2026 COPLAC Summer Summit
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is excited to host the COPLAC Summer Summit from June 21st to June 23rd, 2026. The organizing theme this year is “The Contemporary Liberal Arts: Technology, Innovation, and Engagement.”
Representatives from UVA Wise will highlight our plans and our successes in this year’s three focus areas (technology, innovation, and engagement), and we will use that as a springboard for forward-looking discussions about the role of the liberal arts—and the opportunities for public liberal arts colleges—in the contemporary higher education landscape. By leveraging the resources and experiences of COPLAC and its members, participants from each institution will have a rich opportunity to work together to craft action plans to take back to their campuses.
Schedule
The agenda will include an opening reception and dinner on Sunday night, a full day of idea exchange and networking on Monday, and an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of southwest Virginia (including a possible caving expedition) on Tuesday.
View the Summer Summit Schedule
Sunday
In keeping with tradition, Sunday’s agenda will begin with the COPLAC Board of Directors meetings. A networking activity is also being planned for all attendees and will be followed by an opening reception and dinner.
Monday
Most of our time on Monday will take place in workgroups comprised of attendees from the various COPLAC institutions. Ideally, your institution would have a representative in each of the three workgroups in order to maximize the Summit’s benefit to your campus. Placing the appropriate person in each workgroup will better ensure a positive return on time spent with us, so please invite your campus colleagues whom you feel are necessary to foster the conversation. The workgroups will focus on these areas:
Technology: Given the growth of technology-enhanced learning and generative AI-supported curricula, what opportunities do COPLAC institutions have to establish ethical and effective best practices for teaching and institutional change?
Innovation: What opportunities exist for COPLAC institutions to develop public-private partnerships that meet community needs and address regional challenges?
Engagement: How can we design engaging, integrative, and creative educational/experiential programs that capture students’ curiosity and sustain their attention, ultimately leading to improved retention and graduation rates?
Tuesday
Outdoor Appalachian Adventure Options
The planning committee is offering participants three opportunities to experience the uniquely beautiful Appalachian landscape. These options are listed in order of increasing difficulty. These events will take place the morning of Tuesday, June 23rd (approx. 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) and transportation will be provided. All excursions are no extra cost.
1. High Knob
This geological feature is the highest point in the Cumberland Mountains and is located just a 15-minute drive from the UVA Wise campus. This option is primarily a driving tour, with stops at the Destination Center, Flag Rock, and the summit.
2. Devil’s Bathtub Hike
This popular 3.6-mile round-trip hike follows a scenic mountain trail leading to a series of elongated pools formed in sedimentary rock. The trailhead is approximately a 45-minute drive from the UVA Wise campus. The hike is considered moderate, with gradual elevation changes along an uneven trail. Hiking boots or other closed-toe shoes are recommended.
3. Panel Cave Spelunking
This guided tour explores a wild cave in Natural Tunnel State Park in Scott County, Virginia. It is the most physically demanding of the three options and requires participants to stoop, crawl on all fours for short distances, and maintain balance on uneven surfaces. All participants will be provided with a helmet, headlamp, gloves, and kneepads. Wear clothing and sturdy footwear that can get muddy. Some participants may choose to navigate tighter spaces that involve more strenuous climbing over cave features; this portion is optional. The cave entrance is approximately a 45-minute drive from the UVA Wise campus.
Registration
Pricing
Individual Registration: $170
Team Registration (3 or more): $150 per person
Deadline for registration is Friday, May 15, 2026.
Register for the COPLAC Summer Summit
Directions to Wise
UVA Wise is located in Wise, Virginia, in the southwest corner of the state.
Our address is 1 College Avenue, Wise, VA 24293.
To reach UVA Wise from most points in Virginia, you will travel on I-81 until you reach Abingdon. Historic Abingdon is home to the Martha Washington Inn and the Barter Theater. When you reach Abingdon, you will be about an hour from the UVA Wise campus.
Find more information about directions from other locations.
Where to Stay
Rooms blocks have been reserved at the following hotels.
- The Inn at Wise - Wise, VA
- Hampton Inn - Norton, VA
Things to Do
For more information about what to see and do while you’re here, visit What to Do in Wise.
About UVA Wise
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is a public, four-year residential liberal arts college. Through excellence in teaching, personalized attention and commitment to individual growth, the college prepares students to be engaged citizens. Drawing upon its foundation as a public liberal arts institution in the Appalachian region of Virginia, UVA Wise strives to build a diverse community of learners with the drive to serve and lead in their communities, the nation and the world.