The Cybersecurity Education Conference for Higher Education, Faculty, and Research
The Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education (CISSE) is the longest-running cybersecurity education conference, dedicated to advancing cybersecurity education across higher education, faculty development, curriculum design, and academic research.
Investigate. Imagine. Integrate. Impact.
About the 30th Colloquium
Now in its 30th year, CISSE marks a significant milestone as a leading cybersecurity education conference for educators, researchers, and program leaders. The Colloquium brings together a national community committed to strengthening cybersecurity education, workforce development, and academic innovation.
CISSE serves a broad and engaged audience, including faculty from colleges and universities, community college educators, cybersecurity researchers, and leaders from National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity-designated institutions. The conference fosters collaboration across academia, government, and industry to address evolving threats, emerging technologies, and the future of cybersecurity education.
Attendees will explore topics spanning cybersecurity curriculum, pedagogy, artificial intelligence, workforce pathways, and research in information systems security education. Through presentations, panels, and peer engagement, CISSE continues to support the development of the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Who Should Attend?
- Cybersecurity educators
- Higher education faculty
- Community college faculty
- Cybersecurity researchers
- Curriculum developers
- Workforce development leaders
- CAE faculty and program leaders
Investigate
Explore emerging threats, technologies, and new challenges shaping cybersecurity education.
Imagine
Reimagine how we teach, learn, and prepare students for an evolving cyber landscape.
Integrate · Impact
Connect disciplines, apply innovation, and make a lasting impact on the next generation of cyber professionals.
Conference Planning in Progress
This page serves as the official conference overview. Additional details, including the program, speakers, and registration information, will be added as planning progresses.
Program Highlights
As the 30th Colloquium program develops, confirmed engagements and featured experiences will be shared here. A full agenda will be published as sessions, speakers, and special activities are finalized.
Presentation
From Cheating Tool to Teaching Tool: Practical Patterns for Teaching Cybersecurity with AI Chatbots
Students are already using AI chatbots in our cybersecurity courses, and most faculty are reacting to that reality rather than designing for it. This session reframes the chatbot from an academic-integrity threat into a deliberate instructional tool, and walks through five concrete teaching patterns that any instructor can adopt next semester.
Abstract
Muscatatuck Urban Training Center Tour
Sunday, October 25
Registered attendees are invited to an exclusive pre-conference visit to the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center (MUTC)—one of the nation's premier training environments for cybersecurity, emergency response, and national security exercises.
This behind-the-scenes experience offers participants a unique opportunity to explore a world-class facility used by government, military, first responders, and critical infrastructure partners to conduct realistic, multidisciplinary training in complex operational scenarios.
Details, capacity, registration requirements, and transportation information will be announced.
National Security Decision-Making Game
Monday, October 26
As part of the 30th Anniversary Colloquium, attendees will participate in a special cyber-domain edition of the National Security Decision-Making Game (NSDMG)—an immersive, team-based simulation that places participants in the midst of evolving cybersecurity and national security challenges.
Working collaboratively, teams will evaluate intelligence, assess competing priorities, and develop strategic responses to dynamic, real-world scenarios that emphasize leadership, communication, and decision-making under pressure.
Additional participation details will be provided as planning is finalized.
Conference Planning in Progress
Additional speakers, sessions, workshops, panels, and special engagements will be announced as they are confirmed.
Registration
The 30th Colloquium is a fully in-person experience designed to foster meaningful dialogue, professional networking, and hands-on collaboration. In an era shaped by AI, automation, and ambiguity, the most impactful exchange of ideas happens face to face. Programming will be intentionally structured to maximize participation—giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with speakers, researchers, and peers across the cybersecurity education community.
Investigate. Imagine. Integrate. Impact.
Registration for in-person attendance is managed through our member portal. Please note that all cancellations and transfers are subject to the Cancellation & Substitution Policy.
Registration Cancellation & Substitution Policy
Cancellations and Refunds Cancellations must be submitted in writing to events@thecolloquium.org. Requests received at least 14 days prior to the start of the conference are eligible for a refund, less a $75 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellation requests received within 14 days of the conference.
Substitutions
Registration substitutions are permitted at any time at no additional cost. To request a substitution, please contact [your email address] with the original registrant’s information and the replacement attendee’s details.
Non-Attendance
Failure to attend the conference does not qualify for a refund.
Event Changes or Cancellation
In the unlikely event that CISSE must cancel or significantly modify the conference, registrants will be notified promptly and provided with available options, which may include a full or partial refund at the organization’s discretion.
Call for Papers
The Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education (CISSE) proudly marks its 30th anniversary in 2026, celebrating three decades as the longest-running and premier conference dedicated to cybersecurity education. This milestone event brings together educators, researchers, industry leaders, and government professionals to advance cybersecurity curricula, foster collaboration, and shape the future of the cyber workforce. We invite submissions that contribute to meaningful dialogue, innovative research, and practical advancements in cybersecurity education.
