Welcome! This webpage houses information related to the Program Directors’ Conference from Monday night, October 27 to Wednesday, October 29 hosted by Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY.
This Project Pericles Program Directors Conference is an annual conference that brings together our vibrant community of Program Directors for knowledge-sharing and relationship-building. It offers a unique space and opportunity to fortify a valuable community of practice that will extend far beyond our two days together.
Each Periclean campus sends one or two representatives. Program Directors routinely report the conference as one of the most rewarding they attend: “This conference and the Periclean community is truly special. Being able to work through challenges and share best practices with other civically minded colleagues has created invaluable relationships.”
Monday, October 27
Tuesday, October 28
Wednesday, October 29
On Wednesday, October 29 at 11:15-11:45 AM ET, Program Directors who are not able to attend in person will be joining us virtually for a session/discussion about Periclean Membership and our consortium! Please reach out to arielle@projectpericles.org if you would like to be added to the invite.
Getting to Skidmore College
The closest airport is the Albany International Airport is serviced by Taxis, Lyft and Uber, and are the best option for ground transportation from the airport to Saratoga. An Uber ride from Albany to Saratoga Springs is approximately 33 miles and takes around 40 minutes. The estimated price is $57, but varies based on time of day. Link with details. Project Pericles staff will help Program Directors connect to coordinate rideshares prior with those who submit their flight information via the RSVP form, and create a WhatsApp group.
You can also take the Amtrak from New York Penn Station to Saratoga Springs which takes you very close to Skidmore’s campus (~5 minute car ride).
Shuttles from Hotel to/from Skidmore College: Every morning, Skidmore will be shuttling us from our hotel (Hampton Inn & Suites Saratoga Springs Downtown at 25 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866) to campus for breakfast and the day. (Note: unlike last year at Swarthmore, the hotel is off-site). The shuttle leaves each morning and returns after conference programming concludes. See agenda for exact timing. If you have a car, attendees are free to park on any lots on campus.
Campus and Parking Information
We will use WhatsApp for real-time conference updates, sharing docs, and coordinating logistics like ride-shares to/from the airport and encourage you to join it if possible. If you can’t, let us know we will be sure to share such information with you separately.
To be added to the group, email Harry at harry@projectpericles.org.
During our Tuesday morning session, Shaping Civic Futures Together: Bringing the Project Pericles Strategic Plan to Life, you’ll complete a short campus mapping worksheet. To prepare, take a few minutes to think about:
Where civic and community engagement efforts are housed or coordinated (centers, departments, offices, or programs)? Who are the key players and decision-makers? What barriers or opportunities exist to make this work more central and sustainable
You can preview the worksheet here. No need to complete it beforehand—just bring your reflections.
The weather forecast suggests a range between the thirties and sixties next week, with possible rain so prepare accordingly. We suggest business casual and comfortable attire. On Tuesday, we’ll have afternoon sessions followed by a campus tour, so plan to wear something comfortable for walking. That evening, we’ll also have dinner with Marc Conner (the President) and other special guests, so you may wish to bring something a bit more business formal that you can layer or change into before dinner. Please note that we will not be returning to the hotel on Tuesday before the dinner.
Skidmore College joined Project Pericles in 2015. It is a highly ranked, residential, liberal arts college situated on 1,000 acres of natural beauty in Saratoga Springs, New York. With 2,500 students from 40 states and 70 countries, 40+ majors, more than 100 student clubs, funded research, and internship opportunities, and 100+ study abroad programs, it offers a dynamic college experience. Read more about Skidmore College.
Read more about civic engagement at Skidmore College, in our April 2025 Campus Spotlight Article: Skidmore College Turns Passion Into Action Through Public Policy Competition.
Optional No-Cost Add On
Thurs, October 30 – Sun, November 2, 2025
Join us for the first in a new series of immersive writing workshops and retreats designed for community-engaged faculty and administrators. This inaugural session, held at the serene Blue Mountain Center in the Adirondacks, will focus on developing your institutional narrative—an essential tool for advancing partnerships, securing resources, and amplifying your campus’s civic and community engagement story.
Co-hosted by Project Pericles, Partners for Campus-Community Engagement (PCCE), and the Community-Based Global Learning Collaborative.
Transportation from Skidmore to Blue Mountain Center, registration, meals, and accommodation are all covered in this exciting retreat.
E-mail sanda@projectpericles.org for more information.
Explore this database to learn about your fellow incredible Program Directors, their campuses, and the impressive work being accomplished across our Periclean community! Our hope is that this directory will be used to facilitate connections past the conference.
