2027 Annual Conference Focus Area Virtual Information Sessions
Join us for these three sessions outlining the focus areas of the 2027 NASPA Annual Conference! You can expect to take away answers to the questions surrounding the redesign of student affairs models, organizational transformation, and operationalizing data intelligence.
Attend these sessions to get an inside scoop on what to expect at #NASPA27 at National Harbor, MD and how to tailor your program proposals!
Leveraging the “Business” of Student Affairs
APRIL 10 | 1:00 PM ET
This session explores the focus area Leveraging the 'Business' of Student Affairs, including the redesign of student affairs models for sustainable, student-centered goals, applying change management principles to organizational transformation, and leveraging data intelligence and operational insights for strategic decisions.
The Human–Digital Continuum: Leading with Intention in a Tech-Driven World
APRIL 24 | 1:00 PM ET
Centered around the focus area, The Human–Digital Continuum, attendees will discuss digital tools that can enhance human connection; using data-informed systems; developing competency ethical, tech-fluent leadership; and cultivating practices that align people, purpose, and technology.
Adapting with Purpose and Agency in the New Era of Student Affairs
MAY 8 | 1:00 PM ET
Our final session, Adapting with Purpose and Agency in the New Era of Student Affairs, will host conversations covering governance and compliance; designing strategic partnerships; meeting the needs of emergent student populations; and aligning student affairs strategies with institutional goals.
The #NASPA27 Call for Programs and Reviewers is not open at this time. Check back soon!
Session Types
The 2027 NASPA Annual Conference features multiple session formats to share your research, best practices, knowledge, and expertise. Choose one of the formats below before starting your proposal:
General Interest Sessions
General Interest Sessions, come ready to engage. These 50-minute sessions center on interactive conversation between presenters and participants, helping you build skills and competencies you can apply right away.
Scholarly Paper Sessions
Hear directly from researchers. Each 50-minute session features two authors presenting innovative findings and conceptual arguments, followed by discussant commentary and open Q&A.
Poster Sessions
Go deep on what matters to you. During dedicated time blocks, connect one-on-one with presenters to explore their research, ask questions, and discuss what their work means for your campus. Posters stay up throughout the conference so you can revisit them on your schedule.
Conference Focus Areas
The 2027 conference explores student affairs transformation through three interconnected focus areas: Leveraging the "Business" of Student Affairs builds the operational foundation our profession needs; The Human-Digital Continuum examines how technology and human connection work together; and Adapting with Purpose and Agency addresses leading with clarity amid external pressures. Together, they form a comprehensive approach to advancing the field.
FOCUS AREA
Leveraging the “Business” of Student Affairs
Why Now: Higher education faces enrollment shifts, budget constraints, and evolving student needs. Student Affairs must move from reactive adaptation to strategic redesign through operational excellence, intentional infrastructure, and evidence-based decision-making.
The Core Challenge: We're reimagining the foundation of our work, moving beyond inherited models toward deliberate, future-ready design that demonstrates operational excellence and mission-centered values as partners in impact.
Assess and redesign Student Affairs models for sustainable, student-centered goals.
Key Questions:
Apply change management principles to lead organizational transformation.
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Leverage data intelligence and operational insights for strategic decisions
Key Questions:
FOCUS AREA
The Human–Digital Continuum: Leading with Intention in a Tech-Driven World
Why Now: As AI, automation, and analytics reshape higher education, Student Affairs must define leadership that balances empathy with equity. Technology must amplify humanity, not accelerate inequity.
The Core Challenge: We operate at the intersection of technology, data, and human connection. We must design systems that sustain belonging while asking: who might be left behind if we fail to lead with intention?
Implement digital tools that enhance human connection while centering equity
Key Questions:
Design data-informed systems and partnerships that promote transparency and inclusion
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Develop competencies for ethical, tech-fluent, human-centered leadership
Key Questions:
Cultivate practices aligning people, purpose, and technology in hybrid environments
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FOCUS AREA
Adapting with Purpose and Agency in the New Era of Student Affairs
Why Now: Amid rapidly changing policies, student needs, and institutional pressures, Student Affairs must act decisively to uphold mission-driven values while positioning our work as essential to institutional success.
The Core Challenge: We navigate complex governance, political scrutiny, and shifting needs while adapting with purpose, aligning programs with goals, staying grounded in mission, and leading with clarity and integrity.
Navigate governance and compliance while preserving mission integrity
Key Questions:
Design strategic partnerships better positioning student affairs as institutional leaders
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Develop responsive strategies meeting evolving needs of emergent student populations
Key Questions:
Learning Outcome Four: Align SA strategies with institutional goals while maintaining SA expertise
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