Presented By
Conference Chair Welcome
Dear Region I Colleagues,
On behalf of the Regional Advisory Board and Conference Committee, I am excited to announce that our 2025 NASPA Regional Conference will be held in Hyannis, Massachusetts from November 16-18, 2025 at the Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod.
We are looking forward to this annual event and continuing to provide all of you the opportunity to experience a conference rooted in history and tradition. The Conference Committee will work on advancing their work of offering a connection-focused, inclusive, and impactful experience for attendees.
The annual award nominations have begun and will be available until Friday September 19, 2025, so make sure you nominate your colleagues and celebrate the great work happening in the Region. Keep an eye out for the Call for Programs, Program Reviewers, and Registration processes, as they will go live on Friday, June 27th, 2025. Make sure to add this date to your calendars. You will continue to receive communication from myself and the conference committee throughout the year leading to our time together in Hyannis.
As we finalize logistics and solidify plans for the conference, we will be updating this conference website. Make sure to check the website often for the latest updates.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.
I look forward to seeing you all at Margaritaville!
Warm regards,
Caitlin Codding
2025 Conference Chair
Director of Housing Operations, Boston College
Keynote Speaker
Miguel A. Cardona most recently served as the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education under President Joe Biden. With over 27 years in education, he has championed equity and access, from teaching fourth grade to leading America’s education system. Dr. Cardona’s key initiatives include academic recovery post-pandemic, mental health support, global competitiveness, and college affordability and access.
Under his leadership, U.S. schools reopened successfully, $185 billion in student debt was forgiven, and student loan systems were reformed. His tenure saw record growth in student reading achievement for underperforming students, expanded apprenticeships for aspiring teachers, increased school mental health resources, and a national roadmap for reimagined college and career pathways.
Prior to becoming U.S. Secretary of Education, Cardona served as the Commissioner of Education in Connecticut, District Leader in CT, University Instructor, National Award-winning School Principal, and classroom teacher. Secretary Cardona's approach to leadership, at the local, state, federal, and international level, has been grounded in intentional collaboration and lifted by a bold vision for improvement from Pre-Kindergarten, through college, to adult learning. His work has sought collaboration from local leaders, Governors, Philanthropists, Entertainers and artists, Industry executives, and International Leaders.
A first-generation college graduate, Cardona’s journey from English learner to national leader exemplifies the power of public education. He holds multiple degrees from the University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University. Secretary Cardona and his wife Marissa, also an educator, are proud parents of two college-aged students.
Featured Speaker
Dr. Jhenai Chandler serves as the Vice President of Research and Policy for Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA), where she leads efforts to advance student success and equity through research-driven policies. Previously, Dr. Chandler was Senior Director of College Completion Policy at The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), where she oversaw the organization’s advocacy and policy strategy aimed at improving college completion rates. Her work focused on enhancing institutional capacity to support student success, collaborating with state and federal policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to promote policies that advance equity in higher education.
Before joining TICAS, Dr. Chandler was a leader of Postsecondary Transitions at Education Strategy Group, where she worked with state and regional policymakers to improve advising practices, early postsecondary opportunities, and mathematics pathways. She also led business development in college and career advising, ensuring that advising systems addressed the holistic needs of all students. As the inaugural Director of the
Florida-Caribbean Louis Stokes Regional Center of Excellence, Dr. Chandler conducted research to assess the impact of growth mindset interventions on STEM student success.
Dr. Chandler began her career in advising at Tallahassee Community College, later holding leadership roles within both the Florida College System and the State University System. As a first-generation college graduate and former parenting student, she is deeply committed to improving access to higher education and creating support systems that promote the success of diverse student populations.
Dr. Chandler holds an Associate of Arts degree from Florida A&M University, a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition Sciences, a Master of Science in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Policy from Florida State University.
Venue
Region I will be hosting the 2025 Conference at Margaritaville in Hyannis, MA- beautiful Cape Cod. Region I has arranged special room rates and will be utilizing the whole venue!
Margaritaville Resort - Cape Cod, MA - Reservations
We do anticipate utilizing other local hotels for additional rooms, so we will provide additional nearby options for those that aren’t able to stay with us at the conference venue.
If you have any questions about the hotel or making a reservation that Margaritaville Cape Cod isn’t able to answer, please reach out to our Operations Chair Irene Stefanakos (irene.stefanakos@mcphs.edu).
