NASPA International Symposium
02
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23
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19
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05
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The NASPA International Symposium facilitates the advancement of global discussion and worldwide understanding of student affairs and services. A key International Symposium goal is to invite and explore new perspectives, and to create new connections to bridge international boundaries. In doing so, the International Symposium expands NASPA’s objective of providing professional learning opportunities to support preparedness for the realities of an increasingly globalized society. The International Symposium benefits those working in an international student service setting, as well as practitioners interested in further developing their global competency skills.
Early Registration Closes February 4, 2026
Message from the Chair
On behalf of the planning committee, I am very happy to invite you to the NASPA International Symposium in the United States! My colleagues and I are excited to welcome you to our annual two-day pre-conference just ahead of NASPA Annual Conference.
I hope you will consider submitting a proposal to share your expertise with colleagues from around the world. Each year, scholars and practitioners present their work at the International Symposium to share the ideas, knowledge, and best practices shaping student affairs globally. As a leader in this field, you have a unique perspective from which others would greatly benefit, and we hope you will consider proposing a session or panel.
NASPA has also launched the registration site for the Annual Conference at https://naspa.org/events/2026-naspa-annual-conference, and we hope you will consider joining us a few days early. The NASPA International Symposium is a chance to network and exchange ideas with people shaping the student experience around the world.
Please let me know if you have questions or suggestions! The planning committee and I are very excited to coordinate such a valuable professional development opportunity for our colleagues, and we look forward to seeing you at the NASPA International Symposium. Until then, I hope you are well and that we are able to connect very soon.
Maria del Pilar Murguia
International Symposium Chair
Associate Dean
John Cabot University
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Abdulnassir Shamlan Al-Tamimi
Executive Director, Student Services
QF Higher Education
Dr. Abdulnassir Shamlan Al-Tamimi serves as the Executive Director of Student Services at Qatar Foundation Higher Education, where he leads strategic initiatives that enhance multiversity student engagement, retention, and success across Education City’s partner universities.
Before joining Qatar Foundation, Dr. Al-Tamimi was the founding Dean of the College of Education and Arts at Lusail University in Qatar (2020–2023). From 2018 to 2020, he served as Vice President and Head of School for DeBakey High School for Health Professions–Qatar.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Al-Tamimi was selected by Houston Community College to join the founding leadership team that established the Community College of Qatar (CCQ). During his tenure there (2010–2018), he served as Associate Dean of Student Services and later as Associate Dean of Workforce Education and Community Development, playing a key role in shaping CCQ’s student services and workforce development strategies.
Dr. Al-Tamimi began his career in higher education at Lone Star College System in Houston, Texas, as an Academic Advisor and International Student Services Coordinator. He went on to hold several leadership roles, including Dean of Educational Programs and Organizational Development, Dean of Instructional and Organizational Development, and Dean of New Program Development, Corporate Training, and Continuing Education.
In addition to his administrative leadership, Dr. Al-Tamimi has contributed to academic research focused on student engagement, retention, and success—areas that continue to guide his professional practice and vision for student development.
He has served on numerous local and international boards and committees, including as Chair of the Houston Forum for Advisors to International Students and Secretary of the National Alliance for Community and Technical Colleges (NACTC). He has also been an active member of the Texas Association of Continuing Education (TACE), the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), the International Association for Student Affairs and Services, MENASA-NASPA, and the Rotary Club of Cypress-Fairbanks in Texas.
Dr. Al-Tamimi holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration from Texas Southern University, a Master of Arts in Cross-Cultural Studies from the University of Houston–Clear Lake, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.
Symposium Tracks
Collaborative Global Practices in a Time of Scarcity
Case studies and frameworks showcasing cross-institutional partnerships that promote shared resources, aligned goals, and inclusive student development, with attention to declining budgets, shifting political climates, and global challenges.
IIntercultural Competency and Future-Ready Professional Development
This merged track centers on developing intercultural competence and global citizenship alongside future-ready professional development. It highlights models and methods for embedding empathy, cultural literacy, and global fluency in both students and professionals, while also showcasing effective practical training and mentoring strategies that cultivate adaptive leadership in diverse international contexts.
Navigating Crisis and Change in Higher Education
Global institutional responses to disruption, whether political, environmental, or public health-related. This track invites strategies for resilience, agility, and compassionate leadership in times of uncertainty.
Purposeful Innovation in Student Affairs
Concrete applications of digital tools, learning analytics, and AI to enhance advising, engagement, and how it is used for more effective platforms to promote a culture of care focused on early identification and intervention, across diverse international contexts. Focus on scalable, ethical, and equity-driven tech solutions.
Symposium Registration and Hotel Accommodations
To register for the NASPA International Symposium, visit 2026 NASPA Annual Conference and you will be redirected to the official 2026 NASPA Annual Conference page where you will find registration and hotel accommodations information.
Schedule
The schedule has been designed to provide participants with interactive and engaging programming, opportunities for deeper discussion, and networking. Additional registration is required to attend the symposium. The schedule is subject to change. Visit our NASPA Events app for up-to-date information.
Friday, March 6
| 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Optional ~ Campus Visit |
| 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
Optional ~ International Symposium Social and Dinner |
Saturday, March 7
| 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
NASPA International Symposium Check-in |
| 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
Welcome Session |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Concurrent Sessions I |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
Concurrent Sessions II |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Networking |
| 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Concurrent Sessions III |
| 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Keynote Speaker |
| 4:30 PM | Day One Closing |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner and Dialogue |
Sunday, March 8
| 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
NASPA International Symposium Check-in |
| 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
Welcome Session Day Two |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Keynote Panel |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
Concurrent Sessions IV |
| 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM |
Lunch |
| 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM |
The Global Exchange |
| 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM |
Concurrent Sessions V |
| 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM |
Global Initiative Programs |
| 4:30 PM |
Closing Session |
| 5:00 PM | Flag Processional |
| 6:30 PM | Annual Conference Opening Remarks and Reception |
Register
We are excited to welcome you to Kansas City at the 2026 NASPA International Symposium. Register now at the early bird rate until February 4, 2026!
The symposium is a preconference at the NASPA Annual Conference. *Additional registration is required to attend the institute.
Symposium Planning Committee
The 2026 NASPA Symposium Planning Committee (SPC) is responsible for supporting the creation and execution of the conference experience by leveraging their expertise and lens. NASPA is grateful to the thoughtful and intentional volunteers listed below.
Chiara Abbondanti, John Cabot University
Omneya Badr, Trinity Washington University
Pantelis Chantzaras, Perottis College/American Farm School
Darren Clarke, Rutgers University
Wadad El Housseini, Qatar University
Dressie Fan, Tulane University
Ashley Jost, Saint Louis University Madrid
Miriam Khalil, Northwestern University in Qatar
Clarissa Lau, University of Toronto
Art Malloy, University of North Dakota
Russell Martin, Franklin University Switzerland
Kerrie Montgomery Orozco, University of Florida
Pilar Murguia, John Cabot University
Tracy Nakajima, East Texas A&M University
Ahmed Osman, University of the Arts London
Janelle Rahyns, NASPA
Paul Rossi, University of the Arts London
Jayme Scally, West Virginia University
Helen Tewolde, University of Toronto
Vickie Unferth, Marshalltown Community College
Christopher Michael Van Velzer, Duke Kunshan University
Yanmei Zhang, Georgia Institute of Technology
Questions?
Please contact NASPA if you have any further questions about the NASPA International Symposium.
For questions about symposium program elements:
International Symposium Planning Committee
Email: jrahyns@naspa.org
For questions about conference registration:
NASPA Registration
Email: registration@naspa.org
