About the Annual Conference
The ASHE Annual Conference is a premier experience for those advancing higher education through rigorous inquiry and shared purpose. Each November, this event creates a vital space where intergenerational research and community thrive together. The Conference Committee ensures a holistic environment that fosters meaningful connections while building bridges between attendees and the local community.
You are invited to shape this member-driven experience by sharing your expertise through a proposal submission or by volunteering as a reviewer, chair, or discussant. As we look toward our 51st Annual Conference, the Program Committee is dedicated to crafting a program that harnesses our collective scholarship to enhance policy and practice. Scholars at every career stage bring essential voices to our work, and we welcome your contributions across all research areas.
We are excited to welcome you to the ASHE 51st Annual Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico!. To help you plan your conference experience, please note that this year’s schedule has shifted: we will be gathering from Tuesday through Friday, rather than our traditional Wednesday through Saturday.
As we prepare to gather in Puerto Rico—a U.S. territory where residents do not have a vote in federal elections—we want to remind our community that this year's conference coincides with the U.S. congressional midterm elections. We encourage members to ensure your voices are heard by voting early or by absentee ballot before traveling. You can find specific state requirements and more information atVOTE411.
Our 51st Annual Conference will include:
- A Virtual Conference Day on Thursday, October 22. All proposal formats (except Posters) across all General Conference Sections can be considered for the Virtual Day. Registration for the Virtual Conference Day is included for all In-Person Conference and Pre-Conference registrants.
- Pre-Conferences on Tuesday, November 3 (additional registration is required for each Pre-Conference). Pre-Conference offerings include:
- Council for the Advancement of Higher Education Programs (CAHEP) Pre-Conference Forum
- Council on Athletics in Higher Education (CAHE) Pre-Conference Forum
- Council for Ethnic Participation (CEP) Pre-Conference Forum
- Council on International Higher Education (CIHE) Pre-Conference Forum
- Council on Public Policy in Higher Education (CPPHE) Pre-Conference Forum
- The General Conference in San Juan on Tuesday, November 3-Friday, November 6, 2026 will include
- 200+ Research and Scholarly Sessions
- Two Keynotes (to be announced in Summer 2026)
- 11 Presidential Sessions (to be announced in early Fall 2026)
- Barbara Townsend Lecture
- Bobby Wright Dissertation of the Year Presentation
- ASHE Presidential Address by 2026 ASHE President Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn
- Recognition and celebration of ASHE Awards recipients (nominations open in early May)
- A Graduate Student Luncheon connecting current graduate students
- Evening Networking Receptions hosted by Institutions and Organizations
- ASHE Community Meeting and Closing Session
- 17th Annual ASHE Dash (separate registration required; register by October 1 to receive a t-shirt)
- And more! The 2026 Conference Committee is hard at work to make this another meaningful conference experience!