RP Conference 2026

The annual RP Conference is the largest gathering of institutional research, planning, and effectiveness (IRPE) professionals in the California Community Colleges system. It brings together researchers and planners from community colleges across California to share approaches, explore developments, and strengthen relationships. The conference focuses on improving student success through collaboration and evidence, offering a hands-on, peer-led experience for practitioners to expand their research and planning tools for inquiry, analysis, and evidence-based decision-making. The 2026 theme, 'Embracing the Messy Work of Equity & Change Together,' encourages candid conversations and sharing of lessons learned regarding equity and systemic change. Sessions are organized into four tracks: Planning for Change, Research in Action, Real Talk, and Growing Our Profession, covering topics such as aligning with systemwide initiatives, applying research to improve student outcomes, navigating challenges in institutional change, and professional development in the IRPE field.