September 8, 2026
Award Nominations, Registration, and Program Proposals Open
December 11, 2026
Program Proposals Due
December 12, 2025
Early Registration Closes
December 15, 2025
Late Registration Opens
January 22, 2027
Registration Closes
January 29, 2027
NASPA AL Drive-In Conference
2026 NASPA Alabama Drive-In Conference
Regional Drive-in/Small Conference Place-Based Region III Professional Level AVP or "Number Two" Faculty Graduate Mid-Level New Professional Senior Level Undergraduate VP for Student Affairs
January 30, 2026 Huntsville, AL
The NASPA-AL Drive-In is a state conference that brings together Student Affairs professionals from across the state of Alabama. Together, we will learn from one another, discuss the critical issues impacting our field, and network with new and established colleagues. Open to everyone, from chief student affairs officers to new professionals and graduate students, the NASPA-AL Drive-In will have intentional time to meet with others in your functional areas as well as learn from those who are on the cutting edge of innovative student affairs practices.
Presented By
Theme
Blazing the Path Forward: Reimagining Student Affairs for Today’s Students
The NASPA-AL 2027 Drive-In Conference will take place on Friday, January 29, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Hill Student Center. This year’s theme, “Blazing the
Path Forward: Reimagining Student Affairs for Today’s Students,” invites higher education professionals to explore how we can continue advancing student success through engagement, well-being, and meaningful collaboration.
As higher education continues to evolve, student affairs professionals remain essential to supporting student development, creating meaningful connections, and strengthening the overall campus experience. The 2027 Drive-In Conference will bring colleagues from across Alabama together for a day of shared learning and meaningful conversation focused on the opportunities and challenges shaping student affairs today.
Attendees can look forward to intentional networking opportunities, an engaging student panel, and interactive breakout sessions designed to spark new ideas and meaningful dialogue. Throughout the conference, participants will be encouraged to reflect on the changing needs of today’s students and consider how student affairs professionals can thoughtfully blaze the path forward on their campuses and across the profession.
Registration
|
Registrant Type |
Fee |
|
General Registration-Member |
$100 |
|
General Registration-Non Member |
$120 |
|
All Students |
$50 |
Non-Member Registration: Anyone can register to attend NASPA events, members and non-members. In order to register, you will need to create a profile but will not be required to have a membership. Please select “Don’t have an account?” option beneath the register button to create your profile. After the profile has been created, you can register and receive the non-member rate for the event.
Hotel Information
Need a place to stay during the Drive-In? Reserve your room in our room block at the Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB by January 8, 2027.
Call for Programs
The NASPA-Alabama Drive-In Conference Committee invites you to submit a proposal to present at the NASPA-AL 2027 Drive-In Conference, taking place Friday, January 29, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
This year’s theme, “Blazing the Path Forward: Reimagining Student Affairs for Today’s Students”, invites higher education professionals to consider how student affairs can continue advancing student success through engagement, well-being, and meaningful collaboration. As higher education continues to evolve, student affairs professionals play an essential role in supporting student development, fostering connection, and strengthening the campus experience.
We welcome proposals that share practical strategies, examine emerging challenges, highlight innovative approaches, and encourage meaningful dialogue about how student affairs professionals can respond to the changing needs of today’s students.
The NASPA-AL 2027 Drive-In Conference seeks to:
- Strengthen understanding of the value and impact of student affairs in supporting student success, retention, engagement, and holistic development.
- Provide practical strategies that support the well-being, sustainability, and professional growth of student affairs professionals.
- Create opportunities for networking, collaboration, and shared learning among student affairs professionals across Alabama.
- Highlight innovative practices and partnerships that enhance student engagement, belonging, and career readiness.
- Encourage reflection on the evolving role of student affairs professionals and their ability to respond to the changing needs of today’s students.
Proposal Submission Deadline: December 11, 2026
For questions about the proposal process, please contact us at [email protected]
Become a Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring the 2027 NASPA-Alabama Drive-In? Check out the sponsorship packet for more information.
Drive-In Scholarships
NASPA Alabama seeks to engage undergraduate and graduate students as well as new professional staff members at higher education institutions in Alabama to attend the NASPA Alabama Drive-In Conference. Scholarships will be awarded to selected qualified applicants and will cover the cost of registration. This year’s conference will take place on Friday, January 29, 2027 in Birmingham, AL. Apply by Friday, December 11, 2026.
Awards
Each year NASPA-AL recognizes outstanding members across the state by honoring individual professionals with state awards. To continue with this tradition, please consider nominating one of your Alabama colleagues. Nominations are due December 12, 2026.