November 15, 2025
See you in Palm Springs! 🌴
2025 NASPA Western Regional Conference
Regional Annual Conferences Region V Region VI AVP or "Number Two" Faculty Graduate Mid-Level New Professional Senior Level Undergraduate VP for Student Affairs
November 15 - November 18, 2025 Palm Springs, California
Step into an oasis of possibility, where the morning sun energizes bold ideas and the evening sky, scattered with stars, inspires deeper connections. In Palm Springs, daylight fosters innovation, while twilight invites reflection, creating the perfect setting to learn, collaborate, and grow.
Presented By
✨ The 2025 NASPA Western Regional Conference (WRC) is more than an event—it’s a space to recharge, reimagine, and illuminate the future of student affairs. Join us in Palm Springs to shape the future of student affairs—together. Gain actionable strategies. Build lifelong connections. Join us at WRC 2025—your space to pause, reflect, and move forward with clarity and confidence. ✨
Registration
Refunds
The deadline for cancellations or refunds was September 15, 2025.
This conference, or parts thereof, may be canceled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. Pre-conference workshops and institutes may be canceled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances; in such cases, registrants will receive a full refund or may transfer their registration to another available program.
NASPA is not be responsible for additional costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines, hotels, and/or travel agencies. Refunds are not provided for weather, travel-related delays or cancellations, or other circumstances outside NASPA’s control that prevent an attendee from traveling to the event.
Guest Passes
Guest Passes are available for family members who would like to join in parts of the conference. These must be added to the conference registration. Guest Passes should be added by Nov 7.
| Pass | Adults & Children (6 and up) | Children (5 and under) Up to 2 per event |
| Saturday Evening Reception Sat, Nov 15, 5:30-6:30 pm Already included for attendees registered for a Pre-Conference Workshop or Institute |
$35 | $0 |
| Opening Reception Sun Nov 16, 6-8 pm |
$75 | $0 |
| Networking Lunch Mon Nov 17, 11:30-12:45 pm |
$75 | $0 |
| Closing Brunch Tues Nov 18, 11 am - 1 pm |
$75 | $0 |
Schedule
Schedule is subject to change. For a PDF version, click here.
Sat Nov 15
Sun Nov 16
Mon, Nov 17
Tues Nov 18
| Time | Activity |
| 10 am - 5 pm | Check-in & Help Desk Open |
| 1 - 5:30 pm | Institutes
|
| 2 - 5 pm | Pre-Conference Workshops
|
| 5:30 - 6:30 pm | Saturday Evening Reception (Ticketed) This reception is included in the registration of a Pre-Conference Workshop or Institute. Attendees who are not registered for a Pre-Con or Insitute may add-on a Guest Pass. |
| Time | Activity |
| 7:30 am - 4 pm | Check-in & Help Desk Open |
| 9 am - 1 pm | Institutes
|
| 9 am - 12 pm | Pre-Conference Workshop
|
| 1 - 2:30 pm | Regional Advisory Board Meetings |
| 1:30 - 2:30 pm | Newcomers Welcome |
| 2:30 - 3:30 pm | Knowledge Communities Overview and Meet & Greet |
| 4 - 5:30 pm |
Conference Opening Featured Speakers: Gerald & Emily Clarke |
| 6 - 8 pm | Opening Reception |
| Time | Activity |
| 7:30 - 8:30 am | SSAO Breakfast |
| 8:30 - 11:30 am | Check-in & Help Desk Open |
| 8:30 - 9:20 am | Concurrent Sessions #1 |
| 9:30 - 10:20 am | General Session: Featured Speaker: Dr. Amelia Parnell |
| 10:30 - 11:20 am | Concurrent Sessions #2 | SA Speaks #1 |
| 11:30 am - 12:45 pm | Networking Luncheon |
| 1 - 4:30 pm | Check-in & Help Desk Open |
| 1 - 1:50 pm | Concurrent Sessions #3 | SA Speaks #2 |
| 2 - 2:50 pm | Concurrent Sessions #4 |
| 3 - 3:50 pm | Concurrent Sessions #5 | Unconference Session |
| 4 - 5 pm | Region Business Meetings |
| 6 - 8 pm | Dinner - On your Own |
| 6 - 8 pm | Knowledge Communities Outings & Socials |
| 8 - 10 pm | Region Receptions |
| Time | Activity |
| 9 - 9:50 am | Concurrent Sessions #6 |
| 10 - 10:50 am | Concurrent Sessions #7 |
| 11 am - 1 pm | Closing Brunch & Keynote |
Region V & VI Awards
Each year, NASPA Regions celebrate the achievements and contributions of our members by honoring outstanding individuals and programs with our regional awards. We encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the incredible efforts of your colleagues. **Award nominations are now closed.
