A frequent refrain has emerged in recent years: Higher education has lost the trust of the American public.

The causes vary. The extent of the problem is debated. But colleges and universities face a real challenge as they work to rebuild confidence with students, faculty, policymakers, and the communities they serve. And without that trust, innovation becomes harder.

That challenge is the focus of this year’s Chronicle Festival.

The Chronicle Festival 2026: Building Trust During Change will bring together leading thinkers, campus leaders, and Chronicle journalists for three afternoons of timely conversations.

September 10, 15, and 17

12:30–4:00 p.m. EDT each day

Here’s who I’m excited to hear from: 

• Mónica Guzmán, the author of I Never Thought of It That Way, will highlight ways to get students to have conversations across political divides.
  
  
• Rebecca Winthrop, the co-author of The Disengaged Teen, will talk about how to engage today’s students and teach them the right way to use AI.
  
  
• Michelle R. Weise, who wrote Long-Life Learning: Preparing for Jobs that Don’t Even Exist Yet, will focus on what skills graduates will need in the future.

Also, when you register, you’ll receive a free copy of Building Trust During Change, a curated report featuring Chronicle coverage I pulled together to help you and your institution. It features articles on improving higher-ed’s reputation, leadership-faculty relationships, and AI strategy and is available for immediate download with your prompt registration. I hope you’ll join us for what promises to be thoughtful, candid conversations.

Register once to attend all three sessions. I hope to see you there.