2025 CUWFA Conference
April 29-May 1, New York, NY

The Future of Work-Life: Strategically leveraging our role in an evolving higher education workplace

Register Today

As we gather for the 2025 CUWFA conference, we celebrate not only the 30th anniversary of our organization but also the remarkable evolution of the Work-Life profession. It is an evolution that has seen the profession grow into a critical component of institutional success. This milestone presents the opportunity to reflect on our journey, assess the shifting landscape of higher education, and explore the opportunities that lie ahead as trusted partners and leaders in shaping our future workplaces.

This conference is co-hosted by Columbia University and New York University (NYU) and will be two-full days of exciting sessions and engagement opportunities.

Looking Back: The Evolution of Work-Life

The first day at Columbia will involve a dynamic look back at the history of Work-Life and examine the current state of the field.

Re-imagining the Future: Leading Change that Elevates Work-Life Within the Priorities of Higher Ed

The second day at NYU will look toward the future of Work-Life and how we can strategically position our work to have the greatest impact in the years ahead.

The conference agenda is currently being finalized. In order to maximize the benefit of our time together, we are planning two full days of presentations, panels, and discussions. We strongly encourage you to join us for the entire time.

For planning purposes, please refer to the dates and times below. We will post the full agenda as soon as it is ready.

Dates:

• Tuesday, April 29 - Opening evening reception
• Wednesday, April 30 - Full day of programming with dinner reception
• Thursday, May 1 - Full day of programming with closing reception in late afternoon/early evening

Call for Proposals

CUWFA invites proposals that address a wide range of topics related to work-life and workplace well-being. Be a part of this valuable professional conference experience by sharing your knowledge, innovative solutions, leadership and strategies with higher education leaders and allied professionals from all over the country. Learn more on the call for proposals page.

Conference Rates

Accommodations

The conference accommodations will be at The Empire Hotel in the heart of the Upper West, across the street from the famous Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts with access to a variety of transportation options and restaurants.   

The discounted room rate per night is $289 +tax for a King Room and $349 +tax for a Double/Double room.

Please use this link to book your room. Reservations must be made by March 28, 2025 to receive the discounted rate.

Travel

Three major airports serve the New York City area. The cost of transportation from airports may vary depending on which ride hailing apps or services are used.

• John F Kennedy JFK - approximately $50.00 – $75.00 + ~45 minute drive
• Newark EWR- approximately $65.00 – $85.00 + ~45 mins to 1 hour drive
• LaGuardia LGA- approximately $35.00 – $50.00 + ~30 minute drive

A budget-friendly option, if you're traveling light, is public transportation.

• From JFK, take the AirTrain from the airport & transfer to the E train at Sutphin Blvd / JFK Station, and ride to the 42nd Street Station (Port Authority). Here, switch to the A/C train and uptown to 59th St Columbus Circle station. The Empire Hotel is less than 5 minutes' walk from here.
• From Newark, take the AirTrain to Manhattan's 34th Street Penn Station. Transfer to the subway & take the A/C train uptown, get off at 59th St Columbus Circle. The Empire Hotel is less than 5 minutes' walk from here.

The Empire Hotel is conveniently located near multiple MTA subway stations in NYC:

• 66th Street - Lincoln Center Station (1 train)
• 59th Street - Columbus Circle Station (A / C / 1 / B / D trains)