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2023 ASACCU Conference

Ever Press Forward

As a Catholic University, our Catholic identity is rooted in our convictions and mission. We at St. Thomas want to communicate our commitment to the common good. Our founder Archbishop Ireland said, "I seek no backward voyage across the sea of time; I will ever press forward." Ever Press Forward is our Association of Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASACCU) 2023 conference theme.

Ever Press Forward as we educate morally responsible leaders that commit to acting wisely, thinking critically, and working skillfully to advance the common good. We are excited to share our unique location, with campuses on either side of one of the mightiest rivers in the world at the heart of the upper Midwest. ASACCU enables us to engage in positive conversation about the distinctive role of student affairs higher education in creating a world in which all can thrive. Our collective work has never been more important and more relevant to the challenges of our world.

Held June 27-30, 2023, in St. Paul, Minnesota

The 2023 annual conference will take place June 27-30, 2023. Come and join the conversation with colleagues!

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Conference Details Mission Integration Awards Winners ASACCU 2024-Villanova Sponsors

Contact Us

Questions?

Email us at asaccu2023@stthomas.edu

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Aerial view of St. Paul campus

Welcome to Minnesota

We invite you to the University of St. Thomas for the ASACCU conference in 2023! Our beautiful campus is located in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. 

Conference Details

  • Date and Location
  • Housing
  • Dining
  • Program Schedule
  • Liturgy Schedule

    • The 2023 ASACCU conference will take place June 27-30, 2023, at the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minnesota, part of the Twin Cities of Minnesota.

    • June 26, 2023-ASACCU Board Meeting
    • June 27, 2023-Pre-Conference Experience
    • June 27-30, 2023 ASACCU Conference

    Conference participants will be housed in Morrison Hall. Morrison Hall is an air-conditioned, apartment-style living with each unit containing four single occupancy sleeping rooms, a kitchenette, two bathrooms, and living room furniture.

    Each sleeping room consists of a twin-size bed, bath towels and bed linens, and standard residence hall furniture. Kitchenettes do not have utensils but do include a full-size refrigerator and microwave oven.

    There will be a late night hospitality space.

    All meals are included with registration - beginning with a reception and dinner on Tuesday, June 27 and ending with breakfast on Friday, June 30 (except for Night On the Town where you are on your own for dinner).

    The Dining Halls offer options that accommodate most “common” dietary restrictions (Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Nut allergies, etc.).

    For catered meals, please include any restrictions in your registration and we will work with catering to accommodate them.

    Conference Schedule draft details.

    View Keynote details.

    Conference digital Booklet. 

    With a goal towards sustainability - attendees who want a printed program book can purchase one for $12.00 during registration. Every attendee will receive a pdf version distributed via email and accessible via QR code and on the conference website.

    Sunday, June 25, 2023 Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    • 11:00am Mass Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas

    Monday, June 26, 2023

    • 11:30am Confessions
    • 12:10 pm Mass Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas

    Tuesday, June 27, 2023 Saint Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop & Doctor of the Church

    • 11:30am Confessions
    • 12:10 pm Mass Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas
    • 5:30pm Conference Opening Liturgy

    Wednesday, June 28, 2023 Saint Irenaeus, Bishop & Martyr Memorial

    • 11:30am Confessions
    • 12:10 pm Mass Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas

    Thursday, June 29, 2023 Saints Peter & Paul, Apostles Solemnity

    • 11:30am Confessions
    • 12:10 pm Mass Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas
    • 6:15pm Conference Closing Liturgy Principal Celebrant, Archbishop Bernard Hebda

    Friday, June 30, 2023 The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church

    • 11:30am Confessions
    • 12:10 pm Mass Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas

    Date and Location

    The 2023 ASACCU conference will take place June 27-30, 2023, at the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minnesota, part of the Twin Cities of Minnesota.

    • June 26, 2023-ASACCU Board Meeting
    • June 27, 2023-Pre-Conference Experience
    • June 27-30, 2023 ASACCU Conference

    Housing

    Conference participants will be housed in Morrison Hall. Morrison Hall is an air-conditioned, apartment-style living with each unit containing four single occupancy sleeping rooms, a kitchenette, two bathrooms, and living room furniture.

    Each sleeping room consists of a twin-size bed, bath towels and bed linens, and standard residence hall furniture. Kitchenettes do not have utensils but do include a full-size refrigerator and microwave oven.

    There will be a late night hospitality space.

    Dining

    All meals are included with registration - beginning with a reception and dinner on Tuesday, June 27 and ending with breakfast on Friday, June 30 (except for Night On the Town where you are on your own for dinner).

    The Dining Halls offer options that accommodate most “common” dietary restrictions (Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Nut allergies, etc.).

    For catered meals, please include any restrictions in your registration and we will work with catering to accommodate them.

    Program Schedule

    Conference Schedule draft details.

