2027 NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education
Student Success Career and Workforce Development Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Community, Access, and Professional Pathways Division AVP or "Number Two" Faculty Graduate Mid-Level New Professional Senior Level Undergraduate VP for Student Affairs
June 15 - June 18, 2027 Indianapolis, IN
The NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education (SSHE) is a convergence of three conference tracks in one registration! The conferences offer outstanding professional development opportunities that will shape your learning experience.
Save the Dates for SSHE27
June 15-17, 2027
Indianapolis, IN
Presented By
Three Conferences In One Registration
This conference offers a platform for professionals who are committed to advancing equity, fostering student success, and using data-driven strategies to enhance the higher education experience for all students. Whether your focus is on assessment, dismantling barriers, or first-generation success, you'll find resources, insights, and a community of like-minded professionals at the SSHE Conference.
SSHE26 Conference Themes and Learning Outcomes
Supporting First-generation Student Success
Attendees will develop targeted strategies to better support first-generation college students by exploring innovative approaches to academic, social, and financial barriers impacting their success.
Learning Outcomes:
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Understand the lived experiences and vast intersectionality of first-generation students across academic experiences, institution types, and sectors.
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Develop strategies to strengthen institutional support networks and community partnerships that foster first-generation student belonging and persistence.
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Strengthen the use of evaluation, assessment, and data strategies to understand and improve institutional and programmatic first-generation initiatives.
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Leverage the latest research and scholarship critical to understanding and advancing first-generation student outcomes and completion.
Data-Driven Decision-Making for Student Success
Attendees will enhance their ability to use data-driven insights to inform decision-making and improve student success outcomes, gaining practical skills in assessment, planning, and retention methodologies.
Learning Outcomes:
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Learn to interpret and apply data insights to design, implement, and refine student success initiatives.
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Gain practical skills in integrating assessment and planning processes to drive continuous improvement.
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Develop strategies to communicate data findings through clear visualization and storytelling to influence institutional priorities and policy
Advancing Access Through Structural Change
Attendees will identify and recommend structural changes at their institutions that reduce systemic barriers to access, affordability, and social and economic mobility.
Learning Outcomes:
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Analyze institutional policies and practices to identify structural barriers to access and equity.
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Design and advocate for policy and organizational changes that promote equitable access and outcomes.
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Develop frameworks for evaluating the long-term impact of equity-focused institutional interventions.
SSHE26 Conference Leadership Committee
Assessment, Planning, and Data Analytics (APDA)
Benjamin Williams, Trinity University
Christa Frederick, DeSales University
Erin Richman, University of North Florida
Sarah Bailey, Coastal Carolina University
Wendy Wilson, Lone Star College System
Vanessa Macias Arias, Elgin Community College
Dismantling Systemic Barriers to Student Success (DSBC)
Brett Petersen-Bruner, Wichita State University
Clarissa Martinez, The University of Texas at San Antonio
Daniel Ramirez-Escobedo, The University of Texas at San Antonio
Joel Berrien, Jr., Ed.D., CSAEd, Weber State University
Melissa Bartley, University of Delaware
Quentin Alexander, James Madison University
Vanessa Hernandez, California State University-Northridge
First-generation Student Success (FGSS)
Deanna Waintraub Stafford, FirstGen Forward
Brandy Gros, University of Louisiana System Office
James Winfield, Southern New Hampshire University
Jenifer Olvera, Middlesex College
Jennifer Frias, Southwestern University
Kevin Reese, Morris College
Lamesha Brown, University of Pennsylvania
Liliana Gomez, The University of Texas at San Antonio
Mike Jones, Emory University
Tatyana Gause, Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Tiffany Quinones-Payiavlas, The Ohio State University-Main Campus
FirstGen Forward Network
Network Leader Academy (*invite-only)
An immersive experience for newly selected Network Leader institutions, this experience will bring together leadership teams to explore the vital role of institutional leaders in shaping a national narrative around first-generation student success.
Network Champion Convening (*invite-only)
The Network Champion Convening brings together higher education leaders to explore critical strategies and initiatives to support first-generation college students.
Featured Speakers
Opening Session
Plenary Panel: From Insight to Impact: Data, Equity, and Institutional Change for Student Success
Closing Session
Schedule
The schedule has been designed to provide participants with interactive and engaging learning expierences. These will include: programming, opportunities for deeper discussion, and networking. As details are finalized, this schedule will be updated. Registration to one conference grants access to content over all three conferences. Please note: the schedule is subject to change based on presenter availability.
2026 NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education Schedule At a Glance
All times are in Central Time and are subject to change
Pre-conference Sessions and General Sessions will begin Thursday.
Sponsorship
The 2026 NASPA Conference on Student Success in Higher Education is your opportunity to take a cross-functional approach to student success when it has never been more important.
Check out the sponsorship prospectus to view opportunites for 2026. Our exhibit hall is now at capacity, and we will not be accepting on-site registrations. However, you're encouraged to click below to sign up to be the first to know once information for 2027 becomes available.
Questions? Connect with Juan Pelaez-Barboza, Assistant Director of Corporate Fulfillment and Advertising, at [email protected] with any inquiries regarding exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
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