
15th Annual MENASA NASPA Conference (Virtual)
Virtual Conferences and Institutes Career and Workforce Development Supporting the Profession Global Division International Education
March 1 - March 3, 2021 Virtual
In light of the many tumultuous events during 2020, higher education has had to pivot to continue to serve our students through adaptation and innovation. This three-day conference by NASPA and the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) Area, is a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues regionally and abroad. The conference provides space for discussing innovative ideas, adaptive approaches, use of technology, best practices and the future of Student Affairs.
Presented By

About the MENASA Conference
Our annual conference offers a forum for professionals from all over the world to continue conversations about the role of Student Affairs & the adaptability in methods of providing continuous support. Sessions will focus on methods of transforming support systems, issues of social responsibility, cultivating adaptability & harnessing digital resources to impactfully connect in a unique & innovative way.
In an Era of seismic shifts, the mix of skills required to successfully support students continues to expand. This conference seeks to address innovation in social inclusion, identification in emerging research, and best practices for restructuring the role of student affairs around current societal changes.
Join us as we aim to navigate towards a sustainable and creative new philosophy of experiential learning in student development.
MENASA NASPA Conference HelpDesk Daily: 8:00am AST - 1:00pm AST
https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/8975932067
Recognition of Excellence
The NASPA Middle-East, North Africa, South Asia (MENASA) Area was formed to engage and connect student affairs professionals in advancing service to students, campuses, and the student affairs/services field by supporting professionals through a variety of resources and activities. The purpose of our Recognition of Excellence is to spotlight best practices and initiatives across the MENASA area that align with MENASA-NASPA values. The MENASA NASPA Conference strives to recognize significant contributions by institutions and individuals and thus support sharing of knowledge and good practices and to generate conversations among student affairs professionals about innovative and effective practices. The Recognition of Excellence further inspire awareness, highlight excellent work being conducted by MENASA Area professionals, promote collaboration and idea sharing, and serve as a platform to connect professionals in the region. |
GENERAL CRITERIA & ELIGIBILITY For Academic Year 2020-2021 Adherence to Recognition Criteria: The nominated party and activity aligns with the specific category description and criteria. Support or Evidence: Nominations can be supported by assessment/evaluation feedback, recommendations, or some form of evidence of effectiveness/excellence. Demonstrates a model that can be successfully replicated by others. Promotes engagement: Demonstrates support or ability to engage with others in their institution, community and/or field. Relevance to professional best practices: Demonstrates use of strong professional activities that align with MENASA-NASPA Competencies. Relevance to Student Affairs/Services: Demonstrates relevance and significance to the field of Student Affairs/Services. MENASA-NASPA Area Organization/Professional: The nominated party and or activity operate in a MENASA Area country and support the field of Student Affairs/Services. *Note: NASPA Affiliation is a requirement. Each nomination must include an organization or individual who is a current NASPA member - However, for the 2020-2021 MENASA-NASPA Area Conference - Recognition of Excellence, NASPA membership of an associated professional or institution is preferred but not required. |
RECOGNITION CATEGORIES
Excellence in Collaborative Partnerships Demonstrates significant interdepartmental collaboration that positively impacts the overall quality of campus life. This recognition is intended for an organization, unit, or program. Specific Criteria for this recognition category:
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Excellence in Innovative Practices An innovative practice that develops student engagement and overall student success through campus-based initiatives. This recognition is intended for an organization, unit or program. Specific Criteria for this recognition category:
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Dedicated Professional (Commitment to the MENASA-NASPA Area) Recognizes a MENASA area professional who embodies our values by significantly contributing to supporting professionals, and developing the MENASA region identity and community. This recognition is intended for an individual professional. Specific Criteria for this recognition category:
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Excellence in Student Success Recognizes practices that have demonstrated, through evidence, a sustained commitment to and a proactive advancement of student success across campus. This recognition is intended for an organization, unit or program. Specific Criteria for this recognition category:
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SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS/NOMINATIONS
CLICK HERE to submit an application/nomination. |
Learning Outcomes
15th Annual MENASA Conference learning outcomes:
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Engage in critical dialogue around the innovation and adaptation of student affairs.
