WELL: Well-being and Engagement for Learning and Leadership was launched as a pilot initiative in Academic Year 2025/26. Successful outcomes expanded the program, engaging both Academic Affairs and Student Affairs in a collaborative multi-disciplinary, cross-institutional initiative. Phase II launched in July, 2026. Additional updates will be provided int he weeks to come, as the project teams begin planning for Academic Year 2026/27 int he weeks ahead.

S2EARCH26 (Student Success Experiential Academic Research Collider – Holistic 2026) welcomed faculty, staff and leadership to the campus of UNCW for a research-focused, inter-institutional collaborative convening and to engage in cross-institutional research, with attendees from across the thirteen institutions of the CAA Academic Alliance. Attendees represented both the WELL initiative, as well as the AI Network inaugural cohort.

Thank you for your participation in S²EARCH26 and for the energy, expertise, and imagination you brought to our time together. The inaugural cohort of the AI Technologies Champion Network offered their expertise and insights at the Alliance’s research collider event, held June 2-4, 2026. Access the Program Guide to learn more about this amazing event: CAA Academic Alliance S2EARCH26 FINAL Program JUNE2026.

During the event (June 2-4, 2026), we explored opportunities for connections in higher education through conversations focusing on artificial intelligence, faculty development, student success, workforce readiness, institutional resilience, research innovation, and collaborative leadership. While technology served as an important catalyst for discussion, our most important work may have been something deeper: taking time to imagine what higher education can look like when individuals and institutions choose collaboration, and collective innovation is guided by human wisdom, purpose, and impact.

The Alliance strives to unite innovators from across the thirteen institutions to drive ethical AI adoption, interdisciplinary collaboration, and transformative impact—culminating in Alliance-wide projects and shared outcomes. Stay tuned for additional updates in the coming weeks for initiatives launching for the upcoming 2026/27 Academic Year.