Competitive esports and digital gaming represent a new and growing landscape in collegiate recreation. In the last few years NIRSA has highlighted new facility designs to promote and host esports activities for students, showcasing the community value and technological resources that esports can bring to a recreation program.
Just as critical to campus life are casual gaming environments, such as lounges and drop-in open play spaces, that provide similar benefits without a high barrier to entry; spaces where participation is prioritized ahead of competition. NIRSA’s Introduction to Collegiate Esports 101 investigates both themes in greater detail and is a fantastic primer to explore before attending this year’s Collegiate Esports Virtual Institute.
In line with the expanding range of approaches to programming, staffing, and space management, the 2025 Collegiate Esports Virtual Institute provides ample learning opportunities organized along two main content tracks: a “101” track specifically designed for attendees new to esports that focuses on introductory and foundational concepts, and a “201” track covering more advanced and specialized topics (such as facility design, organizing and executing esports tournaments, and best practices in broadcasting).
Whether you’re in the early stages of considering the possibility of bringing esports and gaming to your campus recreation program or have several years of experience under your belt, the Collegiate Esports Virtual Institute is an ideal place to connect with likeminded professionals.
Already an esports expert? Help shape the collegiate esports landscape
The program committee for this year’s Virtual Institute seeks presentation, panel, and roundtable submissions spanning topic areas in the 101 and 201 tracks, as well as virtual programming covering other Core Competencies for leaders in collegiate recreation; get your name out there and showcase your expertise. Proposals are open now and will be open through Wednesday, July 16.
Lead presenters, up to two per session, will receive complimentary registration to the Virtual Institute; additional presenters will receive a 50% off registration voucher.
Membership and institutional benefits for registration
NIRSA members can save between $100-$150 on individual registrations; institutional bundles are also available to NIRSA member colleges and universities that wish to bring in multiple attendees. Bundle registration offers a discounted flat rate that allows institutions to register up to five individuals under a single registration fee.
The 2025 Collegiate Esports Virtual Institute has limited spaces available, so keep an eye out for registration to open in August!
Earning Continuing Education (CE) credits
Select educational sessions at the Institute will offer Core and Campus Recreation Specialty Continuing Education (CE) credit towards the Student Affairs Educator Certification. Beyond the networking opportunities and educational content of the Institute, this certification supports long-term growth as a collegiate recreation professional.
- For more information about the Collegiate Esports Virtual Institute, contact NIRSA Digital Learning Manager, Lee Sherlock.
Lee Sherlock is currently the Digital Learning Manager at NIRSA.
