March 5, 2025
Participant Application Due March 5, 2025 @ 11:59pm
Participants Notified of Acceptance-TBD
April 15, 2025
Payment for Conference Due- April 15, 2025 @ 11:59pm
Participant Travel Arrangements Due-TBD
2024 NASPA Region III/SACSA New Professionals Institute
Regional Drive-in/Small Conference Supporting the Profession Regions Region III New Professionals and Graduate Students New Professional
June 8 - June 13, 2024 University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC
The New Professionals Institute
The New Professionals Institute (NPI) is the preeminent professional development opportunity for new student affairs professionals in the south (we consider ‘new professionals’ anyone with five years or fewer of full-time experience in Student Affairs). NPI is an intensive, interactive week of learning, sharing, networking and professional and personal development. This unique opportunity allows new professionals to draw on their first years of experience to improve their effectiveness and to learn from others. It is a time of professional and personal renewal and assists new professionals in the development of their careers.
Please send any inquiries to Kat Yoffie, NPI Coordinator ( keyoffie@email.sc.edu ).
Curious about what last year's cohort of NPI participants had to say about the value of NPI? Listen here!
Presented By
About NPI
NPI - New Professionals Institute is the preeminent professional development opportunity for new student affairs professionals in the south (we consider ‘new professionals’ anyone with five years or fewer of full-time experience in Student Affairs). Co-sponsored by NASPA Region III and SACSA, NPI is an intensive, interactive week of learning, sharing, networking and professional and personal development. This unique opportunity allows new professionals to draw on their first years of experience to improve their effectiveness and to learn from others. It is a time of professional and personal renewal and assists new professionals in the development of their careers. NPI requires a commitment by the new professional to work intensively over five days with other new professionals and a team of more-seasoned faculty members.
To assure that new professionals' participation in the Institute is fully endorsed by the current senior student affairs officer at his/her institution, registrants must have a letter of support submitted by the senior student affairs officer at the institution. Generally, there is a limit of two participants per institution. Many institutions have used this Institute not only as a training ground for rising stars in the profession, but as a form of recognition for outstanding new professionals on their campus. Participants come from all areas of student affairs: student activities, orientation, career services, residential life, recreation, student conduct, accessibility services admissions, fraternity and sorority life, counseling, international services, and more!
Potential NPI Topics:
Career and Life Planning | Leadership | Diversity and Inclusion | Budgeting | Professional Standards | Navigating the Politics of Higher Education | Professional Associations and Engagement | Critical and Current Issues in the Profession | Leadership Panels | Emerging Research and Theories | Effective Goal Setting | Collaborative Environments | Transitioning to Supervisory/Administrative Roles
Other Components of the NPI Experience:
Regular meetings with small mentoring groups facilitated by your faculty mentor
Individual consultations with seasoned professionals networking and social opportunities
The Application Process
1. Each applicant must fill out an online application and include a high-resolution headshot.
2. Each applicant must have an online letter of support completed by their senior student affairs officer. This step is to assure that the new professional's participation in the Institute is fully endorsed by their current administration.
3. Application deadline is March 5, 2025 at 11:59pm.
4. Once selected, submit payment by April 15, 2025 at 11:59pm. Fees will apply for late payments.
Note: All participants are expected to stay through the remainder of the Institute.
Registration & Costs
The cost of NPI registration is $800 for SACSA and/or NASPA Region III members.
The cost of NPI registration is $900 for Non-Members.
Cost incudes institute materials, lodging, and meals once onsite. You are responsible for your own transportation to Columbia, SC.
There is a special commuter rate* for participants who live close and will not need lodging.
The commuter rate is $100 for SACSA and/or NASPA Region III members.
The commuter rate is $200 for Non-Members.
*Cost for commuters includes institute materials, lunches, and opening/closing banquet. Lodging, transportation, and all other meals will be the responsibility of the attendee.
Pre-Conference Information
Pre-Conference:
Whether you came into student affairs through a nontraditional route or by a higher education master’s program, NPI’s Student Affairs 101 pairs new professionals with two highly respected scholar practitioners in our field for a day of learning. Over the course of the program, Student Affairs 101 establishes a firm background on the fundamentals of student affairs practice with specific attention paid to the history of our profession, professional competencies that will advance your career, seeking your next degree, and managing your personal career and professional development. Student Affairs 101 blends lecture-based presentations with opportunities for facilitated discussions that challenge what you know about the past, present, and future of student affairs.
