Program Sessions
Our program sessions provide a variety of professional development opportunities for individuals interested in student affairs. They focus on key topics such as career paths in higher education, managing transitions to graduate school, supporting diverse student populations, and work-life balance. These sessions aim to equip attendees with practical skills and knowledge essential for success in the field of student affairs. For more detailed information on each session, click on the title.
Program Session I
It's Giving *Care*: Care-Centered Advising
(Arianna Nutile, Illinois State University)
Do you advise students in your role? Totally. Is empathy in your top 5 strengths, but you're feeling highly burnt out? Relatable. Are you receiving messages from students at 10 pm and not sure if you should respond? Been there. This session aims to center care while advising students while focusing on self-care. Using data, personal storytelling, and journaling, attendees will have the opportunity to dive deep into understanding how to add a care-first lens to their advising style.
Entering Your New Era: Navigating Your Transition to Grad School
(Tori Layman, Eastern Illinois University)
“I’m in my graduate school era,” and now what…. The newness of grad school and the accompanying transition can be difficult. As we discover the strategies to succeed, identify the support you need, and understand what grad school might be like, you will learn how to use your strengths to conquer the journey. “Honey, life is just a classroom,” and while transitions are difficult, through the lens of Schlossberg Transition Theory, you will learn to be “Fearless.”
Getting Involved in Your Undergraduate To Help With Your Future Careers
(Dustin Brakebill, Shelby Reams, and I'yauna Brown, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville)
Our goal is to highlight how undergraduate involvement can significantly enhance future career prospects across various fields. We will guide you through the process of navigating a career in student affairs, emphasizing how attention to the small details can make a substantial difference. Additionally, we aim to clarify common misconceptions about pursuing a career in student affairs and securing a graduate assistantship.
Targeted Violence Prevention for Student Affairs Professionals
(Eric Arnold, Western Illinois University and Jennie Hemingway, Knox College)
Targeted Violence Prevention on college and university campuses is of the utmost importance. Please join us in a discussion of the critical role student affairs professionals play in preventing targeted violence. We will explore best practices in a multidisciplinary approach in identification, intervention and case management of targeted violence.
More Than R.E.S.I.L.I.E.N.T.: Acknowledging the Complexities of Generational Perserverance in Black People and Highlighting the Importance of Self-Care
(Kianna Graves, Northern Illinois University)
This session will acknowledge generational trauma stemming from historical systemic oppression while stressing the significance of routine mental health practices. The discussion will be furthered by explaining the internal and external challenges of being resilient for survival instead of self-empowerment. Additionally, this session will analyze a timeline of systemic oppression and the effects those events currently impose on Black people, such as impostor syndrome. To conclude the conversation, attendees will learn the power of routine self-care and affirmations in a collaborative activity encouraging them to remember that we are all more than resilient.
Transferable Skills: How to Identify and Use Them
(Alex Warrick, Eastern Illinois University)
This session aims to help students identify strengths in areas they may not have realized were valuable. The presenter will provide engaging and relevant information related to the field of student affairs today, emphasizing the application of skills from previous jobs and experiences. Attendees will learn how these skills can benefit college students pursuing a career in student affairs, equipping them for success in their future endeavors. Discover your strengths and gain insights that will enhance your professional journey in student affairs.
Student Affairs Careers in Community Colleges
(Marci Rockey, Illinois State University)
Despite the field's espoused commitment to social justice and equity, exploring student affairs practice in community college contexts is typically not central to graduate preparation programs. In this session, participants will learn about the important role that community colleges serve in advancing educational equity and the opportunities that exist for student affairs practitioners to support community college students. The presenter will also provide opportunities to compare and contrast the experiences of student affairs professionals across two-year and four-year institutional contexts.
From "Oops!" to "A-Ha!": Simplifying Student Sanctions
(Joey Rios and Ashley Bowles, Western Illinois University)
Transform negative behavior into a chance for learning and growth. In this session, we will equip student leaders, graduate students, and professionals with the skills to develop sanctions that engage students personally and inspire meaningful change. Participants will focus on designing sanctions that encourage genuine growth rather than punishing without purpose. The session will include group engagement to reflect on experiences with sanctioning, a presentation addressing violations, sanctions, and effective questioning, and an activity to develop educational sanctions. Join us to explore how constructive, impactful sanctioning can support and motivate students in their personal and academic journeys.
Program Session II
Creating Meaningful Moments
(Scott Johansen, Northern Illinois University)
As a student affairs practitioner, you create many experiences that are memorable and meaningful to the members of your organization. Whether big or small, the impact is not always realized in the moment. During this presentation, we'll discuss four types of Meaningful Moments as described in 'The Power of Moments' and how you might cultivate these moments with your organization and through your interactions with others.
From Campus Leaders to Student Affairs
(Gulmira Abdyrahmanova, Eastern Illinois University)
The session will help undergraduate leaders explore how their campus leadership experiences can transform into a professional career in student affairs. The interactive session will allow students to reflect on their skills and how their jobs as resident assistants, event coordinators, peer mentors, orientation leaders, etc. are directly transferable to various roles in student affairs. The session will also emphasize the benefits of pursuing a master’s degree in student affairs while gaining practical experience through graduate assistantship and internship opportunities.
IYKYK- But We Didn't
(Kaylann Beekman, Henissa Charles, and Najm Perry, Western Illinois University)
The field of Student Affairs is rich with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and it's crucial to navigate this diversity effectively to ensure that all students feel safe, welcome, and appreciated. Often, we may assume that everyone has the same level of understanding or awareness, which can lead to unintentional oversights. This presentation will explore strategies for fostering inclusivity and understanding in our work, emphasizing the importance of bridging gaps in knowledge and ensuring that every student feels valued.
