Call for Programs

At a time of rapid change in higher education, student affairs professionals are called to reimagine how we build connection, lead with intention, and sustain ourselves and one another in the work.

This will be the focus of our time together at our annual regional conference, to be held at the University of Colorado Boulder, October 25th - 28th, 2026. Please save the date! We look forward to Reimagining Student Affairs Together and invite you to engage with us in critical reflection and collective learning grounded in belonging, leadership, and well-being.

Registration will open May 26, 2026, including reservations for the hotel conference block. See below to learn more about our conference focus areas, along with our official Call for Programs open now! See you in October!

Joe Thomas, Ph.D., and , Reyna M. Anaya, Ph.D., Conference Co-Chairs
Conference Leadership Committee

Call for Programs

Submissions close June 21, 2026

Submit a Program

Developing a Successful Conference Proposal

Call for Reviewers

Applications close June 1, 2026

Review Programs

Areas of Focus

Strengthening Connection & Belonging

Strategies that build meaningful professional relationships and foster inclusive, welcoming environments that support engagement and retention across institutions and within the profession.

Reimagining Leadership & Advancing Professional Growth, and Student Success

Approaches to leadership that center belonging, leverage data-informed decision-making, and build capacity for both emerging and experienced student affairs professionals across varied institutional contexts and student populations.

Sustaining the Profession Through Joy, Purpose & Care

Practices that address burnout, promote well-being, and strengthen personal and collective sustainability while reconnecting to meaning, joy, and purpose in the work.

Program Types

General Interest Session
(60 minutes)

Conference sessions designed to support the exchange of ideas through presentations, interactive dialogue, or facilitated discussions. These 60-minute sessions provide space to share best practices, research, skills, and competencies that advance student affairs practice and professional growth.

A General Interest submission is ideal for individuals who are:
Sharing research, programs, or practices that inform or enhance student affairs work
Facilitating interactive discussions or workshops with peers across institutions
Presenting evidence-based strategies, tools, or frameworks for professional practice
Engaging participants in skill-building, reflection, or applied learning experiences

Submissions meeting the previously stated requirements will be evaluated based on:

Clarity of Purpose: Are the session goals and outcomes clearly defined?
Relevance to Practice: Does the content contribute meaningfully to student affairs practice, research, or professional development?
Engagement Design: Does the session actively involve participants through discussion, activity, or reflection?
Originality & Contribution: Does the proposal offer new insights, approaches, or applications?
Feasibility & Structure: Is the session appropriately designed for a 60-minute format?

Student Affairs (SA) Speaks Session
(8-10 minutes)

Inspirational, TED Talk–style presentations where student affairs professionals share bold ideas, lived experiences, and timely insights about what matters most to our field and to higher education. These talks are designed to spark reflection, challenge assumptions, and inspire action across roles and institutions.

An SA Speaks submission is ideal for individuals who are:

Ready to share a powerful story, insight, or message that speaks to pressing issues in higher education or student affairs.
Interested in inspiring colleagues through reflection, narrative, or perspective-shifting ideas.
Drawing from professional or lived experience to illuminate what matters in our work and why it matters now.
Committed to sparking dialogue, reflection, or change across the profession.

Submissions meeting the previously stated requirements will be evaluated based on:

Clarity of Message: Is the central idea clear, focused, and compelling?
Emotional & Intellectual Impact: Does the talk engage, inspire, or challenge the audience in meaningful ways?
Relevance: Does it address timely issues or enduring questions in student affairs and higher education?
Authenticity & Voice: Does the presentation reflect a strong, authentic perspective or lived experience?
Engagement Potential: Will the talk provoke reflection, conversation, or action?

Poster Presentation
(60 minutes)

Visual and interactive method of communicating research findings, typically featuring a large, printed poster. It combines text, graphics, and data to provide a concise summary of a project, encouraging networking and direct dialogue between the presenter and attendees.

A Poster Presentation submission is ideal for anyone who is:

New to presenting in conference settings and would like a supportive, time-limited, 1-1 opportunity to share their work.
Presenting data-heavy research content that is more accessible to digest in a visual format.
Testing a concept or seeking input before taking it to the next stage of implementation or research.
Looking for visibility to showcase a fresh perspective or early-stage initiative to peers and leaders in the field.

Submissions meeting the previously stated requirements will be evaluated based on:

Clarity of Idea: Is the concept or innovation clearly articulated in a concise way?
Originality & Relevance: Does it offer a fresh perspective or practical application relevant to education?
Potential Impact: Could the idea, if developed further, make a meaningful contribution?
Engagement Potential: Does the proposal include a key question, provocation, or challenge to stimulate 1:1 discussion?
Feasibility of Presentation: Can the idea be effectively communicated in a one-dimensional medium?

Launch Pad
(7 minutes)

Fast-paced, seven-minute presentations (with 3–5 slides) where presenters pitch an idea, share an innovation, or test a new concept. Each session will feature

A LaunchPad submission is ideal for anyone who is:

Individuals who would like a supportive, time-limited opportunity to share their work.
Interested in feedback on an emerging idea, innovation, or project they are developing.
Testing a concept or seeking input before taking it to the next stage of implementation or research.
Looking for visibility to showcase a fresh perspective or early-stage initiative to peers and leaders in the field.

Submissions meeting the previously stated requirements will be evaluated based on:

Clarity of Idea: Is the concept or innovation clearly articulated in a concise way?
Originality & Relevance: Does it offer a fresh perspective or practical application relevant to education?
Potential Impact: Could the idea, if developed further, make a meaningful contribution?
Engagement Potential: Does the proposal include a key question, provocation, or challenge to stimulate discussion during the Q&A?
Feasibility of Presentation: Can the idea be effectively communicated within a 7-minute, 3–5 slide format?