UPDATES ARE COMING SOON! - STAY TUNED.
Welcome!
On behalf of the Black Student Union at The University of Kansas and the Legacy Group Online.com, we are honored to host the 49th annual Big Twelve Conference on Student Government & Leadership, Restoring Our Legacy, Reclaiming Our Future on February 26-28, 2026, at The University of Kansas.
The goal of the Big XII Conference on Student Government & Leadership is to provide student leaders from various colleges and universities with a phenomenal leadership experience. The conference will address the many issues that student leaders face on their respective campuses. Issues include but are not limited to; mental health, retention, academic success, male/female relationships, student apathy, financial management, career exploration and much more.
The Big XII Conference on Student Government & Leadership will provide networking and fellowship opportunities to help promote and foster student success on your campuses. The Big XII Conference Planning Committee has been working diligently to ensure all leaders are provided with a rewarding experience, equipping them with tools to make a difference on their respective campuses. The leadership skills participants will gain at this conference will prepare them for managing their organization in these changing times.
We have an excellent line-up of speakers and workshops that will be instrumental in assisting you at your institution in your journey in making a difference. In addition, the conference will provide opportunities to meet, network, and learn from other students from across the region that arededicated to the student experience. Please register as soon as possible as space is limited. We look forward to seeing you at the University of Kansas!
Rock Chalk!
Teigan Blaine & Hermela Solomon, Conference Co-Chairs
& Your Conference Planning Committee
Registration
Early registration: October 17, 2025 – November 21, 2025
Regular registration: November 22, 2025 – January 23, 2026
Late registration: January 27, 2026 – February 20, 2026
Registration will close once capacity is reached, and will not be accepted after February 20, 2026.
Questions? Contact. Eden Shimekt at shimekteden@ku.edu or Robert N. Page Jr at rpage@thelegacygrouponline.com
Registration | Early | Regular | Late |
|---|---|---|---|
Activity Pass | $30 | $35 | $40 |
Advisors | $270 | $270 | $270 |
Non-Big XII Schools | $250 | $270 | $290 |
Big XII Schools | $240 | $260 | $280 |
Big XII Delegates | $230 | $250 | $270 |
*Registration is non-refundable but can be transferred. If you need to transfer your registration to another attendee, you must do this by February 20, 2026.
​
**Name Tags are required for access to all events. Replacement badges are $20 per badge.
Hotel Information
☆ The Oread Lawrence, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Conference Hotel)
1200 Oread Ave, Lawrence, KS, 66044
[Booking Is Full!]
2300 W 6th St, Lawrence, KS, 66049
TownPlace Suites Lawrence Downtown
900 New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS, 66044
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lawrence by IHG
3411 Iowa St, Lawrence, KS, 66046
Springhill Suites by Marriott Lawrence
1 Riverfront Plaza, Lawrence, KS, 66044
Baymont by Wyndham Lawrence
740 Iowa St, Lawrence, KS, 66044
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Lawrence
2176 East 23rd St, Lawrence, KS, 66046
Please Note: Transportation will not be provided for the duration of the conference. Attendees are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from all conference events.
Keynote Speakers
Get ready to be inspired! The Big XII Conference proudly features an incredible lineup of keynote speakers who are trailblazers in leadership, innovation, and personal growth. This year's speakers bring powerful stories, bold ideas, and fresh perspectives designed to motivate, challenge, and empower you to reach your full potential.
Founder, Standard of Care
Psychological Services, LLC,
Principal, The Harbor Institute
Artist
District Attorney, Wyandotte County, KS
Founder, I AM Foundation
2026 Scholarship Awards
​
The Clarence Wine Outstanding Big XII Council of the Year
Most Improved Big XII Council of the Year
Robert Paige Jr. Non-Big XII Council of the Year Award​​
Individual Cash Awards​ - Apply Here​
​
Dyric Burt Big XII Outstanding Freshman of the Year ($250)
Outstanding Big XII Sophomore of the Year ($500)
Outstanding Big XII Junior of the Year ($750)
Outstanding Big XII Senior of the Year (1,000)
Outstanding Non Big XII Freshman of the Year ($250)
Outstanding Non Big XII Sophomore of the Year ($500)
Outstanding Non Big XII Junior of the Year ($750)
Robert Page, Jr. Award for Outstanding Non Big XII Senior of the Year ($1,000)
Individual Recognition Awards - Apply Here
​
The Alvin Ailey Award
The Barbara Jordan Award
The Martin Luther King Jr. Award
The Mickey Leland Award
The Nelson Mandela Award
The Brenda Burt Outstanding Advisor of the Year Award
Applications for all awards should be submitted through their respective Google Forms links indicated in the 2026 Big XII Conference on Black Student Government Scholarships and Awards Packet.
The Venue
KU Memorial Union
1301 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045
We’re excited to host this year’s event at the KU Memorial Union, the heart of campus life at the University of Kansas. Located in the center of campus, the Union offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that fosters connections, celebrations, and community. Its rich history and vibrant setting make it the perfect venue for an unforgettable experience.