
November 9, 2023
ECSAS Late Registration Ends
November 9, 2023
2023 European Conference Begins
5th European Conference for Student Affairs and Services
Regional Annual Conferences Supporting the Profession Community Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Division Global Division International Education Professional Level AVP or "Number Two" Faculty Graduate Mid-Level New Professional Senior Level Undergraduate VP for Student Affairs
November 9 - November 11, 2023 Thessaloniki, Greece
The European Conference for Student Affairs and Services provides a platform for student services professionals, academics, researchers, and policymakers to discuss innovative programs, practices, models and trends in student affairs.
The Future is Now: The Role of Student Affairs Professionals in Skills Development
CALL FOR PROPOSALS Now Closed
Presented By

About the Conference
NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, EucA – European university college Association, and Perrotis College/American Farm School invite you to the fifth annual European Conference for Student Affairs and Services (ECSAS) to be held in Thessaloniki, Greece on 9 -11 November 2023.
In a world, where the availability, functionality and accessibility of technologies are growing exponentially and where new realities such as the metaverse appear, education providers need to re-imagine their role in what is starting to be called the ‘on-life world’ (Floridi, 2014). Students affairs departments are well placed to support students in gaining invaluable experience, to get to know themselves better, and to grow and mature. The Future is Now: The Role of Student Affairs Professional in Skills Development.
Register Today!
2023 European Campus Host and Venue

Call for Proposals
The 2023 European Conference for Student Affairs and Services planning committee invites program proposals from higher education professionals who are part of the essential systems addressing college student experiences. The conference planning committees encourage program proposals regarding proven practices with content that will engage participants in fruitful discussions and provide meaningful content to bring back to their campuses. Interested individuals should submit a proposal form electronically. The proposal should be a detailed outline of their proposed session and a set of learning outcomes for attendees that connect to the conference tracks/topics (see below).
All presenters must register to attend the 2023 European Conference for Student Affairs and Services in-person.
There will not be any virtual presentation opportunities.
Proposals will be evaluated by several program reviewers using the following five standards:
- Significant and creative contributions to the student affairs profession.
- Engaging program format that involves the audience and stimulates discussion.
- Conceptually strong foundation, well-written, with clearly stated outcomes and appropriately documented research and/or experience.
- Qualified presenters with expertise in the subject matter.
- Thematically relevant program content incorporating the conference focus area(s) into the program.
Conference Tracks/Topics and Learning Outcomes
Career Readiness and Preparation for the Future
2023 is the European Year of Skills. The last number of years has seen huge changes in the ways in which all of us work and live. Student Affairs Professionals have had to adapt quickly to the rapidly changing landscape of support, advising and guiding. Student needs have also changed. In particular, their expectations of how support is delivered in a hybrid environment is something our field has had to keep pace with. In addition, the world of work is constantly evolving. Student Affairs Professionals must be aware of the attributes employers expect from graduates, particularly in the area of soft skills. Research shows that skills such as teamwork, networking, and presentation skills are considered vital by employers today (European Commission, 2020).
The conference planning committee invites you to submit conference programme proposals that will allow attendees to:
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Describe the changing skills needs of employers and the impact on Student Affairs Professionals
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Present innovative approaches to supporting students in a hybrid environment
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Describe best practice in technological approaches to supporting students
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Consider future skills requirements - what next for our graduates?
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Provide resources and tools to appropriately support students in gaining necessary skills
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Identify collaborative models between career services, employers and Student Affairs
Cultural Skills and Inclusive Learning
As Higher Education institutions and Study Abroad Programmes encourage the participation and contributions of students from diverse and historically underrepresented backgrounds, how can Student Affairs Professionals support this population in navigating challenges, making sure their voices are heard, and achieving their goals? What tools shall we use to facilitate the transition of the students in pivotal phases of their lives, such as adjusting to college life, as in the case of first-year students, or to a different culture, as in the case of study abroad experiences?
The conference planning committee invites you to submit conference programme proposals that will allow attendees to:
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Define the needs of the first-year and study-abroad student population from underrepresented backgrounds (ethnic and racial minority students, LGBTQIA+ students, first-generation students, students with increased financial needs, and students with disabilities) and identify their relationship with student success.
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Provide resources and tools to appropriately support students in navigating transitional phases while helping them embrace new challenges and grow through them.
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Define successful practices and programmes that promote the acquisition of new skills and foster students’ resilience.
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Explore possibilities to facilitate reflections and encourage students to build, understand and express their identities in a new context.
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Describe best practices and collaborative models to create orientation programmes.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Institutions of higher education around the world are experiencing a wave of incoming students who have experienced trauma and loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as economic, societal, and political events. As professionals in Higher Education, how do we equip ourselves to support these students?
