2026 Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting registration includes access to all concurrent educational sessions, general sessions, networking sessions, poster sessions, the Expo Hall, and the Resource Room.

Included Meals

All registered attendees receive:

• Concession-style lunch in the Exhibit Hall on December 6 and 7
• Morning and afternoon refreshment breaks

Registration Fees

*Late registrations must be paid by credit card.

Representatives from SACSCOC candidate and accredited institutions and state higher education systems MUST use their work email address to receive the member rate. (use red/italics for this sentence so that it stands out)

Optional Workshops (Saturday, Dec. 5)

Pre-registration is required.

• 6-Hour Workshop — $225
  • Includes workshop materials, boxed lunch, and breaks.
• 3-Hour Workshop — $130
  • Includes workshop materials and one break.

Optional Breakfasts (Monday, Dec. 7)

• Institutional Accreditation Liaison (IAL) Breakfast — $35
• Chief Academic Officer (CAO) Breakfast — $35

Enjoy a meal while connecting with colleagues at tables grouped by state and institution level, when possible. This format encourages conversation, shared experiences, and new professional connections.

Cancellation Policy
If you have registered for the conference but are unable to attend, you may cancel the registration online or by notifying The Commission via email at annmtg@sacscoc.org as soon as possible. Please indicate if the cancellation is for all events or for select workshops and/or meals. Requests for refunds will be honored minus a $100 processing fee if notifications are received by November 12, 2026. All fees will be non-refundable after November 12, 2026.

If you paid by credit card, your registration fee, minus the $100 cancellation fee, will be immediately returned to your card. If you paid by check or bank transfer, a refund, minus the $100 cancellation fee, will be issued by check after the conference ends.

In the event of inclement weather or flight delays/cancellations that affect your ability to attend the Annual Meeting, The Commission will provide registrants, upon request, with a copy of all materials distributed at registration. Please note that registration refunds will not be granted.

Transfer Registration
Substitutions can be requested by sending an email to annmtg@sacscoc.org, providing the name of the currently registered person and the full contact information for the replacement person, including full name, title, email, work address, and phone number. Once the substitution is completed, confirmation of the change will be sent via email.

For substitution requests made after December 1, please visit the “Registration Assistance” check-in counter on site at the convention center.

Requests for ADA Assistance
The Commission will work with meeting attendees to assist in the accommodation of any special needs requests. If you require special assistance (mobility, auditory, etc.), including dietary restrictions and food allergies, please provide the information where indicated during the registration process. Someone from the Meeting Planning Office might contact you shortly after October 31, 2026, to confirm specifics.

Requests for assistance received after October 31, may not be able to be accommodated. If we can meet a late request, it will be at the expense of the attendee.

Questions should be directed to annmtg@sacscoc.org.

Download: At a Glance: 2026 Annual Meeting

President’s Day Activities: Monday, Dec. 7, 2026

Designed exclusively for college and university presidents, chancellors, and chief executive officers from candidate and member institutions, President’s Day offers an opportunity for timely discussions, professional development, and valuable networking at the Commission on Colleges and Universities Annual Meeting.

All sessions, except the College Delegate Assembly Business Meeting, will be held at the Hilton Americas Houston.

The full schedule of activities is noted below.

• 7:30 am – 8:45 am: Breakfast Session: An overview of the development and evolution of the proposed Principles of Accreditation, with an opportunity for institutional leaders to gain insight into the framework that will shape accreditation practices in the years ahead.
• 9 am – 10 am: College Delegate Assembly Business Meeting: Consideration and voting on the recommended draft Principles, with an opportunity to engage directly in the Commission’s governance process and help shape the future accreditation framework.
• 10:30 am – 12 pm: Special Session: A panel discussion focused on issues significant to institutional presidents/chancellors and the accreditation process, with opportunities for professional development, peer engagement, and discussion of current accreditation-related topics affecting institutions and their leaders.
• 12 pm – 1:15 pm: Luncheon Session: Federal updates from a guest speaker on recent developments in higher education policy and regulation, as well as potential changes on the horizon that may affect institutions and accreditation.

