2025 NASPA Annual Conference
2025 NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education
March 15-19, 2025 | New Orleans, LA
The NASPA Annual Conference is the premier student affairs professional development event, with featured speakers who engage participants in thoughtful reflection on the field, hundreds of educational sessions presented by student affairs educators, and networking events that both engage and inspire us to do our work on campus, this event is one not to be missed!
This experience also includes professional development specifically tailored to first-generation student success through pre-conference workshops, education sessions, networking opportunities, and more. Click the button below to access our annual NASPA Annual Conference FirstGen Guide!
Benefits of Participation
Through Network Membership connections, institutions have:
- Developed first-gen focused peer and faculty mentoring opportunities, with incorporation into summer bridge and/or seminar opportunities;
- Provided students access to unique social and cultural experiences - including one institution that developed a new martial arts course for first-year, first-gen students as a freshman seminar;
- Expanded graduate and professional school support for first-gen students both for those attending their institution and for UG students seeking opportunities;
- Built cross-campus networks to support first-gen students, particularly in response to mental health needs and the growing cost of higher education;
- Collaborated across institutions for conference presentations;
- Centered the first-gen identity through visibility campaigns and toolkits for students, faculty, and staff to know they may be first, but are not alone;
- Hosted hundreds of first-gen celebration events nationwide, with celebration numbers continuing to grow each year; and
- Led regional community drive-in events, virtual conferences, and professional development.
Network Members gain exclusive access too:
- An online community through Basecamp learning hubs to connect with other institutions across the country; and
- A series of knowledge-building and professional development e-modules will be open to any Network institution for engagement as desired and at no cost.
Plan Your Experience
FirstGen Forward joins NASPA and the 2025 Conference Leadership Committee in looking forward to welcoming our community to the 2025 NASPA Annual Conference!
The 2025 NASPA Annual Conference will be held in New Orleans, LA, from March 15-19.
The conference will be held in the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130).
The 2025 NASPA Annual Conference will feature two headquarter hotels: The Hilton New Orleans Riverside and The Marriott New Orleans. These properties are conveniently located near the conference venue in the heart of downtown New Orleans.
For more information on the conference, program, accommodations, registration, or anything else related to the NASPA Annual Conference, click the button below.
Registration
Member registration is based on individual membership status at the time of the event. If your current membership expires prior to the event, you will have the option to renew at the time of registration to receive the member rate.
The 2025 NASPA Annual Conference registration is open through March 19, 2025.
Note that a pre-conference workshop can be added to an existing registration before the conference.
For questions about registration and housing, contact Customer Service or call 864-699-0936.
Pre-Conference Workshops
These learning sessions will take place on Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16 (just prior to the NASPA Annual Conference). Join colleagues and experts for an opportunity to discuss important and timely topics in depth. Most pre-conference workshops have an additional regisration fee on top of the main Annual Conference registration.
Sunday, March 10 | 9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. (local time)
Moving First-gen Forward from the Ground Up
As a First Scholars Cohort III institution, the University of Louisville has moved the needle toward first-generation student success in a time of competing priorities and no new funding. The presenters will guide participants through a working session utilizing successes and lessons learned within the four pillars that frame our work: data, visibility, collaboration, and programming. Participants will evaluate their own campus’s current efforts, brainstorm areas of opportunity, and leave with an action plan for the next steps.
Presenters:
Nancy Camarillo
FirstGen Forward
Christy Metzger
University of Louisville
Ashlee Young
FirstGen Forward
Kathryn Adamchik
University of Louisville
First-generation Student Success and related Excellence Award
The First-generation Student Success and related Excellence Award seeks to highlight innovative initiatives that relate to the programs, policies, procedures, best practices, or services supporting first-gen students. Successful submissions showcase broad-based institutional support, highlight innovative collaborations, and demonstrate impact on closing the achievement gap for first-gen students.
JOIN US IN CONGRATULATING THIS YEAR'S RECIPIENTS!
GRAND Gold
Cardinal First (North Central College)
Julie Carballo, Assistant Dean of Students for First-generation and Military-Affiliated InitiativesMarissa Gaigalas, Associate Director for First-generation and Military-Affiliated Initiatives
Silver
The Adams Leadership Institute (Drake University)
Kristin Economos, Senior Director, The Adams Leadership InstituteBronze
The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) (Washington State University)
Michael Heim, Director for Migrant Education Student Access and SupportLucila Loera-Herrera, Principal Investigator, CAMP; Executive Director, Office for Access and Opportunity
Elise Zeigler, Grant Manager, CAMP and Office for Access and Opportunity
Daniela Carvajal Macias, Recruitment and Outreach Specialist, CAMP
Jenny Pineda, Advising and Retention Specialist, CAMP
Karen Magaña-Juárez, Data Analyst, CAMP
Kikzely Avalos, Assistant Data Analyst, CAMP
Venue
All conference activities will take place at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.
Address: 900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 582-3023
The 2025 NASPA Annual Conference will feature two headquarter hotels: The Hilton New Orleans Riverside and The Marriott New Orleans. These properties are conveniently located near the conference venue in the heart of downtown New Orleans.