Preliminary Program
Sessions are open to all registered Annual Meeting attendees unless noted.
Sunday, February 1, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Annapolis Advocacy Panel
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Annapolis Group Lunch Meeting
12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Registration
Sponsored by
2:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Government Relations Academy (Preconference Session)
2:00 - 2:50 p.m.
Government Relations Welcome & Overview
Below is formatting template for all sessions:
Crystal Ball: Understanding the Current Political Environment
Jonathan Martin, among the most trusted political reporters in Washington, will reflect on the political landscape moving forward following the historic 2024 election. What are the implications for higher education, for policy setting, and effective advocacy in today’s divisive climate? Can bipartisan work still happen, and if so – where?
MODERATOR:
Larry Stimpert, Ph.D., President, Hampden-Sydney College (VA)
SPEAKER:
Jonathan Martin, Politics Bureau Chief and Senior Political Columnist, POLITICO
3:00 - 4:15 p.m.
Hot Topic Concurrent Sessions
Dive into greater detail on policies that could impact your campus by choosing two mini-sessions. Conversations will include policy or campus experts and members of the NAICU Government Relations Team.
(Choose one session in each time block)
3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Hot Topics Session I
3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Hot Topics Session 2
3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Hot Topics Session 3
3:45 - 4:15 p.m.
Hot Topics Session 4
3:45 - 4:15 p.m.
Hot Topics Session 5
3:45 - 4:15 p.m.
Hot Topics Session 6
4:00- 5:00 p.m.
Annapolis Group Board of Directors Meeting
4:30- 5:30 p.m.
Plenary (TBD)
5:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Government Relations Networking Reception
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Sponsored Welcome Reception
After a day of travel or the first afternoon of meetings, unwind and network with friends and colleagues, while enjoying an array of delicious food and drink.
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Annapolis Group Dinner
Monday, February 2, 2026
7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Registration
Sponsored by
7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
NAICUSE Breakfast
Closed Sessions for State Executives and Staff Members
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
NAICUSE Executive Committee Meeting
Closed Session for Committee Members Only
8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Morning Coffee Break
Sponsored by:
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
NAICUSE Meeting
Closed Session for State Executives and Staff Members
9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
Plenary Session I
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Sponsored Plenary Session II
11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Plenary Session III
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Sponsored Lecture
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
NAICUSE Luncheon
Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen, Washington, DC
Closed Session for State Executives and Staff Members
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
NAICU Board of Directors Meeting
Meeting & Buffet Lunch
1:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Afternoon Coffee Break
Sponsored by:
1:45 - 2:00 p.m.
Plenary Session IV
Welcome & Opening
2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
Plenary Session V:
Keynote Plenary
2:45 - 3:30 p.m.
Plenary Session VI
3:30 - 3:45 p.m.
Afternoon Break
3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
Plenary Session VII
Outlook from Capitol Hill
4:45 - 5:30 p.m.
Plenary Session VIII
Advocacy Training & Overview
6:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Leadership Reception
By Invitation Only
Current or past members of our national board and committee leadership are cordially invited to a Special Reception hosted by NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A, and 2025-26 Board Chair Rob L. Manuel, Ph.D., president of DePaul University (IL), Join us as we salute you for your leadership and support of NAICU and your efforts on behalf of all private, nonprofit higher education.
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Gala Reception & Advocacy Awards
After a full day of meetings, join your friends and colleagues while enjoying a delicious array of food and drink.
Sponsored by:
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Registration
Sponsored by
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
Short Course I
Sponsored by:
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
Short Course II
Sponsored by:
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
Short Course III
Sponsored by:
8:00 - 8:45 p.m.
Short Course IV
Sponsored by:
9:00 - 9:15 a.m.
Presentation of the 2026 Advocacy Award
The NAICU Advocacy Award recognizes individuals outside of academe who have championed the cause of independent higher education. Whether in government, business, or philanthropy, the recipient of this award has provided leadership, established resources, or enacted policy at the state or national level that recognized the role of independent colleges and universities in serving public purposes. No single contribution makes one eligible to receive the award, it recognizes a lifetime of service, initiative, and determination.
9:15 - 10:00 a.m.
Plenary Session IX
10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Advocacy Day Visits to Capitol Hill
Attendees are invited to spend the day meeting with members of their congressional delegation. Check with your state executive regarding scheduling for group visits.
10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Advocacy Day Debrief Center
Do you have key takeaways from your Capitol Hill conversations to pass onto NAICU staff? Can NAICU help with any follow-up you need to do with your Members of Congress? Or, do you just want to put up your feet in between meetings? NAICU’s Government Relations Team is ready to listen and help. Refreshments will be available.
Top of the Hill Banquet & Conference Center
Fourth Floor Symposium Room
Reserve Officers Association of the United States Building
First Street and Constitution Avenue, NE, Washington, DC
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Tenth Annual Reception for the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC)
You are cordially invited to attend a reception for the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC). The Caucus is focused on celebrating the contributions independent colleges and universities make to the educational, intellectual, economic, social and cultural life of our nation. Refreshments will be available.
Top of the Hill Banquet & Conference Center
Fifth Floor Ballroom
Reserve Officers Association of the United States Building
First Street and Constitution Avenue, NE, Washington, DC
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
7:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Registration
Sponsored by
7:30 - 8:45 a.m.
Inspirational Breakfast - Plenary X
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Plenary Session XI
10:15 - 11:15 a.m,
Plenary Session XII
11:15 - 11:45 a.m.
NAICU Annual Business Meeting
Agenda includes approval of the Policy Objectives for the 119th Congress, Bylaws Revisions, 2025-26 Dues Structure, and 2025-26 Operating Budget, and review of the slate of new Members and Officers for the 2025-26 Board of Directors.
SPEAKERS:
Robert L. Manuel Ph.D., President, DePaul University (IL), and 2025-26 Chair of the NAICU Board of Directors
Tania Tetlow J.D., President, Fordham University (NY), and 2025-26 Vice Chair of the NAICU Board of Directors
Marjorie Hass, Ph.D., President, The Council on Independent Colleges (CIC)
Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A., President, NAICU
11:45 a.m.