Call for proposals announced for WICHE annual meeting, to be hosted at UNM in April

The University of New Mexico will host the Western Academic Leadership Forum (WICHE) 2026 Forum Annual Meeting, scheduled April 1-3, 2026, and organizers are seeking proposals from the campus community.

This year's theme is "Facing Complexity, Finding Solutions." Topics of the forum will range from the shifting policy landscape and workforce demands to addressing complex enrollment trends and technological disruptions.

UNM academic leaders, researchers and administrators are invited to submit session proposals that align with the annual meeting's theme. Proposals are due Nov. 21 and can be submitted online.

Session types will include workshops, panel discussions, lightning sessions and case study roundtables.

Criteria for proposal submission includes the following:

• Clear learning outcomes
• Participant experience
• Solution-driven
• Expertise of presenters
• Relevance to audience.

Proposals will be selected by Dec. 15. Registration for the meeting will open on Dec. 1, and additional information and a detailed agenda will be forthcoming.

WICHE is a membership organization that serves as a collaborative network to exchange ideas and information, share resources and expertise among provosts, academic vice presidents, chief executives and chief academic officers at WICHE-region public and private doctoral- , master's- and bachelor's-level institutions and related systems offices and state agencies. The provost or chief academic officer of each of the 16 member institutions are members of the WICHE Forum.

WICHE's strategic priorities include keeping postsecondary education accessible and affordable to all who seek it.