    View Keynote details.

    Conference digital Booklet. 

    With a goal towards sustainability - attendees who want a printed program book can purchase one for $12.00 during registration. Every attendee will receive a pdf version distributed via email and accessible via QR code and on the conference website.

    Liturgy Schedule

    Sunday, June 25, 2023 Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    • 11:00am Mass Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas

    Monday, June 26, 2023

    • 11:30am Confessions
    • 12:10 pm Mass Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas

    Tuesday, June 27, 2023 Saint Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop & Doctor of the Church

    • 11:30am Confessions
    • 12:10 pm Mass Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas
    • 5:30pm Conference Opening Liturgy

    Wednesday, June 28, 2023 Saint Irenaeus, Bishop & Martyr Memorial

    • 11:30am Confessions
    • 12:10 pm Mass Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas

    Thursday, June 29, 2023 Saints Peter & Paul, Apostles Solemnity

    • 11:30am Confessions
    • 12:10 pm Mass Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas
    • 6:15pm Conference Closing Liturgy Principal Celebrant, Archbishop Bernard Hebda

    Friday, June 30, 2023 The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church

    • 11:30am Confessions
    • 12:10 pm Mass Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas

    Registration

    Background image of Morrison residence hall. The word housing written across in white.

    Registration with Housing

    Housing Registration cost:

    • Regular: $745 inclusive.

    Housing Registration includes:

    • Housing from Monday, June 26 - Thursday, June 29, with checkout by noon on Friday, June 30.
      • Rooms are apartment-style housing with four single-bedrooms per apartment.
      • Bath towel, hand towel, washcloth, a fitted and flat bed sheet, fleece blanket, and a bar of soap are provided if you are staying on campus.
    • All keynote and general sessions.
    • All meals beginning with a reception and dinner on Tuesday, June 27 and ending with breakfast on Friday, June 30 (except for Night On the Town where you are on your own for dinner).
    Background photo of the St. Thomas Plaza with people around a table. The word commuter written across in white.

    Registration for Commuters

    Commuters cost:

    • Regular: $525 inclusive.

    Commuter Registration includes:

    • All keynote and general sessions.
    • All meals beginning with a reception and dinner on Tuesday, June 27 and ending with breakfast on Friday, June 30 (except for Night On the Town where you are on your own for dinner).
    • The University of St. Thomas has partnered with area hotels to provide discounted rates for visitors to our campuses. Please visit our website for more information.
    Background photo of the St. Thomas Chapel with words One-Day across in white.

    Registration for One-Day

    One-Day Registration cost:

    • Available for local institutions $225.

    One-Day Registration includes:

    • Keynote and general sessions.
    • Day of meals; breakfast, lunch and dinner (except for Night On the Town where you are on your own for dinner).

    Pre-Conference

    We are pleased to offer a pre-conference experience on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

    Conference attendees will be able to attend two out of four learning sessions focused on adding tools to your professional toolkit to continue to support the learning, belonging, and engagement of college students in our communities.

    The ACCU Charism Cabinet is organizing optional "Charism Lunches". More information will be forthcoming.

    The pre-conference has a fee of $55.00, lunch is not included.

    Register for pre-conference with your conference registration.

    Photo of students on football helmets

    Exploring The Intersection of Sport and Spirituality: A Primer on NCAA Athletics in Catholic Higher Education

    Join us for an engaging pre-conference workshop with national experts on NCAA and College Athletics within Catholic Higher Education. Dr. Karen Weaver (Author, Graduate faculty & Academic Program Director, University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Rob Kelly (President, University of Portland) and Dr. Phil Esten (Vice President and Director of Athletics, University of St. Thomas) will discuss the world of collegiate athletics and how institutions can use athletics to drive the success of Catholic higher education, all while supporting mission-alignment and character development of students. Dr. Esten will also share the journey of the historic jump from Division 3 to Division 1 at the University of St. Thomas.

    Photos of DFC scholars at graduation

    Understanding the Hidden Curriculum in Higher Education

    This workshop is designed to help participants better understand the unwritten, unspoken, and often implicit messages and values that are communicated through the culture, norms, and practices of higher education institutions. The workshop will be led by Dr. Buffy Smith, Dean of the Dougherty Family College, University of St. Thomas. Dr. Smith will share knowledge and insights on how the hidden curriculum shapes students' academic and personal development. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions, learn about the Dougherty Family College as a case study, and develop tools that will help them in closing the hidden curriculum gap.
    Photo of the Center for Well-Being

    Exploring an Integrated Health Model & Mindfulness Practices to support Wellbeing & Resilience

    At this pre-conference session, attendees will first take a tour of the University of St. Thomas Center for Well-Being to build an understanding of the center's integrated and tiered programming model. Center leaders will showcase how their integrated health model is used to holistically engage and support all students.

