By Cheri Hawkins

The fifth annual Student Organizations Institute—held at Washington University in St.

Louis from June 25-27—was a wonderful opportunity for professionals and student organization advisors to further their understanding of advising, risk management, and student conduct among other topics.

The Institute was a huge success—with 94 attendees, it was a sellout event.

Professor Peter Lake was a highlight of an outstanding 2014 Institute.

Attendees ranged from recreational advisors, sports club advisors, and campus activities advisors to student conduct administrators and student organization advisors. All Institute attendees walked away excited and ready to head back to their campuses armed with great information and new skills thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Association of College Unions International (ACUI), the Association of Student Conduct Administration (ASCA), the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA), and NIRSA.

Being in the same room with so many like-minded, driven individuals was no doubt one of the highlights of the Institute. One participant explained that coming to the 2014 Institute was valuable because “When you have the opportunity to talk to others, you’re able to step outside of your institutional blinders.” Another attendee noted that “organic conversations that developed with colleagues about all things student organization related” was a highlight of the Institute for them.

Peter Lake, this year’s invited speaker and faculty member, also received high praise for his contributions to the 2014 Institute, with attendees saying that he “was a wonderful presenter—easy to listen to and learn from.” One Institute participant couldn’t say enough about Lake’s presence at the Institute, stating that “Peter Lake was fabulous! He had, by far, the most actionable information to present and did it in a way that was surprisingly inspirational. He was my ‘game changer’ at this conference.”

Planning for the 2016 Student Organizations Institute will start soon. Keep your eye on the NIRSA News so you don’t miss out!