Many student affairs professionals who work in public higher education institutions have questions about legal guidelines regarding their own speech and expression both at work and as private citizens. The presenter will provide an overview of such legal freedoms and constraints and faciliatate a discussion around implications of those guidelines. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Identify the legal guidelines for speech and expression for those who are employed at public colleges and universities 

2. Recall the case law that elucidates such guidelines 

3. Describe how to appropriately express beliefs and values as employees at public colleges and universities

Christy Moran Craft, Professor and Graduate Coordinator

This session is a presentation on the Division of Student Affairs (DoSA) Undergraduate Fellowship Program at Stony Brook University. This program is a unique credit-bearing paid internship experience for students interested in graduate study and careers in student affairs/higher education who identify as members of underrepresented and marginalized groups. Participants interested in establishing similar internship experiences at their institutions will learn about the program planning and implementation process and create action plans. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Distinguish the components of an effective experiential learning program in student affairs 

2. Describe how to plan an experiential learning experience in student affairs as a DEIB initiative 

3. Establish a community of support with other student affairs professionals interested in experiential education

Cheryl Chambers, Associate Dean of Student Affairs

This workshop explores the return on investment (ROI) of targeted support strategies for first-generation college students. Attendees will gain insights into how investing in tailored academic, financial, and social support systems can enhance student success and institutional outcomes. Participants will learn practical approaches for implementing effective support programs, measuring their impact, and aligning these initiatives with institutional goals to optimize resources for first-generation students. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Express what ROI is and why it matters 

2. Recognize and apply relevant metrics to assess the effectiveness and impact of their initiatives 

3. Practice ROI calculations and analyses for individual programs

Martina A. Martin, Ed.D., Assistant Vice President, Network Success

Ashlee Kocina Young, Associate Director, Expert Guidance

Wendy Beesley, Expert Guidance Coach

The presenters will explore the career paths of professionals who have worked at HBCUs, PWIs, and other institutional types. Addressing common misconceptions, panelists will share their experiences and strategies for leveraging their HBCU background to advance their careers across various higher education environments. Attendees will gain insights into the unique campus cultures of HBCUs and the rigorous work conducted by their professionals, while also learning how to foster a culture of bold change and adaptability within the student affairs profession. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Analyze the career trajectories of those who have transitioned between HBCUs, PWIs, and other institutional types, identifying key strategies used to overcome challenges and leverage their HBCU experience for advancement 

2. Compare and contrast the campus cultures and work environments of HBCUs and PWIs, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities each setting offers for career development in student affairs 

3. Apply career capital concepts to their own experiences, creating strategies to leverage their roles for future career goals across different institutions

Jerisha Farrer,

Kevin Reese, Director of Multicultural Affairs

Prince Robertson, Ed.D., Dean of Students for Community Standards and Advocacy

Saranette Williams, Director of Career Services

Yasmine Farley, Director of the Career Center

As the landscape of higher ed evolves, so too must our approach to recruiting, onboarding, and developing staff. This session delves into recruiting nontraditional candidates and navigating their successful integration into student affairs roles. Drawing inspiration from the Synergistic Supervision Model and understanding the current state of higher ed candidate pools, we invite professionals to explore outside their echo chambers and embrace new perspectives for building and supporting team members with different paths to the profession. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Identify successful strategies for and value of recruiting non-traditional candidates 

2. Develop an effective onboarding process 

3. Possess the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and strategies to empower non-traditional candidates in student affairs roles

Alexa Erb, Associate Director, Student Engagement

Matthew Galewski, Senior Associate Director, Training & Development

Nick Poling, Senior Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life

Conflict is an sure part of life. The best relationships undergo conflict. What happens when we, or students, have harmed those in close proximity to us? Our peers have a major impact on our daily lives. Conflict can impact almost every aspect of a team. However, we can use Restorative Justice to work through conflict in a peaceful/productive manner. Participants will engage in small group and paired discussions exploring their view of conflict and repairing harm. This session would be most useful those who supervise student/professional staff. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Identify at least one salient emotion they experience when engaged in conflict 

2. Examine how they respond to direct or indirect conflict 

3. Articulate how to find the needs and interests of those in conflict

Jasmith Joseph, Assistant Dean of Students

Hazing prevention efforts have various goals, and Fraternity and Sorority Life professionals must assess their programs and policies to ensure they are appropriate for their students and institutions. In this session, Piazza Center researchers will share What Works Study survey findings from 2000 students about how different hazing prevention efforts impact collegiate members. They will also offer recommendations and guidance for developing and implementing hazing prevention policies and programs. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Articulate student awareness of chapter and campus hazing prevention programs and policies. 

2. Identify how different types of hazing prevention programs and policies impact students’ attitudes and behaviors toward hazing. 

3. Explore ideas for improving existing programs and policies or developing new prevention strategies for their campus or organization.

Kimberly Davis, Data Analyst

Dan Welter, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life

Are you consistently assessing and evaluating your programs, or just guessing what programs work for your students? Need confirmation that your programs are evidence-based/evidence-informed? If you're not sure where to start, or need a refresher, come learn about program assessment and evaluation, writing meaningful learning outcomes, and implementing creative methods for collecting assessment and evaluation data. The presenter will also share tips for creating and strengthening a culture of assessment and evaluation on your campus. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Describe the difference between program assessment and evaluation

2. Practice writing 1-2 measurable learning outcomes

3. Articulate one or more ways to implement assessment and evaluation methods

Eva Esakoff, Assistant Director of Statewide Coalition Evaluation and Data Projects

For campus wellbeing leaders, building a data-driven culture is essential for enhancing campus wellbeing. However, it can be a difficult, frustrating, and lengthy process. This presentation will discuss strategies used and lessons learned while building a data driven culture to inform campus well-being and student success strategies. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Recite steps to building data literacy skills of campus wellbeing staff and faculty

2. Describe at least two foundational strategies to leverage data to inform student wellbeing and student success priorities

3. Articulate steps to building a data-driven culture in their organization

Todd Misener, Assistant Vice President, Student Affairs and Chief Wellness Officer