Early bird registration for the 2026 Higher Education Summit –Wisconsin: A National Conversation: Strategies for Policy, Compliance, and Student Success, opens Monday, February 9. Early bird discounts save $20 on individual registrations.

Take advantage of early bird savings and secure your spot for this collaborative event jointly hosted by Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Universities of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Technical College System, to be held at the Memorial Union on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus May 19 to 21, 2026.

This summit brings together professionals from Wisconsin’s private, nonprofit and public colleges and universities, along with higher education professionals from other states, for three days of learning, networking, and innovation. The summit will feature a variety of topics in the areas of compliance, policy, and student success.

We’re excited to once again feature as keynote speaker Peter Lake, professor of law and director of the Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law and Policy at Stetson University College of Law. Peter’s expertise in higher education law makes him an incredible resource for both compliance and student success professionals. Elliot Felix, consultant, speaker, and author of The Connected College: Leadership Strategies for Student Success will give a separate keynote address. Other featured speakers include Jonathan Fansmith, senior vice president for Government Relations and National Engagement, at the American Council on Education (ACE), and Aaron D. Lacey, co-chair of Higher Education Practice at Thompson Coburn LLP, with more than two decades of experience. More speakers will be announced soon.

Potential topics include public perception of higher education, free speech on and off campus, the regulatory compliance landscape, and supporting student success.

The complete registration schedule is as follows:

• Wisconsin early bird registration: Opens Monday, February 9, 2026
• Nationwide early bird registration: Opens Monday, February 16, 2026
• Regular registration: Begins Monday, March 16, 2026
• Registration closes: Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Here’s the complete list of registration fees:

Don’t miss out. Register early and save.

For more information about the conference agenda, lodging, things to do while in Madison, travel options, and more visit the 2026 Higher Education Summit – Wisconsin: A National Conversation website.

For more information, email WAICU Director of Member Services Shawn Robin.