March 31, 2025
Early Access Registration Rate Ends
2025 NASPA Western Regional Conference
Regional Annual Conferences Region V Region VI AVP or "Number Two" Faculty Graduate Mid-Level New Professional Senior Level Undergraduate VP for Student Affairs
November 15 - November 18, 2025 Palm Springs, California
Step into an oasis of possibility, where the morning sun energizes bold ideas and the evening sky, scattered with stars, inspires deeper connections. In Palm Springs, daylight fosters innovation, while twilight invites reflection, creating the perfect setting to learn, collaborate, and grow.
Presented By
✨ The 2025 NASPA Western Regional Conference (WRC) is more than an event—it’s a space to recharge, reimagine, and illuminate the future of student affairs. Join us in Palm Springs to shape the future of student affairs—together. Gain actionable strategies. Build lifelong connections. Join us at WRC 2025—your space to pause, reflect, and move forward with clarity and confidence. ✨
Join Us at WRC 2025!
♦ Register Today– Lock in early access pricing and secure your spot before rates increase.
♦ Book Your Stay – Reserve your room early to access exclusive conference rates at the Riviera Resort & Spa.
♦ Call for Programs Opens March 26 – Have a great idea, research, or best practice to share? We want to hear from you! Stay tuned for submission details.
A professional retreat designed to inspire, empower, and connect.
- Growth & Innovation: Gain cutting-edge insights into student affairs, governance, and higher education—whether you're just starting out or a seasoned leader.
- Connection & Well-being: Recharge with sessions on mental health, leadership, and community-building, ensuring you leave energized and ready to make an impact.
- Iconic Location: The Riviera Resort & Spa blends mid-century modern charm with a refreshing atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for learning, networking, and relaxation.
- Dynamic Programming: Explore innovative practices, identity and culture, leadership, and community well-being with sessions that combine theory with real-world application.
- Unforgettable Experiences: From fireside chats to pre-conference institutes, you’ll form meaningful connections in an inspiring, supportive space.
Registration
Registration Rates |
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| Registration Type | Early Access Mar. 14-31 |
Early Bird Apr. 1 - Aug. 8 |
Regular Aug. 9 - Oct. 4 |
Late Oct. 5 - Nov. 1 |
| General Registration - NASPA Member | $395 | $405 | $455 | $505 |
| General Registration - Non-Member | $595 | $615 | $655 | $705 |
| NASPA Student Member | $225 | $235 | $285 | $335 |
| Non-NASPA Student | $275 | $285 | $335 | $385 |
| NASPA Member Retiree | $315 | $325 | $375 | $425 |
| Family/+1 Adult | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Child Rate (meals) | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
2 DAY INSTITUTES |
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| Registration Add-Ons | Early Bird Mar. 14-Aug. 8 |
Regular Aug. 9 - Oct. 4 |
Late Oct. 5 - Nov. 1 |
| NUFP Institute (limited to Fellows) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Community College Institute | $175 | $200 | $225 |
1 DAY INSTITUTES |
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| Registration Add-Ons | Early Bird Mar. 14-Aug. 8 |
Regular Aug. 9 - Oct. 4 |
Late Oct. 5 - Nov. 1 |
| New Professional & Graduate Student Institute | $50 | $75 | $100 |
| AVP & Dean Institute | $75 | $100 | $125 |
| SSAO Institute | $75 | $100 | $125 |
Pre-Conference Workshops |
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| Registration Add-Ons | Early Bird Before Aug. 8 |
Regular Aug. 9 - Oct. 4 |
Late Oct. 5 - Nov. 1 |
| Precons | $75 | $100 | $125 |
***Before you register: The registration rate displayed is based on your current membership. If your membership expires or changes before the event, your registration rate will change as well and you will be expected to pay the rate that coincides with your new level of NASPA membership.
Registration Cancellation Policy
Registration Cancellation Policy
Cancellation/refund deadline less a $50.00 administrative fee is September 15, 2025. This program may be canceled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. In this case, fees will be refunded; however, NASPA will not be responsible for additional costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines, hotels, and/or travel agencies. NASPA is not responsible for weather or travel related problems and will not reimburse registration fees for these issues.
Call for Programs opens soon!
The NASPA 2025 Western Regional Conference invites you to contribute to a transformative learning experience by submitting a program proposal.
Guided by our Curricular Framework, the conference is designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in higher education today.
This year’s framework consists of four dynamic components providing a structured yet flexible foundation for engaging, forward-thinking sessions:
- Innovative & Effective Practices – Explore creative strategies, emerging technologies, and data-driven methodologies that enhance student success and institutional effectiveness.
- Culture, Identity & Community – Deepen understanding of identity and belonging, amplify student activism, and examine the role of place, space, and intergenerational connections in fostering inclusive campus cultures.
