Higher Learning 2025

HLC Annual Conference

April 5–8, 2025, Chicago

Register Program & Fees Speakers Hotel & Travel FAQs & Cancellations Sponsorship Resources

About the Conference

The HLC Annual Conference, now branded Higher Learning, brings the higher ed community together in Chicago to share ideas and insights on the latest in the field.

Learn from HLC staff and leading thinkers, researchers and advocates during this multi-day event to inspire your work on campus. Network with attendees from institutions of every classification and size from across the country.

Register for Higher Learning 2025

The 2025 HLC Annual Conference will explore the ways colleges and universities use higher learning to meet the needs of their students and society. Whether through imparting the skills and knowledge needed for today’s workforce, fueling innovation, or exploring solutions to our most pressing problems, higher learning is the force that propels us all.

Member Institutions

Representatives from institutions that have an accreditation relationship with HLC.

Start Registration

Non-Members/ Organizations

Representatives from institutions that do not have an accreditation relationship with HLC, or independent organizations.

Start Registration

Registering a group? Have each registrant fill out our Registration Worksheet to help you complete multiple registrations online.

Program and Fees

Pre-Conference Programs

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Seeking Accreditation Workshop
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

$475

HLC staff members and experienced peer reviewers conduct this workshop to help institutions interested in seeking accreditation with HLC understand the process and requirements, including a case study of one institution’s journey to become an HLC member institution.

Peer Review Updates and Training
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Current peer reviewers only

$150

Current members of HLC’s Peer Corps are invited to attend this program to refresh and enhance their skills, as well as get updates on accreditation processes. The day-long program includes sessions on skill-building, information-sharing, and policy updates. Specific training required for certain peer review roles will be offered. The program begins with coffee and networking at 7:45 – 8:45 a.m.

Centering Learning Workshop
1 – 4 p.m.
limit 100

$250

This interactive workshop focuses on concepts for improving student learning and ensuring quality educational offerings. Explore connections between assessment of student learning, student success outcomes, and practice of regular program review through presentations, small group activities, and networking.

Strategies for Experienced ALOs Workshop
1 – 4 p.m.
For ALOs who have been in the role for 2+ years, limit 150

$250

Want to learn strategies for increasing your effectiveness in your role as an Accreditation Liaison Officer? This interactive workshop, led by seasoned ALOs, will provide experienced ALOs with tools to improve communication with HLC and campus stakeholders and optimize reporting strategies. This event is for current ALOs who have been in the role for two or more years that are seeking to enhance their skills as their institution’s liaison.

Conversations with Presidents and Trustees

7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

limit 300, price includes discounted General Program registration

Conversations with Presidents and Trustees is a day-long program covering critical issues in higher ed in a space designed for leadership to participate in candid and real discussions.

Member
$835
Non-member
$1,035

Seeking Accreditation Workshop
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

$475

HLC staff members and experienced peer reviewers conduct this workshop to help institutions interested in seeking accreditation with HLC understand the process and requirements, including a case study of one institution’s journey to become an HLC member institution.

Peer Review Updates and Training
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Current peer reviewers only

$150

Current members of HLC’s Peer Corps are invited to attend this program to refresh and enhance their skills, as well as get updates on accreditation processes. The day-long program includes sessions on skill-building, information-sharing, and policy updates. Specific training required for certain peer review roles will be offered. The program begins with coffee and networking at 7:45 – 8:45 a.m.

Centering Learning Workshop
1 – 4 p.m.
limit 100

$350

This interactive workshop focuses on concepts for improving student learning and ensuring quality educational offerings. Explore connections between assessment of student learning, student success outcomes, and practice of regular program review through presentations, small group activities, and networking.

Strategies for Experienced ALOs Workshop
1 – 4 p.m.
For ALOs who have been in the role for 2+ years, limit 150

$350

Want to learn strategies for increasing your effectiveness in your role as an Accreditation Liaison Officer? This interactive workshop, led by seasoned ALOs, will provide experienced ALOs with tools to improve communication with HLC and campus stakeholders and optimize reporting strategies. This event is for current ALOs who have been in the role for two or more years that are seeking to enhance their skills as their institution’s liaison.

Conversations with Presidents and Trustees

7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

limit 300, price includes discounted General Program registration

Conversations with Presidents and Trustees is a day-long program covering critical issues in higher ed in a space designed for leadership to participate in candid and real discussions.

Member
$935
Non-member
$1,135

Seeking Accreditation Workshop
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

$475

HLC staff members and experienced peer reviewers conduct this workshop to help institutions interested in seeking accreditation with HLC understand the process and requirements, including a case study of one institution’s journey to become an HLC member institution.

