STARS LEADERSHIP & UNIVERSITY ADVOCATES CONFERENCE
Hosted by the Higher Education Partnership, the 2026 STARS Leadership & University Advocates Conference will be held in August at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa in Destin, Florida from August 5th - 7th, 2026. The conference features specialty breakout sessions as well as general sessions, panel discussions and lunch with a featured speaker. HEP Board members should make plans to attend the board meeting scheduled for the end of the conference. The STARS Leadership and University Advocates Conference offers a learning experience and an opportunity to network with peers. Conference participants will enjoy the opportunity to enhance their skills of leadership and advocacy while gaining insight about issues facing Alabama. We invite student leaders, educators, alumni and statewide advocates to take part in this engaging meeting, where we'll build collaboration across all 14 of our campuses and refine the knowledge and skills necessary to lead not only on campus but across the state.
SLUAC Participant Tracks
We're excited to welcome a wide variety of university leaders to SLUAC - from students to faculty to alumni to administrators - each participant brings a unique perspective. the 2026 SLUAC agenda provides opportunities for networking with peers from across the state to lay a rich groundwork for the exciting year ahead. Additionally, this year, we'll have six unique tracks for student participants allowing for deeper relationship building across the state. Read more about each available track below or on our STARS Team Page here.
Programming is available to share information on public policy and funding relative to higher education. Training about future events supporting universities is included and updates on the future session are also offered. During the conference, individuals are encouraged to engage wih colleagues from across all 14 campuses and multiple constituency groups. Legislators and public officials are also available to stregthen the learning experience.
STUDENT LEADERS
ADVOCATES AND ALUMNI
FACULTY AND STAFF
Student Leaders Participation
STARS stands for Student Teams Advocating Realistic Solutions. SLUAC provides an opportunity not only to work with your campus team, but also to coordinate with others in your role across the state. Visit our STARS page to learn more about who should be on your team!
As a student leader. please know that SLUAC provides a phenomenal opportunity for learning advocacy skills, building a statewide network, and growing outward awareness concering critical Alabama issues. Additionally, opportunities for engaging in long term Partnership activities are desired. Planning for statewide advocacy activities also happens during the conference. Strong advocacy skills can benefit a good community, interpersonal relations, a-- awareness and engaged support. Each of these trends are informed by students that chose to participate in the menu of advocacy events.
Lead at SLUAC
The conference will feature multiple interactive sessions and hands-on learning opportunities. One opportunity for students to lead is by presenting a "University Feature" Session highlighting an area of excellence from their campus or SGA.
Topics are intentionally broad and open to your interpretation! We're excited to hear your ideas!
We're looking for student leaders passionate about leadership to host educational sessions during SLUAC. There will be both breakout session and main session presentation opportunities for students to lead discussion and share about what their campus is doing well. We're looking for presentations in the following areas:
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Engagement on Your Campus
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Utilizing Your Networks
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Universities Turn Dreams Into Reality
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Serving Campus and Beyond
To apply to lead a presentation, please fill out the form below, sharing a brief overview of your topic, key points, and any other background information, no late than June 30th. Selected presentations will be notified by July 7th.
Awards Luncheon
In 2024, the Higher Education Partnership introduced the Jabo Waggoner Award for Public Service. The Waggoner Award honors an individual who has made a significant positive impact on Alabama's universities over the course of their life.
This year, our awards luncheon will also honor a student who has demonstrated significant acheivement in service and advocacy during their collegiate career with the STAR Award. This student should have strong contributions to leadership on their campus, as well as a passion for higher education.
Tentative SLUAC Agenda*
*Agenda Subject to Change;
For Affiliate Group Agendas Please Contact the Partnership at partners@higheredpartners.org
Wednesday, August 5th
1:00 p.m. Registration
3:00 p.m. Student Leaders Introductory Meeting & Ice-Breakers
(SGA Collaborative Discussion) Higher Education Partnership.
4:00 p.m. Welcome and Conference Overview
4:15 p.m. Update from Council of University Governmental Affairs Representatives (CUGAR)
4:30 p.m. Welcome and Importance of Advocacy from the HEP University President’s Council
4:45 p.m. Three Big Issues - Discussion of Important Issues of 2026
5:00 pm Student Campus Advocacy - Discussion Session 1
(Groups Breakout into Individual sessions)
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Be an Presidential Leader and Advocate .....................USPC
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Hosting Higher Ed Day and Dreams to Reality ………………STARS Coordinator and Co-Coordinator
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Communicating the Message …………………………………….… Student Communicator and ATF
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Make a Difference for Freshmen ……………………………Freshmen Forum Leaders
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Impact Across Multiple Platforms …………………………………. Campus Organizational Leaders
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You Can Make a Difference for Future Leaders …….………Faculty, Staff and Alumni Leaders - STARS Alumni, SRC Alumni and SRC
7:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner on the Beach
Thursday, August 6th
7:00 a.m. Hot Breakfast Buffet for conference attendees
7:00 a.m. Alumni Task Force Meeting
8:00 a.m. Opening Session: Partners in Excellence—Who, How & What
8:30 a.m. Leadership, Finances and the Economy - Alabama’s Education Budget
9:00 a.m. Discussion Session A
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Healthcare
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Education Policy and the Region
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Innovation and Economic Development
10:30 a.m. Translating Facts to Strategy - Breakout Groups
11:15 a.m. Group Presentations
11:45 a.m. Waggoner Public Service Award Luncheon
1:15 p.m. Discussion Session B - Sessions Led by Students (Apply to Present Here)
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Engagement on Your Campus
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Utilizing Your Networks
2:00 p.m. Drafting Talking Points
2:30 p.m. Presenting Talking Points to Legislators
Friday, August 7th
6:30 a.m. Hot Breakfast Buffet for conference attendees
7:45 am Welcome
8:00 a.m. Final Wrap Up: Student Campus Advocates Discussion Session 1
(Groups Breakout into Individual sessions)
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Be an Presidential Leader and Advocate .....................USPC
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Hosting Higher Ed Day and Dreams to Reality ………………STARS Coordinator and Co-Coordinator
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Communicating the Message …………………………………….… Student Communicator and ATF
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Make a Difference for Freshmen ……………………………Freshmen Forum Leaders (1st Year )
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Impact Across Multiple Platforms …………………………………. Campus Organizational Leaders
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You Can Make a Difference for Future Leaders …….………………Faculty, Staff and Alumni Leaders
8:30 a.m. Campus Goals
9:15 a.m. Legislative Leaders Panels
10:30 a.m. Board Meeting of the Higher Education Partnership