An inspiring discussion that aligns with the summit’s mission and kickstarts the conversations.

Join the journalists and analysts defining higher education’s biggest stories for a rare, no-holds-barred discussion.

Join fellow attendees at a nearby venue for an evening of connections and conversations. In D.C., every connection could lead to your next big opportunity.

Transportation provided
 
Sponsored by ets

Sponsored by Oracle

A brief opening presentation will set the stage for the day with discussion of key trends in the online learning landscape and introduce the day’s format. The session will address changing student preferences, recruitment dynamics, policy developments, and partnership approaches, anchored in a brief overview of market data followed by discussion with leaders in the sector.

This isn’t a debate—it’s a thought-provoking dialogue on balancing competing priorities in an era of change. Inspired by Brian Rosenberg’s book “Whatever It Is, I’m Against It”, this session will explore the tension between innovation and tradition, obstacles to meaningful transformation, and how institutions can work together to face market disruptions.

Since 2020, financial struggles have caused around 100 private non-profit institutions to close or merge, impacting 200,000 students and $2 billion in endowments. Current market conditions suggest this trend will only accelerate. Strategic partnerships and mergers offer a solution for supporting affected students and protecting endowment resources. This panel will reveal crucial strategies for institutional leaders to prepare for the looming wave of higher education consolidations. From financial planning to navigating legal and cultural challenges, this discussion is a must for both struggling and stable institutions looking to turn consolidation into an opportunity rather than a threat. 

National and state politics are putting campuses in the crosshairs. And students are seeking more affordable education options. Within this environment, never has innovation been more needed but arguably never has it been so hard for college leaders to focus on. This panel will discuss what senior administrators and decision makers can do to spur fresh thinking, build a campus mindset that seeks and rewards new ideas, and spark innovation when it comes to supporting students in an uncertain time.

From Transactional to Transformational: How to Build Meaningful Partnerships
Universities and companies often build one-off partnerships that don’t last. This session will explore how to create enduring, scalable partnerships that drive impact beyond just a press release.

The Great Enrollment Reset: Competing for Students in a World That’s More Global, More Digital, and More Uncertain
Globalization and digitalization are transforming higher education, making traditional student recruitment methods outdated. How can universities adapt and succeed in this highly competitive and uncertain environment? Join this session to explore practical strategies for staying ahead and attracting the next generation of students.

Students Are Not Okay—So What Are We Going to Do About It?
Mental health crises among college students are at an all-time high, yet despite increased spending on wellness programs, many institutions struggle to see meaningful improvements. Are universities investing in the right solutions, or are they simply checking a box? This session will cut through the noise, exposing what’s not working and sharing innovative, data-backed approaches that make a real impact. Panelists will share case studies of universities that have successfully improved student well-being, and attendees will leave with concrete, scalable strategies they can implement on their own campuses.

Regulation vs. Innovation: Conflict, Collaboration, or Chaos?
This panel will explore the tension between compliance and transformation—when do regulations serve as necessary guardrails, and when do they become obstacles? Can institutions and policymakers find a productive balance, or are we heading toward an era of increased conflict between policy and innovation?

Bringing together leaders from policy, institutions, workforce development, and education technology, this discussion will challenge assumptions, highlight power dynamics, and offer insights into how universities can navigate, shape, and respond to policies defining the future of higher ed.

Sponsored by Unicon

Sponsored by Holland & Knight

The Presidents’ Perspective Panel
This session provides an opportunity to hear university leaders reflect on the previous day’s discussions related to policy, partnerships, recruitment, and the whole student experience with an eye toward addressing how these issues impact institutional strategy, innovation, and growth in 2025. Our panelists represent a range of mid-sized private institutions with academic portfolios that are distinct from one another and where the role of online learning is emerging, expanding, or mature.

With major policy shifts on the horizon, decisions made daily in Washington right now will shape the future of higher ed. Are you in the know? We’re closing the University Network Summit with “Hot Off the Hill,” featuring Phil Hill—founder of Phil Hill & Associates and publisher of On EdTech—delivering exclusive, real-time insights from Capitol Hill. Drawing from his research and meetings with Congressional leaders, Department of Education insiders, and more, Phil will share behind-the-scenes updates and what universities should prepare for next. You won’t want to miss this.