Schedule
Schedule
Saturday 11/15/2025
2:00 PM- 8:00 PM: SALT Conference
Sunday 11/16/2025
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Conference Registration Open
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast for SALT, SSAO, Mid-Level and New Professionals Pre-cons
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Sessions for SALT, SSAO, Mid-Level and New Professionals Pre-cons
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch for SSAO, Mid-Level and New Professional Pre-cons
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM: Masters Program Fair (SALT)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Sessions for SALT, SSAO, Mid-Level and New Professionals Pre-cons
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Silent Auction Open
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Regional Advisory Board Meeting (RAB Members)
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Grad Student Orientation & Welcome
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM: First Time Attendee Orientation
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Opening Welcome and Keynote Speaker Former U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Opening Reception
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner Out on the Town
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Entertainment @ Margaritaville - Trivia
Monday 11/17/2025
7:30 AM - 8:45 AM: Affinity & Engagement Breakfast
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Conference Registration Open
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Silent Auction Open
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Educational Sessions #1
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Corporate Sponsors & Doctoral Showcase
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Educational Sessions #2
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: State Meetings & Awards
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch and Fireside Chat with NASPA VP of Research and Policy Dr. Jhenai Chandler & NASPA Region 1 Regional Director Elect Dr. Will Johnson
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM: Educational Sessions #3
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM: Educational Sessions #4
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Evening Reception
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner on Your Own
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Entertainment @ Margaritaville - Guacamole Making & Live Band Karaoke
Tuesday 11/18/2025
7:30 AM - 8:45 AM: Affinity & Engagement Breakfast
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Silent Auction Open
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: R1 Talks
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Educational Sessions #5
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Educational Sessions #6
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch on Your Own
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Regional Business Meeting (for all attendees)
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM: Educational Sessions #7
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM: Educational Sessions #8
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Networking Reception
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Closing Banquet & Awards, including NASPA Board Chair Dr. Michael Christakis
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Entertainment @ Margaritaville - Music Bingo
Sponsorships
Become a Sponsor: Unlock Exclusive Opportunities at the NASPA Region I Annual Conference!
Join us at the NASPA Region I Annual Conference at Margaritaville Resort in Hyannis, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. By sponsoring this conference, your company will gain exposure to representatives from over 300 attendees from Colleges and Universities across the region. The Conference provides members with a forum to address regional issues while providing specialized professional development, networking opportunities, and access to vendors in the higher education space.
Sponsors are offered the opportunity to align their brand with the important work being done to support students’ growth, wellness, and academic achievement. Updated packages offered will allow for new levels of exposure to decision-makers who shape policies, programs, and technologies that impact student life.
Why Sponsor?
- Connect with over 300 attendees to build brand recognition and strengthen business image.
- Engage one on one with attendees looking for relevant product solutions and services for their functional area and institution.
- Target a wide and diverse demographic representing 80-100 colleges and universities for lead generation, many of whom represent their institution in making the decisions that best support student success.
- Highlight your commitment to supporting student development and campus communities.
Click to link below to find out more about our package offerings!
We are looking forward to connecting with you.
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors!
Registration
Registration is now live, with discounted early bird registration taking place today through October 16th! Registration costs include attendance at educational sessions, the opening and keynote, the awards banquet and closing, entertainment, and several meals throughout the conference.
REGISTRATION FEES |
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Early Registration Ends October 16, 2025 |
Regular Registration Octopber 17- November 1, 2025 |
Late & Onsite Registration November 2, 2025 - November 16, 2025 |
NASPA Member |
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| $350 | $400 | $450 |
Non Member |
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| $600 | $650 | $700 |
NASPA Student Member |
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| $150 | $175 |
$200 |
NASPA Student Non-Member |
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|
$200 |
$215 | $250 |
NASPA Emeritus |
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| $150 | $175 | $200 |
Student Affairs Leaders of Tomorrow (SALT)
Saturday November 15th - Sunday November 16th
Thank you for your interest in the Student Affairs Leaders of Tomorrow (SALT) Conference. We are so excited that you're interested in joining us to kick off the NASPA Region 1 Conference in Hyannis, MA.
The Student Affairs Leaders of Tomorrow (SALT) Conference is designed to introduce undergraduate students to the field of student affairs. Participants will have the opportunity to meet other student leaders who share their same interests, discover the career path that is right for them, meet professionals in the field who will provide guidance, mentorship and direction, and have a chance to learn about and meet representatives from the various graduate programs in Student Affairs in our region. For more info on Region 1, please visit our online portal Region I.
If you are interested in participating in SALT, the application is open from September 15th- October 10th.
Registration and Hotel Accommodations
There's a $120 fee to participate in SALT. Payment is the responsibility of the student participating in the program OR the staff member who's sponsoring the student to attend SALT. Please note that NASPA Region I will cover the cost of one night hotel and two (2) meals throughout the conference. Information about roommates will be sent to those who are accepted.
