Detailed Conference Agenda

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Thursday — April 16, 2026
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Foyer
Registration
Scott G. Delcourt, Treasurer, National Association of Graduate Schools
Stu Paul Duncan, Secretary, National Association of Graduate Schools
1:00–1:15 p.m.
Samuel
Welcome
Faye Diamantoudi, Interim Provost and Vice President, Concordia University; President, National Association of Graduate Schools
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1:15–2:30 p.m.
Samuel
Plenary
Plenary Session I: Graduate Study in the Age of Commoditized Intelligence
As AI evolves into end-to-end research agents capable of designing experiments, writing code, and drafting papers, what becomes of labs, supervision, and the graduate apprenticeship model? This session explores how graduate education must shift toward cultivating judgment, responsibility, and institutional trust in a world where high-level cognition is increasingly automated.
Presenter: Mark Daley
Moderators: Fahim Quadir, Kristen Eichhorn
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2:30–3:00 p.m.
Foyer
Coffee Break
3:00–4:15 p.m.
Samuel
Flash Talks (5-minute talks)
Talks TBD
Moderator: Kristen Eichhorn
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4:15–4:45 p.m.
Break
4:45–6:00 p.m.
Keynote
Keynote Address: Renewing Mission in Contemporary Graduate Education
Presenter: Dr. Chevelle Newsome, President, Council of Graduate Schools
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6:00–7:00 p.m.
Caf’ conc
Reception (sponsored by Clarivate)
Live performance: Living Room Jazz MTL
7:00–9:00 p.m.
Caf’ conc
Opening Banquet
Friday — April 17, 2026
7:30–8:00 a.m.
Library
Executive Committee Check-in
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8:00–9:00 a.m.
Ballroom
Breakfast (sponsored by Eduvantis)
9:00–10:15 a.m.
Samuel
Plenary
Plenary Session II: Tracking, Connecting, and Bridging: Doctoral Career Pathways
As doctoral education evolves, institutions are increasingly focused on preparing PhD students for diverse career pathways. This session explores how graduate schools can track alumni outcomes, connect students to professional networks and mentors, and use tools such as IDPs and microcredentials to translate doctoral training into workforce-ready skills.
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10:15–10:45 a.m.
Foyer
Coffee Break
10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Samuel
Plenary
Plenary Session III: Building Public Trust in Graduate Education through Experiential Learning
As the value of graduate education faces increasing scrutiny, this session explores how experiential learning can strengthen public trust and demonstrate real-world impact. Through internships, community partnerships, applied research, and policy engagement, panelists will highlight models that connect graduate education to societal needs while enhancing student learning, employability, and institutional relevance.
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12:15–2:00 p.m.
Ballroom
Awards Luncheon
Graduate Teaching Award (Doctoral)
Recipient: TBD
Presented by: Joshua Barker, Vice-Provost, Graduate Research & Education and Dean, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto
Graduate Teaching Award (Master’s)
Recipient: TBD
Presented by: Rachel Berger, Vice-Provost, Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Concordia University
Geoffrey Marshall Mentoring Award
Recipient: TBD
Presented by: Rachel Berger, Vice-Provost, Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Concordia University
Doctoral Dissertation Award
Recipient: TBD
Presented by: Jan Allen, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Cornell University (Retired)
Master’s Thesis Award
Recipient: TBD
Presented by: Sara Lehman, Associate Dean for Graduate Education, Fordham University
2:00–3:15 p.m.
Samuel
Hot Topics
Moderators: Rachel Berger, Sara Lehman
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3:15–3:45 p.m.
Coffee Break
3:45–5:00 p.m.
Samuel
Plenary
Plenary Session IV (sponsored by Duolingo): Building and Sustaining Trust in International Education
Presenters: Felix-Antoine Joli-Cœur; Sonali Majumdar
Moderators: Faye Diamantoudi; Jason Heustis
5:00–5:15 p.m.
Evening on the Town
5:15–6:15 p.m.
Library
Executive Committee Business Meeting
End time set to 6:15 p.m. for calendar buttons (adjust if needed).
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Saturday — April 18, 2026
8:00–8:30 a.m.
Ballroom
Breakfast (Sponsored by ETS)
8:30–9:00 a.m.
Ballroom
NAGS Business Meeting
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9:00–10:15 a.m.
Samuel
Flash Talks II
Talks TBD
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10:15–10:45 a.m.
Foyer
30-minute Break
10:45–11:45 a.m.
Samuel
Keynote
Closing Keynote: More Than Students: Navigating Learning, Labor and Life in Graduate School
Centering graduate student voices, this closing keynote explores the lived experience of graduate education beyond academic outcomes. Panelists reflect on identity, labor, well-being, financial pressures, and the transition to life after graduation, inviting institutions to rethink how they support student success, belonging, and sustainable professional development.
Presenters: Chrystal Long; Sean Laragy; Emma Hsiaowen Chen; Laura Kristin Magnusson.
Moderators: Rabia Hos; Rachel Berger
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11:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Samuel
Incoming President Closing Address
Kristen Eichhorn, 2027 President, Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools
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12:00 p.m. — Conference adjourns