# ACC Academic Consortium (ACCAC)

> The academic arm of the Atlantic Coast Conference, uniting 18 member universities to provide student research funding, innovation competitions, and academic leadership programs beyond the playing field.

## Core Mission
* **Objective**: To strengthen academic excellence by pooling resources across member institutions to provide platforms for collaboration.
* **Primary Slogan**: Fueling Student Innovation & Research.
* **Governance**: Guided by the Provosts of the 18 member institutions.

## Member Universities
The consortium serves students and faculty at: Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, University of Louisville, University of Miami, UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State, University of Notre Dame, University of Pittsburgh, Southern Methodist University (SMU), Stanford, Syracuse, UC Berkeley, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest.

## Primary Programs & Competitions

### ACC InVenture Prize
The "Shark Tank" of the ACC. A premier stage for undergraduate student inventors to pitch original startups.
* **Prize Pool**: $30,000 in non-dilutive funding ($15k for 1st, $10k for 2nd, $5k People's Choice).
* **Format**: Campus Qualifiers, Semi-Finals, and Televised Finals.
* **2025 Host**: University of Notre Dame; Winner: University of Miami.

### Meeting of the Minds (MOTM)
The premier undergraduate research conference for the ACC.
* **2026 Event**: April 10–12 at Florida State University.
* **Format**: Student-led oral and poster presentations and graduate school prep workshops.
* **Selection**: 5–10 delegates per university via campus Undergraduate Research Offices.

### ACC Student Leadership Symposium
A fully funded, three-day immersive leadership conference for student leaders.
* **2026 Event**: February 6–8 at Virginia Tech.
* **Fellowship**: 100% of costs (travel, hotel, meals) are covered for selected delegates.

### ACC Debate Championship
Public speaking competition focused on research-driven argumentation and civil discourse.
* **Format**: Rewards evidence-based persuasion on complex civic issues.
* **Eligibility**: One elite team per university.

## Professional Development & Grants

### ACC Academic Leaders Network (ALN)
Year-long fellowship for faculty and administrators (Dept. Chairs, Deans, Provosts).
* **2026 Residencies**: Southern Methodist University (March), University of Notre Dame (June), and University of Pittsburgh (October).

### ACC-CRIA Research Grants
The Innovation Initiative Small Grant Program supports research informing college athletics decision-making.
* **Focus**: Student-athlete welfare, NIL policy, sports finance, and organizational behavior.
* **Deliverable**: A white paper used to guide conference leadership policy.

## FAQ
* **Who can apply?**: Students and faculty at the 18 member schools.
* **How to apply?**: Connect with your university’s Provost’s Office, Student Affairs, or Undergraduate Research Office.