Throughout the day, participants will have opportunities to connect with peers, exchange perspectives, and discuss the evolving landscape of higher education and accreditation. President’s Day is an essential event for institutional leaders seeking to stay informed, engaged, and prepared for the future while contributing to important discussions that will help guide the future of accreditation.

Interested in being an exhibitor or a sponsor for the 2026 Annual Meeting?  Contact Christine Fletcher, CEM at Christine@encore-expo.com.

Non-profit organizations and special interest groups interested in hosting an event–business meeting, reception, breakfast, luncheon, etc.–during the SACSCOC Annual Meeting must submit a request using the form found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026AffiliateRequestForm . A separate form must be completed for each event.  Completed forms must be submitted no later than October 2, 2026, at 1:00pm Eastern Time.  To preview the questions in the form, download the document, Sample Affiliate Request Form.

The information provided in the form will be used to identify complimentary meeting space, when possible. Meeting space is limited, and applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.  The information provided in the form will be included on the “Affiliate Meetings” icon of the conference app, once approved.

Affiliate meetings and events are permitted during the following time slots (Eastern Time):

• Saturday, December 5: 4:00 PM-8:30 PM
• Sunday, December   6: 10:30 AM-1:15 PM, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
• Monday, December  7: 5:30 PM-8:30 PM

Once an Affiliate meeting has been approved, a Commission Meeting Planning staff member will contact you and provide any additional instructions.  Approved events will be assigned meeting rooms near the end of October.  While every attempt will be made to identify complimentary meeting space for the Affiliate, there are situations in which an Affiliate will incur fees for their event.

• Audio-visual equipment added to a meeting room for the sole use of the Affiliate will incur a charge.
• If the Affiliate plans to serve refreshments or meals, the Affiliate organizer will receive a direct contact to the venue’s catering manager to place their order. Any food/beverage orders placed with the venue are the sole responsibility of the Affiliate.

If you have any questions, please email annmtg@sacscoc.org.

The Commission is seeking student musical ensembles (up to 10 members) to provide entertainment for the 2026 Annual Meeting, December 5 – 9 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. Groups will perform during a 30-minute slot preceding one of our General Sessions, and a $500 group honorarium will be provided.

If you know a student ensemble interested in this opportunity, complete the Entertainment Interest Survey by close of business Thursday, November 5, 2026.

Hotel reservations for attendees at the conference rate can only be made after registering for the Annual Meeting. There are 12 properties that comprise the Annual Meeting block of hotels The Commission has contracted with to ensure participants are offered a conference rate.  The rates for the hotel rooms range between $179 – $289 per night (plus applicable taxes). Reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card or accompanied by one night’s room deposit. Hotel reservations must be made 45 days prior to December 5, 2026, to receive the group rate. After this date, the reservation window closes. Click here for a list of hotels in our room block.

Connections Housing is the only approved, official housing vendor for The Commission. We understand that unauthorized housing companies may contact you and advertise cheaper rates or may imply or claim an affiliation with the event. Unfortunately, some past attendees have fallen prey to these companies and were unable to recuperate the money they spent on rooms that did not exist. If you are contacted by any company that is NOT Connections Housing, email us reservationsam@connectionshousing.com.

Once you have completed your conference registration, click the button “Select Hotel” to secure housing reservations. If you do not book your hotel during the online registration process, you may book it later by accessing your registration using the confirmation number received via email. You will need to enter that confirmation number and the email address used to book the registration.

You may also make a reservation over the phone by contacting Connections Housing directly at 702-476-6976. Your registration confirmation number is required to book a reservation over the phone.

Credit Card Payments: A credit card is required to confirm all reservations when submitting a reservation online or when using a housing form. Connections Housing cannot accept purchase orders. Connections Housing also cannot accept tax exempt payments. Should your school or district be tax-exempt and/or need to pay via a purchase order, please contact your hotel directly after November 27, 2026, prior to this date, the hotel will not have your room reservation(s). Connections Housing will provide the respective hotels with all attendee reservations by the November 27^th date.

Check Payments: If you wish to prepay for your room(s); please request a prepaid invoice by forwarding the emailed acknowledgment that you received at the time of booking directly to TheCommssion@Connectionshousing.com. The request will be handled within three (3) business days.

