The Digital Collegium Annual Conference schedule is packed with opportunities to connect, learn and lead—online and in person. From collaborative sessions to career-shaping insights, every moment is designed to deliver real value, with affordable pricing and a hybrid format that works for you.
Whether you’re a digital veteran or new to the field, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to share practical strategies, fresh ideas and innovative solutions for higher ed’s digital future.
Schedule at a glance
- Poster presentations (online): Tuesday, Sept. 23, 12-1 p.m. EDT
- Pre-conference workshops (in person): Sunday, Sept. 28, 1-4:30 p.m. EDT
- Conference sessions (in person and online): Monday, Sept. 29, 8:30 a.m. - Wednesday, Oct. 1, 12:45 p.m. EDT
- Post-conference workshops (in person): Wednesday, Oct. 1, 1-4:30 p.m. EDT
- Digital Strategy and Content: Shape the stories and strategies that drive digital engagement.
- Hot Topics in Higher Ed: Tackle emerging trends and timely challenges in our field.
- UX, Accessibility and Design: Build more inclusive, intuitive and effective user experiences.
- AI, Analytics and Integration: Discover tools and techniques that drive smarter decisions.
- Development, Programming and CMS: Dive deep into code, platforms and technical know-how.
- Management, Teams and Personal Development: Grow your leadership skills and support thriving teams.
- Partner Presentations: Learn from trusted industry partners who support digital innovation in higher ed.
| Track | Name | Speakers | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | |||
| Posters (PST) | Experiential digital EDGEyness | Sofia Magalhães - Augustana College Alex Wiltberger - Augustana College | online |
| Posters (PST) | Illustrating a major with a website timeline | Margaret Hair - University of Kansas School of Law | online |
| Posters (PST) | Digital downloads as a tool for audience engagement and appreciation | Sarina Alexander - Cornell University | online |
| Posters (PST) | "I know you can't read this chart, but..."; Best practices for creating accessible presentations | Dan Laird - SUNY Oswego | online |
| Posters (PST) | Want better content? Stop doing it yourself. | Alixandra Nozzolillo - Harvard University | online |
| Posters (PST) | Demystifying AI agents | Mark Lee - Colorado College | online |
| Posters (PST) | Putting the AI in emAIl | Jacqueline Rowe - Stony Brook University | online |
| Posters (PST) | Brand cohesion in a complex environment | Kevin Fye - University of Notre Dame April Toler - University of Notre Dame | online |
| Posters (PST) | Plain language and design: Rethinking your approach to administrative websites | Emily Masters - University at Albany, SUNY | online |
| Sunday, September 28, 2025, 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM | |||
| Conference check-in and information desk | in person | ||
| Sunday, September 28, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | |||
| Lunch for workshop attendees and presenters | in person | ||
| Sunday, September 28, 2025, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | |||
| Pre-conference workshops (WKS) | Web content without the bloat: A lean approach to digital strategy | Jordan Taylor - Utah State University | in person |
| Pre-conference workshops (WKS) | Experience of disability workshop | Jon Gunderson - University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana | in person |
| Pre-conference workshops (WKS) | Mastering the discoverability landscape: SEO, AI and the future of search | Brian Piper - University of Rochester | in person |
| Pre-conference workshops (WKS) | Introduction to GitHub Actions: Understanding key terms and building your first GitHub Action | Paul Gilzow - Platform.sh | in person |
| Sunday, September 28, 2025, 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | |||
| Workshops afternoon break | in person | ||
| Sunday, September 28, 2025, 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM | |||
| Conference welcome and orientation | in person | ||
| Sunday, September 28, 2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | |||
| Welcome reception | in person | ||
| Monday, September 29, 2025, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM | |||
| Quiet workspace | in person | ||
| Conference check-in and information desk | in person | ||
| Monday, September 29, 2025, 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM | |||
| Breakfast — sponsored by Beacon | in person | ||
