About

Shared Vision, Shared Voice:
Advancing Student Success Through Inclusive Governance

Student success is the shared responsibility of an entire institution, and in today’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape, alignment has never been more essential. The 2026 ACCJC Partners in Excellence Conference invites faculty, staff, students, trustees, administrators, and other practitioners to explore how shared purpose, inclusive leadership, innovation, and data-focused practice come together to advance meaningful student outcomes.

Hosted by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), the conference will take place November 17–18, 2026, at the Riverside Convention Center in Riverside, California. As a federally recognized institutional accreditor serving 138 public, nonprofit, and for-profit member institutions across California, Hawaiʻi, Arizona, New York, and the western Pacific, ACCJC represents a diverse and dynamic community of institutions, from the largest public higher education system in the nation to small, mission-driven institutions serving local communities.

A Theme for the Moment

Shared Vision, Shared Voice reflects a timely conversation across higher education. At a time of enrollment shifts, technological transformation, public scrutiny, and evolving student needs, institutions are being called to lead with clarity, collaboration, and integrity.

While governance is an important thread in this dialogue, the conference will explore a broad range of interconnected topics shaping institutional effectiveness and student success, including:

  • Innovative strategies to improve student achievement and completion
  • Accreditation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement
  • Student return on investment and post-completion outcomes
  • Dual enrollment and K–12 partnerships
  • Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies

Together, these conversations will offer practical insight and forward-thinking ideas for institutions of all sizes and contexts.

Hear from National and Regional Leaders

The 2026 conference will feature plenary sessions with visionary leaders in higher education, including:

Tia Brown McNair, Vice President of Strategy and Collective Impact, Alliance for Higher Education
Patrick Methvin, Director of Postsecondary Success, Gates Foundation
DeRionne Pollard, President, American Association of Community Colleges
Sonya Christian
Sonya Christian, Chancellor, California Community Colleges
Wendy Hensel, President, University of Hawaiʻi System

These thought leaders will explore the big questions shaping higher education today — from accountability to innovation to institutional resilience.

What to Expect

Inspiring plenary sessions with national and regional experts

Breakout sessions on timely, actionable topics

Poster sessions highlighting standout initiatives and measurable student outcomes

Dedicated forums for Accreditation Liaison Officers, Faculty, CEOs, and Trustees

Cross-functional dialogue designed to foster collaboration and shared learning

The Partners in Excellence Conference brings together administrators, faculty, trustees, institutional researchers, student services professionals, planners, and students in a spirit of collaboration and shared inquiry. Whether you are shaping policy, leading strategy, working directly with students, or strengthening institutional systems, you will find both practical tools and fresh perspectives to bring back to your campus.

Join us in Riverside as we engage in thoughtful conversation, share effective practices, and reaffirm our collective commitment to student success.