- Connection & Well-being – Elevate conversations on mental health, resilience, and creating compassionate, inclusive environments that prioritize well-being for students and professionals alike.
- Policy, Governance & Leadership – Navigate critical policy issues, compliance challenges, and leadership strategies to ethically and effectively lead in complex higher education landscapes.
The conference will begin with 3-hour workshops before the main conference kicks off. These are designed to explore critical issues in student affairs and higher education. Presenters should be experienced practitioners or experts ready to share innovative ideas, evidence-based practices, and practical solutions.
🗓️ All program proposals are due by June 6, 2025. Pre-conference workshop registration will open by mid-July.
WRC Program Ideation and Collaboration Sessions
If you would like feedback or assistance before submitting your program proposal, we encourage you to attend one of our WRC Program Ideation Sessions. These workshops provide a supportive environment where you can discuss your ideas, receive constructive feedback, and refine your proposal with the help of experienced professionals. Whether you're looking for guidance on content, format, or presentation techniques, our ideation sessions are designed to help you succeed. Attending a collab session is not required to submit an application.
| April 18 | 10-11 am (Pacific) Register for April 18 session |
May 7 | 3-4 pm (Pacific) Register for May 7 session |
June 2 | 12-1 pm (Pacific) Register for June 2 session |
Hotel Information
Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs combines the chic, mid-century Palm Spring aesthetic with an elevated sense of style. Just minutes from downtown Palm Springs, the resort & spa includes 398 guest rooms, two resort pools, five dining outlets, the soothing Sante Spa (Palm Springs’ largest resort spa), and more than 40,000 square feet of combined wedding, meeting, and event space.
Hotel registration has launched with a special conference rate of $189 per night.
Who Should Attend WRC 2025?
The 2025 NASPA WRC is designed for student affairs professionals, educators, and leaders at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re looking to gain new insights, expand your network, or recharge your passion for higher education, this conference offers something for you.
No matter your role, WRC 2025 is your space to learn, connect, and be inspired. Join us in Palm Springs to shape the future of student affairs—together.
Emerging Professionals & Graduate Students
Build your foundation in student affairs, connect with mentors, and explore career pathways.
Mid-Level Professionals
Gain new strategies for leadership, student engagement, and institutional change.
Senior Leaders & Administrators
Engage in high-level discussions on governance, policy, and the evolving landscape of higher education.
Faculty & Researchers
Share and discover cutting-edge research and best practices shaping the field.
Professionals Supporting Student Belonging & Success
Connect with others working to advance access, support underserved populations, and foster inclusive campus communities.
Explore Palm Springs
Rooted in the heritage of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Palm Springs is a desert oasis where history, culture, and modern luxury intertwine. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, the city offers a perfect blend of mid-century charm, world-class dining, vibrant arts, and endless outdoor adventures.
Honoring the Local Community
Indigenous Communities
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is a federally recognized Native American Tribe with 31,500 acres of Reservation lands that spread across Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and into the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains. The Tribe currently owns and operates the Indian Canyons Golf Resort; the Agua Caliente casinos in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Cathedral City; the Indian Canyons, including Tahquitz Canyon and Tahquitz Visitor Center; the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum; and the Spa at Séc-he.
Living Land Acknowledgment for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
We respectfully acknowledge that we are on the ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who have cared for this land for countless generations. Their deep connection to the land, water, and natural resources continues to shape and sustain this region.
We honor Agua Caliente people’s enduring presence, cultural heritage, and sovereignty. As we experience this land’s beauty and history, we recognize our collective responsibility to respect, protect, and preserve it for those who come after us.
With gratitude and humility, we commit to fostering meaningful relationships with the Agua Caliente community and supporting their ongoing efforts in cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and self-determination.
Sponsors & Exhibitors
As we look toward the 2025 WRC, we invite organizations to be a key part of the conference by sharing your story, expanding your network/contacts, and engaging and building relationships with a broad range of decision makers and influencers on campuses throughout NASPA Region V and Region VI.
Sponsorship opportunities give you high visibility, many opportunities for relationship building, and the chance for positive ROI overall!
Sponsors are key partners in ensuring that Student Affairs educators and students are positioned for success! Your involvement and participation is critical to ensuring that the conference experience is transformational, celebratory, and that conference outcomes ultimately make a difference for college students. A new feature of sponsorships this year is the opportunity to build a customized sponsorship experience. Using three sponsorship levels, you can craft your reach and connection to conference participants through an exciting menu of add-on options.
Contact For questions about Sponsorships & Exhibitors, contact naspawrc@naspa.org.
Benefits
Sponsorship benefits for the WRC 2025 conference in November (dependent on specific sponsorship levels) include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Opportunity to address conference attendees at a signature event (e.g., Opening session, Senior Student Affairs Officer/SSAO Institute, AVP/Dean of Students Institute, awards ceremony, and more!)