| Award Schedule | Region V | Region VI |
| Sunday - Conference Opening |
Undergraduate Rising Star Award: Oaklen Warren Fred Turner Award for Outstanding Service to NASPA: Joanna Royce-Davis
|
JEDI Knight of Justice Award: Brandon Langford, KC Achievement Award for Collaboration and Visibility: Rachael Amaro President's Award: Dr. Lynn Mahoney |
| Monday - Morning General Session |
Graduate Rising Star Award: Claire Zhou Innovative Program Awards: Andrea Hunt & Priscilla Arungwa, Boyish Charm |
Innovative Program Award: CSU Channel Islands - Summer Success Academy Program Graduate Rising Star Award: Haishan Yang |
| Monday - Luncheon |
Outstanding New Professional Award: Andy Song Distinguished Service to the Profession Award: Dr. Sheena Harvey Community College Professional Award: YeVonne Allen |
Distinguished Service to the Profession Award: Dr. Jamillah Moore Dorothy Keller New Professional Award: Clarissa Gaeta Community College Professional Award: Dr. Gregory J. Toya Sandra Kuchler Excellence in Mentoring Award: Dr. Varaxy Yi |
| Tuesday - Closing |
Mid-Level Student Affairs Professional Award: Gwen Sandford Scott Goodnight Award for Outstanding Performance Chief Student Affairs Officer: Michele Toppe Support Staff Recognition Award: Bridget Adams |
Support Staff Recognition Award: Julie Song Scott Goodnight Award for Outstanding Performance as a Dean/Vice President: Beth Lesen Mid-Level Student Affairs Professional Award: Dr. Rick Trevino |
| Support Staff Recognition Award: Mae Delcastillo |
Service Project
Pack a few extra items for a good cause. WRC is supporting a local non-profit: Desert Best Friend's Closet.
You can help by donating gently used professional attire: shirts, trousers, shoes, belts, jackets, etc! Drop off your donation at their booth in the Exhibitors on Monday, November 17.
Your donations will help individuals walk into interviews feeling confident and prepared.
Keynote Speakers
Hotel Information
Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs combines the chic, mid-century Palm Spring aesthetic with an elevated sense of style. Just minutes from downtown Palm Springs, the resort & spa includes 398 guest rooms, two resort pools, five dining outlets, the soothing Sante Spa (Palm Springs’ largest resort spa), and more than 40,000 square feet of combined wedding, meeting, and event space.
Due to high demand, the rooms at the Riviera Resort & Spa have all been booked during the conference.
Friendly note: the Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs does not have elevators in the majority of the buildings. If you prefer a ground-floor room or need an ADA-compliant room, be sure to request this when you make your reservation. The hotel will do their best to accommodate your needs and make your visit as comfortable as possible.
Hotel Alternatives
Here are nearby alternatives for accommodations, all within an approximately 3-5 minute walk to Riviera Resort & Spa (in no particular order)
- Casa Palma Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs
- ARRIVE Palm Springs
- Fleur Noire Hotel
- Desert Vacation Villas
- Mahala
Please note, NASPA and WRC does not have contracts with these locations and are not responsible for the stays at these properties.
Who Should Attend WRC 2025?
The 2025 NASPA WRC is designed for student affairs professionals, educators, and leaders at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re looking to gain new insights, expand your network, or recharge your passion for higher education, this conference offers something for you.
No matter your role, WRC 2025 is your space to learn, connect, and be inspired. Join us in Palm Springs to shape the future of student affairs—together.
Emerging Professionals & Graduate Students
Build your foundation in student affairs, connect with mentors, and explore career pathways.
Mid-Level Professionals
Gain new strategies for leadership, student engagement, and institutional change.
Senior Leaders & Administrators
Engage in high-level discussions on governance, policy, and the evolving landscape of higher education.
Faculty & Researchers
Share and discover cutting-edge research and best practices shaping the field.
Professionals Supporting Student Belonging & Success
Connect with others working to advance access, support underserved populations, and foster inclusive campus communities.
A professional retreat designed to inspire, empower, and connect.
- Growth & Innovation: Gain cutting-edge insights into student affairs, governance, and higher education—whether you're just starting out or a seasoned leader.
- Connection & Well-being: Recharge with sessions on mental health, leadership, and community-building, ensuring you leave energized and ready to make an impact.
- Iconic Location: The Riviera Resort & Spa blends mid-century modern charm with a refreshing atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for learning, networking, and relaxation.
- Dynamic Programming: Explore innovative practices, identity and culture, leadership, and community well-being with sessions that combine theory with real-world application.
- Unforgettable Experiences: From fireside chats to pre-conference institutes, you’ll form meaningful connections in an inspiring, supportive space.
Conference Programs: What to Expect
Guided by our Curricular Framework, the conference is designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in higher education today. This year’s framework consists of four dynamic components providing a structured yet flexible foundation for engaging, forward-thinking sessions:
- Innovative & Effective Practices – Explore creative strategies, emerging technologies, and data-driven methodologies that enhance student success and institutional effectiveness.
- Culture, Identity & Community – Deepen understanding of identity and belonging, amplify student activism, and examine the role of place, space, and intergenerational connections in fostering inclusive campus cultures.
- Connection & Well-being – Elevate conversations on mental health, resilience, and creating compassionate, inclusive environments that prioritize well-being for students and professionals alike.
- Policy, Governance & Leadership – Navigate critical policy issues, compliance challenges, and leadership strategies to ethically and effectively lead in complex higher education landscapes.
The conference will begin with 3-hour workshops before the main conference kicks off. These are designed to explore critical issues in student affairs and higher education. Presenters should be experienced practitioners or experts ready to share innovative ideas, evidence-based practices, and practical solutions.
Explore Palm Springs
Rooted in the heritage of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Palm Springs is a desert oasis where history, culture, and modern luxury intertwine. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, the city offers a perfect blend of mid-century charm, world-class dining, vibrant arts, and endless outdoor adventures.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the Agua Caliente People as the original stewards of the land on which we now gather. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work with the indigenous people in this place. We pay our respect to the Agua Caliente People past, present and emerging who have been here since time immemorial.
Sponsors
WRC 2025 Conference Committee
