Conference Theme: 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 presentations that explore these issues from any disciplinary,  theoretical, or practical perspective. 

At the same time, and in keeping with the mission of the Society for Ethics Across the Curriculum, the  conference strongly welcomes presentations on the teaching of ethics in higher education broadly  conceived. Submissions addressing pedagogical approaches, curricular design, assessment,  institutional initiatives, professional programs, and classroom practices related to ethics—whether or  not they directly engage the conference theme—are especially encouraged. 

Possible Areas for Exploration 

Possible areas for exploration include, but are not limited to: 

∙ 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 in professional programs 

∙ Globalization, inclusion, and the moral boundaries of the university community ∙ The moral development, well-being, and agency of students, faculty, and staff

Submission Guidelines 

Submissions should consist of abstracts of up to 250 words, formatted for blind review. We welcome  a variety of session formats, including individual presentations, panels, roundtables, case study  analysis and discussion, poster sessions, and pedagogical demonstrations.  

Presenters are not required to submit or read completed written papers. SEAC welcomes  presentation-based sessions that share ideas, works in progress, pedagogical approaches, and  institutional or curricular case studies. 

Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to submit proposals. Submission Deadline 

All submissions must be received by August 14, 2026. 

How to Submit 

Please submit abstracts by email to: 

McGrawdk@jmu.edu 

Additional conference information will be posted on the SEAC website: 

https://www.seac-online.org 

Graduate Student Essay Prize 

SEAC sponsors a Graduate Student Essay Prize, which includes free conference registration, the  conference banquet, and a $500 stipend. Graduate students who wish to be considered for the prize  should submit a full essay by the submission deadline. Submission of a full essay is not required in  order to present at the conference. 

Conference Location 

The conference will be held at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, located in the  heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Widely known for its natural beauty, the Valley offers a distinctive  setting for reflection and conversation, with easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, historic towns,  and a vibrant local culture. Harrisonburg is a welcoming and walkable city with a lively downtown  and diverse dining options. James Madison University is a nationally recognized public institution  with a growing reputation for academic excellence, civic engagement, and innovative teaching, 

making it a fitting venue for a conference devoted to the ethical purposes and public responsibilities  of higher education. 

Conference sessions will be held on the campus of James Madison University at the Festival  Conference & Student Center: 

https://www.jmu.edu/festival/index.shtml 

Conference activities will not be held at an official conference hotel. Attendees are welcome to make  lodging arrangements at hotels in the surrounding area. A block of rooms at a reduced rate will be  available at the Courtyard by Marriott Harrisonburg: 

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/shdcy-courtyard-harrisonburg/overview/