Professional Development Day 2026

The Professional Development Day (PDD) Conference is a day-long professional development conference presented by The University of Texas at Austin's Academic Counselors Association (ACA) and the Vick Advising Excellence Center. PDD is put on by a planning committee comprised of academic advisors and student affairs professionals representing colleges and functional areas across the UT Austin campus, providing various perspectives on higher education and student life.

This year’s theme, Reimagining the Student Journey: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures,” invites participants to critically examine how advising and student support practices influence institutional systems, student persistence, and positive outcomes. Proposals should consider innovative frameworks, data-informed approaches, and cross-functional collaborations that enhance the student experience and advance access, belonging, and student success. We welcome proposals that encourage dialogue and connection across different functional areas.

Review the PDD website for examples of past conference sessions.