2027 McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character

March 18-21st, 2027

The McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character (MCLC) is an annual leadership conference hosted by the United States Military Academy at West Point. Each spring, undergraduate student leaders from colleges and universities around the world come together to explore character-based leadership through panel discussions, mentorship, collaborative problem-solving, and networking with distinguished leaders and West Point cadets.

Arrival Information

Check-in will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2027, at The Thayer Hotel at West Point. A West Point representative will be on-site and in uniform to welcome you, assist with check-in, and provide your room assignment and conference materials.

For additional information please contact the McDonald Conference team.

Travel and Arrival

Flying

• Please book flights with arrival and departure times that allow for the 60–90-minute commute to and from West Point, NY.

• The conference provides ground transportation to and from LaGuardia (LGA), Newark (EWR), and John F. Kennedy International (JFK) airports with designated pick-up/drop-off times.

• In addition, a shuttle will be provided to and from the Garrison train station on the Metro-North Hudson Line, which is accessible from Grand Central Terminal in New York City.

• Sunday departure flights should be scheduled no earlier than 3 p.m. (EST).

Traveling from Outside the Continental United States

• All non-domestic travel is coordinated through our office. Please do not book travel before speaking with MCLC staff.

• Upon registration, we will reach out to international Student Fellows individually. 

• We can welcome international arrivals on the evening prior to conference programming.

Driving

• Enter West Point via Thayer Gate. Be prepared to show state- or government-issued identification.

• Upon entering, make an immediate right up to The Thayer Hotel or at Buffalo Soldier Field, next to the hotel. Do not proceed to the second security checkpoint.

• Parking is free, with valet parking also available. Transportation is provided to and from all conference events, so you will not need your vehicle until departure.

Lodging and Meals

Lodging

• Accommodations are included at no cost to conference attendees and are located near the installation.

• Double-occupancy rooms are booked as part of the McDonald Conference reservation block. We cannot guarantee room assignment requests, but please let MCLC staff know if you'd like us to submit a request on your behalf.

• Room numbers and keys are provided during conference check-in.

Meals

• All meals are included at no cost to conference attendees.

• A welcome lunch at The Thayer Hotel will be available to Student Fellows arriving before noon on Thursday.

• Cadets will escort and host Student Fellows in the Mess Hall for Thursday's dinner. All other meals are catered at venues around West Point.

• Every effort is made to accommodate dietary restrictions and exclude or minimize allergenic ingredients. Please inform conference staff of specific dietary needs.

Preparing for the Conference

What should I pack?

We recommend that you pack, at a minimum:

• Comfortable shoes
• Business casual attire for three days
• Casual wear for free time and socials
• Athletic attire for two morning fitness and team-building activities
• Toiletries and other personal items
• Light jacket or additional layers for cool or rainy weather
• Uniformed Student Fellows: Equivalent military service uniform for designated conference events, plus casual civilian attire for social activities and personal time

What is the weather like?

The weather in New York in March is usually around 48°F (9°C) during the day, with lows at night around 29°F (-2°C) and the possibility of cold rain and snow.

Regardless of the forecast, you should bring a jacket in case it is cold and at least one warm-weather outfit in case it is unseasonably warm.

Key Event Timeline

Thursday: Arrival & Welcome

• Arrival and Check-In (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
• Student Fellow Networking Lunch (optional, open to participants arriving before noon)
• Team Building Activity
• Welcome Dinner

Friday: Leadership Development

• Team Building Fitness Activity
• Leadership Development Panel
• Core of the Corps, West Point Band
• Panel Discussions & Breakout Sessions
• Campus Tour and Group Photos
• Keynote Dinner
• Student Fellow Social

Saturday: Collaboration & Discussion

• Team Building Fitness Activity
• Panel Discussions & Breakout Sessions
• Keynote Dinner
• Farewell Social

Sunday: Closing Program

• Integration Breakfast
• Farewell Recognition & Remarks
• Checkout and Departure (flight departures no earlier than 3 p.m. EST)

During Your Stay

What will the conference experience be like?

• Days are filled with conference programming, networking, and team activities, with breakfast provided each morning and sessions generally beginning around 8:00 a.m. Programming includes keynote speakers, panel discussions, and mentor-guided breakout sessions.
• Optional morning fitness and team-building activities are offered on Friday and Saturday. Activities are designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities and fitness levels, and participants are welcome to observe or opt out.
• Conference activities typically conclude around 8:00 p.m., followed by social and networking events.

Will I interact with West Point cadets?

• Yes. West Point cadets participate as Student Fellows and team members throughout the conference. You will collaborate with cadets and students and are encouraged to build connections with participants from a variety of academic, professional, and cultural perspectives.

Where will conference activities take place?

• Most conference activities will take place in the Cadet Area of West Point, primarily in Jefferson Hall (the U.S. Military Academy Library) and other venues designated for official gatherings and hosted events.

How will we get around during the conference?

• Shuttle transportation will be provided between lodging and conference venues throughout the conference.
• Conference venues and many campus landmarks are within a short walking distance of one another and cadets will be available to escort participants locations as needed.

Services and Amenities

Religious Services

• West Point and the surrounding area offer religious services for most denominations. 

• Transportation can be provided for anyone interested in attending an available service.

Academy Store & Gift Shops

• The Academy Store in the main academic building sells West Point merchandise, snacks, and drinks.

• Other gift shops are within walking distance of The Thayer Hotel and are open to the public.

West Point Visitor Information

• For additional directions and information about visiting West Point, please visit West Point Visitors page.

West Point Band Immersive Experience

The West Point Band’s “Core of the Corps” is an immersive experience that explores leadership through the lens of music. This interactive event places attendees directly within the band, allowing them to witness the dynamics of the organization firsthand as they learn about purpose, direction, and motivation. By exploring the fluid and varied roles of both the conductor and the musicians, “Core of the Corps” offers a powerful metaphor for leader development, effective teamwork, and human connection, all while focusing on inspiration as its core. This unique event invites participants to actively engage, making it a memorable, hands-on way to experience leadership in action.

View Core of the Corps images from past events