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Exchange insights on best practices and initiatives relative to the development and growing importance of student affairs with scholar-practitioners in the MENASA region and globally.
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Understand how to evolve current student affairs practices and strategies to better support student development and social responsibility in an uncertain time.
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Connect with an expansive network of international leaders, researchers, and current student affairs professionals.
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Identify emerging research and practices in student affairs around current societal changes that have caused the restructuring of higher education and student affairs.
Registration for the MENASA Conference
Registration as a member is based on individual membership status. You can join as an individual member at the $75 USD rate. This gives you the conference registration and a year of membership for less than the non-member registration fee. Visit the Membership section of the NASPA website to learn about membership types. NASPA Membership.
REGISTRATION FEES |
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Early Registration Ends February 7, 2021 |
Regular Registration Ends February 21, 2021 |
Late Registration After February 22, 2021 |
NASPA Member |
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$49 USD | $69 USD | $79 USD |
Registration & Membership |
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$124 USD | $144 USD | $154 USD |
Registration Only |
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$169 USD | $189 USD | $199 USD |
Seeking professional development funding? Review the NASPA Foundation Professional Development Scholarship!
Registration Policies
Refunds will be given for cancellations, received in writing by February 1, 2020, less a $25.00 processing fee. In addition, a processing fee of $50.00 per registration will be charged for credit cards declined.
For a comprehensive listing of NASPA registration policies, please visit this page.
Questions?
NASPA Events |
Janelle Nicole Rahyns |
Tiki Ayiku
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Schedule for the MENASA Conference
The schedule will be designed to provide participants with interactive and engaging programming, opportunities for deeper discussion, and networking. As details are finalized, this schedule will be updated.
2021 MENASA NASPA Conferences Schedule
All times are Arabia Standard Time and are subject to change
March 1
March 2
March 3
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
MENASA Conference: Welcome, Opening & Keynote
Kevin Kruger, President of NASPA
Mirela Mazalu, Global Division Director-Elect
10:30 AM - 10:40 AM
Interactive Coffee Break
10:40 AM - 11:00 AM
Know Your Neighbor - Networking Activity
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Concurrent Sessions I
Details
Title | Presenters |
نظریة سانفورد للتحدي والدعم: تقدیم الإرشاد الأكادیمي لطلاب جامعة قطر خلال كوفید |
Abeer Musa - Senior Academic Advisor Rand Essam Fayez Elshorafa - Academic Advisor |
An innovative work readiness program: A three- credit course at the Lebanese universities | Lubna Souheil - Higher Education Specialist |
COVID Conversations: Tune in to this round table to dial a friend and rewind |
Kevin Stensberg - Manager of Graduate Services Elizabeth Coder - Doctoral Student |
11:50 AM - 12:00 PM
Interactive Coffee Break
12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
Concurrent Sessions II
Details
Title | Presenter |
مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي: أھمیتھا وفعالیتھا في الترویج لبرامج النجاح والتطویر الطلابي | Maryam AL-Mohannadi - Career Counselor |
Psychological Flexibility In the Face of Health Crisis: Working With Grief and Loss |
Tayseer El-Gaili - Senior Student Counselor Sara Burshan - Psychologist & AMP; Learning Support Specialist Ivana Morgan - Cognitive Behavioral (EABCT) and ACT Therapist/Psychologist |
Barriers for Students with Hidden DisabilitiesBarriers for Students with Hidden Disabilities |
Alexandra Gazis - Associate Director of Student Disability Services Center for Student Wellbeing Nadia Al Mosallam - Disability and Accommodations Student Disability Services Officer |
Communicating With Students: Building More than RapportCommunicating With Students: Building More than Rapport |
