REFLECTIONS FROM THE PAST
“I enjoy how engaging the sessions were, and how the committee incorporated idea sharing on how ACPA can serve the needs of participants”
Feedback from 2023
“I thought the conference went very well. The atmosphere was great for the size of the
conference. I thought the time to interact with others was a powerful feature and gave good pace to the entire conference.”
Feedback from 2018
“I really enjoyed the conference. It was a great networking opportunity. I liked that it was grad focused.”
Feedback from 2018
2026 VPSA/ AVP Graduate Student Summit
In partnership with Western Michigan University and ACPA-Michigan, the VPSA/ AVP Graduate Student Summit is a one-day event on Tuesday, November 10th, bringing together some of Michigan's most experienced VPSAs and AVPs with graduate students in Higher Education M.A. And Ph.D. across the state. This one day gathering will discuss the current landscape of higher education, will address the future of student affairs and higher education, and will offer community building across programs in and near Michigan. The one-day summit invites faculty and students from HESA programs to attend this collaborative learning experience.
2026 ACPA-Michigan Conference
The Annual Conference, taking place on Wednesday, November 11th is an opportunity for professionals in Michigan to answer the questions they have about the students, institutions, and policies in their state. ACPA and ACPA-MI build spaces to share best practices and build community.
Learning Outcomes
As a result of attending the 2026 VPSA/ AVP Graduate Student Summit and 2026 ACPA-MI Annual Conference, attendees will:
- Connect higher education professionals through providing a space for connection, support, and growth.
- Create shared experiences to encourage collaboration and connection.
- Continue to shape higher education for present and future professional and student success.
- Gain insights from leaders in the field of higher education and student affairs on current issues
- Build community across programs in Michigan
- Prepare students for current and future work in higher education
SUBMIT A PROGRAM PROPOSAL
Program Proposals are currently being accepted for the ACPA-Michigan Fall Conference on Wednesday, November 11th!
This year’s theme, "Finding Stable Ground," will focus on how to navigate our ever evolving field when change seems to be one of the only constants and how to empower yourself to find your why and continue growing and work towards finding institutional stability
As you prepare your program proposal, we encourage you to reflect on how your content, expertise, and proposed session align with this theme and contribute meaningfully to these conversations.
The deadline to submit a program proposal is Friday, October 9th.
REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION CLOSES OCTOBER 31st AT 11.59 pm
Single Conference Registration
(Just the VPSA/AVP Graduate Student Summit OR the ACPA-MI Annual Conference)
Undergraduate and Graduate Students: $50
Professional - ACPA Member: $75
Professional - Non-ACPA Member: $110
Dual Conference Registration
(Both the VPSA/AVP Graduate Student Summit AND the ACPA-MI Annual Conference)
Undergraduate and Graduate Students: $80
Professional - ACPA Member: $150
Professional - Non-ACPA Member: $220
Group Rates
Register 3 or more from your team to get a 10% group discount.
To receive the group discount, email michigan@acpa.nche.edu.
How to Register Step-by-step
- Click on the registration link above.
- If you are an ACPA or ACPA-MI member, you will be prompted to log in to your account.
- Note: If you are registered as a “Professional” in your ACPA or ACPA-MI membership, only the “Professional” registration will be available to you. For more information about the types of memberships, please visit this link or email michigan@myacpa.org
- If you are not an ACPA or ACPA-MI member, provide your preferred email address.
- Note: You can purchase an ACPA or ACPA-MI membership at any time. For more information about the types of memberships, please visit this link or email michigan@myacpa.org.
- Follow the steps to finalize your registration.
- If you are attending the conference with 3 or more colleagues, you are eligible for a 10% group discount. See the Group Rates section above.
Questions about the Annual Conference? Email michigan@myacpa.org.
EXPSENSE REQUEST AND JUSTIFICATION LETTER
ACPA-MI understands that conference attendance can be a budgetary challenge for your organization or department. We have developed a justification letter to assist you in crafting a letter of financial request to your supervisor. Simply fill in the blanks after downloading the document below!
HOTEL INFORMATION
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Mt. Pleasant
2525 University Park Dr., Mount Pleasant, MI, 48858
Parking for the Conference
Parking information will be released soon!
VPSA/ AVP GRADUATE STUDENT SUMMIT PROGRAM
Tentative Schedule Coming Soon!
ACPA-MI ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM
| Tentative Schedule Below | |
| 8:00–8:30am | Check-In & Registration |
| 8:30–9:00am | Opening Remarks & Welcome |
| 9:00–10:00am | Session 1 |
| 10:00–10:10am | Break |
| 10:10–11:10am | Session 2 |
| 11:10am–12:00pm | Lunch |
| 12:00–1:00pm | Keynote |
| 1:00–1:10pm | Break |
| 1:10–2:10pm | Session 3 |
| 2:10–2:20pm | Break |
| 2:20–3:20pm | Session 4 |
| 3:20–3:30pm | Break |
| 3:30–4:00pm | Closing Remarks, Q&A, Evaluations & Adjourn |
ACPA-MICHIGAN KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Shawna Patterson-Stephens
Dr. Shawna Patterson-Stephens is the vice president of university engagement and student affairs at Central Michigan University. Providing vision and oversight throughout the division, Dr. Patterson-Stephens is instrumental in collaborating with campus partners, other universities, and community organizations to ensure higher education remains accessible to Michiganders. Throughout the course of her career in higher education, Dr. Patterson-Stephens has been successful in bridging the gap between academics and services rendered on campus. As part of her professional commitments, she maintains an active research and publication trajectory.
