Members of the 2026 Conference Program Team will join the chair and Central Office in creating a welcoming, inclusive, accessible, and educational environment at ACUI’s largest event, while showcasing their talents through collaboration with colleagues. In this role, volunteers will enhance their professionals skills, expand their network, connect, communicate, and share ideas with peers.

Reporting to the 2026 Conference Program Team chair and supported by a staff liaison, team members are expected to:

  • Be capable of expressing opinions openly and honestly while supporting group decisions.
  • Be knowledgeable of issues and trends in our profession and higher education.
  • Be willing to work hard and communicate concerns while undertaking responsibilities.
  • Meet deadlines.
  • Be flexible.
  • Believe in ACUI’s mission and values.
  • Possess strong communication skills as well as a sense of humor.
  • Understand and support the association’s commitment to the core competencies of our knowledge-based professional association.
  • Practice civility and inclusiveness as a member of a working group.
  • Commit to making team meetings and responsibilities a priority.
  • Have institutional support for their involvement.

This Association-level planning position is ideal for those interested in collaborating to create experiences that engage members through events, research, fundraising, and other opportunities.

ACUI is not currently accepting applications for this role.

The work of the committee will begin in November 2024 and conclude after March 2026 event. Each candidate must also be available to attend the Conference Program Team’s working meetings. Expenses for these meetings are covered by the Association. The dates for the meetings are not yet confirmed but will take place within the following timeframe:

  • Arrive before the 2025 Annual Conference in New York for a meeting
  • Planning meeting at the conference location in mid-2025

Given current realities regarding potential current and future travel restrictions, members interested in this volunteer opportunity should still apply, and we will be flexible with accommodations and exceptions on a case-by-case basis, as necessary.

This position is not currently accepting applications. The written application will ask you to:

  • Provide your name, institution, and contact information
  • Describe your relevant professional experience, ACUI volunteer experience, other professional/community volunteer experience, and/or educational background
  • Describe what skills and perspectives you possess that would contribute to your success as an ACUI volunteer
  • Explain why you are interested in volunteering for this specific opportunity
  • Upload a sign Institutional Support Form, showing that a supervisor is knowledgeable of the position description and its commitments.

To discuss volunteering with your institution to ensure that they are supportive of your involvement, download these About Volunteer with ACUI talking points [pdf] to share additional information about what it means to be a volunteer.

A screening committee made up of the volunteer team leader, the staff liaison, and other related volunteers will review applications, interview qualified candidates, and make a selection recommendation.

Volunteers involved in this opportunity will enhance their skill sets in the areas below. Learn more about the ACUI core competencies for the profession.

Event Management

  • Programming and Event Planning
  • Event Operations

Planning

  • Goal Setting
  • Project Management

At the time of application, individuals must have: employment at a higher education institution; institutional or individual membership; a signed institutional support form; and a commitment to fulfilling the duties of the position for the length of the term. Applicants must also demonstrate an understanding of ACUI’s vision, core values, and core competencies, as well as the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. 

Association planning volunteer positions require a commitment of two years. While projects vary by season and role, over the course of the term, volunteers should anticipate approximately six to eight hours of conference call and project work per month.