Transforming Challenged Units (TCU)
Join us for the Transforming Challenged Units Conference on March 25 - 26, 2026 in Rosemont, Illinois.
We provide resources and expertise to identify and address problems at academic institutions. This invitation-only conference is an opportunity to resolve the challenges of one or more units at your institution.
About the Transforming Challenged Units Conference
When academic units face challenges of internal conduct and governance, it can undermine their missions—and be costly in time, energy, and money. Assessing and assisting these units to return to vibrancy and vigor can be complex. We offer experience, expertise, and a proven track record working with troubled units.
We are accepting applications from institutions that seek strategies for academic units that would benefit from a plan to address internal conflicts or difficulties and reclaim their departmental mission. Participants will leave the conference with actionable items tailored to their specific situations.
Participation is by application only, and places are limited so each participant receives the maximum value of a range of personalized expert support.
We encourage participation from institutions committing to bringing multi-level teams, including campus or college representatives (offices of provost, deans, and/or academic HR), unit-level leaders, and key unit personnel (often members of an executive or advisory committee), who can play a role in reforming and improving unit function.
Applicants will be notified on a rolling basis based on completion of the application and receipt of payment.
Register Now
Fees
Fees for participants from institutions are $1195 per person for groups of one to three people; if four or more attend, each person’s fee is $995.
Times and Date Details
- Wednesday, March 25
- Opening session and dinner: 5:00 pm CST
- Thursday, March 26
- Breakfast 7:30am, Sessions begin at 8am-4pm CST (please plan 6pm or later departure flights)
Contact
For questions about membership or details about the conference, please email ncpre@mx.uillinois.edu
Hear what people are saying:
“I now understand that we are not special when it comes to difficulties in academic units. We all have a shared experience and we can collaborate to find answers.”
“It forced me to articulate for myself the scope of the problems we’re facing and put them in the perspective of the rest of the group.”
“The best parts were learning that so many others have common problems, and networking with colleagues.”
“We have a plan! It will not only benefit our troubled department, but will also be extrapolated to the entire University.”
“Getting the unit back on track has cost the university an estimated $2M over several years […wish we had done this sooner.]”