Develop increased awareness and knowledge of regional trends and international perspectives on student affairs and services.

Network with and learn from new contacts and colleagues from multiple regions of the world.

Consider opportunities to expand, enhance, and further advance global discussion and worldwide understanding of student affairs and services

Reflect on the 30 year history and evolution of the international symposium and its advancement of global issues in student affairs and services

This comprehensive track focuses on a variety of essential “hot topic” aspects of university operations, including Crisis Management and Professional Preparation; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB);  Sustainable Campus Initiatives; and Ethical Practices.

Suggested Program Topics May Include:

Crisis Preparation: Training and resources aimed at preparing staff and faculty to handle crises effectively. This includes crisis management strategies, emergency response training, and the development of resilience skills to ensure that personnel are equipped to manage unexpected situations professionally.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Initiatives: Developing and implementing inclusive policies that promote diversity, ensure equity, and foster a sense of belonging within the campus community.

Sustainable Campus Initiatives: Programs that reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability through campus operations and student involvement.

Ethical Practices in Academia: Exploring ethical dilemmas and promoting integrity and transparency within academic and administrative processes.

This track focuses on enhancing the professional knowledge and capabilities of staff and faculty through collaboration, mentoring, and networking; supporting professional development for global practitioners; and ensuring that personnel are well-equipped to meet current and future challenges and are knowledgeable about best practices in higher education.

Suggested Program Topics May Include:

Collaboration and Networking: Initiatives that facilitate connections among staff and faculty within institutions and with peers globally, including networking events, professional association involvement, and collaborative projects that foster knowledge exchange and professional relationships.

Mentoring and Coaching: Programs designed to offer guidance and professional growth through mentoring relationships that match less experienced faculty and staff with seasoned professionals to provide support, share knowledge, and accelerate development.

Faculty and Staff Development: Initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills and connections of faculty and staff to support a diverse student body effectively.

Technology: Explore challenges and benefits of technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), impacting student affairs practice. 

This track focuses on enhancing the support structures for students, both domestic and international, facilitating their active participation in campus life and promoting global understanding through mobility programs and culturally inclusive practices.

Suggested Program Topics May Include:

Adaptation and Collaboration: Strategies to help students and staff adapt to and collaborate within culturally diverse settings.

Transition and Support: Addressing the specialized needs of international, exchange, and short-term study abroad students as they adjust to new educational and cultural environments. This includes orientation programs, ongoing support services, and initiatives designed to integrate these students fully into campus life.

Cultural Integration and Respect: Efforts aimed at creating a campus culture that values and respects diverse global perspectives. This includes programs that enhance cross-cultural understanding and facilitate meaningful interactions among students from different backgrounds.

Engagement Initiatives: Focuses on promoting student involvement in various aspects of campus life, from governance to career development opportunities and community service, encouraging a vibrant campus community.

Activism: Encouraging students to be proactive in advocating for causes they are passionate about, and providing them with the tools and platforms to effect change responsibly and appropriately both within and beyond the university setting.

15-minute presentations. Presenters will provide an exciting and inspiring look at an important “hot topic” to spark thinking about how we can transform our profession and consider global perspectives in our field.

General Interest Sessions are traditional program sessions that last for 50 minutes. They are designed to be interactive conversations between presenters and participants and allow attendees to grow skills and competencies. 

You can also present a General Interest session in a panel discussion format. 

Poster sessions are impactful information sessions on research and institutional programs. Posters will be available to view throughout the symposium. During dedicated poster session time blocks in the symposium schedule, presenters will be available at their posters to discuss their research and programs. Attendees can use this one-on-one time with presenters to learn more, ask questions, and talk through implications for their own campuses.

Scholarly Paper sessions give presenters the opportunity to share innovative research findings and conceptual arguments. Sessions often focus on results of quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods studies, or report the findings of studies that use historical or philosophical methods. Scholarly Papers can also present conceptual or theoretical arguments that push the field of student affairs forward. Sessions offer an opportunity for both new and established scholars (e.g., graduate students, graduate preparation program faculty members, and full-time practitioners) to explore emerging and relevant areas of research. Each 50-minute session will feature two authors who will present their papers.