Educational Session Previews

How do we continue engaging students with virtual programming? Will these programs live on post-pandemic? This session mentions 30+ virtual programming ideas, as well as serves as a space to swap virtual programming successes so we can continue to bring fresh ideas to each campus.

Presenter(s): Jolene Chevalier, How To Concerts LLC

Audience(s): Undergraduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Programming, Event Management & Marketing

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 1

Affinity chats provide a welcoming and brave space for individuals and advocates to share their experiences, challenges, and successes within campus activities. All conference participants are welcome to attend.

Presenter(s): Aleshia Hunt, East Carolina University

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 10

We can engage positively in a virtual format. When they feel included, members are having fun, learning about each other, and developing in ways that create community. Experiential activities get your group connected. Guaranteed you will experience new virtual activities to bring back to your groups for new member orientations, retreats, weekly meetings, professional development trainings, and more.

Presenter(s): Dave Zamansky, SPEAK Educators/Fun Enterprises

Audience(s): Undergraduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Leadership Development

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 2

The future of our democracy depends on more than one candidate or another – it depends on our ability to cooperate for the common good. By applying the lens of resilience studies to our current political climate, we will explore crucial interpersonal skills to overcome polarization and encourage bipartisan dialogue.

Presenter(s): Caitlin Pomerantz, Sparrow Strategies

Audience(s): Undergraduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Leadership Development

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 3

The Enneagram personality inventory is a useful tool to get the conversation started when working with a new team of students. Its practicality and simple concepts serve as a great centerpiece for discussing leadership styles, group dynamics, and personal development. This session, geared towards students in top leadership positions, will offer a quick overview of the nine Enneagram types and ideas of how to incorporate them into student leader training.

Presenter(s): Rigo Gutierrez, DePaul University

Audience(s): Undergraduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Leadership Development

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 4

This interactive and introspective session will walk attendees through an exercise designed to help them rethink how they talk about their professional experiences. By the end, you'll have an arsenal of storytelling strategies to help your networking conversations, cover letters, and interview answers spark interest.

Presenter(s): Amma Marfo, FUN Enterprises, Inc.

Audience(s): Undergraduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Leadership Development

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 5

Presenters will share insight on transforming a campus tradition to a virtual opportunity for students to connect with others and explore ways to get involved at DePaul. This presentation will focus on how DePaul University – Office of Student Involvement implemented and marketed a virtual involvement fair via their Campus Groups platform.

Presenter(s): Teneshia Arnold, DePaul University

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Program & Event Management

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 6

Are you new to supervising others? Or, need some new ideas for this new virtual world? This session will include an opportunity to learn some skills and talk with others about the things that make good supervisors. We'll discuss communication, conflict, collegial relationships, boundaries, and thoughts about transparency.

Presenter(s): Shelly Morris Mumma, St. Norbert College

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Human Resource Management

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 7

Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Are you always there for others around you but you don’t have enough energy to pour into yourself? Come join our presenters as we discuss some effective practices on how to best take care of yourself.

Presenter(s): Steve Ayden, University of Washington-Tacoma

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Human Resource Management

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 8

Some say we’re nerdy, but we don’t take offense to it. Come meet with a few of the members from NACA’s Research & Scholarship Group (RSG) – which is the standing advisory group charged with setting the assessment, research, evaluation, and scholarship agenda and assisting in making evidence-based and -informed decisions – and learn how you can get involved! #NACAScholar #NerdHerd

Presenter(s): Kristin Koch, North Carolina State University

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: NACA Member Information

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 9

Often, the words supervision and advising are used interchangeably but they don't actually mean the same thing. In this session, attendees will learn the difference between the two and craft a toolkit on how to effectively implement both simultaneously for their student leaders, graduate assistants, and peers.

Presenter(s): Ashley Carter, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Organization Development & Advising

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 4

Antisemitism is a rising issue globally and college campuses are not immune. Join American Jewish Committee (AJC) leadership for an in-depth analysis of antisemitism in the university setting, examining the many manifestations of Jew-hatred in the United States and around the world, and a recent AJC report on American views on antisemitism. We will also discuss ways to combat antisemitism hatred on campus. Learn more about AJC’s work on college campuses at ajc.org/campus.