Advance payments are due 45 days prior to December 5, 2026, for all reservations. If you have any questions regarding your reservation, please contact Connections Housing at 702-476-6976.

Exhibitors: Must contact Christine Fletcher, christine@encore-expo.com for information on securing their hotel accommodations.

Complimentary Shuttle Buses: Will be provided between the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) and select hotels. For shuttle service from these hotels to GRB during conference hours, look for signs that will be posted near the lobby of the hotel.

Airport Ground Transportation/Parking:

Airport Ground Transportation
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): Located 22 miles north of downtown Houston. Click HERE for transportation options to and from IAH airport.

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU): Located 11 miles southeast of downtown Houston. Click HERE for transportation options to and from HOU airport.

Parking near the George R. Brown Convention Center
There are several self-parking garages and open surface lots within a 1 to 4-minute walk of the convention center.

When will I receive my conference registration confirmation?
Confirmations are sent automatically via email after your conference registration has been completed. If you do not receive a confirmation number, you are not registered. Be certain to check your spam email if there appears to be a delay.

Is there a reduced rate or one-day conference rate for attending only a portion of the conference?
No, we do not offer reduced rates for conference registration. The registration fee is the same regardless of the number of sessions or the number of days you attend.

Will there be a virtual component to this year’s Annual Meeting?
No, all activities for this year’s meeting will be face-to-face.

How do I cancel my registration and receive a refund?
If you have registered for the conference but are unable to attend, you may cancel the registration online using the email confirmation received after the registration was completed or by notifying The Commission via email at annmtg@sacscoc.org as soon as possible. Please indicate if the cancellation is for all events or only for select workshops and/or meals. There is a $100 cancellation fee per person. If you paid by credit card and cancel your registration, the funds will immediately be returned to your card minus the $100 cancellation fee. If you paid by check or bank transfer, your refund, minus the $100 cancellation fee, will be processed immediately following the conference. All fees will be non-refundable after November 12, 2026.

Please be aware that cancelling your conference registration does not automatically cancel your hotel reservation. The hotel reservation(s) should be cancelled online using the hotel acknowledgement number received via email or by contacting Connections Housing at 702-476-6976.

What happens in the event of inclement weather or flight delays/cancellations?
In the event of inclement weather or flight delays/cancellations that affect your ability to attend the Annual Meeting, The Commission will provide registrants, upon request, with a copy of all materials distributed at registration.

Please note that registration refunds will not be granted.

Can someone attend in my place if I am unable to attend?
Yes, substitutions can be requested by sending an email to annmtg@sacscoc.org, providing the name of the currently registered person and the full contact information of the replacement person, including prefix, full name, title, email, phone number, and work address. Once the substitution is completed, confirmation of the change will be sent via email.

For substitution requests made after December 1, please visit the “Registration Assistance” check-in counter on site at the convention center.

If you have any questions, please contact annmtg@sacscoc.org.

What is the Federal I.D. Number for The Commission?
The Federal I.D. Number is 32‐0261810.

Will transportation be provided from the hotels to the convention center?
Complimentary shuttle buses will be provided between the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) and select hotels. For shuttle service from these hotels to GRB during conference hours, look for signs that will be posted near the lobby of the hotel.

How do I reserve a hotel room?
Once your conference registration has been completed, click the button “Select Hotel” to secure housing reservations. If you do not book your hotel during the online registration process, you may book it later by accessing your registration using the confirmation number received via email.

Reservations can also be made over the phone by contacting Connections Housing directly at 702-476-6976. Your registration confirmation number is required to book a reservation over the phone.

Connections Housing is the only approved, official housing vendor for The Commission. We understand that unauthorized housing companies may contact you and advertise cheaper rates or may imply or claim an affiliation with the event. Unfortunately, some past attendees have fallen prey to these companies and were unable to recuperate the money they spent on rooms that did not exist. If you are contacted by any company that is NOT Connections Housing, email us reservationsam@connectionshousing.com.

You should receive your hotel acknowledgement number via email from Connections Housing immediately after each reservation booking, modification, and/or cancellation.

You will also receive confirmation from the hotel within one week of the reservation check-in date.