The conference planning committee invites you to submit conference programme proposals that will allow attendees to:
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Unpack holistic student wellbeing and its relationship with student success in Higher Education.
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Create opportunities to define current health triggers (pandemic, economic loss) and its impact on the community.
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Define current mental health conditions (e.g. addiction, depression, substance abuse, etc.) which represent challenges to student success and wellbeing.
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Identify collaborative models between service practitioners (qualified mental health professionals) on campus and external supports.
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Identify successful practices and programmes that support student resilience, work/study-life balance, healthy habits, community engagement, responsible use of social media and online presence or activity.
Student Affairs staff Preparedness and Professional Development
Student Affairs Professionals play a very important role in how HEIs respond to student demographic changes, changing student needs, student crises, and strategic planning. It is important that staff undergo continuous professional development so that they can remain abreast of the latest theories and developments around supporting students. Professional development opportunities are also an important motivator for staff when opportunities for horizontal progression may not always be available.
The conference planning committee invites you to submit conference programme proposals that will allow attendees to:
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Learn from peers on how to continue to support students and their success in environments where resources may be limited, student needs are ever-changing, and student demands are increasing
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Define current and new educational challenges which may represent challenges to the role of Student Affairs Professionals
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Identify best practice in crisis management
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Understand change management and its importance to supporting student success
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Learn about self-care in the role of Student Affairs and how upskilling can support that
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Learn about career development and setting career goals for professional development in Student Affairs
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Share examples of best practice in professional development for Student Affairs Professionals
Additional Information
Successful Proposals
Program reviewers rely on a well-written description to enhance their understanding of the content and goals of the presentation. The conference planning committees encourage program proposals with proven practices and content that will engage participants in fruitful discussions and provide meaningful content to bring back to their campuses.
Successful proposals should include:
- Lengthy description about session content that you will present.
- Relationship of the program to the conference themes outlined below in 'Conference Themes & Learning Outcomes'
- Identification of the program format (e.g., lecture, panel, roundtable) including methods for participant involvement (e.g., discussion, effective practice sharing, case study analysis).
- Discussions of replicability: to what extent can the information presented in this program be replicated at other institutions?
- Evidence of the conceptual foundation for proposal content including ways the program content is grounded in research, relevant experience, a cogent model, or appropriate theory.
- Program proposals should establish a clear connection to the research, framework, model, or theory included in their discussions.
- A list of references to relevant research, models, or theory must be listed in the "References" section.
Tips:
- Draft and save your work in a word processing program to ensure you keep a copy for your records. When you are ready, copy and paste the your description and outline into the text box below.
- There are no word limits on this section. Please provide enough details so that program reviewers can understand the breadth, depth, and scope of your program. This description will not be printed in the program book, website, or otherwise.
- Ensure correct spelling and grammar.
General Proposal Writing Tips
For additional tips, please visit NASPA’s Program Submission Guidelines: https://www.naspa.org/events/program-submission-guidelines.
Schedule at a Glance
The schedule will be designed to provide attendees with interactive and engaging programming, and opportunities for deeper discussion, and networking. As details are finalized, this schedule will be updated.
5th Annual European Conference for Student Affairs and Services Schedule
All times are Eastern European Time and are subject to change
2023 ECSAS Schedule
9 November
10 November
11 November
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Conference Registration
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
ECSAS Welcome Session
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
ECSAS Keynote Address
"The Wild, Ever-changing World of Higher Education and Today’s Students"
Kevin Kruger, NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Coffee/Tea Break
11:30 AM - 12:20 AM
Concurrent Session I
Details
International Career Pathways: Fostering Students' Futures Through Career Modules Ebonie Rayford, Franklin University Switzerland Luca Di Pietro, European University College Association (EucA) |
Building Blocks for International Student Skill Development Leah Hetzell, Temple University |
Study Abroad, Student Success, and Residence Life: A Living Learning Community Ryan Hopkins, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University |
Are You Ready For a Crisis? Crisis Communications Planning For Student Affairs Chantelle Thompson, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Orientation and Transition From Start to Finish for Medical Students in the Caribbean Fallon Powers-Peterson, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine |
12:30 PM - 1:20 PM
Concurrent Session II
Details
International Perspectives in Student Affairs: Voices From the Field Niamh Nestor, University College Dublin Maria del Pilar Murguia, Director of Student Services Maura Zerella, Temple University Rome Ariana Damaske, John Cabot University |
Fraternity and Sorority Foundations Christina Witkowicki, LaunchPoint Consulting |
Research-driven Practice: Climb the LADDER of Mental Health and Well-being Leslie Blanchard, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College |
