What is Acton University?

  • Four days that integrate sound economics, business, philosophy, theology, and intellectual history
  • A customized learning plan that you create: featuring over 100 courses taught by over 60 experts: an international, world class faculty
  • An exploration of the intellectual foundations of freedom, and respect for the dignity and value of the human person
  • A place to learn about the classical foundations of economics, philosophy, theology, liberty and how they apply to our culture today
  • A unique educational experience enabling you to lead with a greater understanding of the intersection of liberty and morality
  • An international, ecumenical network of attendees helping you to apply your knowledge in shaping culture towards a free and virtuous society

Why attend?

1. World Class Scholars: Acton University faculty represent 60+ renowned institutions around the world.

2. Customized Classes: Every new Acton University participant takes Acton’s four core sessions on Tuesday, June 20. Curriculum for the subsequent days of Acton University is customizable for all participants, with over 60+ courses to select from. 

3. Global Learning Community: In 2022, Acton University attendees represented more than 70 countries.

4. Networking:  Acton University is more than its courses – its four days of making new friends, interacting in meaningful dialogue, and creating a network for future collaboration. From scheduled free time to happy hours, there’s ample time to engage with the fascinating people you will meet.

5. Inspiration: The ideas you encounter at Acton University have the power to change lives, including your own. Build up your knowledge and take it to your workplace, church, or school. Transform what you learn into what you do.

Click here to apply for Acton University 2023.

Registration Opens: Monday, December 5, 2022

Financial Aid Application Deadlines:

  • International Applicants: Friday, April 7, 2023
  • Domestic Applicants: Friday, May 5, 2023

Participant Acceptance Forms Deadline (Flight Reservation, Hotel Reservation, Personal Agenda): Friday, May 12, 2023

Registration Closes: Friday, June 2, 2023

Conference Dates: June 19-22, 2023 (Monday evening through Friday evening.)

See the full conference schedule here.

 

When is Acton University 2024 scheduled?

Acton University 2024 will take place June 24-27, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Who attends Acton University?

Everyone with a personal and/or professional interest in religion, liberty and market-based economics is invited to apply. Typical Acton University attendees include…

  • Students: Undergraduate and graduate
  • Academics: Professors and researchers
  • Faith-based Leaders: Pastors, priests, rabbis, seminarians, church staff, and congregational lay leaders from many faith traditions
  • Non-profit Leaders: Founders and development professionals
  • Business Leaders: Start-up entrepreneurs to established businesspeople and everyone in between

What is an Acton Alumnus?

Anyone who has attended Acton’s four core lectures is an Acton alumnus. These lectures cover the foundations of:

1. Christian Anthropology

2. Natural Law

3. Basic Economics

4. Good Governance

This includes past attendees of Acton University, Toward a Free and Virtuous Society (FAVS), City FAVS, and Liberty & Markets colloquia.

How old do you need to be to attend Acton University?

Acton University is intended for adult attendees who are 18 years old on or before June 19, 2023. Minor attendees will only be accepted if they are accompanied by a legal guardian, who is also accepted to the conference. All minor attendees must have access to a personal email, distinct from their legal guardian. There are no discounts for minors or their attending guardians.

All attendees must submit an application to attend Acton University and be approved to attend the conference. Unregistered attendees, regardless of age, are not allowed to attend or participate in the conference or related activities.   

Can my spouse attend with me?

  • Yes. All conference attendees are responsible for securing their own hotel arrangements, so your spouse is welcome to travel with you and share your room.
  • If your spouse is not officially registered and accepted to AU, they will NOT be able to participate in any of the conference activities (i.e. meals, breaks/hospitality, and lectures).
  • If your spouse is accepted to the conference, please note that both of you must complete the online registration process (and subsequent tasks) separately.

Our alumni tell us that every dollar they invested in this four-day event was more than worth it. We work hard to create a value proposition that enables you to contribute financially, while generous donors and benefactors make up the difference to reduce the actual costs considerably. With your commitment, and generous gifts from donors, foundations and grants, AU is made affordable.

