2025 COPLAC Summer Summit
2025 COPLAC Summer Summit
Sunday, June 8–Monday, June 9
SUNY Geneseo, New York’s public honors college, is excited to host the 2025 COPLAC Summer Summit from Sunday, June 8 through Monday, June 9, 2025. We are eager to welcome colleagues from across the COPLAC network to our campus in Geneseo, New York, a vibrant community nestled in the historic Village of Geneseo.
With its scenic setting, classic Northeastern architecture, and warm, inclusive atmosphere, the Geneseo campus will serve as an inspiring environment for engaging dialogue and meaningful collaboration.
The theme of the 2025 Summit is Positioning the Public Liberal Arts for the Future: Storytelling, Advocacy, and Workforce Innovation. The Summit will gather representatives from member campuses to explore the convening theme through unpacking each of the three sub-themes: Positioning through Storytelling, Positioning through Advocacy, and Positioning through Workforce Innovation.
These in-depth discussions will be led by facilitators from SUNY Geneseo and the broader COPLAC community, with the aim of generating actionable outcomes, such as new approaches to enhancing educational experiences, collaborative research projects, or contributions to broader academic conversations through publications and presentations.
You are encouraged to send a campus team to maximize participation in the workgroup discussions.
Positioning through Storytelling: communications, marketing, enrollment, and advancement roles
Positioning through Advocacy: presidents, CFOs, COOs, government relations, strategy and innovation officers
Positioning through Workforce Innovation: provosts, deans, continuing education, strategy and innovation officers
Schedule at a Glance
| Date | Time | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, June 8 | 2:00–3:30 p.m. | Board of Directors Working Meeting |
| 3:30–5:00 p.m. | Board of Directors Business Meeting | |
| 5:30–7:00 p.m. | Opening Reception and Registration | |
| Monday, June 9 | 7:30–9:00 a.m. | Registration |
| 8:00–9:00 a.m. | Continental Breakfast | |
| 8:45–9:00 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Remarks - President Battles | |
| 9:00–10:00 a.m. | Moderated Panel with Experts | |
| 10:30 a.m.–Noon | Workgroup Sessions with Experts and Campus and COPLAC Facilitators Positioning through Storytelling, Positioning through Advocacy, and Positioning through Workforce Innovation |
|
| 12:15–1:15 p.m. | Networking Lunch | |
| 1:30–2:30 p.m. | Workgroup Sessions (Continued) | |
| 2:45–3:30 p.m. | Workgroup Report Out | |
| 3:30–5:00 p.m. | Campus Action Planning | |
| 5:00–5:45 p.m. | Networking Reception | |
| 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Dinner |
A detailed schedule with session specifics will be available soon.
Summit Registration
Pricing
Individual Registration: $170
Team Registration (3 or more): $150 per person
Register
Registration is limited to employees of COPLAC member institutions. Registration will close on May 28, 2025.
Accommodations
To make your trip as smooth as possible, we’ve arranged special room blocks at several local hotels. Availability is limited, and all blocks will close on May 1, 2025—so be sure to reserve your room as soon as possible. If you qualify for tax exemption, bring a physical copy of the ST-129 form to avoid extra charges.
Options
Hampton Inn Geneseo
The Hampton Inn Geneseo at 4250 Lakeville Road, Geneseo, NY 14454 is holding 20 rooms on a group block for arrival between the days of June 8-10, 2025. A special group rate of $180 per night is available. To book at the Hampton, please call the hotel directly at 585-447-9040 and ask for the COPLAC rate.
Oak Valley Inn and Suites
The Oak Valley Inn and Suites at 4562 Millenium Drive, Geneseo, NY 14454 is holding 10 rooms on a standard rate block between the days of June 8-10, 2025. These rates start at $240 per night. To book at the Oak Valley Inn, please book on their website. If you have questions please call Jay at 585-243-5570.
Big Tree Inn
The Big Tree Inn at 46 Main Street, Geneseo, NY 14454 is holding all 8 of their rooms on a standard rate block between the days of June 8-10, 2025. These rates start at $180 per night. To book at the Big Tree Inn, please call April at 585-208-4504 and ask for the COPLAC block. Please leave a message if she does not answer. Calls are returned the same day.
Airbnb
While we do not have a special arrangement with Airbnb, they also offer some very nice accommodations options in the area.
Getting to Geneseo
Flying to Geneseo
We recommend flying into either Rochester International Airport or Buffalo Niagara International Airport for your trip to Geneseo. For detailed directions to campus from these airports, please visit our directions page.
Driving to Geneseo
Geneseo is easily accessible by car, located just off Interstate 390 in Western New York. Whether you're coming from nearby cities or further away, you'll find a scenic and straightforward drive to our beautiful campus. For detailed directions, visit our directions page.
Things to Do
Area Attractions
Geneseo and the surrounding area offer a variety of attractions to explore during your visit, from the stunning landscapes of Letchworth State Park to the charming shops and eateries in our historic village.
For more information about what to see and do while you're here, check out our visit guide.
Optional Excursion for Participants and Their Guests
Experience the Famed Middle Falls at Letchworth State Park and Lunch at the Glen Iris Inn
Letchworth State Park, renowned as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs--as high as 600 feet in some places--surrounded by lush forests. Formerly the home of William Pryor Letchworth (1823-1910), the Glen Iris Inn has welcomed guests as a country inn since 1914. The inn overlooks the magnificent Middle Falls on the Genesee River and is surrounded by the beauty of Letchworth State Park. "Glen Iris," as Mr. Letchworth named his estate, means "canyon of the rainbow." "Glen" is an old word for canyon or gorge, and "Iris" is the Ancient Greek goddess of rainbows. When the sun is shining on the Middle Falls waterfall mist, a rainbow arches over the canyon. Within the Glen Iris is Caroline's Dining Room, a sit-down restaurant, as well as a gift shop; both are open to all park visitors.
On June 8th, 2025, guests will be shuttled from SUNY Geneseo at 9:00 am, and will arrive at the Glen Iris Inn by 9:45 am. They will have from 10 am to 11 am to explore the grounds, walk the stairs to the lower viewing area of the falls and visit the gift shop at the inn. The group will have lunch at the inn at 11:00 am and will be shuttled back to SUNY Geneseo at noon. Minimum of 12 people must sign up for the activity to run.
Cost for this excursion is $75 per person.
About SUNY Geneseo
Founded in 1871, SUNY Geneseo is celebrated for its academic excellence and rigorous intellectual environment. As New York’s public honors college, Geneseo offers a transformative educational experience where students work closely with faculty and peers through research, co-curricular activities, and integrated learning opportunities. Known for its welcoming and supportive atmosphere, the Geneseo community fosters a spirit of creativity, engagement, and discovery—an ideal backdrop for a productive and memorable Summer Summit.
We look forward to hosting our COPLAC colleagues and sharing our unique campus as we work together to advance the mission and values of public liberal arts education.