Symposium on Transforming the Postsecondary Experience
Innovation And Design So Every Student Can Graduate
October 31- November 2, 2025
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Chicago, IL
Gain New Knowledge to Apply to your Work!
Participants will learn about approaches for transforming various aspects of the undergraduate experience and apply that learning to efforts that help their institutions make sure more students thrive.
- Transfer
- Gateway Course Experience™
- First Year
- Second Year
- Purpose Focused Advising
- Curricular Structures
- AI and Student Success
The second year of college is often overlooked as a pivotal period in the college success and completion journey. Many educators erroneously believe that once students succeed in the first-year, they have it “all figured out.” However, national research shows that a significant portion of students leave higher education after their second year. This track will provide examples of successful practices from institutions on second-year initiatives to allow attendees to observe the landscape of efforts. Participants will engage in scenario building activities that will help them empathize with the second-year student experience and identify available campus resources or potential gaps at their institution for assisting students. Additionally, participants will leave with tangible first steps to transform the second-year experience to increase student persistence on their campus.
Drawing on scholarship from the Gardner Institute’s published book, The Transfer Experience A Handbook for Creating a More Equitable and Successful Postsecondary System, as well as over 15 years of experience helping institutions improve the transfer experience, track participants will deepen their understanding of ways to create and sustain transfer-sending or transfer-receptive cultures at their own institutions. Positive transfer cultures at institutions are essential to persistence and completion of transfer students. The participants will be guided to apply what they learn during the track to create a set of plans to help transform their institutions to be a place where all transfer students can succeed.
Conference Registration Fees –
Register before August 1 for the early bird rate: $795
Regular Registration: $855
Student Registration (graduate and undergraduate): $425
Registrants from Transformation schools receive a 20% discount on the posted fees
Registrants from non-Transformation schools who register for both The Graduate Student Experience and the Symposium receive a 10% discount on the combined fees. Contact events@gardnerinstitute.org for code.
Registration Fee includes: Opening reception, two breakfasts, two lunches, refreshment breaks, and conference materials.
For more information contact events@gardnerinstitute.org
Conference Location Information:
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, 301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611
Chicago is home to cultural attractions, two scenic waterfronts, and the iconic deep-dish pizza. Chicago has been Voted the Best Big City in the country for a historic eighth year in a row. Enjoy an accessible and diverse city with theater, live music, and more.
Hotel Information:
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, 301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611
Symposium Sponsorship
Sponsorship information will be available in February 2025.
