CFGS 2026: Conference of Florida Graduate Schools — built around the theme Future Focused Leadership — has an exciting agenda of interactive, thought-provoking, and network-building events lined up to help you...
- Identify strategies to enhance student success and engagement within academic and co-curricular settings.
- Explore innovative practices in research, teaching, and service that promote excellence.
- Strengthen professional networks across Florida institutions and roles to foster collaboration and shared learning.
- Reflect on personal and institutional goals to align with broader trends in higher education.
- Apply new tools and frameworks to support staff development, student empowerment, and scholarly innovation.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
4:15 to 7 p.m. · Walking Tour and Opening Reception
Meet at the University of Florida Arch campus gateway on the corner of SW 13th Street and W University Avenue. We’ll make stops at Grinter Hall (where you’ll pick up registration materials) and Malachowsky Hall. Graduate student attendees will proceed to the Reitz Union Game Room for the CFGS Graduate Student Reception after the tour.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
7:30 to 8:30 a.m. · Registration · Emerson Hall
8:30 to 10 a.m. · Welcome and Breakfast · Emerson Hall
10:15 to 11 a.m. · Morning Sessions · Emerson Hall
- Administrator Track: Conquering Burnout and Professional Development
- Staff Track: Empowering Students: Meeting Students Where They Are
- Student Track: A Roundtable on Creativity, Impact, and Future Directions
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. · Lunch and Keynote Address · Emerson Hall
The Quiet Advantage: How Humility Strengthens Leaders
and Why It Matters More Than Ever for the Future
Dr. Matthew Sowcik
Leadership educator, consultant, and author of
The H-Factor: The Intersection Between Humility and Great Leadership
Click here to learn more about keynote speaker Dr. Matthew Sowcik.
1:15 to 2 p.m. · Early Afternoon Sessions · Emerson Hall
- Administrator Track: Strategy, Roadmaps, and Game Planning Graduate Education
- Staff Track: Cultivating a Caring Environment
- Student Track: Honing Your Humility with Dr. Matthew Sowcik
2:15 to 3 p.m. · Graduate Student Posters Presentations and Break · Emerson Hall
3:15 to 4 p.m. · Late Afternoon Sessions · Emerson Hall
- Administrator Track: Leading Graduate Programs in Florida: A Roundtable Discussion
- Staff Track: Lightning Rounds: Best of Florida Graduate Education · Click here to sign up
- Student Track: Leading Through Mentorship: Up, Across, and Beyond
4 to 6 p.m. · Leisure Time: Relax and Unwind
6 to 8 p.m. · CFGS Dinner on Campus
Friday, April 24, 2026
9 to 10 a.m. · Breakfast and 3MT Judge Check-In · Emerson Hall
10 to 11:15 a.m. · 3MT: Graduate Student Three Minute Thesis Competition · Emerson Hall
11:30 a.m. to 12 noon · Awards Presentation and Conference Closing · Emerson Hall
Graduate School