directors’ Interest Breakfast
7:30a - 8:00a Meditation
8:30a - 10:00a Breakout Sessions 
10:00a - 10:30a Break in Exhibit & Sponsor Hall
10:30a - 12:00p Affinity Groups
12:00p - 12:30p Break
12:00p - 1:30p  Connection Luncheon
1:00p - 5:00p Scheduled Tours or Afternoon On Your Own
Group Dinners (on your own)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20
7:00a - 8:30a Continental Breakfast
7:00a - 5:00p Registration/Information Desk Open
7:00a - 5:00p Exhibits
7:00a - 8:30a New Directors/First Time Attendees Informal Breakfast Meeting
7:00a - 8:15a Emeritus Directors’ Breakfast
7:30a - 8:00a Meditation
8:30a - 10:00a 2nd Business Meeting
10:00a - 10:30a Break in Exhibit & Sponsor Hall
10:30a - 12:00p Closing Keynote Speaker
12:00p - 1:30p Connection Luncheon
1:30p - 3:00p Breakout Sessions 
3:00p - 3:30p Break in Exhibit  Hall
3:30p - 5:00p Breakout Sessions 
6:30p - 10:30p Awards Program / Dinner 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21
7:00a - 8:30a Continental Breakfast
7:00a - 12:00p Registration/Information Desk Open
8:30a - 10:00a Breakout Sessions 
10:00a - 10:30a Break 
10:30a - 12:00p Breakout Sessions

Departures

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New Director, First Time Attendee Program (NDFTA) | October 17, 2026

The New Director/First Time Attendee (NDFTA) program aims to introduce new colleagues to all that AUCCCD has to offer and to foster connections with those of us who have more experience with the organization and our conferences. At the heart of the NDFTA program are the "conference connector" pairings, where we match our NDFTAs with more "seasoned directors" for a meet-up prior to the Saturday night opening reception. Our goal is for all interested NDFTAs to receive support in navigating the AUCCCD conference. As we can all remember from when we were newbies, attending AUCCCD for the first time can often feel overwhelming. Having a more experienced colleague make introductions to other directors and provide tips on how to make the most of the conference can really make a difference. NDFTA directors may sign up for this program complimentary during the registration process. If you have questions about this program, please reach out to the NDFTA coordinator, Teresa Michaelson or the AUCCCD Office.

The Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH) 2025 Update

The Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH) at Penn State University is a national research center and international practice-research network of over 850 colleges and universities whose mission is to bridge the gap between science and practice in college counseling centers. CCMH collects and analyzes de-identified data as part of the routine practice when students seek mental health treatment at colleges and universities.  The information is used, in turn, to benefit college counseling centers, administrators, researchers, the public, and most importantly the students receiving services.  In the current program, the most recent national findings will be presented, including updated trends in student mental health, as well as an early preview of the 2024 Annual Report Special Topic.  Additionally, preliminary findings on a long-term project examining mental health risk factors and academic outcomes will be reviewed. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain mental health trends in the clinical college student population
2. Identify ways college counseling centers contribute to student success  

Presenter:

Brett E. Scofield, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Center for Collegiate Mental Health
Associate Director, Center for Counseling and Psychological Services
Penn State University

Monday Afternoon Tours

More information coming!