August 15, 2025
Award Nominations, Registration, and Program Proposals Open
November 14, 2025
Program Proposals and Award Nominations Due
December 12, 2025
Early Registration Closes
December 15, 2025
Late Registration Opens
January 23, 2026
Late Registration Closes
January 30, 2026
NASPA AL Drive-In Conference
2026 NASPA Alabama Drive-In Conference
Regional Drive-in/Small Conference Region III Professional Level AVP or "Number Two" Faculty Graduate Mid-Level New Professional Senior Level Undergraduate VP for Student Affairs
January 30, 2026 Huntsville, AL
The NASPA-AL Drive-In is a state conference that brings together Student Affairs professionals from across the state of Alabama. Together, we will learn from one another, discuss the critical issues impacting our field, and network with new and established colleagues. Open to everyone, from chief student affairs officers to new professionals and graduate students, the NASPA-AL Drive-In will have intentional time to meet with others in your functional areas as well as learn from those who are on the cutting edge of innovative student affairs practices.
Presented By
S.O.A.R. with Us: Supporting Outstanding Achievements and Resilience in Higher Education
This year's NASPA-AL Drive-In Conference, themed "S.O.A.R. with Us: Supporting Outstanding Achievements and Resilience in Higher Education," invites student affairs professionals to come together for a day of reflection, inspiration, and growth. Hosted at the University of Alabama in Huntsville's Charger Union on January 30, 2026, this dynamic event will feature engaging keynotes, interactive breakout sessions, and intentional networking opportunities that highlight the strength, innovation, and impact of our field.
From celebrating achievements to navigating challenges with resilience, attendees will gain practical tools and renewed motivation to support student success and institutional progress.
Whether you're a new professional or a seasoned leader, this conference offers a meaningful space to learn, connect, and soar together in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.
Registration
|
Registrant Type |
Early Bird Rate Before December 12, 2025 |
Late/On-Site Rate December 15, 2025- January 23, 2026 |
|
General Registration-Member |
$80 |
$100 |
|
General Registration-Non Member |
$90 |
$110 |
|
All Students |
$50 |
$50 |
Non-Member Registration: Anyone can register to attend NASPA events, members and non-members. In order to register, you will need to create a profile but will not be required to have a membership. Please select “Don’t have an account?” option beneath the register button to create your profile. After the profile has been created, you can register and receive the non-member rate for the event. The cost for the New Professionals Institute is included with a conference registration.
Hotel Information
Need a place to stay during the Drive-In? Reserve your room in our room block at the Hampton Inn Huntsville/Village of Providence by Friday, January 16!
Call for Programs
The NASPA-Alabama Drive-In Conference Committee invites you to join us on January 30, 2026, at the University of Alabama in Huntsville's Charger Union for an inspiring and energizing experience centered around the theme “S.O.A.R. with Us: Supporting Outstanding Achievements and Resilience in Higher Education.”
We encourage presenters to consider the four pillars of NASPA: Inquiry, Inclusion, Integrity, and Innovation as they craft proposals, but welcome diverse topics that contribute to the overall conference theme. Let’s S.O.A.R. together—uplifting one another, sharing our stories, and reaffirming our commitment to higher education and student success.
Student Success & Support
- Empowering students to overcome adversity and reach their full potential
- Holistic approaches to academic and personal support
- Addressing the evolving needs of today’s students
Resilience in Practice
- Navigating professional burnout and sustaining motivation
- Cultivating resilience in the face of institutional, societal, or personal challenges
- Leading through change with purpose and adaptability
Inclusive Leadership & Belonging
- Fostering equity and access across campus communities
- Inclusive programming and identity-conscious engagement
- Building spaces where all students and professionals feel seen and valued
Innovation in Action
- Creative approaches to student engagement and campus services
- Technology, tools, and strategies that meet students where they are
- Redefining success and leadership in a post-pandemic world
Professional Growth & Storytelling
- Lessons from the field: impactful narratives that inspire
- Reflective practice, career development, and personal transformation
- Celebrating milestones, mentors, and the meaning behind our work
Proposal Submission Deadline: November 14, 2025
For questions about the proposal process, please contact us at tafinklea@ua.edu.
Become a Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring the 2025 NASPA-Alabama Drive-In? Check out the sponsorship packet for more information.
Drive-In Scholarships
NASPA Alabama seeks to engage undergraduate and graduate students as well as new professional staff members at higher education institutions in Alabama to attend the NASPA Alabama Drive-In Conference. Scholarships will be awarded to selected qualified applicants and will cover the cost of registration. This year’s conference will take place on Friday, January 30, 2026 in Huntsville, AL. Apply by November 14, 2025.
Awards
Each year NASPA-AL recognizes outstanding members across the state by honoring individual professionals with state awards. To continue with this tradition, please consider nominating one of your Alabama colleagues. Nominations are due November 14, 2025.