Participants must arrive by 9:00 am on Saturday, June 7 for the event. Lunch and materials covered in the cost of $50. If your travel plans dictate that you arrive the night previously, we can accommodate you for only $50. With a max price of $100, this has to be one of the most significant bargains in student affairs professional development. We hope to see you there!
Faculty
Associate Vice President for the Residential Experience
University of South Carolina, Columbia
2024 Outstanding Contributions by a Scholar-Practitioner Award, NASPA
Alumni Distinguished Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
Student Affairs & Higher Education, Clemson University
2024 Distinguished Support for Graduate Students Award, NASPA Faculty Council
Travel Arrangements
Participants must report their travel arrangements to the NPI Program Coordinator. Specific instructions on how to report travel arrangements will be provided.
Location & Lodging
Venue
The University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is a storied setting where academic and professional ambitions come to life every day. Whether in quiet Horseshoe study sessions or energizing student experiences, our campus has a long history of preparing the next generation of leaders. The University of South Carolina is a public research university in Columbia, South Carolina. It is the flagship of the University of South Carolina System and the largest university in the state by enrollment. Its main campus is on over 359 acres in downtown Columbia, close to the South Carolina State House.
Columbia, SC
Columbia, South Carolina is the capital city of South Carolina. As a creative hub that's fed by university and capital city communities, a gritty spirit and vibrant energy can be felt all around. It's a city where stately buildings buzz with new businesses and centuries-old sites give rise to fresh perspectives - all this in the midst of surrounding natural beauty.
Lodging and Meals On-Site
NPI participants will be staying in the Honors College Residence Hall, part of one of the top Honors College Programs in the nation, and LEED Gold Certified for a focus on sustainable design, construction, and operations.
For loding, participants are required* to stay in the Honors Residence Hall, which has suite-style rooms, allowing you to have your own private sleeping area and shared communal space with another NPI participant.
NPI covers meals,* but there are dining options available in the Residence Hall, including Honeycomb Cafe, which offers all-you-care-to-eat hot entrees, a fresh salad bar, and grill items such as flame grilled burgers. The Buzz also rovides late night snacks, such as starbucks coffees, assorted bakery items, and your favorite study snacks in the convenience area.
*For attendees who are commuting, you will need to provide your own lodging and most of your own meals.
Sample Schedule
2024 NPI Sample Schedule (Tentative)
Travel Day
Day One
Day Two
Day Three
Day Four
Day Five
Check-Out
If you plan to participate in the Pre-Conference Workshop, and your travel plans dictate that you need to come in the day before in order to be present at 9am on Saturday the 7th, the residence hall will open at TBD for early check in. All participants not attending the Pre-Conference do not need to arrive on this day.
If you arrive on Friday, you will be responsible for your own meals.
9:00am- 3:00pm- Institute Arrivals and Check-In
9:00am- 1:00pm- Student Affairs 101 Pre-Conference Institute
1:00pm- 3:00pm- Break, Unpack, Explore
3:00pm- 3:45pm- Welcome to NPI (Wear institutional polo or tshirt)
4:00pm-5:15pm- Small Group 1
5:30pm- Meet for Group Picture
6:00pm-8:00pm- Opening Reception and Dinner
7:00- 7:45am- Optional Gym TIme
8:00-9:00am- Breakfast
9:15-9:45am- Announcements and Briefing
9:50-10:50am- Small Group 2
11:00am-12:15pm- Large Group Session
12:30-1:30pm- Lunch
1:45- 3:00pm- Large Group Session
3:00-3:15pm- Break
3:15- 4:30pm- Large Group Session
4:45-5:45pm- Small Group 3
5:45- 6:00pm- Break
6:00- 7:00pm- Dinner
7:00- 7:45am- Optional Gym TIme
8:00- 9:00am- Breakfast
9:15- 9:45am- Announcements and Briefing
9:50-10:50am- Small Group 4
11:00am-12:15pm- Large Group Session
12:30-1:30pm- Lunch
1:45- 3:00pm- Large Group Session
3:00-3:15pm- Break
3:15- 4:30pm- Large Group Session
4:45-5:45pm- Small Group 5
5:45- 6:00pm- Break
6:00- 7:00pm- Dinner
7:00- 7:45am- Optional Gym TIme
8:00- 9:00am- Breakfast
9:15- 9:45am- Announcements and Briefing
9:50-10:50am- Small Group 6
11:00am-12:15pm- Large Group Session
