The ACPA-College Student Educators International Leadership Council and International Office are thrilled to announce, quite possibly, the most significant investment in the future of higher education in the Association’s 102 years of bold leadership and transformation.
ACPA is proud to announce that as of 1 July 2026, membership is FREE for all degree-seeking Master’s and Undergraduate students. This is more than a benefit. It is a declaration—that ACPA believes the next generation belongs not at the margins of our work, but at the very center. The future of higher education is not approaching. It is already in our classrooms, our assistantships, throughout campus and in virtual spaces. It is in the emerging leaders who will shape the policies, institutions, and innovations that define our field for decades to come.
By opening our doors wider, we strengthen our professional and scholarly community, expand our conversations, and ensure that the stewardship of higher education is shared across generations.
ACPA Masters Student Membership is complimentary for any person who is currently enrolled in Master’s level graduate studies as an admitted, degree-seeking student in an accredited graduate school. Individuals are eligible for this membership type for up to two years or their graduation date from the program, whichever occurs first. ACPA may verify enrollment status with the student’s major professor and/or graduate program coordinator.
ACPA Undergraduate Student Membership is complimentary for any person who is currently enrolled in a undergraduate program as a full-time, degree-seeking student. Individuals are eligible for this membership type for up to four years or their graduation date, whichever occurs first. ACPA may verify enrollment status with the institution.
For questions about these complimentary membership types, please e-mail info@acpa.nche.edu. We invite you to share this exciting news with your networks, encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity, and help us welcome the next generation of leaders into our community.
Sincerely,
Jonathan A. McElderry, Ph.D.
2025-2026 ACPA President
Kelvin Rutledge, Ph.D.
2026-2027 ACPA President
Chris Moody, Ed.D.
ACPA Executive Director