Dr. Patterson-Stephens is a servant-leader and is committed to participating in community outreach. She recently served alongside past President Eboni Zamani-Gallagher as the 2025 Association for the Study of Higher Education Convention Chair. Shawna previously served as a governing board and convention planning team member for the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). She is now entering her first year as President-Elect of ACPA. Among other professional organizations, Dr. Patterson-Stephens is a Board member with College Career and Beyond/Midnight Golf and the Melvin C. Terrell Educational Foundation, Inc. She is also active in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)-Detroit Branch, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, Sisters of the Academy, and is a charter member of the Tallahassee section of the National Council of Negro Women.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the VPSA/AVP Graduate Student Summit?
The VPSA/AVP Graduate Student Summit is a one-day event on Tuesday, November 10, held in partnership with Western Michigan University and ACPA-Michigan. The Summit brings together experienced Vice Presidents for Student Affairs (VPSAs) and Assistant/Associate Vice Presidents (AVPs) with graduate students from Higher Education programs across Michigan and nearby areas. Conversations will focus on the current higher education landscape, the future of student affairs and higher education, and building community across graduate programs.
Who is invited to the VPSA/AVP Graduate Student Summit?
The Summit is specifically designed for graduate students in Higher Education M.A. and Ph.D. programs, along with faculty from HESA and related graduate programs. It provides graduate students with an opportunity to learn directly from senior higher education leaders while connecting with students and faculty from other institutions.
How is it different from the ACPA-MI fall conference?
While discussing similar topics, the two events have different audiences and purposes. The VPSA/AVP Graduate Student Summit, held November 10, is focused on graduate education, professional preparation, conversations with senior leaders, and community-building across Higher Education programs. The ACPA-Michigan Annual Conference, held November 11, is a broader professional conference featuring educational sessions, a keynote, networking, and conversations about students, institutions, policies, and practices affecting higher education in Michigan.
Can I register for both events?
Yes! Attendees can register for one event or both. Single-event registration covers either the VPSA/AVP Graduate Student Summit or the ACPA-MI Annual Conference, while dual registration provides access to both days. For students, single-event registration is $50, while registration for both events is $80. Professional rates vary based on ACPA membership status. Groups of three or more are also eligible for a 10% discount.
What does my registration cost cover?
Your registration provides access to the event(s) you select, including the scheduled educational programming and opportunities for networking and community-building. Breakfast and lunch will also be provided to attendees. Dual registration provides access to both the November 10 Summit and November 11 Annual Conference.
Do I have to be an ACPA or ACPA-Michigan member to attend either event?
No! You do not need to be an ACPA or ACPA-Michigan member to register. Both members and non-members are welcome to attend. Professional ACPA members receive a discounted registration rate.
When and where are the Summit and Fall Conference being held?
The VPSA/AVP Graduate Student Summit will take place on Tuesday, November 10, from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., and the ACPA-Michigan Annual Conference will take place on Wednesday, November 11, from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Both conferences will be held at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
Can undergraduate students attend either event?
Yes! Undergraduate students can register for both events. The Annual Conference also features a NextGen Session specifically welcoming undergraduate students interested in applying to graduate programs, as well as graduate students and graduate program coordinators.
Is there a group registration discount?
Yes. Groups of three or more attendees from the same team receive a 10% discount. To receive the group discount, attendees should contact ACPA-Michigan at michigan@myacpa.org.
Why should I attend both the Summit and Fall Conference?
The two events are designed to complement one another. The Summit provides a focused environment for graduate students, faculty, and senior leaders to discuss the current and future landscape of higher education and student affairs. The Annual Conference expands that experience through educational sessions, a keynote, networking, and conversations with professionals from across Michigan. Attending both provides two days of learning, relationship-building, and professional development.
NextGen SESSION
Are you a graduate student in Student Affairs? Or an undergraduate student ready to apply to a graduate program? Or a Student Affairs graduate program coordinator?
ACPA-MI’s NextGen Session is a unique opportunity for graduate and undergraduate students to learn about the field of student affairs. Topics include navigating your first conference, trends in Student Affairs, navigating the job market, and utilizing ACPA-MI as a resource.
The NextGen session will be held during the first breakout session of the conference.
ABOUT CMU
Central Michigan University is a leading public research institution located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. CMU is committed to providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for successful careers and lifelong learning. With over 14,000 students enrolled, we offer more than 200 programs across various academic fields, including business, education, health professions, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, STEM and more.
