September 15, 2025
Award Nominations, Registration and Program Proposals Open
December 5, 2025
Program Proposals Due
December 5, 2025
Award Nominations Due
January 30, 2026
Online Registration Closes
NASPA Georgia 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
February 12 - February 13, 2026 Macon, GA
The NASPA-GA Drive-In is a state conference, being hosted by Middle Georgia State University in Macon, GA, February 12-13, 2026, that brings together Student Affairs professionals from across the state of Georgia. 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-GA 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
For the Love of the Work: Reigniting Passion in Student Affairs
This year's NASPA-GA Drive-In theme, "For the Love of the Work: Reigniting Passion in Student Affairs" is designed for student affairs professionals who are ready to reconnect with their purpose, recharge their energy, and reimagine their impact. Through a day of dynamic keynotes, interactive breakout sessions, and meaningful networking, attendees will explore strategies for sustaining passion, fostering resilience, and cultivating joy in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey, this conference offers space to reflect, learn, and engage with colleagues who share a love for the transformational work of student affairs.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
2026 Drive-In Registration Rates
For 2026, in addition to our day long drive-in, we plan on offering two pre-cons - topics to be announced soon. The rate for the pre-conference is listed separately from the drive-in rates. The pre-conferences will take place on Thursday, Feb 12 and the drive-in will take place on Friday, Feb 13.
| Registrant Type | Regular Rate (online through Jan 30) | On-Site Rate |
| General Registration - NASPA Member | $85 | $110 |
| General Registration - Non-Member | $105 | $135 |
| NASPA Student Member | $60 | $80 |
| Student Non-Member | $75 |
$95 |
| Pre-Conference | $30 | $30 |
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. After the profile has been created, you can register and receive the non-member rate for the event.
Member Registration: Registration as a member is based on individual membership status at the time of the event. If your current membership will expire prior to the event, you will have the option to renew at the time of registration to receive the member rate.
If you are not a current member and are employed by a college or university that is an institutional member, you can join as a professional affiliate member for $80. If your institution is NOT a member, you can join as an associate affiliate member for $250. Both membership types provide access to the individual member rate for the event. Please visit the membership section of the NASPA website to learn more about membership types and benefits. We hope you’ll consider joining today!
For a comprehensive listing of NASPA registration policies, please visit this page.
Call for Programs
Program Proposals will open on September 15, 2025.
The NASPA-Georgia Conference Committee invites you to join us February 12-13, 2026 to reflect on our collective and individual goals, passions, and purposes of NASPA and student affairs. We invite engaging, reflective, and interactive proposals that speak to the theme of reigniting purpose, energy, and commitment in higher education.
We encourage presenters to focus on the four pillars of NASPA - Inquiry, Inclusion, Integrity, and Innovation. However, we have also listed below several key topic areas that can contribute to our theme. We also want to note that if you have a program proposal that may not fit clearly in one of the topic areas below, you are highly encouraged to still submit your program proposal.
🔥 Passion & Purpose
- Rediscovering your “why” in student affairs
- Reconnecting with the values that drive your work
- Finding joy and meaning in day-to-day responsibilities
💬 Connection & Community
- Building or rebuilding team morale
- Creating a culture of care within departments and divisions
- Meaningful mentorship and professional relationships
🧠 Mindset & Wellbeing
- Navigating burnout, compassion fatigue, and boundary-setting
- Mindfulness, mental health, and sustainable practices for professionals
- Strategies for managing emotional labor in student-centered roles
🎯 Innovation & Impact
- Reimagining student engagement post-COVID or during institutional change
- Aligning passion with strategic goals and student success outcomes
- Leading with inspiration: energizing others through innovative leadership
🌱 Growth & Renewal
- Professional development that rekindles passion
- Career reflection, redirection, or reinvention
- Creativity and personal expression as tools for renewal
🎙️ Storytelling & Reflection
- Sharing impactful student stories that affirm the value of the work
- Facilitated reflection: lessons learned that shaped your professional journey
- Why we stay: sustaining a long-term commitment to higher education
Proposals will be evaluated based on content; relevance to conference theme, current issues, and the Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Practitioners; evidence of clearly stated outcomes and objectives; contribution to the knowledge and practice of student affairs; and adherence to program submission guidelines.
Proposal Submission Deadline: Friday, December 5, 2025
For questions regarding the proposal process, please contact us at naspageorgia@gmail.com.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
While, we have not finalized pre-conference options nor the full-day schedule yet, below is a sample schedule - we will update once finalized.
FEBRUARY 12, 2026 - PRE-CONFERENCE
|
Time |
Event |
| 12 pm - 1 pm | Lunch and Welcome |
| 1 pm - 2 pm | Session 1 |
| 2 pm - 3 pm | Session 2 |
| 3 pm - 4 pm | Session 3 |
| 4 pm - 5 pm | Resume Review |
| 5 pm - until | Dinner on Your Own / Explore the Area |
FEBRUARY 13, 2026 - DRIVE-IN
|
Time |
Event |
| 8 am - 8:45 am | Check-In |
| 9 am - 9:25 am | Conference Welcome and Opening |
| 9:30 am - 10:10 am | Keynote |
| 10:20 am - 11:10 am | Breakout Session 1 |
| 11:20 am - 12:10 pm | Breakout Session 2 |
| 12:10 pm - 1:40 pm | Lunch |
| 1:50 pm - 2:40 pm | Panel |
| 2:50 pm - 3:40 pm | Breakout Session 3 |
| 3:50 pm - 4:20 pm | Closing |
Places to Stay
Coming soon...
NASPA GA Awards
NEW THIS YEAR: Nominate a colleague for one of our inaugural awards. Recognize student affairs professionals who are doing great work across the state of Georgia. Descriptions of each award and the nomination form are available on the NASPA GA website.
Nominations are due by Friday, December 5, 2025. Nominators and winners will be notified prior to the end of the conference registration period. Awards will be presented at the 2026 Drive-In Conference, February 12-13, 2026 at Middle Georgia State University in Macon, GA.
COVID Guidelines
While the University System of Georgia does not have a mask nor vaccination mandate at their campuses, we are following protocols for NASPA-sponsored events.
Click here for NASPA's Global Health and Safety Guidelines
We hope you’ll be comfortable learning and networking alongside your peers knowing that these precautions are being taken at the conference. If you have questions about our COVID-19 protocols, please reach out to us at naspageorgia@gmail.com.