Presenter(s): Zev Hurwitz, American Jewish Committee (AJC)

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 5

Virtual Concerts and how to conduct them ...and SUCCEED! A deep dive conversation on how to have a "knock out" virtual concert, all while exploring the best digital platforms, and contractual practices that also implement accessibility needs to cater to ALL populations!

Presenter(s): Cateatra D. Mallard, Syracuse University

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Program & Event Management

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 6

How does welcome week programming contribute to student's retention and graduation at the University? Join us for an extended learning session that will demonstrate how to implement a coordinated effort that intentionally connects students with the resources and support needed to develop a sense of belonging during the first four weeks of college.

Presenter(s): Jennifer Griffin, The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Audience(s): Mid-Level Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Program & Event Management

Learning Level: Advanced

Room: 7

Join members of the National Volunteer Development Team to learn about the variety of macro and micro volunteer opportunities available with NACA. Volunteers are the heart of our Association, with over 500 volunteers helping drive the mission and vision. Join us for a discussion about volunteer roles within NACA, how to apply, and ways you can benefit through your volunteer experience. We will also offer breakout rooms to answer any questions you may have about volunteering on a Regional Leadership Team.

Presenter(s): Debi Kee, College of Staten Island/CUNY

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: NACA Member Information

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 9

Did you feel lost, overwhelmed, or unprepared starting in your leadership position? It doesn’t have to be that way for future leaders! Join this session to learn how you can start developing a process for transitioning & onboarding in your organization and share your ideas and experiences with the group!

Presenter(s): Kristin Koch, NC State University

Audience(s): Undergraduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Organization Development/Group Dynamics

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 1

Affinity chats provide a welcoming and brave space for individuals and advocates to share their experiences, challenges, and successes within campus activities. All conference participants are welcome to attend.

Presenter(s): Jorge Gonzalez, Framingham State University

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 10

A fun and different experiential experience that can bring communities together virtually. LeaderScape is part virtual leadership team challenge, part virtual escape room-esque experience. Participants will be grouped in teams to unlock different padlock levels of virtual team building experiences. The goal is to unlock padlocks levels in the designated time while getting to know one another, having fun, and understanding what it means to be part of a community (virtually or otherwise).

Presenter(s): Dave Zamansky, SPEAK Educators/Fun Enterprises

Audience(s): Undergraduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Leadership Development

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 2

Let’s take Networking 101 to the next level! How are some people able to talk to anyone? How do some people make others feel safe, build trust, or make us feel like we want to be their best friend in just minutes? We’ll show you! Human connection is the key to better relationships in life, business, and college -- especially in a virtual world. Get ready to dive into Social Excellence and level up your “networking” skills. This is not a sit-and-listen kind of virtual session, so come ready to flex your social muscles.

Presenter(s): Karli Sherman, The Social Excellence Project

Audience(s): Undergraduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Leadership Development

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 3

Let's talk about Live vs Hybrid vs Virtual event formats, offers, platforms, marketing, audience engagement and event plans. What's working on your campus? What didn't work? What are the new industry safety protocols? When will this end? Join our discussion on creating and engaging students during COVID.

Presenter(s): Melissa Boyle Aronson, Babco Entertainment LLC

Audience(s): Undergraduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Programming, Event Management & Marketing

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 4

This presentation will discuss the deeper understanding of hashtag usage, what’s really hiding behind the hashtag, and how hashtags impact students, student organization, and those who read them.

Presenter(s): Aleshia Hunt, East Carolina University

Audience(s): Undergraduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 5

Once your program board decides to bring an event to campus EVERYONE on the Program Board should become a marketing agent for that event regardless of their title!! Students can be hard to reach in 2020 and we will look at a variety of ways schools have success communicating with students and marketing events This is a roundtable opportunity for Marketing minded students, advisors and others to have a dialogue about what is and isn't working on their campus to Market Events. Come with your best ideas to share, and a notepad to write down all the ideas from other campuses you want to steal to implement on your campus. We will cover digital marketing, social media (including paid), traditional marketing, email, mobile, video and tons more during our roundtable style discussion.

