2026 ASCE National Civil Engineering Department Heads Conference
June 1-3, 2026
The USC Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is thrilled to host this event on the beautiful campus of the University of Southern California located in Los Angeles, California. Civil engineering department heads/chairs are invited to join us to discuss important department academic and administrative issues. This conference will be held in the beautiful newly-built Ginsburg Computational Hall Auditorium, which has the distinction of being the first USC building to be LEED platinum-certified.
Encompassing the USC campus, Los Angeles is a rich tapestry of culture, food, and Hollywood glamour. Between the sandy beaches along the coastline to the foothills of our local mountains, there is plenty to see and do outside of your time spent at the conference.
Conference Agenda
Day 1 – Monday June 1, 2026
8:00 AM
Pre-Conference
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Conference
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:45 PM
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Conference Registration and Breakfast
Supporting Women and Women-Identifying Chairs (Networking Coffee)
Success for “New” Chairs Workshop (Panel Discussion)
Networking Lunch
Welcome / Change and Leadership in Higher Education (Keynote Speaker)
Updates from ASCE Leadership and Discussion - (Town Hall / Fireside Chat)
Student Entrepreneurship Activities
Networking Reception/Dinner, Heritage Hall
Walking distance from hotel and conference venue
Day 2 – Tuesday June 2, 2026
7:45 AM
8:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Light Breakfast
Building on Success at the 2025 ASCE Education Summit (ASCE 5-5-5 Priorities):
- Outreach
- Change Statements
- Professional
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Civil Engineering Artificial Intelligence Curriculum and Student Preparedness (Industry Panel Presentation)
Networking Lunch and ASCE Awards
Industry Engagement in a Time of Change (Guest Speaker and Discussion)
Student and Faculty Wellness Conversation (Guest Speaker and Discussion)
Planning for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games: Civil Engineers and More (Guest Speaker and Discussion)
Tour of Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Facilities
Networking Reception/Dinner, University Club
Walking distance from hotel and conference venue
Day 3 – Wednesday June 3, 2026
7:45 AM
8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Light Breakfast
Success as a Chair:
- Annual Review Best Practices (Guest Speaker and Discussion)
- Advancement/Fundraising Insights, Tips and Tricks (Guest Panel and Discussion)
- ABET Accreditation and Assessment “How To” (Guest Panel and Discussion)
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
*Subject to change
Conference Wrap Up and Adjourn
Conference Hotel
The USC Hotel is conveniently located within walking distance to the conference venue, Ginsburg Computational Hall. Our special conference rate is $218 per room, excluding taxes and fees. (This rate ends by Monday, May 11, 2026.) Please book online or call 213-748-4141 to make reservations. Please mention group name ("2026 ASCE National Department Heads Conference") when making reservations over the phone.
Location:
USC Hotel
3540 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Outside view of Ginsburg Hall
Questions? Please contact Salina Palacios at salinapa@usc.edu for more information.