Supporting Students on Academic Probation
(Jessica Chatonda, Northern Illinois University)
This session will highlight the strategies for effectively supporting student’s navigating academic probation. It will also include barriers that students often face navigating academic probation. Additionally this session will include information on understanding SAP appeals, withdrawal deadlines, and the importance of working in tandem with academic advisors. Participants will also have group discussion based on student scenarios.
Let’s Talk About Bread & How to Make Toast: Effective Student Programming With Little to No Budget
(Tammie Leigh Brown-Edwards, Western Illinois University and Rebecca Leatherwood, Illinois College)
In this session, presenters will share their experiences creating student programming on a shoestring budget. From no funding to grants, Rebecca and Tammie Leigh have developed workshops and interactive programs that enrich students' developmental milestones. Their initiatives include therapy-animal office hours, morning yoga, vision boards, and urban gardening. They will discuss strategies for engaging students in co-curricular learning events, showcasing successful initiatives from their own practices. Additionally, they will offer creative ideas for attracting students to their programs.
FYE-pardy: The How's and Why's for First-Year Experience Classes and Programming
(Kenro Black, Western Illinois University)
As more students opt out of college, we find ourselves asking how to keep them involved and entertained. For many, first-year experience (FYE) events and classes are what get them excited and engaged. As professionals and pre-professionals, we need to ensure our students receive the information and entertainment they crave in college. Through this informative and interactive session, you will learn about the importance of these events and experiences and the significance of involvement on campus.
Second Language Anxiety (SLA) and Its Effect on International College Students in the United States
(Audrey Foriwaa Mensah, Western Illinois University)
This session seeks to explore the effects and impact of Second Language Anxiety (SLA) on the well-being of international students in the United States, targeting graduate students and student affairs professionals. I will combine theories, research findings, personal experience, and interactive discussions to educate my audience on how SLA minimizes Astin’s theory and affects the overall mental health of international students. Attendees will leave with practical strategies on how to support students experiencing SLA and implement support systems that can help them thrive holistically in higher education. Join us to enhance your understanding and support for international students.
Program Session III
From Diversity to Inclusion: The Importance of POC and International Professionals in Student Affairs
(Dyjerlynn Peter and Luis Paniagua, Eastern Illinois University)
The presence of people of color and international professionals is crucial for fostering a diverse, inclusive, and culturally competent environment. This session will highlight the challenges and importance of diverse professionals in student affairs. Participants will explore the unique contributions of POC and international professionals, engage in small group activities to develop inclusion strategies, and participate in a panel discussion with POC and international students. The session will conclude with a Q&A wrap-up, emphasizing the significance of diversity and inclusion in personal, academic, and professional development within student affairs.
Making the Most of Your Opportunities/Where Do I Go From Here?
(Dalton Byers and Kat Johns, Illinois State University)
This program discusses the decision students face when choosing an institution. Should they branch out to a new place or stay at their undergraduate institution where they have built connections? Both routes can be productive if individuals take steps to broaden their experiences. We will explore the pros and cons of each choice and highlight ways to find professional development resources. We'll spend time together considering what you are looking for in a career and what steps you'll need to take to get there. We aim to guide students in their search for graduate assistantships, internships, and long-term career options.
Communication Matters: Basics on Models of Communication and how they Connect to Interacting with Students
(Lucy Ade, Western Illinois University)
In this session, members will gain a foundational understanding of communication theory and explore various models of communication. Participants will learn to frame their interactions with students through these models, enhancing their effectiveness in fostering meaningful connections. Join us for a crash course on communication tailored for student engagement.
Finding Harmony: Effective Strategies for Managing Work, Life, and Graduate Studies
(Danae Miesbauer, Jenny Guzman-Vieyra, Crystal Camacho, and Ajahnae Clay, Northern Illinois University)
Graduate School can be filled with many learning opportunities, exciting career experiences, and making new connections, but it can also be a time where you might feel stressed and overwhelmed. During the transition from undergraduate studies to graduate school, it is essential to manage emotions and find strategies to help you succeed. In this session, the presenters will share personal testimonials on how they are surviving graduate school. The interactive session will provide specific strategies on balancing graduate assistantships, academics, and personal lives through self-care, time management, and telling the truth about what work/life balance really looks like in graduate school.
ATS 101: Mastering the Art of Getting Noticed in Higher Education
(Mandee Rust, Saint Louis University)
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) play a key role in filtering resumes before they reach recruiters. This session will teach future and current student affairs professionals how to create ATS-friendly resumes that stand out. Learn essential tips on formatting, keyword usage, and tailoring your resume for specific student affairs roles. Whether you're starting out or looking to advance, this session will equip you with strategies to navigate the ATS and improve your chances of landing your next opportunity.
Understand How Compliance with Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX May Be Part of Your Role as a Student Affairs Professional
(Jennie Hemingway, Knox College)
As student affairs professionals, we serve on BIT teams, bias teams, care & success teams, implement programming, educate mentor, and supervise students and staff. These activities may also serve as elements of our institution's compliance with federal and state regulations. This session will examine how compliance with Title VI, VII, and IX may be a part of our professional responsibilities.
Be a Rainbow in Someone's Cloud: How to Create Safe and Accountable Spaces in Your Office and Your Practice #BeABetterAlly #CreateWelcomingSpaces
(Tammie Leigh Brown-Edwards and Kory Honey, Western Illinois University)
Dr. Maya Angelou wrote, “...be a rainbow in somebody’s cloud.” Oftentimes college is the first time when queer and questioning students have the autonomy to explore their identities. It is the job of student affairs professionals to help create an environment where students can feel supported and comfortable to explore these identities. This session will explore what it means to be an ally and how to create a safe, welcoming, and accountable space in the participants' workspace.
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