If paying by check, can the conference registration fee and housing deposit be combined?
No, since the conference registration and housing are processed separately, these payments cannot be combined. If paying for your conference registration by check, please send a copy of your online confirmation and the registration fee to The Commission, Attn: Annual Meeting, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033.

Hotel Deposit
If you wish to prepay your room(s); please request a prepaid invoice by forwarding the emailed acknowledgment that you received at the time of booking directly to TheCommission@connectionshousing.com. The request will be handled within three (3) business days.

Advance payments are due 45 days prior to December 5, 2026, for all reservations. If you have any questions regarding your reservation, please contact Connections Housing at 702-476-6976.

Who is eligible to attend Presidents’ Day Activities? How do I register for Presidents’ Day activities?
Only chief executive officers and campus presidents of The Commission member and candidate institutions are eligible to attend Presidents’ Day Activities. Substitutes are not permitted to attend Presidents’ Day Activities.

Please check the appropriate box(es) for the Presidents’ Breakfast Session and Luncheon Session when registering online. Although a separate fee is not assessed for these activities, registration is required to assist us in planning.

What meals are included in the registration fee?
All registered attendees will receive complimentary morning, and afternoon refreshment breaks in the Exhibit Hall. In addition, a concession-style lunch will be provided on Sunday, December 6, and Monday, December 7.

How can I get a copy of the handouts for a particular session?
Concurrent session handouts that are received in advance will be posted in the conference app. Please note, workshop handouts are only provided to those attendees who pay for and attend a particular workshop.

How do I apply for a travel grant to attend the conference?
Graduate students enrolled in postsecondary degree programs in higher education at a member institution are eligible to apply for a travel grant.

A limited number of travel grants will be available to attend the conference and learn about accreditation in higher education. For a copy of the application and submission requirements, visit the registration website.

When will the session be held that announces decisions regarding the accreditation of institutions?
Decisions will be announced at the College Delegate Assembly Business Meeting on Monday, December 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM.

The information about actions taken after the December meeting will be posted on our website, www.sacscoc.org, after the conference.

What is the recommended attire for the Annual Meeting?
Business attire is recommended for annual meeting sessions; however, there is quite a bit of walking so comfortable shoes are a necessity. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a jacket or sweater because meeting rooms can be cool.

What accessibility services are available?
If you have accessibility related to mobility, hearing, dietary restrictions, food allergies, or other accommodations, please indicate your requirements when completing the online conference registration form.

• Closed captioning: Closed captioning will be provided during the General Session. Captioning will be displayed on a monitor located at the front left or right side of the ballroom seating area.
• Mobility Assistance: Attendees requesting motorized scooters will be provided with contact information for a local vendor where rental options and pricing details are available.

You may also email us at annmtg@sacscoc.org. We encourage attendees to submit accommodation requests as early as possible to help ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

Where can I get help during the Annual Meeting?
If you need assistance during the Annual Meeting, please visit one of the Information Booths or Registration Check-in Counters, where a staff member will be happy to answer your questions and provide support throughout the conference.

Interested in being a presenter for the 2027 Annual Meeting? We’ll be looking for engaging, relevant sessions that reflect the needs and interests of our membership.

The Call for Proposals will be posted to our website by April 15, 2027. Once it’s live, you’ll find full details on submission requirements, session formats, review criteria, and key deadlines.

We encourage practitioners, researchers, and thought leaders across the field to consider sharing their expertise with our community. Whether you’re presenting original research, a case study, or a practical how-to session, we want to hear from you.

Check back after April 15, 2027, to submit your proposal – we look forward to reviewing your ideas.

Want a behind-the-scenes look at how a major higher education conference comes together? Volunteering at Commission events is a fun, enlightening way to connect with colleagues, support the participant experience, and learn how the magic happens.

Volunteer roles may include:

• Assisting with registration and attendee questions
• Supporting presenters and session rooms
• Serving as greeters or wayfinders
• Helping event staff keep things running smoothly

We’re building a general volunteer interest pool for future Commission events, including the 2026 Annual Meeting, and we’ll reach out as opportunities become available.

👉 Interested in volunteering? Complete the Volunteer Interest Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/volpool

If you have any questions, please contact Meeting Planning Office at annmtg@sacscoc.org.