Proposals for the 2026 CUMU Conference are due March 19.
The 2026 CUMU Conference: Anchored in Purpose explores how purpose-driven strategies, rooted in place and responsive to community needs, advance social and economic mobility for students, support regional prosperity, and enhance community well-being. Together, we will examine how campuses stay steadfast in mission while adapting to evolving challenges, forging partnerships that amplify impact, and activating institutional strengths to build stronger institutions and healthier, more vibrant communities.
We invite proposals that showcase impactful work, collaborative and cross-institutional initiatives, critical perspectives, and innovative ideas. Proposals may highlight ongoing or completed work. Submissions should align with one or more of the following tracks.
- Advancing social and economic mobility for students
- Anchor strategies for regional prosperity and community well-being
- Strengthening the workforce
- Institutional mission, culture and infrastructure
- Civic and community engagement for community well-being
- Measuring impact and telling our story
Traditional sessions are 45 minutes in length and allow for in-depth conversations.
- Community conversation
- Mini workshop
- Panel presentation
- Research and impact presentation
Dynamic sessions are 75 minutes in length and allow presenters to share their work with larger groups of people in a more intimate, conversational setting.
- Poster session
- Roundtable
Pre-Conference Workshops are three hours in length and target specific audiences for interactive skill development and collaborative learning.