| Monday, September 29, 2025, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | |||
| Exhibit hall open | in person, online | ||
| Monday, September 29, 2025, 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM | |||
| Development, programming and CMS (DPC) | Breaking down data silos: Connecting AI, vector search, CMS, CRM and analytics | Alex Schedrov - Five Jars | in person |
| Digital strategy and content (DSC) | AUWire: One platform to share Auburn's stories | John Walker - Auburn University | in person, online |
| Hot topics in higher ed (HTHE) | 10 GenAI tools and tricks every higher ed pro should be using | Erin Callihan - New York University | in person, online |
| Management, teams and personal development (MTD) | Train your colleagues for the future | Eva Nautiyal - Georgetown University | in person |
| Partner presentations (PAR) | Bring your digital bench to bat | Julianna Goldring - Concept3D Julee Mitsler - Lindenwood University | in person |
| Usability, accessibility and design (UAD) | Coloring inside and outside the lines: Balancing best practices and creativity in higher ed web design | Nate Taylor - Utah State University Adam Thomas - Utah State University | in person, online |
| Monday, September 29, 2025, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM | |||
| AI, analytics and integration (AAI) | AI chatbots for coding: Friend, foe or just another fad? | Paul Gilzow - Platform.sh | in person |
| Development, programming and CMS (DPC) | Introducing Drupal CMS: Designed for content and marketing teams | Suzanne Dergacheva - Evolving Web | in person |
| Digital strategy and content (DSC) | AI in action: Higher ed’s masterclass for marketing and communications | Tina Miller - Arizona State University | in person, online |
| Hot topics in higher ed (HTHE) | Governance, community of practice and generative AI | Joyce Peralta - McGill University | in person, online |
| Management, teams and personal development (MTD) | Making faculty research discoverable: SEO tactics for scrappy teams | Josh Stowe - University of Notre Dame Nicole Velasquez - University of Notre Dame | in person |
| Partner presentations (PAR) | ABCs and 123s of website accessibility | Penny Kronz - DubBot | in person |
| Usability, accessibility and design (UAD) | Building RAMPS for digital access | Kate DeForest - SUNY Oswego | in person, online |
| Monday, September 29, 2025, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM | |||
| Refreshments in the exhibit hall — sponsored by Pathify | in person | ||
| Break activity for online attendees | online | ||
| Monday, September 29, 2025, 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM | |||
| AI, analytics and integration (AAI) | From traffic to impact: Rethinking website measurement | Cassandra Golda - SimpsonScarborough Marcus McLean - SimpsonScarborough | in person |
| Development, programming and CMS (DPC) | APIs: Because copy-pasting data is so last semester | Dwight Nagy - USG eCampus | in person |
| Digital strategy and content (DSC) | Unlocking GA4 insights: Advanced reporting and attribution for higher ed | Cameron Panice - Sandstorm | in person, online |
| Hot topics in higher ed (HTHE) | Roll for sanity: Surviving the ever-expanding web feature bestiary | Erik Runyon - University of Notre Dame | in person, online |
| Management, teams and personal development (MTD) | Mastering team mojo to turn dysfunction into peak performance | Joanna Cendrowski - Four Kitchens Dave Hansen-Lange - Four Kitchens | in person |
| Partner presentations (PAR) | Building the AI ready campus | Daniella Nordin - Element451 | in person |
| Usability, accessibility and design (UAD) | Putting the "you" in Canisius U: The importance of embracing UX/UI | Josh Kruk - Canisius University Jay Ménard - Northern | in person, online |
| Monday, September 29, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | |||
| Lunch — sponsored by White Whale | in person | ||
| Monday, September 29, 2025, 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM | |||
| Collegium Chat | Josh Charles - Rutgers Business School Sara Clark - Digital Collegium Michael O'Neill - The University of Iowa Brian Piper - University of Rochester | in person, online | |
| Monday, September 29, 2025, 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM | |||
| AI, analytics and integration (AAI) | Conversational AI: Capturing Gen Z Audiences Before They Bounce | Bill McLaughlin - Carnegie Chloe Celani - Squiz | in person |
