2026 Dean of Students Institute

The ACPA Dean of Students Institute — Excellence at the Center of Care, sponsored by ACPA’s Senior-Level Community of Practice, is a deeply engaging and interactive program designed to support and develop professionals working or interested in the Dean of Students (DOS) arena as they consider and manage their unique roles. Through expert-led conversations, interactive sessions, and collaborative networking opportunities, participants will develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the potential for the role of a Dean of Students in higher education. Exploring, aspiring, and current DOS attendees will leave the institute empowered and ready to create a nurturing environment that promotes success and well-being. This learning experience is an institute and not a conference. Sessions are organized and sequenced to meet the needs of professionals at different places in their journey. Each session is also sequenced with learning outcomes to create an integrated, developmentally scaffolded experience for the participants. Unlike conferences where participants choose to participate (or not) in concurrent sessions, during this institute, all attendees will participate in a cohort experience and are expected to engage fully in all aspects of the institute.