12:30-1:30pm- Lunch
1:45- 3:15pm- Individual Meetings with Faculty (as assigned)
3:15- 3:30pm- Break
3:30- 4:15pm- Large Group Session
4:30- 6:00pm- Individual Meetings with Faculty (as assigned)
6:00- 7:00pm- Dinner
7:00- 7:45am- Optional Gym TIme
8:00- 9:00am- Breakfast
9:15- 9:45am- Announcements and Briefing
9:50-10:50am- Small Group 7
11:00am-12:15pm- Large Group Session
12:30-1:30pm- Lunch
1:45- 3:15pm- Individual Meetings with Faculty (as assigned)
3:15- 3:30pm- Break
3:30- 4:30pm- Small Group 8
4:30- 6:30pm- Break and Prep for Closing Banquet
6:30- 8:30pm- Closing Banquet (Buisness Attire Required)
8:00am- 9:00am- Breakfast
11:00am- Check Out
Testimonials
|
Patrick Riley University of Tennessee |
Participating in the 2019 New Professionals Institute (NPI) was both invaluable and one of the most reaffirming experiences I have had as a professional. NPI gave me the opportunity to deeply explore my “why” as a professional, reignite and connect back to my passion for the student experience, and helped establish a network I still rely on as my primary professional support system to this day. NPI is built to challenge professionals to grow and think about higher education in ways you previously haven’t, build upon your own values, and leave with lifelong connections, friends, and mentors. It is an experience unlike any other I have ever been part and I would encourage anyone new to the field to apply! |
|
Kristine Cross University of Texas at Arlington |
The New Professionals Institute (NPI) 2023 was a transformative experience for me! I went into the institute wanting to stretch myself both personally and professionally. Throughout the week, I challenged myself to connect with new people, to ask questions, and to be actively engaged in the sessions. I am extremely grateful that I went into the experience with a desire to learn because I left with more knowledge than I could have imagined. My biggest recommendation for anyone interested in applying is to just go for it. If selected for the NPI 2024 Cohort, take the time to fully invest in the experience and make the most of the week. You won't regret it! |
|
Travis Williams University of Tennessee |
“It’s like a revival!” These words captured my experience at the 2023 New Professional Institute (NPI) in a conversation with a mentor. It proved to be a defining week that impacted both my professional journey and personal growth. I applied in hopes of finding a beloved community, but I’ve discovered so much more in the little moments, engaging presentations, and small group sessions. Drawing parallels to several courses from my Theological Studies degrees, I can confidently say that NPI profoundly reshaped my perception of self, approach to the work and understanding Student Affairs. If your institution doesn’t have funding to support this opportunity (though I doubt that’s the case), I strongly recommend that you invest in yourself. The experience is awakening and life-giving. |
Frequently Asked Questions
| What do I do if my recommender has not recieved the email to submit my recommendation? | First, try having the application system send an email to a non-edu email address, such as a gmail account. If that still doesn't work, your recommender can email at Kat directly to submit the recommendation. Contact information is at the top of the page. |
| Do I need to provide my own lodging and meals? | No.* Participants will stay in the Honors Residence Hall, home to one of the Nation's top Honors College Programs and an LEED Gold Certified Sustainable building. Meals will also be provided. *If you are registered as a commuter student, you will need to provide your own lodging. You will also need to provide all of your breakfasts and most of your dinners, though lunches and the opening and closing banquet dinners will be provided. |
| How will I get to Columbia, SC? |
Depending on where you are located, you may opt to drive or fly. If you drive, please be mindful that the parking garage has a low clearance, so no lifted vehicles. If you are concerned that this may impact you, please reach out to Kat directly. If you are flying, Columbia has its own airport (CAE) located about 20 minutes away. More information will be provided about shuttles to and from the Columbia airport. If you fly into the Charlotte-Douglass airport, or any other airport, you will be responsible for your own transportation to and from Columbia and the airport of your choosing. Many offer rental cars, or paid shuttle services. |