Presenter(s): Shawn Radley, OnCampusText

Audience(s): Undergraduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Programming, Event Management & Marketing

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 6

How many graduate students were at your last event? If you don’t know the answer, then you’re missing out on a forgotten population of students who are craving programming. This session will teach you how to tweak your current programs and/or create brand new programs that will attract graduate students and improve their overall experience.

Presenter(s): Emily Waters, East Carolina University

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 7

This pandemic has caused us to shift the way we think about how we engage, and while there has been a large emphasis on how we shift programming to a virtual space, our student organizations have had to undergo that same shift. Our student leaders have had to figure out how to engage, recruit new members, and in some cases adjust the entire way they operate. In this session, we will discuss different ways to support student organizations during these unprecedented times and share resources on what our respective campuses are doing, with the goal of being better advocates and leaders for and within our organizations.

Presenter(s): Craig Scott, Towson University

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Organization Development & Advising

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 8

In the face of constant upheaval, is your "self-care" routine starting to feel like another endless list of things to worry about? *Showing up* without burning out is a balancing act we can master. Learn how to get off the self-care treadmill and into the flow of living resilience.

Presenter(s): Caitlin Pomerantz, Sparrow Strategies

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Organization Development & Advising

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 9

Are you a first-year graduate student? As one knows, graduate school is a brief-but-busy journey into the field in student affairs. Come join this panel as the as the panelists - current second-year graduate students - offer tips and advice on how to navigate your second year of graduate school!

Presenter(s): Jack Crone, University of Central Florida

Audience(s): Graduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Graduate Student Experience

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 4

Have you ever felt that you and your supervisor couldn’t get on the same page? Perhaps at times that you were your own supervisor? Come to our session to learn how to facilitate conversations with your supervisor to better your team. This session will help participants identify strategies to effectively manage up to create opportunities for success and collaboration between you, your supervisor and your team.

Presenter(s): Damoneke Harper, Georgia State University

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Human Resource Management

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 5

As student activities operations moved to a highly virtual environment as a result of the pandemic, student engagement outreach and activities had to shift as well. As colleges and universities continue to adapt to this new normal, this session will explore benefits and best practices of utilizing streaming for student engagement. Additionally, information will be provided to attendees about how to start leveraging streaming to increase student engagement efforts and outreach.

Presenter(s): Courtney James, DePaul University

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Program & Event Management

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 6

This deep dive panel discussion will discuss and focus on the shared experiences of being minoritized Student Activities professionals. the panel will discuss accomplishments, nuances, celebrations, support, leadership, along with the disparities of being a minority that serves the majority

Presenter(s): Cateatra D. Mallard, Syracuse University

Audience(s): Mid-Level Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 7

Do you remember talking about the importance of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!”? This session will take this well known phrase and apply it to virtual programming! Come make connections with peers and leave with ideas for expanding your virtual offerings and improving collaboration on your campus.

Presenter(s): Emily Rocha, Siena College

Audience(s): Undergraduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Programming, Event Management & Marketing

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 1

Affinity chats provide a welcoming and brave space for individuals and advocates to share their experiences, challenges, and successes within campus activities. All conference participants are welcome to attend, and attendees will be sent to breakout rooms by generation (Gen Z, Millennial, and a combines Gen X and Baby Boomer room).

Presenter(s): Yabi Demissie, Georgia State University

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 10

The topic of integrity/ethics and leadership is an issue that is debated daily. Everyone is watching, every day. This virtual workshop incorporates communities identifying their core values, verbalizing them, and putting them to the test. We’ll uncover how to make good ethical decisions and what happens when something does not go as planned.

Presenter(s): Dave Zamansky, SPEAK Educators/Fun Enterprises

Audience(s): Undergraduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Leadership Development

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 2

Afraid to speak up? Do situations leave you saying, “I should’ve said something!” Let’s discuss “assertiveness” as a positive approach to these situations and learn proven techniques to better engage others. Here’s the unique part: we’ll explore being assertive in a way that puts concern for others first!

