40th AD&D Annual Meeting Schedule At-A-Glance

The Association of Deans and Directors of University Colleges and Undergraduate Studies (AD&D) is committed to providing quality learning opportunities for its members and other deans, directors, and undergraduate studies professionals. This year's conference theme is Student Success and All That Jazz.

Just as jazz is born from the interplay of distinct voices coming together in creative harmony, student success emerges when faculty, advisors, support staff, and institutional leaders collaborate with intention and purpose. Every role carries its own rhythm, and when those rhythms align, the result is a campus culture where students thrive.

The 40th Annual Meeting of AD&D will bring together higher education professionals in the spirit of New Orleans itself—a city built on creativity, community, and the transformative power of connection. Attendees will explore innovative strategies, emerging trends, and collaborative approaches that support student learning, belonging, retention, and success.

From improvising new solutions to first-year student transitions, to composing data-informed retention strategies, to building cross-campus and industry partnerships that carry students from enrollment to career readiness, this meeting offers something meaningful for every professional in the room. Here, every voice matters, and no one plays alone.

Join us in New Orleans as we explore how inspired collaboration and creative thinking can transform student success initiatives across our campuses—and make something truly worth listening to.

Please note our high-level schedule, which follows, will assist in planning your participation in the Annual Meeting. The schedule is subject to change.

Wednesday, April 7, 2027
4:00pm – 7:00pm | Conference Registration - Be sure to sign up for Friday Dine Arounds. More information to come.

5:00pm – 6:00pm | First-Time Attendees & New AD&D Member Orientation

6:00pm – 8:00pm | Greetings and Welcome Reception 

Thursday, April 8, 2027
8:00am – 11:00am | Conference Registration

9:00am - 10:15am | General Session & Keynote Presentation

10:15am - 10:30am | Break (with refreshments and coffee) (Mezzanine)

10:30am - 11:45am | Breakout Session I
     Breakout A - Best Practices Session

     Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion

11:45am - 1:30pm | Lunch on Your Own

1:45pm - 2:45pm | Panel Discussion

2:45pm - 3pm | Break (with refreshments)

3:00pm - 4:15pm | Breakout Session II

     Breakout A - Best Practices Session

     Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion

 

5:00pm | Dinner on Your Own 

Friday, April 9, 2027
9:00am - 10:15am | Breakout Session III
     Breakout A - Best Practices Session 

     Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion

10:15am - 10:30am | Break (with light refreshments) 

10:30am - 11:45am | Breakout Session IV
     Breakout A - Best Practices Session 

     Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion

12:00pm - 1:30pm | Lunch, Annual Business Meeting & Election (Lunch provided) 

1:30pm - 2:30pm | Committee Kickoff Meetings - ALL are encouraged to come explore and get engaged! 
Committee Options:

  • Annual Meeting Planning Committee 
  • Membership & Marketing Committee 
  • Professional Development Committee

2:30pm – 6:00pm | Visit and Enjoy New Orleans!

6:00pm | Dine Around Opportunities (meet in lobby)
     Attendees are encouraged to participate. Multiple cuisines are available.(Meal on your own and not included in registration.)

Saturday, April 10, 2027
9:00am – 10:15am | Breakout Session V: (Two Options)
     Breakout A - Best Practices Session 

     Breakout B - Facilitated Discussion

10:15am – 10:30am | Break (with refreshments) 

10:30am- 11:30am | Panel Discussion

11:30am – 12:00pm | Takeaway Planning & Conference Closing Remarks 

ANNUAL MEETING OVERVIEW

Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the AD&D Office at (844) 705-3293 or email us at [email protected].