A Meaningful Horizon For SA (Student Affairs) Professionals Mariagrazia Melfi, EucA - European university college Association Gian Luca Giovannucci, EucA - European university college Association |
Embarking on a Global Journey: International Student Orientation Lisa Jackson, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Lunch/Perrotis College Tour
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
ECSAS Leadership Panel
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Optional: Cultural Experience
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Conference Registration
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Networking Activity
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
ECSAS Keynote Address
"Create the Student Career Experience: How To Help Your Students Build An Attractive CV During Studies''
Sofia Panagiotidou, University of Macedonia
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Coffee/Tea Break
11:30 AM - 12:20 PM
Concurrent Sessions III
Details
Self-reflection: A Pathway for Personal and Professional Development Denise Balfour Simpson, Davidson College |
Diversity Abroad: Fostering Inclusion and Supporting Diverse Students in Study Abroad Programs Angela Lavecchia, Trinity College |
Student Success Modeling is Global: Revealing a 3-Dimensional Approach at Spelman College Darryl Holloman, Spelman College |
From Prometheus to ChatGPT: How Can Students Affairs Professionals Meet These Challenges? María José Ibáñez Ayuso, European University College Association José Carlos Villamuelas, Colegio Mayor Francisco de Vitoria |
Join the World University Games - Make Your Campus International: Brainstorm Sustainability Challenge |
Mentoring and Well-being to Support Student Success During Pandemic Cecilia Resurreccion, University of Asia and the Pacific |
12:30 PM - 1:20 PM
Concurrent Sessions IV
Details
BEYOND THE GAP: Reducing Skills Mismatch in a University College of Merit Luca Demontis, ondazione Collegio San Carlo |
EDISU Piedmont: Perspectives on the Italian University Housing and Student Welfare System |
Are You Interested in Student Affairs Masters Certificate? Mariagrazia Melfi, EucA - European university college Association Gian Luca Giovannucci, EucA - European university college Association Janelle Rahyns, NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education |
Creating a Resilient Mindset Robert Gould, Workplace Office Solutions Sebestian Beurlet, Workplace Office Solutions |
Transforming the Delivery of Student Services in the Changing and Challenging Environment Aray Saniyazova, Nazarbayev University |
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Lunch/Conference Group Photo
3:00 PM - 3:50 AM
Concurrent Sessions V
Details
Creating a Positive and Healthy Work Environment Tourgeé Simpson, York Tech |
Forming the Pack: Creating belonging for First-Generation College Students Terence Hill, University of Washington Bothell Katie DeWilde Horowitz, University of Washington Bothell |
Unlock the Strategic Power of Linkedin Maria Giulia Palocci, EucA - European university college Association |
InclusiveU: Applying an Anti-Bias Framework to Advance Equity in Higher Education Sinai Cota, University of California San Diego Francheska Morataya, University of California San Diego |
Creative Professional Development in Student Affairs Gloria Laureano, Kennesaw State University |
Health and Well-being Behaviours of University Students - A Portuguese Perspective Paulo Ferraz, Instituto Politécnico do Porto
|
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
ECSAS Student Panel
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Networking Dinner
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Conference Registration
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
Concurrent Session VI
Details
5000km Away from Campus: Global Lessons from NU-Q's Service Learning Experience Indeewaree Thotawattage, Northwestern University-Qatar |
Multi-institutional Collaboration in Guidance and Well-being Initiatives: National Networking in Finland Leena Penttinen, University of Jyväskylä |
Spotlight Personality Profiling: A Tool to Navigate Changes Among Student Affairs Professionals Andy Loe, Yale-NUS College |
Exploring the Role of AI in Facilitating Help-Seeking Among Students Joonas Merikko, Annie Advisor Ltd / University of Helsinki |
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Are You Interested in a Student Affairs Masters Certificate?
Details
The Master Course, promoted in collaboration with EucA (European University College Association) and NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education), intends to develop the necessary skills for university professional staff that support all extra-academic issues concerning university students and the development of their holistic skills on campus and in the residence halls. The Master Course will provide a model of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary best practices that are useful for professional training in the field of student affairs and campus life.
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Coffee/Tea Break/Networking
12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
Concurrent Session VII
Details
The Bare CV Alexandra Prindezi, Deree The American College of Greece Fostering Belonging: Crafting Strong, Engaged and Supportive Residential Communities Hatim Kara, Constructor University |
Agility and Adapability in Student Affairs Management: Lessons Learned Niamh Nestor, University College Dublin Kathleen Kiely, University College Dublin Fostering Resilience and Community: Empowering Student Engagement Through Orientation and Clubs Maria del Pilar Murguia, John Cabot University Ariana Damaske, John Cabot University Leveling Up Your Professional Work When You Are Battle Fatigued Michelle Castro, Florida International University |
Radical Rest: It’s Time for a Real Break Madeline Reich, Constructor University |
Leading Abroad: An IPA Study of International Dean of Student Life Roles Carla Wiegers, Pantheon Institute |
Cultural Programming in a Residential International Environment: An Example From AUBG Radosveta Miltcheva-Castle, American University in Bulgaria |
A Systematic Approach to Engage Students for Success with Co-curricular Learning Activities Yun Shi, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Peer Mentoring Program – Nurturing First-Year Students and Fostering Skill Development Leah Punch, Constructor University |
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Conference Closing Remarks
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Optional: Cultural Activity
Traveling to Thessaloniki, Greece
Hotel Accommodations
Avalon Hotel Thessaloniki
Room Type
Economy rooms with window (semi-basement)
Standard rooms with window (ground floor)
Standard rooms with balcony (top floor)
Breakfast and overnight tax are included.