| Development, programming and CMS (DPC) | How do frameworks work? Understanding the fundamentals, variations and key considerations | Pete Gaioni - iFactory Joe Pinciaro - iFactory Emily Spitale - Thomas Jefferson University (formerly at Temple University) | in person |
| Digital strategy and content (DSC) | Working with subject-matter experts | Elisabeth Reinkordt - OHO | in person, online |
| Hot topics in higher ed (HTHE) | Bigger than a breadbox: Thinking beyond the redesign | Georgy Cohen - Self employed | in person, online |
| Management, teams and personal development (MTD) | Why traditional lead generation fails in higher education | Robert Kadar - Yeshiva University | in person |
| Partner presentations (PAR) | Closing the gap: Integrating digital and enrollment marketing through CRM-driven personalization | Allison Lanier - GMB Katy Nash - GMB Taylor Poole - GMB | in person |
| Usability, accessibility and design (UAD) | Freshen up your forms: A UX case study | David Rosen - University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | in person, online |
| Monday, September 29, 2025, 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM | |||
| Refreshments in the exhibit hall — sponsored by GMB | in person | ||
| Monday, September 29, 2025, 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM | |||
| AI, analytics and integration (AAI) | Data makes cents: Turning digital metrics into informed business decisions | Megan Ross - Michigan Technological University Joel Vertin - Michigan Technological University Austin Walhof - Michigan Technological University | in person |
| Development, programming and CMS (DPC) | Design systems: Bridging the gap between designers and developers | Greg Vissing - University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | in person |
| Digital strategy and content (DSC) | The JEDI Order: Defending and communicating justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in a new policy era | Ebru Kardan - University of Massachusetts Amherst | in person, online |
| Hot topics in higher ed (HTHE) | In-house SEO, you can do it! | Kris Hardy - Messiah University | in person, online |
| Management, teams and personal development (MTD) | Silos are costing you: How to win leadership buy-in with real ROI | Craig Kaufman - Santa Clara University | in person |
| Partner presentations (PAR) | Rethinking SEO for higher education in 2026 and beyond: Are you ready for the new reality? | Faton Sopa Faton - Manaferra | in person |
| Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM | |||
| Quiet workspace | in person | ||
| Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM | |||
| Breakfast | in person | ||
| Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM | |||
| Conference check-in and information desk | in person | ||
| Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | |||
| Exhibit hall open | in person, online | ||
| Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM | |||
| AI, analytics and integration (AAI) | Personalization at scale: How to deliver tailored digital experiences without overloading your team | Kat Liendgens - Hannon Hill | in person |
| Development, programming and CMS (DPC) | More than an extension: WordPress REST API customization | Keiran Pillman - University of Rochester | in person |
| Digital strategy and content (DSC) | Building bridges: How intentional campus communication resulted in a successful website redesign | Meaghan Milliorn - University of Arkansas at Little Rock | in person, online |
| Hot topics in higher ed (HTHE) | NotebookLM: The AI that learns what you teach it | Kristin Gasser - Arizona State University | in person, online |
| Management, teams and personal development (MTD) | The beacons are lit: Uniting marketing and web teams for a stronger digital realm | Heather Powers - Michigan Technological University Cyndi Perkins - Michigan Technological University | in person |
| Partner presentations (PAR) | Speaking geek (without being one): Technical questions to ask before a university redesign | Stephen Tidmore - Mighty Citizen | in person |
| Usability, accessibility and design (UAD) | AInspector Sidebar browser extension for WCAG evaluation | Jon Gunderson - University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana | in person, online |
| Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM | |||
| AI, analytics and integration (AAI) | Custom GPTs for higher education: Building AI-powered assistants for efficiency and engagement | Brian Piper - University of Rochester | in person |