- Public recognition during the WRC opening session.
- Public recognition during a WRC keynote or closing session.
- Public recognition and speaking opportunity during a reception or constituent gathering.
- Company and Sponsorship signage in prominent and highly visible locations during the conference.
- Access to the conference attendee mailing list.
- Being linked to the event in conference publications and promotions using multiple modalities, including social media, webpages, conference programs, and more!
- Brand recognition via your organizational logo on WRC mobile app and WRC website.
- Invitation to attend the Sponsorship/Exhibitor and Senior Student Affairs Officer (SSAO) Reception.
- Included conference registrations (the number is dependent on sponsorship level), allowing you to participate in learning alongside Student Affairs educators.
- Option to exhibit during the entire conference (one 6-foot table).
- Accessibility to the key decision-makers and influencers at colleges and universities
- Increased visibility and exposure of your products and services.
Sponsorship Levels
2025 Sponsorship levels include:
- Gold: $15,000 - includes all the benefits of the Bronze and Silver sponsorships; First choice of exhibiting locations at the conference venue; Exclusive promotional opportunities; Your choice of an Add On menu item; Three conference registrations
- Silver: $10,000 - includes all of the benefits of the Bronze base sponsorship; A premium exhibiting location near the conference registration area or conference workshops; An opportunity to address an Institute or conference event; Two conference registrations
- Bronze: $5,000 - A conference participant contact list delivered 2-weeks prior to the conference; The opportunity to exhibit in a high traffic area of the conference venue; Promotion on conference materials using your branding and key messaging; One conference registration
Check out the full package offerings and new add-on menu.
Ready to set up on site?
Beyond the sponsorship opportunities, your company may consider being an exhibitor at the conference. Exhibitors will be placed near heavily trafficked areas of the conference to help maximize visibility and contact. These areas are utilized mostly pre- and post-keynotes and educational sessions.
- NASPA Member Exhibitor Booth (includes one conference registration) - $1,500
- Non-NASPA Member Exhibitor Booth (includes one conference registration) - $2,000
- Graduate Program Exhibitor - $500
WRC 2025 Conference Committee
Josie Ahlquist, Dr. Josie, Inc.
Chair
Ariana Robles, California State University, Channel Islands
Hotel Liaison
Gretchen Meier, USC Thornton School of Music
Hotel Liaison
Kelly Dries, Dries Coaching & Consulting
Local Arrangements
Marcus Rodriguez, Occidental College
Local Arrangements
Alex “Panda” Armendariz, California State University San Bernardino
Indigenous Communities Representative
Lucy Rinard, University of Southern California
Registration
Julia Heck, California State University, Channel Islands
Registration
Dan Welter, Washington State University
Programs Co-Chair
Alejandra “Ally” Hong, University of Southern California
Programs Co-Chair
Tim Alexander, Chapman University
SA Speaks Coordinator
Jordan Fischette, University of Nevada Las Vegas
Major Speakers Coordinator
Alexandra Froehlich Hankinson, San Jose State University
Treasurer
Allison Jerome, Chaminade University
Sponsorships Co-Chair
Joanna Royce-Davis, Pacific Lutheran University
Sponsorships Co-Chair
Betzabel Martinez, Cerro Coso Community College
Exhibitors Chair
Erin Carroll, Washington State University
Marketing & Communications
Clarissa Mae Calimbas, San Jose State University
Marketing & Communications
Marnelli Joy B. Ulep, University of Hawaiʻi
Website & Technology
Kim Holapa, Washington State University
Co-Chair
Martha Enciso, University of Redlands
Assessment
Priscilla Arungwa, Utah State University
Volunteers & Engagement
Katya Armistead, UC Santa Barbara
Volunteers & Engagement
Sheena Harvey, University of Nevada, Reno
Knowledge Communities, Region V
Rhea Duncan, Arizona State University, W.P. Care School of Business
Knowledge Communities, Region VI
Nick Whitesell, Eastern Washington University
Institutes & Pre-Conferences Chair
Teree Steveson, Fresno State University
New Professional & Graduate Student Institute Chair
Lea Jarnagin, Eastern Washington University
SSAO/AVPs Institute Chair
Destany Charles, University of California, Merced
NUFP Institute Co-Chair
DJ Kelly-Quattrocchi, KQ Consulting & Training LLC
NUFP Institute Co-Chair
Lexer Chou, Leeward Community College
Awards
Sarah Kutten, University of Oregon
Awards
Meghan Grace, Meghan M. Grace LLC
Associate to the Chair
Rick Trevino, University of Southern California
WRC 2026 Co-Chair
Romando Nash, Washington State University
Region V Director
Karnell McConnell-Black, Reed College
Region V Incoming Director
Eboni Ford Turnbow, California State University, Channel Islands
Region VI Director
Sydnney Hall
NASPA National Office