Presenter(s): Michael S. Miller, FUN Enterprises/SPEAK Educators

Audience(s): Undergraduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Leadership Development

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 3

Is your model of stress management actually stress inducing? We’ll explore the research revolutionizing how we understand the stress response. In the face of crisis, we’ll learn how to move away from the stress management spiral and focus on building resilience in ourselves, our relationships and our communities.

Presenter(s): Caitlin Pomerantz, Sparrow Strategies

Audience(s): Undergraduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Leadership Development

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 4

What did she just say?! Did he REALLY just post that?! How many times have you seen or heard someone say or post something that inappropriate? Let’s be real – people say discriminatory statements all the time. This presentation will discuss implicit bias by sharing a few stories about student experiences of discrimination. This presentation will also show how pictures, whether on social media or on marketing materials, can have a negative impact we may not think about.

Presenter(s): Dr. Dorothea Mack, East Carolina University

Audience(s): Undergraduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 5

Uncertainty is often paired with other "un" words: uneasy, uncomfortable, or unsettling. This session helps attendees reframe uncertain circumstances, offers resources to manage feelings of overwhelm, and creates a more comforting path forward for individuals and organizations alike.

Presenter(s): Amma Marfo, FUN Enterprises, Inc.

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Human Resource Management

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 6

Where do you see yourself in the next few years? If you’ve ever considered running your own business, leading your campus organization, or being a part of the executive suite at a company, come learn from NACA veterans who have made these leaps throughout their careers! Discuss best practices, lessons learned and ask all of your questions so you can set yourself up to succeed!

Presenter(s): Sue Boxrud, Bass-Schuler Entertainment

Audience(s): Mid-Level Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 7

In this session, the presenters will introduce the benefits of making connections and bringing meaning to a personal space. They will break down what meaningful relationships look like in the workplace, tips on how to initiate & preserve those relationships, and discuss their current experience.

Presenter(s): Damoneke Harper, Georgia State University

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Human Resource Management

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 8

This roundtable provides an opportunity for staff who advise student government associations on campus to connect for discussion and idea sharing.

Presenter(s): Zackary Shinkle, Wichita State University

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Organization Development & Advising

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 9

Nervous about what happens next after graduate school? This is a relaxed deep dive session catered to graduate students and first-year professionals who are navigating career opportunities want to learn more about navigating the field during and amidst a pandemic.

Presenter(s): Cateatra D. Mallard, Syracuse University

Audience(s): Graduate Students

Primary Program Topic: Graduate Student Experience

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 4

Do you want to enhance first-year students' sense of belonging and build their capacity for future leadership success? This session will explore how to build an experiential learning program for first-year students to develop their skills and connect them to involvement opportunities that are intentionally designed to promote retention as well as support the work of your executive boards.

Presenter(s): Jessica Brown, The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Organization Development & Advising

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 5

Graduate school prepares us for some stuff, but they don’t prepare us for everything! Join us as we take a deep dive into areas most of us have struggled with or overcame. Examples include experiences with managing up, being developed “intentionally”, self-care and helping create more of an effective team.

Presenter(s): Jamar Whitfield, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Audience(s): New Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Learning Level: Introductory

Room: 6

Do you know what your supervisor expects from you? Do you sometimes feel like they have no idea what you do, because if they did they would stop asking you to take on new projects? It can feel like an employee must be a mind reader to navigate the needs of a supervisor while juggling day-to-day obligations. This session will provide tips on creating a successful relationship with your supervisor, whether you are a new professional or have been supervised for many years. Time will be available to address specific concerns and participants will leave with some tangible action items they can take back to their daily work.

Presenter(s): Becky Riopel, Cascadia College

Audience(s): Mid-Level Professional Staff

Primary Program Topic: Human Resource Management

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 7

Elevate your live stream show or your school live stream with Peter Boie! In this tell all session Peter will share how he live streams his popular magic shows from his home studio. From basic tech to advanced techniques to automate your production. He will cover, cameras, lighting, software and how to perform for a camera. Don’t miss out on your chance to elevate your live stream!

Presenter(s): Peter Boie, Bwah Productions

Audience(s): Associates

Primary Program Topic: Business Management & Practices

Learning Level: Functional

Room: 8