The Alice Manicur Symposium, established and coordinated by NASPA's Center for Women, is designed for women in mid-level managerial positions who are contemplating a move to a senior student affairs officer (SSAO) position in the near future. Participants join other experienced student affairs professionals, from both two-year and four-year public and private colleges and universities to engage in workshops led by innovative and knowledgeable faculty members with diverse backgrounds. Symposium sessions focus on such topics as strategic thinking; leading change; planning for career advancement and continual development; and personal and professional life balance.

The Alice Manicur Symposium provides an engaging and supportive environment for women to learn and reflect on their personal and professional aspirations. The symposium utilizes both thematic large-group sessions with time for discussion and small, faculty-led mentor group time. This combination allows participants to process new information, and gain insight from one another. Participants have time for one-on-one visits with faculty, in addition to free time for journaling or dialoguing with other participants.

The Alice Manicur Symposium is offered once every two years. Participants should have completed a master's degree. In the past, many participants have been working on a doctorate or have recently completed one. The symposium is geared toward mid-level managers who report directly to a senior student affairs officer or academic officer of the institution. Participants usually have oversight of one or more functional areas with responsibilities related to selection and supervision of staff, budgeting and planning, and/or program design and implementation.