Investigate. Imagine. Integrate. Impact.
Overview
We invite submissions that present well-formed, clearly articulated ideas or findings that advance the field of cybersecurity education. Papers should be thoughtfully contextualized, grounded in relevant literature, and transparent in their methodology. Authors are encouraged to clearly convey the broader applicability of their work, including its significance and contribution to the field. Conclusions should be supported through appropriate analytical methods, whether empirical or derived through widely accepted qualitative approaches. The inclusion of figures and tables is encouraged where they enhance clarity and impact.
Suggested Tracks
Emerging Technologies & Innovation
- Artificial Intelligence, Agentic AI, Cyberculture, Ethics, and Risk
- Quantum Computing & Cryptography
- Autonomous Systems, Robotics, OT, SCADA, and IoT Security
- Cyber Analytics & Threat Intelligence
Education & Pedagogy
- AI-Driven Learning and Educational Technologies
- Game-Based, Project-Based, and Challenge-Based Learning
- Online, Remote, and Hybrid Learning Models
- Cybersecurity for Non-Cyber Majors
- K–12 and Non-Traditional Student Pathways
Human & Societal Dimensions
- Human Factors, Psychological Operations, and Adversarial Behavior
- Cyber Criminology and Justice
- Ethics and Philosophy of Cyberspace
- Inclusion, Diversity, and Building Cyber Resilience
- Sociological and Cultural Dimensions of Cybersecurity
Policy, Governance & Global Perspectives
- Cross-Border Data Protection and Regulatory Frameworks
- International Technology Policy and Collaboration
- Cyber Conflict and De-escalation Strategies
- Governance and Institutional Resilience
Additional Topics of Interest
Student Papers
CISSE welcomes student submissions from undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Student authors must indicate their status at the time of submission and must be the primary contributor to the paper. Eligible submissions will be considered for the Erich Spengler Student Paper of the Year Award, which includes complimentary registration for the following year.
Paper Submission Guidelines
Authors are invited to submit original research papers describing innovative work, emerging practices, empirical studies, case studies, or advances that contribute to cybersecurity education, research, workforce development, or professional practice.
Submission Deadline: August 15, 2026
Papers must:
- Present original, unpublished work that is not under review by another conference or journal.
- Be anonymized for double-blind peer review by removing author names, affiliations, acknowledgments, and other identifying information.
- Be 3,000–4,000 words in length, including an abstract of no more than 250 words.
- Include figures and images in high resolution (minimum 300 DPI), where applicable.
Accepted papers will be published in the CISSE Open Journal with Crossref Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) and made immediately available through open access.
Author Requirements
- Use the IEEE conference template.
- Include DOI links for references where available.
- Provide ORCID iDs for all authors in the final submission.
- Disclose any use of generative AI or automated tools in preparing the manuscript.
- Include Institutional Review Board (IRB) or equivalent ethics approval information when required for human-subject research.
- At least one author must register for the conference and present the paper in person.
Review Criteria:
Submissions are evaluated through a double-blind peer review process based on their originality, technical quality, methodological rigor, significance, clarity of presentation, and relevance to cybersecurity education and The Colloquium theme. Accepted papers should demonstrate a meaningful contribution to the field and be of publishable quality.
Join a national community of cybersecurity educators and leaders, contribute to a 30-year legacy of impact, and share your work through a respected peer-reviewed, open-access venue. Please review the EasyChair CFP for guidelines, important dates, and participation formats before beginning your submission.
Call for Participation
As the longest-running conference dedicated to cybersecurity education in the United States, The Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education (CISSE) invites participation through papers, panels, posters, workshops, presentations, curriculum walk-throughs, and collaborative discussions focused on innovation, resilience, artificial intelligence, workforce development, and the evolving challenges facing cybersecurity education and practice.
Investigate. Imagine. Integrate. Impact.
Peer-Reviewed Papers
Submit original research, educational innovations, case studies, applied practices, and technical analyses related to cybersecurity education and information security.
- See Call for Papers
Panels
Panels provide attendees with an opportunity to hear diverse perspectives on a focused topic or emerging issue.
- Ideal size: 4–6 participants
- 1–2 paragraph proposal
- Include prospective panelists
Posters
Poster sessions are non-commercial presentations intended to stimulate conversation and engagement among attendees.
Ideal for works in progress, emerging concepts, classroom techniques, and exploratory research.
Workshops & Roundtables
Collaborative sessions focused on discussion, faculty engagement, curriculum development, or project-oriented outcomes.
Topics may include AI integration, workforce development, pedagogy, or institutional partnerships.
