2025 Business Management Institute

August 4-6, 2025
University of California, Santa Barbara

Now in its 69^th year, this signature professional development event has consistently earned top ratings from attendees, proving to be a can't-miss experience for growth and networking.

This multi-day event, August 4–6, 2025 takes place at the University of California, Santa Barbara. It is designed to provide participants with a combination of courses on current issues, practical solutions, and personal development. To provide this broad perspective, each course you take may not be specifically related to your field, but it will give you a foundation for future opportunities. The WACUBO Business Management Institute is a career-building experience, not a skill-specific workshop. Our objectives are for you to:

• Gain a broader perspective of higher education business administration
• Discuss the latest issues and topics in higher education
• Learn how other institutions deal with common issues across higher education
• Develop professional relationships with colleagues from other institutions
• Prepare for your next opportunity with courses on interviewing, negotiating and leadership

Track 1 - Intro to BMI is designed to strengthen your knowledge in a broad cross section of topics. There will be courses in the practical areas of finance and administration such as budgeting and risk management, as well as courses that provide a broader perspective of working across a campus. Rounding out your learning experience are courses in human resources and personal development. Courses that further develop your interpersonal skills and navigate the workplace are included. 

Track 2 - Case Studies is the BMI Case Study year. Each participant prepares a case study on an issue or project to share in small group conversations. Peers in the small group offer their perspectives on one another’s case study.  It is a unique and safe place to seek and receive advice and assistance. Each small group has a facilitator who is an experienced professional in higher education. The curriculum also includes lessons in leadership, organizational development, and broader campus topics.

Track 3 - Strategic Planning is focused on strategic planning in higher education in a workshop format that engages everyone in moving through a planning process. There are broad perspectives to be learned by everyone and small group activities to bring home the purpose and value of planning. There are also courses to increase your knowledge of working across the whole university system and further develop your leadership capacity. 

All tracks have an opportunity to select 2 separate electives to allow for a well-rounded and personal experience. As well as track specific learning sessions and participation in peer learning and connecting conversation opportunities. After intense learning in the classroom, participants will unwind with cool evenings brimming with fun events like the Fiesta on the Lawn and exciting networking dinners – the perfect way to relax and connect. All participants are included in the Pre-BMI Virtual Welcome Event to get you ready for your in-person BMI experience.

Registration

Cancellation Policy:

All cancellation requests received on or before Friday, June 27, 2025, will be issued a refund less a $75 processing fee. No refunds will be given thereafter except in the event of extenuating circumstances. Requests for registration cancellation must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected]. Substitute attendees will be permitted within the same track. Substitution requests must be in writing via email to [email protected] no later than 7 days prior to the event's start.

Refund Due to Registration Error Policy:

The WACUBO Office will audit all non-member attendees at the conclusion of the event. If eligible for a refund due to being part of a member organization, you will receive a refund for the difference in registration rate after the event has ended.

Type of Payment Update Policy:

All attendees must be aware that payment is not obligatory during the registration process, and I can choose to be invoiced instead. If I decide to provide payment and later wish to modify the card used for payment, a new invoice will be issued. This must be settled before any refund on the original invoice is processed, subject to a $50 processing fee.

Code of Conduct: 

WACUBO events are community events intended for education, networking, and collaboration. We value the participation of everyone and want all attendees to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Accordingly, all attendees are expected to show respect and courtesy to other attendees throughout all events hosted in the WACUBO space. To make clear what is expected, all attendees, speakers, Business Partners, organizers, and volunteers at any event, in-person or virtual, are required to conform to the following Code of Conduct. Organizers will enforce this code throughout the event. In registering for and/or participating in this event, you consent to comply with the following Code of Conduct. 

Examples of encouraged behavior that contributes to a positive environment include:

• Using welcoming and inclusive language
• Being respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences
• Gracefully accepting constructive criticism
• Focusing on what is best for everyone at the event
• Showing empathy towards other participants

We do not tolerate the following:

• Spam (verbally or in chats), including saying or re-posting the same word/content repeatedly in order to disrupt the conversation
• Harassment, bullying, and intimidation
• Harassment and bullying are defined as:

• Negative comments about race/ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, physical appearance, citizenship, or other protected categories
• Intimidation or threats, including sharing images or text especially to threaten
• Unwelcome sexual attention, including sharing images or text especially to sexually harass
• Threatening or other endangerment of minors or any persons
• Any activity meant to convey or cultivate hostility
• Ad hominem insults or other attacks
• Encouraging the above behavior

Health and Wellness Policy - Waiver Form in Registration:

Knowingly, and at my own risk, I am participating in the WACUBO 2025 Business Management Institute. I do hereby waive release any and all claims against WACUBO (Western Association of College and University Business Officers), all event sponsors and any employees, event contractors, volunteers, or officials of these organizations from any claim of injury (including death) that I may incur as a result of my participation in the event.

I further hereby certify that I have full knowledge of the risks involved in this event. If, however, as a result of my participation in the WACUBO 2025 Business Management Institute optional, I require medical attention, I hereby give consent to authorize medical personnel to provide such medical care as deemed necessary and all medical treatment is my financial responsibility.

Professional Development Scholarship Opportunities

Two scholarships are available for the 2025 BMI. The application deadline is May 30, 2025.

WACUBO offers professional development scholarships to employees of WACUBO member institutions. These scholarships will go toward all or a portion of the registration fees of an annual conference, professional development workshop, or other WACUBO-sponsored professional development programs.

Scholarships DO NOT cover other expenses (e.g. travel incidentals, etc.).

Learn More and Apply