NASPA New Professionals & Graduate Students SC

As we spring into April, we’re excited to bring you a fresh edition of our Need to Know newsletter—filled with upcoming opportunities, professional development resources, and insights to support your continued growth in student affairs.

Stay tuned. Stay connected. Stay informed!

NPGS Steering Committee: Co-Chair Application Now Open!
 
Our steering committee is currently accepting applications for our next co-chairs. If you’re interested in applying, check out the minimum requirements and position expectations on the slides above. 
 
Interested in applying? Submit your application through the link below by Wednesday, April 15th at 11:59 CST
https://tinyurl.com/NPGSchair

which means conference season is officially underway! Across the field of student affairs, professionals are preparing to gather, learn, and reconnect with colleagues from around the country. We are especially excited to see many of you soon in Kansas City for NASPA 2026. But before we there, we have a few important updates and highlights to share in this month’s issue.

Stay tuned. Stay connected. Stay informed!

1 DAY until NASPA 2026 in Kansas City! 💚🎉

Bags packed. Outfits ready. Business cards on deck. ✈️✨
We’re ready for sessions, socials, and all the NPGS connections in KC!

See you tomorrow! 👀💙

NASPA Conference Tips: How to Network
 
As we are less than 7 days from our NASPA 2026 Annual Conference, we wanted to provide some guidance about the best ways to network and connect with other conference attendees. Check out below for more details!
 
- Physical or digital business cards: bring some kind business card that can be shared with anyone you meet so they can stay connected after the conference

- Prepare a short 1-minute pitch: put together a 1-minute pitch about who you are, why you are attending NASPA, and what you hope to gain from your conference experience

- Attend the university socials: on various days throughout the conference, different universities will be hosting social event. Use these events to connect with others in the same functional area, seek out job opportunities, and to meet other students and professionals

- Update LinkedIn: make sure that your LinkedIn is updated and accurately reflects what university you are at, what your current job is, and how you are involved with your community

Staying connected at NASPA 2026 just got easier! 💚📲

Join the NPGS GroupMe to get real-time updates, reminders about sessions & socials, and connect with fellow new professionals and grad students while we’re in Kansas City!

Scan the QR code or head to bit.ly/NPGSgroupme to join. Don’t miss out — tap in! 🔗✨

7 days until NASPA 2026 in Kansas City! 💚🔥

We’re one week away from powerful sessions, meaningful connections, and all the NPGS energy in KC. Get ready to learn, link up, and level up! ✈️✨

Drop a 💙 if we’ll see you there!

Kansas City, here we come! 💚💙

Join NPGS at the NASPA Annual Conference 2026 in Kansas City, MO for connection, learning, and community!

✨ Mon 3/9 | 8:30 AM – Sponsored Session: Deliberately Developmental Supervision (KCCC 2215A)
✨ Mon 3/9 | 9:40 AM – Sponsored Session: Engaging in Research Practice Partnerships (KCCC 2504A)
✨ Mon 3/9 | 7:30 PM – NPGS Social (Marriott Count Basie C)
✨ Tues 3/10 | 6:30 PM – Friends of NPGS/GAP Alumni Social (Marriott Bennie Maten B)

Whether you’re a new professional, grad student, or alum — we can’t wait to connect with you in KC! 🤝

Conference Tips: Session Selection
 
The NASPA 2026 Annual Conference will offer hundreds of different sessions throughout the entirety of the conference. Having so many options of what session to attend, where to go, and what to learn can be overwhelming. Check out our session selection tips below!
 
Questions to ask yourself:
• Is the session related to your functional area?
• What other sessions are happening at the same time?
• Can you arrive to the session on time?
• Is the session a poster presentation, keynote speaker, or attendee presentation? 
• Does the session title and content interest you?

14 DAYS until we’re in Kansas City for NASPA 2026! 💚✨

Counting down to sessions, socials, and all the NPGS connections we love. KC, we’re almost there! 🙌

Who’s pulling up?! 👀👇