Important Notes
1. Due to space, we are only accepting 40 students.
2. Undergraduate students in their junior and senior years will be given priority, but all students are welcome to apply (All undergraduate students in 2-year programs will also be given priority).
3. Once accepted, NASPA will work with you (and your college sponsor) to finalize payment.
If you have any questions about the SALT conference, please contact me directly at blakesherman11@gmail.com.
Specialized Sessions - Sunday, November 16 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
This year we will be bringing back the successful SSAO Institute (for senior student affairs professionals) and SALT (for our undergraduate staff interested in a career in higher education), while adding to these programs. On Sunday, concurrently with the SSAO and SALT, we will be offering a Mid-Level and New Professional track. Similar to the institutes offered at the conference in the past, we are seeking to offer some additional focused sessions specifically targeted at the Mid-Level and New Professional staff.
Specialized Sessions Cost: $150, register separately or along with your conference registration.
Silent Auction
Donate to the Silent Auction!
The Silent Auction is a fun way to contribute to the conference and our region. Proceeds from the Silent Auction go directly towards the costs of the overall conference or funding to assist in costs associated with regional and national NASPA events/initiatives including membership support (folks who want to become NASPA members).
As you consider items to donate, previous donations have included such categories as:
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Handmade Items / Small Business Donations
- Themed Baskets
- Entertainment Items
- Memorabilia
- University Swag
If you have any questions or would like guidance on a potential donation fill out this form or please email the Silent Auction co-co-coordinators Julianna King juliannamk05@gmail.com or Hillary Fanelli hillary.fanelli@gmail.com for help!
Call for Programs
We want you to share your knowledge, research, and campus initiatives with colleagues from across the region, so submit a program proposal. We hope to have some great sessions throughout the day on Monday and Tuesday, so please submit your proposals by Friday, August 15, 2025 for consideration.
Become a Program Reviewer: We need your assistance to help us review all of our program proposals. Reviewers curate the educational experience of our conference participants. If you are interested, please consider applying through your NASPA Volunteer Central page. Please apply by Friday, August 1, 2025.
Award Nominations
There are a variety of state and regional awards available, each designed to honor different aspects of leadership, service, and innovation in student affairs. Detailed descriptions of each award can be found on the NASPA website.
The NASPA Region I award nominations are open NOW and will close on Friday, September 19, 2025
Nominate a colleague or program!
For questions about NASPA Region I Award Nominations, please contact: Beth Moriarty (bmoriarty61@gmail.com) and David Zamojski (zamojski@bu.edu).
Conference Committee
| Conference Chair | Caitlin Codding, Boston College |
| Registration Chair | Mark Kate Kelley, Tufts University |
| Past Chair | Alyssa Cashman, Endicott College |
| Corporate Sponsors Co-Coordinator | James Medici, Emmanuel College |
| Corporate Sponsors Co-Coordinator | AJ Andreucci, Endicott College |
| Programs Co-Chair | Alyssa Zahoruiko, Tufts University |
| Programs Co-Chair | Alex Cross, Nichols College |
| Programs Coordinator | Cheyenne Bryan, Northeastern University |
| SALT Coordinator |
Blake Sherman, Capstone Management |
| SSAO Coordinator | Rich DeCapua, Tufts University |
| Featured Speakers Co-Coordinator | Stephen Sweet, Southern Connecticut State University |
| Featured Speakers Co-Coordinator | Charles Todd, College of the Holy Cross |
| Events Chair | Reaunna Bartell, Southern Connecticut State University |
| Entertainment & Community Co-Coordinator | Jerrel Burgo, College of the Holy Cross |
| Entertainment & Community Co-Coordinator | Gabe Reed, University of Southern Maine |
| Silent Auction Coordinator | Hillary Fanelli, University of Connecticut |
| Awards Co-Coordinator | Beth Moriarty, Emerson College |
| Awards Co-Coordinator | David Zamojski, Boston University |
| Operations Chair | Irene Stefanakos, MCPHS University |
| On-Site Logistics Coordinator | Victoria Weisenhorn, Endicott College |
| Volunteer & Graduate Intern Coordinator | Reaunna Bartell, Southern Connecticut State University |
| Social Media & Promotions Coordinator | Kelsey Baron, Berklee College of Music |
| MyNaspa App & Assessment Coordinator | Madison Pimental, Suffolk University |
| Graduate Intern | Kat Gainer, University of Vermont |
| Graduate Intern | Fafa Arku-Mensah, University of Vermont |