    After, attendees will engage in a mini-mindfulness retreat. This retreat will include a variety of activities such as guided meditation, mindful walking, yoga, and creative visualization. We hope this session will provide attendees with a chance to relax and refocus before the conference begins.

    photo of createspace. With 3D printers and Innovate spelled on balloons.

    Play that leads to innovative engagement

    The create[space] is the creativity and innovation center at the University of St. Thomas.

    During this pre-conference session, attendees are invited to a special workshop that will focus on the various ways that creative and innovative thinking can be used to solve problems and explore new ideas. Attendees will also discuss ways to use play and making to bring new perspectives for student engagement on our campuses.

    We hope you can join us and that you come ready to get your hands dirty!

    Night on the Town

    Night on the Town

    Night on the Town is an optional ASACCU community-building tradition. The host institution showcases the best of it's location by taking participants off campus to a fun location, event, etc.

    This year, the University of St. Thomas has partnered with two other ASACCU institutions to provide conference attendees with three opportunities to explore the Twin Cities.

    St. Thomas Shield

    Mall of America

    Organized by the University of St. Thomas we invite you to explore the Mall of America®for a self-guided evening of connecting with old and new friends from ASACCU.

    Since opening its doors in 1992, Mall of America® has revolutionized the shopping experience and become a leader in retail, entertainment and attractions.

    Price includes transportation to and from the Mall of America®. Dinner and shopping is on your own.

    Cost: $15.00

    St. Thomas Shield

    Margaritas on the Mississippi

    Organized by College of Saint Benedict and St. John’s University we invite you to enjoy a happy hour cruise while snacking on chips, salsa and a taco bar. A great way to experience the beauty of the mighty Mississippi and to catch up with friends and colleagues!

    Bus will include a tour down beautiful Summit Avenue in Saint Paul stopping for views and photos at the St. Paul Cathedral.

    Price includes transportation to and from the boat, complimentary taco bar on board, 2 for 1 margaritas available for purchase on board.

    All tickets have been booked. Sold Out. 

    Cost: $45.00

    St. Thomas Shield

    Dinner Detective: Murder Mystery

    Organized by St. Catherine University we invite you to enjoy the Dinner Detective: Murder Mystery.

    The largest, award-winning, interactive comedic murder mystery dinner show in the United States. Unlike other murder mystery dinner shows, here you will find no cheesy costumes, no recited campy dialogue and no hokey song and dance. An entertaining experience with your colleagues at the St. Kate’s Rauenhorst Ballroom

    Price includes transportation to and from St. Kate’s and dinner.

    Cost: $50.00

    Campus in St. Paul Aerial

    Register for the ASACCU Conference

    We are excited for you to join us at the ASACCU 2023 Conference in St. Paul, Minnesota, June 27-30. Our founder Archbishop Ireland said, "I seek no backward voyage across the sea of time; I will ever press forward." Ever Press Forward is our ASACCU 2023 conference theme.

    ASACCU 2023 Conference
    University of St. Thomas
    St. Paul, Minnesota
    June 27-30, 2023

    Please email asaccu2023@stthomas.edu to register at the regular conference fee. 

    Keynote Panel: Day 1

    Journeys in Catholic Higher Education 

    Three college presidents share their unique perspectives and experiences on leading Catholic colleges and universities. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Colleen Hegranes, Provost Emerita, St. Catherine University.

    Our panelists will engage in conversation about their leadership journeys, lessons learned, and the role of student affairs at a Catholic college. The panel discussion is sure to be interesting, informative, and engaging as these three presidents share their stories, successes, and challenges that they have faced in their tenure as presidents in three distinctive Catholic universities.

    Keynote Speaker: Day 2

    Headshot of Rev. Dennis Holtschneider

    The Future of Catholic Higher Education 

    Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, C. M.

    President of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities

    Rev. Dennis Holtschneider's keynote about the Future of Catholic Higher Education promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking plenary session. Rev. Holtschneider is an esteemed leader in Catholic higher education and current president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. His insights on how Catholic colleges and universities have adapted to changing times while continuing to value their Catholic identity will be invaluable. We look forward to hearing his ideas and vision for Catholic higher education.

    Panel Responding to Keynote Rev. Holtschneider

    The Future of Catholic Higher Education

    We are thrilled to have Dr. Brian Bruess, President, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, moderating a panel of Vice Presidents from Catholic colleges and universities that will respond to Rev. Holtschneider’s keynote. This panel will provide an invaluable opportunity for professionals in our field to gain insight and inspiration from the experience and knowledge of these leaders. We are confident that their guidance will help further strengthen the Catholic college and university community and foster meaningful exchanges and growth.
    St. Thomas campus aerial photo

    Connect with us

    If you have any questions, please email us at asaccu2023@stthomas.edu

    Thank you to our generous sponsors!