Conferences

2026 SEAC Conference

Conference Theme: Higher Education in Times of Crisis

Submissions, Announcements, Host Info & More

Important Conference Info

Submissions, Announcements, Host Info & More

Announcements

We do yet know the definite site and dates of the 2026 SEAC conference. We do know it will be hosted by James Madison University. We hope to have the site and dates settled in the next month or so.

Host Info

The 2026 SEAC Conference will be held at James Madison University. More info to come.

Conference Info

The Moral University: Higher Education in an Age of Uncertainty

Colleges and universities face unprecedented ethical challenges—pressures from politics, markets, and technology that raise deep questions about what higher education is for, whom it serves, and how it should change. This conference invites scholars and practitioners to reflect on the moral dimensions of academic life: from teaching and research to governance, access, and the evolving social role of the university. We seek papers and panels that explore these issues from any disciplinary, theoretical, or practical perspective.

Possible areas for exploration include:

  • The purpose and public mission of higher education in a changing society
  • Academic freedom, shared governance, and institutional integrity
  • Free expression, protest, and the ethics of dialogue on campus
  • Political and financial pressures on universities and their leadership
  • The value and economics of higher education: debt, equity, and accountability
  • Ethics in academic administration and decision-making
  • Technology, AI, and the digital transformation of learning and research
  • Teaching ethics across the curriculum and professional programs
  • Globalization, inclusion, and the moral boundaries of the university community
  • The moral development, well-being, and agency of students and faculty

Travel & Accommodations

TBA

Sponsorship Opportunities

SEAC Conference Sponsorship Levels

Featured $3,000

One available
Benefits:
Full-page ad in conference program
Logo on website
Recognition in all conference announcements
Opportunity to add branded merchandise or brochures to the conference swag bags
Complimentary registration for 5 individuals

Collaborating $1,000

Five available: Opening Reception Sponsor, Opening Plenary Sponsor, Keynote Luncheon Sponsor,
Banquet Sponsor, Distinguished Service Award Sponsor
Benefits:
Half-page ad in conference program
Logo on website
Recognition in all conference announcements
Opportunity to add branded merchandise or brochures to the conference swag bags
Complimentary registration for 3 individuals

Supporting $500

Two available: Opportunity Grant Sponsor, Best Graduate Student Paper Sponsor
Benefits:
Recognition in conference program
Recognition in opening conference announcements
Recognition at banquet

Graduate Student Opportunities

Graduate Student Essay Prize

Graduate students are encouraged to submit full essays by the deadline to be considered for the Graduate Student Essay Prize. This includes free registration and banquet as well as a $500 stipend.  
 

Graduate Student Pedagogical Certificate

The conference organizers seek to provide graduate students an opportunity to use the annual SEAC conference as a pedagogical development opportunity. To that end, and depending on the submissions for the conference, we intend to create a “track” of sessions throughout the conference that focus on pedagogy in ethics.  A graduate student who completes 60% of the available pedagogy-focused sessions will receive a letter from SEAC, documenting this development activity. This can be added to the student’s teaching portfolio.
 
In addition, with support from the Center for Practical Ethics at the University of Mississippi, each student who completes this program will receive a two year membership in SEAC, including access to our journal Teaching Ethics, as well some financial support to make the trip possible. The amount of this support will be determined at the end of the conference. For questions on this new initiative, please reach out to Mark Doorley at VU2025SEAC@gmail.com.
Keynote Speakers & Program Info

Important Conference Info

Stay tuned to Download/Open Keynote Speakers Below.
More Info to come!
Stay tuned to Download/Open Keynote Speakers Below.
More Info to come!