Peer Review Updates and Training
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Current peer reviewers only

N/A

Current members of HLC’s Peer Corps are invited to attend this program to refresh and enhance their skills, as well as get updates on accreditation processes. The day-long program includes sessions on skill-building, information-sharing, and policy updates. Specific training required for certain peer review roles will be offered. The program begins with coffee and networking at 7:45 – 8:45 a.m.

Centering Learning Workshop
1 – 4 p.m.
limit 100

N/A

This interactive workshop focuses on concepts for improving student learning and ensuring quality educational offerings. Explore connections between assessment of student learning, student success outcomes, and practice of regular program review through presentations, small group activities, and networking.

Strategies for Experienced ALOs Workshop
1 – 4 p.m.
For ALOs who have been in the role for 2+ years, limit 150

N/A

Want to learn strategies for increasing your effectiveness in your role as an Accreditation Liaison Officer? This interactive workshop, led by seasoned ALOs, will provide experienced ALOs with tools to improve communication with HLC and campus stakeholders and optimize reporting strategies. This event is for current ALOs who have been in the role for two or more years that are seeking to enhance their skills as their institution’s liaison.

Conversations with Presidents and Trustees

7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

limit 300, price includes discounted General Program registration

Conversations with Presidents and Trustees is a day-long program covering critical issues in higher ed in a space designed for leadership to participate in candid and real discussions.

Member
$1,035
Non-member
$1,235

General Program

Saturday, April 5 – Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Higher Learning 2025 General Program
5 p.m. Saturday, April 5 – 12 p.m. Tuesday, April 8

Registration for the conference General Program includes access to keynote and featured presentations, HLC and institutional presentations, the expo hall, complimentary breakfast, the welcome reception and more. 

The General Program is for administrators, faculty members, CEOs, presidents and chancellors, representatives from higher ed organizations, and HLC institutional representatives and peer reviewers. Some programming during the conference is exclusive to representatives of member institutions that have an accreditation relationship with us.

Member
$735
Non-member
$935

Higher Learning 2025 General Program
5 p.m. Saturday, April 5 – 12 p.m. Tuesday, April 8

Registration for the conference General Program includes access to keynote and featured presentations, HLC and institutional presentations, the expo hall, complimentary breakfast, the welcome reception and more. 

The General Program is for administrators, faculty members, CEOs, presidents and chancellors, representatives from higher ed organizations, and HLC institutional representatives and peer reviewers. Some programming during the conference is exclusive to representatives of member institutions that have an accreditation relationship with us.

Member
$835
Non-member
$1,035

Higher Learning 2025 General Program
5 p.m. Saturday, April 5 – 12 p.m. Tuesday, April 8

Registration for the conference General Program includes access to keynote and featured presentations, HLC and institutional presentations, the expo hall, complimentary breakfast, the welcome reception and more. 

The General Program is for administrators, faculty members, CEOs, presidents and chancellors, representatives from higher ed organizations, and HLC institutional representatives and peer reviewers. Some programming during the conference is exclusive to representatives of member institutions that have an accreditation relationship with us.

Member
$935
Non-member
$1,135

Sunday Lunch

Sunday, April 6, 12:15 – 1:30 p.m.

Due to the limited selection of nearby open restaurants on Sunday, HLC offers an on-site lunch option for attendees. In 2025, we’re offering multiple new luncheon opportunities that will allow attendees to connect and share promising practices over a specific higher ed topic related to their work. These plated lunches will be at the Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago, which is connected to the Hyatt Regency conference hotel. Space will be limited.

Alternatively, attendees can pre-purchase a boxed lunch for Sunday, served without programming.

These options are only for Sunday. Attendees are encouraged to visit the many nearby restaurants for lunch on Monday and Tuesday.  

Networking Lunch #1: Institutional Mission in Action

$30

Networking Lunch #2: Strategies for Uniting Campus Communities

$30

Boxed Lunch

$25

Keynote Speakers

David Allison, a human values expert, CEO of a global research firm, two-time bestselling author, founder of the Valuegraphics Project, will present on a balanced, data-informed approach to fostering understanding and uniting campus communities.

Representing the interests and insights of Student and Academic Affairs professionals, Amelia Parnell, President and CEO of NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education along with Charles L. Welch, President and CEO of American Association of State Colleges and Universities, will take part in a fireside chat to discuss strategies to improve teaching, learning, and student success.

Learn More About the Speakers

Hotel and Travel

Higher Learning 2025 will take place at the Hyatt Regency, Swissôtel and Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago. We offer discounted room blocks at the conference hotels and at multiple hotels nearby:

  • Hyatt Regency Chicago
  • Swissôtel Chicago
  • Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
  • Fairmont Chicago 
  • Renaissance Chicago Downtown
Explore Hotel and Travel Options

Attendees flying in to Chicago should plan to arrive at O’Hare International Airport or Midway Airport. O’Hare is 17 miles northwest and Midway is 10 miles southwest of downtown. Multiple transportation options, including rapid transit trains, are available from both airports to the conference hotels.

