The calendar has turned to the month of August, and for most of us that means the start of a brand-new school year and the return of students to campuses. As you prepare for the year, you should also prepare to enhance your skills and develop more competencies to further your career in our amazing field. It’s time to think about attending one of our 2019-2020 NIRSA regional conferences!
These are exceptional and cost-effective events for you to enjoy development opportunities. Make sure to check with your region to see if a regional scholarship is available to support your travel. And please join us in a city near you! Keep in mind that a regional conference outside your listed region may actually be closer to you and that all NIRSA members are welcome at all regionals. Don’t forget to check the NIRSA calendar for other opportunities including state workshops and other local events.
Region I
Please join us for the 2019 NIRSA Region I Conference in Annapolis, MD. Our theme, “Charting a New Course,” reflects the planning committee’s goal to bring awareness to the changing landscapes of campus recreation and higher education. The theme also promotes, celebrates, and encourages individual growth during a time that feels defined by rapid and constant change.
The NIRSA Region I Conference is an opportunity for professionals and students of all levels and backgrounds to come together to participate in engaging sessions where they may share and learn from each other’s unique experiences. Region I has a new conference format with preconference programs, networking opportunities, and educational sessions. Drew Dudley is the keynote speaker; he will share strategies for how to best serve in our role as leaders within campus recreation.
For more information, please visit the NIRSA Region I Conference website. We hope you will join us October 28–30 in Annapolis, MD!
Region II
Region II is heading to Chattanooga, TN to continue “Bridging Wellness” for its 2019 Conference and Student Lead On. Hosted by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga along with other individuals and institutions within the state, we look forward to welcoming attendees. We also encourage all attendees to participate in any of our many preconference events such as facility tours, lifeguard games, and our service project. We invite any and all to consider presenting at this year’s conference and also encourage all students to attend the Student Lead On. Remember to visit our website for more information, and we hope to see you in Tennessee October 21–23!
Region III
This year, the Region III Student Lead On would like to invite you to Toledo, OH. This student-led, student-run conference will be hosted by the University of Toledo from January 30–February 1. In Fall 2019, Region III will be hosting the following state workshops:
- Wisconsin State Workshop, October 2–4; La Crosse, Wisconsin; hosted by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
- Saginaw Valley State University, October 17–18; Saginaw, Michigan; hosted by the Michigan State Workshop
- Illinois State Workshop, October 23–24; Edwardsville, Illinois; hosted by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
- Indiana State Workshop, October 31–November 1; Muncie, Indiana; hosted by Ball State University
- The Ohio State Workshop, October 9; Columbus, Ohio; hosted by The Ohio State University
Region IV
They say, “Get Your Kicks on Route 66!” and we’re headed to Tulsa, OK to do just that. Join your Region IV colleagues for a great week of learning and discovery at our 2019 Region IV Conference and Student Lead On. This year’s conference will feature a preconference facility tour of nearby Oklahoma State University along with a Student Lead On opening session Monday morning for all student attendees. The conference and Student Lead On educational sessions run concurrently, allowing the conference to be enjoyed by both students and professionals. We hope to see you in Tulsa October 27–30 for what is sure to be a dynamic and involved idea sharing experience! Check out the Region IV conference website for more information.
Region V
The 2019 Region V Conference and Student Lead On is all about Expanding Wellness: building a framework of wellbeing that creates success in all aspects of life!
South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive higher education institution. The Wellness Center was originally constructed in 2008 as one of the first wellness centers in the nation to attempt an integrated approach to wellbeing. In Fall 2018, a $14 million expansion added 37,500 sq. ft. and renovated 9,000 sq. ft.
SDSU focuses on all seven dimensions of wellness rather than just the physical dimensions. The SDSU Wellness Center encompasses recreation, fitness, counseling services, a student health clinic, outdoor programs, nutrition services, health promotion, intramurals, and summer camps. The facility actively serves about 13,000 students and is open to SDSU faculty and staff as well as the community of Brookings (about 1,200 community memberships).For more information visit the Region V conference website.
Region VI
Join us in beUTAHful Salt Lake City to “Discover Your Adventure” at NIRSA’s 2019 Region VI Conference taking place from October 16–18! Come experience awesome learning with professional development sessions, networking opportunities, and amazing outdoor recreation opportunities. Be inspired by keynote speaker Caroline Gleich, professional ski mountaineer and adventurer. Caroline uses her voice as an athlete to advocate for social and environmental justice, and her goal is to inspire people to get outside, live a healthy active lifestyle, and to protect the places where we love to play.
There will be many conference and preconference activities such as two separate facility tours, a mountain biking excursion, team building activities, and mental health first aid just to name a few. So join our host institutions from around Utah in wonderful Salt Lake City for this experience and truly “Discover Your Adventure!” Visit the Region VI conference webpage for more info.
Canada
Brock University is happy to host the 2019 NIRSA Student Lead On from October 16–18. The program committee is currently seeking presentation proposals. Presentations should be 45 minutes in length including time for Q&A. Please submit your presentation proposal before Friday, September 27. Registration for this event is now open.
The University of British Columbia is pleased to host the 2020 NIRSA Canada Conference. Join us from January 23–25 at our Vancouver campus to explore our facilities, exchange ideas, and discuss trends, ideas, and programs. Registration and presenter applications will open on August 7. Enjoy Vancouver’s legacies of sporting excellence and community wellbeing.
There will be a number of preconference activities available:
- Tour facilities in and around Vancouver showcasing post-secondary, community, and professional sport and wellbeing spaces
- Explore the wonders of Vancouver’s backyard in Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains, ride up to the top of Grouse Mountain, and check out the full winter experience—including views, wildlife, food, and more!
- Famous for its sea-to-sky views, downtown Vancouver features some of Canada’s most iconic sights and activities. Walks on the seawall, restaurants, and shopping in Gastown—there’s something for everyone!
Join your colleagues and strengthen your NIRSA family ties while learning and taking inspiration in a city near you.
- For more information about local events, reach out to one of your regional leaders on the NIRSA Member Network.
Jerrod Jackson is currently the Associate Director of Programs and Outreach at Louisiana State University. He serves as the Region IV Representative on the Member Network.
