# Program & Agenda

**Source**: https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/cfgs/agenda/
**Parent**: https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/articles/2026/news-2023052401/09-01.html

- [CFGS 2026](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/cfgs/)
- [Program & Agenda](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/cfgs/agenda/)

# Program & Agenda

- [Welcome](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/cfgs/welcome/)
- [Program & Agenda](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/cfgs/agenda/)
- [Student Events](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/cfgs/students/)
- [Registration](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/cfgs/registration/)
- [Venues](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/cfgs/venues/)
- [Lodging & More](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/cfgs/lodging/)
- [CFGS 2026 Q&A](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/cfgs/faq/)

**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](https://maps.app.goo.gl/7QJnZyJuC4MLTsqA9) (where you’ll pick up registration materials) and [Malachowsky Hall](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xtT8EWqsLz2BuAnn9). Graduate student attendees will proceed to the [Reitz Union Game Room](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gHKbWjpnwFnhy6LK8) for the **CFGS Graduate Student Reception** after the tour.

#### Thursday, April 23, 2026

**7:30 to 8:30 a.m. · Registration · [Emerson Hall](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xk1TGJhPdd63Ug918)**

**8:30 to 10 a.m. · Welcome and Breakfast · [Emerson Hall](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xk1TGJhPdd63Ug918)**

**10:15 to 11 a.m. · Morning Sessions ·** **[Emerson Hall](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xk1TGJhPdd63Ug918)**

- **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](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xk1TGJhPdd63Ug918)**

**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.](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/cfgs/keynote/)

**1:15 to 2 p.m. · Early Afternoon Sessions ·** **[Emerson Hall](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xk1TGJhPdd63Ug918)**

- **Administrator Track:** Strategy, Roadmaps, and Game Planning Graduate Education
- **Staff Track:** Cultivating a Caring Environment
- **Student Track:** Honing Your Humility with [Dr. Matthew Sowcik](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/cfgs/keynote/)

**2:15 to 3 p.m. · Graduate Student Posters Presentations and Break ·** **[Emerson Hall](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xk1TGJhPdd63Ug918)**

**3:15 to 4 p.m. · Late Afternoon Sessions ·** **[Emerson Hall](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xk1TGJhPdd63Ug918)**

- **Administrator Track:** Leading Graduate Programs in Florida: A Roundtable Discussion
- **Staff Track:** Lightning Rounds: Best of Florida Graduate Education · [Click here to sign up](https://graduateschool.ufl.edu/cfgs/lightning/)
- **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](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xk1TGJhPdd63Ug918)**

**10 to 11:15 a.m. · 3MT: Graduate Student Three Minute Thesis Competition · [Emerson Hall](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xk1TGJhPdd63Ug918)**

**11:30 a.m. to 12 noon · Awards Presentation and Conference Closing · [Emerson Hall](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xk1TGJhPdd63Ug918)**