If you would like to apply for financial aid, you must request it during the application process. There is financial aid available for registration fees, travel, and lodging.

What does it cost to attend?

Full Conference Registration ($1,500): General Registration provides access to the full conference, including all lectures, all meals, networking breaks, plenary sessions, and Acton Book Shop. General registrants are responsible for all costs associated with attending AU, including lodging and travel expenses as applicable.

Early Bird Rate (Available through March 15, 2023 - $1,000

 *General Registration closes June 2, 2023

Student Conference Registration ($600): The Student Registration is open to individuals who are currently enrolled (part- or full- time) at a college, seminary, or university. Student Registration provides access to the full conference, including all lectures, all meals, networking breaks, plenary sessions, and Acton Book Shop. Student Registrants are responsible for all costs associated with attending AU, including lodging and travel expenses as applicable. *Student Registration closes June 2, 2023

Application for Financial Aid (General or Student): The application is open to anyone requesting financial aid or who has been invited to apply for a fellowship. Financial aid may be in the form of discounted registration, travel assistance, or discounted lodging.

            Financial Aid Application Deadlines:                              

  • April 7, 2023 for non-residents/citizens of the USA or Canada
  • May 5, 2023 for residents/citizens of the USA or Canada

Cancellation Policy

  • 100% refund up to May 25, 2023
  • 50% refund up to June 18, 2023 

All conference applicants may apply for financial assistance to help off-set the costs to attend Acton University. The request for financial assistance is found in the conference application form under the heading “Application for Financial Aid” and must be completed in order to be considered. Limited financial assistance may be awarded for travel costs or for the conference fee to qualifying applicants based on availability.

Travel Funding: There is limited financial assistance for travel expenses available to qualifying applicants. Travel scholarships are only considered for specific fellowships. If you would like to request financial assistance to travel to Grand Rapids for Acton University, please answer the questions found in the “Application Financial Aid” section at the end of the Acton University application form.

Financial Assistance for the Conference Fee: Fellowship programs and other financial assistance for the conference fee is available to qualifying applicants. This financial assistance may include additional requirements before or after the conference and the amount of funding may vary.

  • If you have been invited to apply for a specific fellowship program to attend Acton University 2023: Please answer the related question in the “Application for Financial Aid” section at the end of the application form. Be prepared to provide the name of the fellowship program and the name of person who invited you to apply.
  • If you would like to request financial assistance for the conference fee, but have not been invited to apply for a specific fellowship program to attend Acton University 2023: Please answer the related question found in the “Financial Aid” section at the end of the conference application form. Financial assistance will be awarded to qualifying applicants based on availability.

Where does Acton University take place?

Acton University is held at the DeVos Place Convention Center along the Grand River in beautiful downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Where is the nearest airport?

I plan to drive to Grand Rapids – is there any parking available?

  • If you are staying at the Amway Grand Plaza hotel, the Amway Grand Plaza Parking Ramp is located at 216 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Parking in this location is included with your room reservation. 
  • If you are driving to the conference and not staying at the hotel, a parking voucher may be picked up at the registration table. Eligible parking lots include:
    DeVos Place Parking Garage (7 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)

Can I travel by bus or train?

Downtown Grand Rapids has a train station and bus station. Both are located less than 2 miles (approx. 6 minutes by car) from the conference site and area hotels

Amtrack: 440 Century Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Greyhound Bus: 250 Grandville Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Does the Acton Institute sponsor U.S. travel visas?

The Acton Institute will not be sponsoring visas for Acton University 2023.

Acton University 2023 conference attendees must have their U.S. travel visa secured at the time of application that is valid through the dates of the conference, if applicable. Acton Institute is not responsible for fees incurred from applying for a travel visa.

What is appropriate attire for the conference and what should I bring?