FAQs and Cancellations

Frequently Asked Questions

Administrators, faculty members, CEOs, presidents and chancellors, representatives from higher ed organizations, and HLC institutional representatives and peer reviewers are welcome. Some programming during the conference is exclusive to representatives of member institutions that have an accreditation relationship with us.

Registered attendees of the General Program have access to:

  • All General Program sessions, including the Welcome Address, keynotes, and presentations by HLC and institutions.
  • The welcome reception, all networking breaks and breakfasts.
  • The expo hall featuring products and services from sponsors.

Pre-conference programs on Saturday, April 5 are separate and have their own registration fees.

The full conference program will be released in January 2025. Be sure you’re subscribed to our conference email interest list to be notified when it’s available.

All programs will take place in person in Chicago. Slides may be accessed on the conference mobile app and website during and after the conference. HLC also offers a variety of virtual programs and events throughout the year.

  • The Centering Learning Workshop is open to all attendees from member and non-member institutions.
  • The Strategies for Experienced ALOs Workshop is open to current Accreditation Liaison Officers at HLC member institutions who have been in the role two or more years and are seeking to enhance their skills and advance their practice serving as their institution’s liaison.  
  • Conversations with Presidents and Trustees is open to Chief Executive Officers and Trustees from member and non-member institutions. No substitutions are permitted. Registration is limited to four attendees per institution.
  • Current members of the Peer Corps are welcome to attend Peer Reviewer Updates and Training to refresh their skills and get updates from HLC staff members. The program is best for experienced peer reviewers who have already participated in accreditation activities, but newly trained and less experienced peer reviewers are also welcome. Except as noted in the conference program, this program does not contain required training for certain peer review roles.
  • The Seeking Accreditation Workshop is open to representatives from non-member institutions that are seeking an accreditation relationship with HLC.

No, you do not need to register for the sessions you will attend during the General Program.

Please contact our registration agent.

HLC accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. ACH and check payments can be accepted if required by your institution.

Payment is due upon receipt of invoice. The invoice will be included in the confirmation email after your registration has been submitted.

Check payments should be mailed to:
Higher Learning Commission
Attn: 2025 Annual Conference
P.O. Box 735331
Chicago, IL 60673-5331

All checks must be received by Friday, March 21, 2025. If your check is not received before March 21, you will be required to provide a credit card on-site at the conference in order to receive your name badge.

Yes. HLC is committed to making all reasonable accommodations that will allow attendees to fully participate in the conference. Please indicate any accommodations during registration, or contact us at [email protected].

Please see information about changes and cancellations below.

For questions related to the conference program, please contact [email protected]. For questions related to registration, please contact our registration agent or call 866.497.1232.

New Conference Attendees

Yes, an orientation for new attendees will take place ahead of the opening keynote on Saturday, April 5 at 4:00 p.m. CT. You must pre-register during the registration process.

The full conference program will be released in January 2025, and sessions that would be helpful for new conference attendees will be noted. We’ll also be releasing more resources for new attendees leading up to the conference. Be sure you’re subscribed to our conference email interest list to receive the latest conference news.

Cancellations 

If you can no longer attend the conference, please submit a cancellation request. Refunds resulting from cancellations will be based on these dates: 

  • Cancellations requested on or before January 31, 2025 will be eligible for a full refund less a $75 processing fee per person. 
  • Cancellations requested between February 1 and March 21, 2025 will be eligible for a 50% refund less a $75 processing fee per person. 
  • Cancellations requested on or after March 22, 2025 and no-shows are not eligible for a refund. 

Registration Transfers 

If you’ve registered and can no longer attend the conference, your registration may be transferred to another person at the same institution or organization at no additional charge. Transfers can be made by calling 866.497.1232. 

Program Changes

A $75 processing fee will be charged for all requests to remove a pre-conference program or lunch from an existing conference registration. Attendees will be refunded the cost of the program, less the processing fee, on or before March 21, 2025. No refunds for requests to remove a program from an existing registration will be issued on or after March 22, 2025. 

Refunds

Credit card refunds will be processed within two business days. Check refunds will be processed within 15 business days of receiving the request.

The conference brings representatives from institutions of every classification and size from across the country to Chicago to gather information and learn promising practices. In the expo hall, attendees connect with sponsors to learn about products and services that can provide solutions and opportunities to innovate their work.

Sponsoring Higher Learning 2025 also comes with several options to share your brand with attendees, including recognition on conference materials, showcase sessions, and more.

Apply by January 31, 2025.

Apply to Sponsor Higher Learning 2025

Save the Date

2025 Conference:
April 5-8, 2025

2026 Conference:
March 21-24, 2026

Questions?

[email protected]