Courtney Stryker - Advisor to Vice President for Student Affairs Tadd Kruse - Area Director |
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Discipline-Specific Dialogues (Part I)
9:30 AM - 9:40 AM
Interactive Coffee Break
9:40 AM - 10:00 AM
Networking Social/Hot Topics- Networking Activity
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Concurrent Sessions III
Details
Title | Presenters |
العمل مع المجموعات الطلابیة بطرق أكثر احترافیة | Yasser Alqawasmi - Section Head of Student Clubs and Organizations |
It was just the right time. Development of an Online Orientation Program | Wadad Housseini - Advisor |
Lessons Learned: Adapting Diversity and Inclusion to University Student Affairs |
Lisa Mayorga - Professional and Graduate School Advisor Reem Buhazza - Employee Relations Manager |
Student Success and Development Scene in Pakistan |
Hiba Zakaii - Co-curricular Activities and Campus Climate Head Muhammad Zadiq - Program Manager |
10:50 AM - 11:00 AM
Interactive Coffee Break
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Concurrent Sessions IV
Details
Title | Presenters |
الاندماج الطلابي - أھمیتھ وتأثیراتھ |
Neda Elemadi - Acting Director of Student Activities & Section Head of Global Education and Student Exchange |
International Opportunities; The Positive Impact on University Students | Dina Mahmoud - Student Program Advisor |
Inclusion is not enough Students of Determination want to Belong | Gladys Taris Mwedzi - Dean's Fellow |
Pandemic Response and Future Practice Implications: A Cross Border Panel Discussion |
Matthew Nelson - Head of Residence Life Lisa Bardill Moscaritolo - Vice Provost for Student Life Tehreem Asghar - Residential College Director Kevin Stensberg - Manager of Graduate Services |
11:50 AM - 12:00 PM
Interactive Coffee Break
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Group Discussion Forum
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Discipline-Specific Dialogues (Part II)
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Interactive Coffee Break
9:45 AM - 9:35 AM
Concurrent Sessions V
Details
Title | Presenter |
Are Your Graduates Employable? Innovative Partnerships to Bridge the Soft Skills Gap | Hadeil Ali - Program Manager |
Best practices in increasing students’ engagement through online support services | Noor Al-Nakhala - Senior Math Specialist |
فن القیادة وبناء الشخصیة القیادیة | Aysha Selaibeekh - Student Life Supervisor |
Changing Paradigms: Reflecting and Assessing Emirati Students’ Initial Remote Learning Experiences | Shytance Wren - Instructor and Advisor |
10:35 AM - 10:45 AM
Interactive Coffee Break
10:45 AM - 11:35 AM
Concurrent Sessions VI
Details
Title | Presenters |
E-governance Lean and Efficiency. Case study: Student Affairs at Qatar University |
Kholoud Al-Otaibi - Director of Student Services Basel Mismar - Section Head of Student Financial Services Maimonah Alsadi - Manager of the One-Stop Center |
#Is_ Academic_Advising_Instagramable? Student Affairs’ Presence within the Social Media Constellation | Omneya Badr - Senior Academic Advisor |
Sanford’s theory of Challenge &Support: Advising Qatar University students During Covid-19 |
Abeer Musa - Senior Academic Advisor Rand ElShorafa - Academic Advisor |
11:35 AM - 12:15 AM
Sponsors Fair/Member Engagement Space
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
MENASA Open Board Meeting & Conference Closing Ceremony
Call for Programs: Closed
2021 MENASA NASPA Call for Programs - Closed
The 2021 Planning Committee seeks engaging and innovative proposals that examine and question Student Affairs practices and their integration into Campus, especially during this pivotal time. In an age of changing ways to deliver services, communicate, and apply technology this conference invites dialogues and presentations around topics related to:
- virtual learning and student engagement
- leadership
- mental health, well-being and resilience
- support services and collaborations
- innovation, technology and best practice
- support services and collaborations
- innovation, technology and best practices
- student affairs competencies
- preparing for the future
- other related topics on Higher Education and Student Affairs.
Speakers
QUESTIONS?
QUESTIONS?
Please contact NASPA if you have any further questions about submitting a program proposal for the 15h Annual MENASA NASPA Conference. For other questions feel free to contact the Area Director.
Tadd Kruse
MENASA Area Director
Email: taddkruse@gmail.com