  • Business casual.
  • For the evening plenary and dinner, some attendees wear a suit coat and/or tie, and women dresses. Not formal, but a step up from business casual.
  • We recommend that everyone bring an umbrella and light jacket/sweater. June in Grand Rapids is generally beautiful, but always brings with it the element of surprise! People often react to air-conditioning in different ways; plan to bring a sweater/jacket if you tend to be cold in large public venues.

Is there a shuttle service from the airport to the conference?

  • Acton is offering a complimentary shuttle service to and from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) and Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. The shuttle will operate as follows:
    • Monday, June 19, 2023– 11:00am until 6:30pm
    • Friday, June 23, 2023 – 6:00am until 12:00pm (noon)
  • When you arrive on Monday, June 19, shuttles will be located outside the luggage claim east door exit. If you are in need of assistance or have any questions a representative at the Experience Grand Rapids kiosk will be happy to help you.
  • Acton University does not arrange for transportation to or from the airport outside of these assigned times. If for any reason, you miss the complimentary shuttle service as outlined above, you will be responsible for the additional travel costs incurred.

How do I submit a hotel request?

Acton has secured a room block at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel located in downtown Grand Rapids within walking distance to the DeVos Place Convention Center. Accepted Acton University participants may submit a hotel request within the registration form. Complete instructions about hotel reservation procedures within the AU hotel block will be provided to accepted conference applicants. Acton will secure your request and confirm your lodging arrangements prior to the conference.

PLEASE NOTE: If you choose to secure your lodging outside of the conference room block, the cost for paying that lodging is yours. Hotel rooms in the AU room block are within walking distance of the DeVos Place Convention Center. If you secure accommodations which require a daily commute to the conference site, any parking expenses and transportation costs associated with the commute will be your responsibility.

Acton Rooming Block Rates:
- Single Room (1 King Bed) - $166.00 / per night
- Double Room (2 Queen Beds) - $166.00 / per night

Questions about making a hotel reservations?
Contact us by email [email protected]

Will meals be provided?

Yes. The cost of meals, evening receptions, and beverages for the duration of the event are included in the conference fee for all accepted attendees.

 Are you able to accommodate food related allergy/dietary restrictions?

We understand that some guests may have dietary restrictions. Please indicate your dietary requests in your conference application and we will do our best to accommodate them. We cannot guarantee requests not included in the conference application.

When I'm filling out the registration form, why can't I choose certain presentations? 

  • First-time attendees are required to attend Acton’s Core presentations, which are offered during sessions 1 through 4. If you are NOT an alumnus, you must take the 4 Core presentations.
  • Returning attendees and other Acton alumni have the option to choose from alternative presentation offerings.

What are the Core Presentations?

The four (4) Core presentations provide participants with the essential overall framework and intellectual context for liberty, freedom, economics, and Judeo-Christian anthropology. These presentations are a vital step in the exploration of the various themes and topics addressed throughout the week. We require that all first-time participants, non-alumni, attend the Core lectures.

Is it possible to bypass the Core lectures?

Does the Acton Institute sponsor US travel visas?

The Acton Institute will not be sponsoring visas for Acton University 2023.

Conference attendees must have their U.S. travel visa secured at the time of application that is valid through the dates of the conference, if applicable. Acton Institute is not responsible for fees incurred from applying for a travel visa.

Can I attend Acton University if I am based outside of the United States, but currently have a valid visa to travel?

Yes. You will need to provide documentation of a valid visa in the Acton University application.

Can I purchase individual tickets to just attend plenary dinners?

Yes. This year, we are opening up each evening’s dinner and plenary session for those who cannot attend the full conference! Purchase tickets for one evening or all four. 

Click here to purchase plenary dinner tickets.

Will the plenary dinners be available via livestream?

Yes, every plenary dinner will be available via FREE livestream.

Click here to sign up for AU Online 2023 and gain access to the plenary dinner livestream.