| Development, programming and CMS (DPC) | Shifting left: Incorporating testing early in the development lifecycle | Michael Miles - MIT Sloan | in person |
| Digital strategy and content (DSC) | The rise of zero-click behavior: Navigating the new landscape of university marketing and engagement | Tracy Playle - Pickle Jar Communications | in person, online |
| Hot topics in higher ed (HTHE) | Surviving the strategy trail: Overcoming challenges to reach your project destination | Mike Powers - OHO Alaina Wiens - Flint & Genesee Group | in person, online |
| Management, teams and personal development (MTD) | AI-enhanced accessibility: Balancing efficiency with human insight | Darren Denham - University of Central Oklahoma | in person |
| Partner presentations (PAR) | AI-driven click‑through rate hits 48 percent: Two universities share their playbook | Jeff Dillon - SearchStax Michael Clark - Parker University Eileen O'Sullivan - Bridgewater State University | in person |
| Usability, accessibility and design (UAD) | One man band: Creating content harmony by balancing UX, accessibility and SEO | Laura Barr - University of Rochester | in person, online |
| Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM | |||
| Refreshments in the exhibit hall — sponsored by Mighty Citizen | in person | ||
| Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM | |||
| Development, programming and CMS (DPC) | Don't make me wait: How we made monmouth.edu one of the fastest sites in higher ed | Tryon Eggleston - Monmouth University Steve Graboski - Monmouth University | in person |
| Digital strategy and content (DSC) | The power of progressive profiling: Smarter recruitment strategies | James Cox - Purdue University Kelsey Smith - Purdue University | in person, online |
| Hot topics in higher ed (HTHE) | Designing — and maintaining — a better web | Robin Smail - Cornell University | in person, online |
| Management, teams and personal development (MTD) | Moving from a decentralized content management system to a centralized one | Amy Evans - University of Mississippi Andrew Freiman - University of Mississippi Patrick Smith - University of Mississippi | in person |
| Partner presentations (PAR) | Component clarity: A strategic approach to modern CMS components | Jesse Dyck - Evolving Web Celia McAlpine - Evolving Web | in person |
| Usability, accessibility and design (UAD) | Don’t let your website flunk: The college guide to user testing | Melanie Lindahl - The University of Texas at Austin | in person, online |
| Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | |||
| Lunch — sponsored by DubBot | in person | ||
| Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM | |||
| Lightning (LIT) | Lightning talks | Sebastian Munoz Dispa - University of Notre Dame Amy Grace Wells - Bixal Mallory Willsea - Higher Ed Consultant Doug Tschopp - Augustana College | in person, online |
| Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM | |||
| AI, analytics and integration (AAI) | The benefits and challenges of using AI for SEO | Fernando Bergás-Coria - Ologie | in person |
| Development, programming and CMS (DPC) | Turning inward: Boosting student confidence and accessibility through virtual reality campus exploration | Christopher Spencer - University of Arkansas | in person |
| Digital strategy and content (DSC) | Preparing for AI search and the generative college discovery process | Adam Heidebrink-Bruno - Finger Lakes Community College | in person, online |
| Hot topics in higher ed (HTHE) | One university, one website | Rachel Easterbrook - NewCity Mike Henderson - Adams State University Michael Purdy - University of Tennessee, Knoxville | in person, online |
| Management, teams and personal development (MTD) | Search experience optimization: Expanding student reach with thought leadership content | Mia Pang - Carnegie Holli Sampson - University of Idaho | in person |
| Partner presentations (PAR) | What works, what's hype: Higher ed digital trends to adopt or drop in 2025 | Piero Tintori - Terminalfour | in person |
| Usability, accessibility and design (UAD) | From policy to practice: ADA Title II changes for campus communities | Brian Belcher - University at Buffalo Mary Henesey - University at Buffalo | in person, online |
| Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM | |||
| Refreshments in the exhibit hall — sponsored by Concept3D | in person | ||
| Break activity for online attendees | online | ||
| Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM | |||