Transfer to/from Thessaloniki SKG airport is included in the room cost (upon request).
To make your reservation please email the hotel at [email protected] and state the following:
- Arrival / departure dates
- Full name
- Room Type : single or double
- Room Category (eg. economy or standard or standard balcony)
Hotel Nikopolis Thessaloniki
Room Type
Superior rooms with garden view (32 sqm)
Vat 13% and City tax 0.5 %. Occupancy Tax: 4€/room/night
The above prices are BB and include:
- American buffet breakfast
- free access to the Aqua Club Spa of the hotel (fully equipped Fitness Centre, sauna, hamam, Jacuzzi, heated indoor swimming pool, outdoor pool 1.750 sqm)
- free external parking
- free wifi everywhere in the Hotel
- free early check-in or late check-out upon availability
- guest relations service in hotel
To make your reservation please email the hotel at [email protected] or call +30 2310 401000
Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki
Room Type
King/ Twin garden view room (42 sq.m.)
Stay tax 4,00€ per room per night, is not included in the room rate
RATE CONDITIONS
Above rates are per room and per night, inclusive taxes (except the stay tax) and VAT and exclusive commission
- The breakfast is served in Ambrosia restaurant
- In case room service breakfast is consumed, it will be charged extra and according to the a la carte menu
- Wi-Fi up to 10mbps is offered complimentary
- Complimentary bottle of mineral water in the room
- Complimentary tea & coffee making facilities in the room
- Availability of extra rooms is upon request and subject to availability
- The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle bus service to/from the airport. Please advise with the flight details
- €45, 00 will be applied as a triple occupancy (3rd person, and child above 12 years old) supplement. A maximum of 3 persons per room is allowed. Children under 12 years old sharing one room with their parents are free of charge
- Please note that the majority of our rooms are furnished with one king-size bed. Twin-bedded rooms are on request and subject to availability
- The above levies are subject to change if there is any change to government tax
- We would be delighted to offer the group rate/s prior to and after the main group dates. However additional reservation requests will be subject to availability upon request
- Check-in: 3:00pm / Check-out: 11:00am
To make your reservation please email the hotel at [email protected] or call +30 2310 401 414
Travel and Weather
Travel
Conference Venue:
Perrotis College
Marinou Antipa 54, P.O. Box 60097, 570 01,
Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
T: +30-2310-492-800
The Perrotis College campus is approximately 10 km east of downtown Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city.
Closest Airport:
From the east, the campus is only a 5km drive from the Thessaloniki Airport Macedonia (SKG): https://www.skg-airport.gr/en
Please be mindful that the Perrotis College / American Farm School is 13 km away from Thessaloniki city center. In this case, be prepared to move with a taxi(apps: Free Now, Taxiway and Uber-it works differently in Greece though since only taxis have a license for transportation) to be on campus on time. Thessaloniki’s subway/metro is still under construction, and there is only one bus line - OASTH App, https://oasth.gr/
Weather
The average temperatures in Thessaloniki, Greece are around 69 degrees F during the day and 53 degrees F in the evening. As the conference gets closer, please visit the Weather Channel for more information.
Please note, the hotel and meeting areas may be cooler temperatures. A sweater or jacket is recommended.
Speakers
Sponsors
Interested in exhibit and sponsorship opportunities at the 5th Annual European Conference for Student Affairs and Services? Click here to review the available opportunites!
To apply, please click below to send an email to Fred Comparato, Senior Director of Corporate Development.
Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors!
NASPA Global Health, Safety, and Responsibility
In keeping with the Association's duty to care and responsibility as host, NASPA leadership strongly encourages all participants at NASPA events whether a presenter, attendee, exhibitor, staff, guest, or vendor to be fully vaccinated. Please see the NASPA Global Health, Safety, and Responsibility webpage for complete information about NASPA's policy.
NASPA Conduct Policy
NASPA provides a welcoming environment and strives to address the interests of its members and the student affairs profession on issues related to social justice, equity, and inclusion. We seek to foster a positive environment built upon a foundation of trust, respect, open communications, and ethical behavior. To view NASPA's Conduct Policy, follow this link.