KU at NASPA

Below is a list of receptions and sessions where you can connect with Jayhawks during the 2026 NASPA Annual Conference. We hope you can join us!

Sunday, March 8th

Region IV-West Reception

Join colleagues at the annual Region IV-West reception.

Kansas City Convention Center 3501 F, Conference Center – Level 3
5 – 6 p.m.

KC Kickoff

Following the Regional Receptions on Sunday afternoon, attend the KC Kickoff for conference opening remarks. Remarks will begin at 6:15pm.

Kansas City Convention Center, Hall D – Level 3
6 – 6:45 p.m.

Opening Reception

After opening remarks, travel next door to Hall E for an energetic reception with live entertainment, networking, and exhibit exploration.

Kansas City Convention Center, Hall E – Level 3
6:45 – 8 p.m.

Monday, March 9th

NASPActs: Activating Individual and Collective Agency

In this session, attendees will reflect on how they support their communities without burning out or compromising their values. Through facilitated dialogue and breakout conversations, participants will explore sustainable ways to align personal values with professional roles and leave with practical next steps for meaningful action.

Facilitator: Jordan Brandt, Director, KU Student Engagement Center and NASPA KC Experience Conference Committee Member

Kansas City Convention Center 1501 C, Conference Center – Level 1
2:40 – 3:30 p.m.

LGBTQ+ Student Experience: Intimacy, Identity, and Institutional Challenges

Scholarly paper presentations about LGBTQ+ students’ experiences in higher education.

Presenter: Olivia Copeland, Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Kansas City Convention Center 2202, Bartle Hall – Level 2
3:50 – 4:40 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10th

From Practice to Purpose: Lessons from HESA Graduate Internships

In this session, presenters will introduce a theory-based HESA internship course grounded in Social Cognitive Career Theory. Graduate student co-presenters will share how self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and contextual factors shaped their HESA internship experiences and career development. Presenters will offer strategies for applying SCCT to enhance reflection, supervision, and equitable student learning in professional preparation programs.

Presenters: Dallas Doane, Associate Professor of Practice, Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies; Anna Alldredge, Graduate Writing Consultant, Wingspan Center for Writing & Learning Support; Lydia Summers, Program Coordinator for Community Collaborations, Sorority & Fraternity Life; Daniel Lopez-Hernandez, Graduate Assistant, Jayhawk Finances; Lily Thompson, Residential Engagement Graduate Assistant, Housing & Residence Life; and Pateue Moore, Graduate Assistant, Student Engagement Center

Kansas City Convention Center 2503 A, Conference Center – Level 2
8:30 – 9:20 a.m.

Promoting Resilience, Healing, Safety on Campus: Building A Trauma-Informed Higher Education Environment

Trauma in higher education is not limited to personal experiences, it can be systemic, vicarious, or socio-cultural, and its impact is amplified by the stressors of academic life. The presenters draw from the forthcoming HEMHA Promoting Resilience, Healing, and Safety on Campus guide to provide a roadmap for creating trauma-informed, responsive, and healing-centered campuses. Explore evidence-based strategies to support students, faculty, and staff, embed flexibility into academic and administrative policies, examine ways to foster trust & resilience.

Presenter: Chris Corbett, Director, KU Counseling & Psychological Services

Kansas City Convention Center 3501 D, Conference Center – Level 3
8:30 – 9:20 a.m.

Friends of the University of Kansas Reception

When I say Rock Chalk, you say Jayhawk! Join students, staff, and alumni of the University of Kansas for refreshments, giveaways, and a surprise guest.

Kansas City Marriott Downtown, Bennie Moten A – Level 3
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.