| AI, analytics and integration (AAI) | Web analytics CSI: Investigating drop-offs, dead ends and digital crimes | Jeremy Britten - Auburn University | in person |
| Development, programming and CMS (DPC) | Dark patterns in higher ed: Are we (unintentionally) tricking our users? | Jordan Taylor - Utah State University | in person |
| Digital strategy and content (DSC) | Building the website while we're flying it: Lessons in scaling design, content and strategy | Brooke Doerfler - Penn State Hayley Wildeson - Penn State | in person, online |
| Hot topics in higher ed (HTHE) | Beyond the brochure: Making college websites work for the modern student | John Attaquin - Montgomery County Community College Angela Cavaliere - Montgomery County Community College | in person, online |
| Management, teams and personal development (MTD) | Redesigning without the chaos: A strategic approach to website overhauls | Marsha Samuel - Rutgers University Jenny Noonan - Rutgers University | in person |
| Usability, accessibility and design (UAD) | When campus politics crash the user experience | Benjamin Demers - KWALL Noah Kramer - KWALL | in person, online |
| Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | |||
| Big social event | in person | ||
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM | |||
| Quiet workspace | in person | ||
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM | |||
| Breakfast | in person | ||
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM | |||
| Conference check-in and information desk | in person | ||
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 8:00 AM - 10:45 AM | |||
| Exhibit hall open | in person, online | ||
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 8:05 AM - 8:15 AM | |||
| Red Stapler announcement | in person | ||
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM | |||
| AI, analytics and integration (AAI) | Red Stapler winner: AI, analytics and integration | in person, online | |
| Development, programming and CMS (DPC) | Red Stapler winner: Development, programming and CMS | in person, online | |
| Digital strategy and content (DSC) | Red Stapler winner: Digital strategy and content | in person | |
| Hot topics in higher ed (HTHE) | Red Stapler winner: Hot topics in higher ed | in person | |
| Management, teams and personal development (MTD) | Red Stapler winner: Management, teams and personal development | in person, online | |
| Partner presentations (PAR) | Red Stapler winner: Partner presentations | in person | |
| Usability, accessibility and design (UAD) | Red Stapler winner: UX, accessibility and design | in person | |
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM | |||
| Community groups (CG) | Higher ed challenges and changes community group | Mark Anbinder - Cornell University | in person |
| Community groups (CG) | Management and leadership community group | Tiffany Broadbent Beker - William & Mary | in person |
| Community groups (CG) | AI community group | Brian Piper - University of Rochester | in person |
| Community groups (CG) | Accessibility community group | Darren Denham - University of Central Oklahoma | in person |
| Community groups (CG) | Email marketing community group | Dayana Kibilds - Ologie Jacqueline Rowe - Stony Brook University | in person |
| Community groups (CG) | Analytics community group | Jim Nicnick - Lafayette College | in person |
| Community groups (CG) | UX community group | Brandon Collier - Dallas College | in person |
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM | |||
| Refreshments in the exhibit hall — sponsored by Evolving Web | in person | ||
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM | |||
| Awards and keynote — sponsored by VDX.tv | Jim Sterne | in person, online | |
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | |||
| Lunch | in person | ||
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | |||
| Post-conference workshops (WKS) | AI for content teams | Amy Grace Wells - Bixal | in person |
| Post-conference workshops (WKS) | Content architecture for a connected content experience | Tracy Playle - Pickle Jar Communications | in person |
| Post-conference workshops (WKS) | Governance, but make it make sense | Shelley Panulla - Cornell University | in person |
| Post-conference workshops (WKS) | Introduction to automated end-to-end testing using Cypress | Paul Gilzow - Platform.sh | in person |
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | |||
| Workshops afternoon break | in person | ||
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