Sessions & Presentations
Submit individual sessions and presentations aligned with conference themes or broader cybersecurity education topics.
- 15–50 minute duration
- 1–2 paragraph abstract
- Audience relevance emphasized
Master Classes & Program Walk-throughs
Share instructional approaches, curriculum structures, syllabi, and program development strategies.
Includes Master Class Panels, Course Walk-throughs, and Program Walk-throughs.
Master Class Panels & Curriculum Walk-throughs
Master Classes consist of panels of experienced instructors who discuss innovative teaching approaches, assessment strategies, instructional methodologies, and lessons learned from cybersecurity education practice.
Course Walk-throughs provide concise overviews of course structure, outcomes, assignments, instructional methods, and intended student audiences.
Program Walk-throughs highlight curriculum structure, sequencing, program outcomes, student populations, and distinguishing academic characteristics.
Submission Notes
For Master Class Panels & Course Walk-throughs
- Course type (basic, elective, focus area)
- Course level (lower division, upper division, graduate)
- Course title
- Shareable syllabus (redactions permitted)
For Program Walk-throughs
- Program level (AA/AS, BA/BS, Minor, Certificate, Graduate)
- Program focus
- Course list or curriculum outline
Submission Guidelines
The following guidelines apply to all non-paper submission types. For research paper submissions, please refer to the Call for Papers.
Submission Deadline: September 15, 2026
Submit an abstract describing your proposed session. Abstracts should typically be 300–750 words and should clearly address:
- The purpose and objectives of the proposed session.
- The intended audience and expected level of experience.
- The significance or relevance to cybersecurity education, workforce development, research, or practice.
- The planned format (e.g., presentation, discussion, demonstration, interactive workshop).
- Expected learning outcomes or participant takeaways.
If including figures or images, please provide high-resolution files (minimum 300 DPI).
Submission Requirements
- Use of the IEEE Conference Template is encouraged for consistency but is not required.
- Disclose any use of generative AI or automated tools in preparing the submission.
- Include all presenters and co-authors at the time of submission. Presenter additions after acceptance are generally not permitted.
- At least one presenter must register for the conference and deliver the session in person.
- All submissions must represent original work or educational content appropriate for presentation at the 30th Colloquium.
- Accepted presenters may be asked to provide final presentation materials prior to the conference for program planning and accessibility.
Review Criteria:
Non-paper submissions are evaluated on relevance, educational value, originality, audience engagement, and alignment with The Colloquium theme—not on the standards of a peer-reviewed research manuscript.
Share Innovation
Present research, curriculum design, and emerging instructional approaches.
Build Partnerships
Engage with academia, government, nonprofits, and industry leaders.
Explore AI & Cyber
Discuss emerging challenges involving AI, automation, and digital resilience.
Support Education
Contribute to the future of cybersecurity education and workforce development.
CISSE invites educators, researchers, practitioners, and students to share their work with the cybersecurity education community. Please Review the EasyChair CFP for guidelines, important dates, and participation formats before beginning your submission.
Ivy Tech Community College
Welcome to Indianapolis
The 30th Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education (CISSE 2026) is proud to be hosted by Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, Indiana.
As the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, Ivy Tech plays a vital role in workforce development, technical education, and expanding access to cybersecurity and emerging technology education. Hosting CISSE at Ivy Tech reflects the Colloquium's longstanding commitment to community colleges, higher education collaboration, and cybersecurity workforce pathways.
Quick Facts
- Venue
Ivy Tech Conference Center & Culinary Institute
- Address
2820 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 (Map)
- Airport
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
- Conference Dates
October 26–28, 2026
Ivy Tech Conference Center & Culinary Institute
2820 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 (Map)
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
October 26–28, 2026
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College serves students across Indiana through a statewide network of campuses focused on accessible, career-oriented higher education. The institution is nationally recognized for workforce development partnerships, technical education programs, and pathways into high-demand industries including information technology and cybersecurity.
The Indianapolis campus provides a collaborative urban setting that aligns closely with CISSE's mission of advancing cybersecurity education, faculty development, curriculum innovation, and workforce readiness.
By hosting the 30th Colloquium at a community college, CISSE continues its tradition of supporting institutions that expand opportunity, innovation, and access to cybersecurity education.
Conference Facilities
CISSE 2026 will be hosted within the Ivy Tech Conference Center and Culinary Institute, offering modern conference spaces, collaborative meeting areas, and professional hospitality services in the heart of Indianapolis.
- Modern conference and presentation spaces
- On-campus culinary and hospitality services
- Convenient downtown access
- Nearby hotels and restaurants
- Accessible parking and transportation
- Central location within Indianapolis
Conference Hotel Accommodations
We have secured discounted room blocks with the following Indianapolis-area hotels. Accomodations are available on a first-come, first-served basis while room blocks remain available. Discounted rates will expire one month prior to the conference.
Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel
31 W. Ohio Street (map)
$149 per day
2.9 miles
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis at the Capitol
320 N. Senate Avenue (map)
$159 per day
2.9 miles
Residence Inn by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown on the Canal
350 W. New York Street (map)
$179 per day
2.9 miles
Sleep Inn & Suites and Conference Center Downtown
1244 W. 16th Street (map)
$139 / $149 per day
2.8 miles
Home2 Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
115 N. Pennsylvania St. Ste. 150 (map)
$130 per day
2.8 miles
Aloft by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
136 E. Market Street (map)
$160 per day
2.9 miles
Travel & Transportation
The conference venue is conveniently located near downtown Indianapolis with access to hotels, dining, rideshare services,and major transportation corridors.
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is consistently ranked among the top airports in North America and is located approximately 20–25 minutes from the conference venue.
Free and convenient parking will be available for conference attendees at the venue.
Need more options? View additional Indianapolis-area hotels if you'd prefer to arrange your own accommodations.
Newfields
A leading cultural campus featuring the Indianapolis Museum of Art, gardens, galleries, and seasonal exhibitions.
Learn MoreBottleworks District
A revitalized entertainment district featuring dining, local shops, nightlife, and modern gathering spaces.
Explore DistrictCanal Walk & White River State Park
Scenic walking trails, museums, green space, and downtown attractions located along Indianapolis' canal district.
View AttractionsMass Ave Arts District
Indianapolis' vibrant arts and entertainment corridor with theaters, restaurants, breweries, and local culture.
Discover Mass AveIndianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Explore the history of the Indianapolis 500 and one of the world's most iconic motorsports venues.
Visit MuseumChildren's Museum of Indianapolis
One of the largest children's museums in the world featuring science, innovation, history, and interactive exhibits.
Museum InformationSponsorship Opportunities
The Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education (CISSE) offers a distinctive platform to showcase your organization with precision—reaching not only cybersecurity practitioners, but the educators shaping the next generation of the cyber workforce.
For nearly 30 years, CISSE has convened a dedicated community of academic leaders, researchers, and program directors focused on advancing cybersecurity education. Sponsors gain direct access to these decision-makers—placing your tools, platforms, and services in the hands of those defining curricula, influencing programs, and preparing tomorrow’s professionals.
- To celebrate this milestone, the $30K for the 30th campaign invites sponsors at every level to participate
Investigate. Imagine. Integrate. Impact.
Why Sponsor CISSE
Our sponsorship program is designed to deliver meaningful engagement with a highly specialized audience of cybersecurity faculty, researchers, academic leaders, and public-sector stakeholders.
With an in-person presence at Ivy Tech Community College—one of the nation's largest NSA/DHS-designated Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity—sponsors gain high-impact, face-to-face engagement through live demonstrations, networking opportunities, and direct conversations with institutional decision-makers.
Your support reinforces a shared mission: cultivating a resilient, skilled, and forward-thinking cybersecurity workforce.
- Prominent brand visibility throughout the event and in published proceedings
- Opportunities to present, sponsor, or moderate panels and roundtables
- Direct engagement with attendees via exhibit space and networking functions
- Recognition across pre-conference promotions, the CISSE Journal, and digital platforms
- Flexible sponsorship packages aligned to your organization’s outreach goals
Custom opportunities are available to align with your organization’s strategic objectives.
Sponsorship Opportunities
| Benefits | Exhibitor $750 |
Contributor $1,500 |
Bronze $2,500 |
Regularly $3,500 $3,000 |
Gold $5,000 |
Platinum $7,500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logo and name on conference website | — | |||||
| Recognition to CISSE members | — | — | ||||
| Logo and name in conference program | — | — | — | |||
| Sponsor spotlight | — | — | — | Enhanced | Premier | |
| Access to attendee list | — | — | — | |||
| Materials included in welcome packet | — | — | — | — | ||
| Nominate a speaker | — | — | — | — | ||
| Exhibition table | Priority | Premier | ||||
| Full conference registrations | Limited | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Opening or keynote recognition | — | — | — | — | — |
- $30K for the 30th – Secure a discounted Silver Sponsorship (regularly $3,500) through September 15, 2026
7.5k |
Platinum
|
5k |
Gold
|
|
Regularly
3.5k
3k |
Silver
|
2.5k |
Bronze
|
1.5k |
Contributor
|
$750 |
Exhibitor
|
Secure Your Sponsorship
Help us achieve our $30K for the 30th milestone campaign while positioning your organization at the forefront of cybersecurity education. To secure your sponsorship, complete the sponsorship form. Payment is processed upon submission, and a member of our team will follow up to coordinate your benefits and maximize the impact of your partnership.
- 19 Apr 2026
- 8 Jul 2026
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