By David Peters, Vice Chair of the Member Network and Region II Representative

You can feel it in the air—the start of another school year is here! The new term brings the return of intramural seasons, packed fitness facilities, and an array of great recreation programs on our campuses. Next up for NIRSA members is the fall regional and state conference season; there will be educational opportunities for members in all six regions this fall!

Whether it’s a regional conference or a state workshop, fall regional events offer a great opportunity for current members to reconnect with others in the NIRSA family. They also give new members a chance to get introduced to all NIRSA has to offer. Make your plans now to participate in fall events—enjoy the local culture, food, and recreation in our unique conference locations while also exchanging ideas that will enhance your work.

Region I

Region I will welcome members to Riverhead, New York on Long Island at Stony Brook University for the Region I Conference and Student Lead On, which is taking place from November 9–11. Preconference events include the Region I Student Lead On, vineyard tours, facility tours, and a Director’s Chalk Talk session. Conference attendees will also enjoy a murder mystery dinner at the Suffolk Theater and a social at the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center.

Leading off events in Region I this fall, West Chester University will host Pennsylvania members at the PIRSA State Workshop from October 2–3.

Region II

Connect with colleagues, discover your passions, and grow professionally at the Region II Conference in Greenville, South Carolina from November 9–11. Clemson University leads the contingent of South Carolina schools hosting the conference. Attendees will be able to enjoy great Southern food and social opportunities in the revitalized downtown area during their stay.

Preconference activities include biking on Swamp Rabbit Trail, a Leave No Trace clinic and service project, golf, and facility tours in addition to the Region II Student Lead On. All these great opportunities will take place on Monday, November 9. Early bird registration for the Region II Conference ends Friday, October 9.

Also this fall, four states in Region II will host state workshops. Georgia leads off the slate as Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville hosts the GRSA State Workshop from September 24–25. The VRSA State Workshop in Virginia Beach is next on the schedule from October 5–6. Then Elon University will welcome members and students to the NoCRSA State Workshop from October 8–9. Finally, Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights will host the KIRSA State Workshop from November 5–6.

Region III

State workshops in each of the five states in Region III will take place over a six-week period this September and October. Wisconsin gets things started with the WIRSA State Conference at the University of Wisconsin–Stout from September 23–25. Michigan is next when Oakland University hosts the MIRSA Workshop from October 8–9. Later in October, Ohio University in Athens will serve as the host for the ORSA State Workshop. The University of Illinois at Chicago will welcome members for the IIRSA State Workshop October 28–30, and that same week Indiana University in Bloomington will host the IRSA Workshop starting October 29.

Region III’s main attraction, its Student Lead On, will be hosted by Cleveland State University in January. Along with numerous educational sessions and great networking opportunities, the Lead On will feature a social at the Terrace Club at Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Indians. Registration for the Region III Student Lead On opens on Monday, October 19.

Region IV

NIRSA members will be heading south to the sandy shores of Galveston Island, Texas for the Region IV Conference from October 26–28. Conference activities get started with the Student Lead On on Sunday, October 25. In between conference sessions, attendees can also enjoy Galveston’s sunny beaches, the Moody Gardens, and the Historic Pleasure Pier. Early bird registration for the Region IV Conference continues through Friday, October 9. Also in Region IV, the University of Missouri in Columbia will host the MoIRSA State Workshop from November 12–13.

Region V

Colorado State University is set to host the biannual Region V Conference from September 30–October 2 in Fort Collins. Attendees will enjoy dining in Old Town Square at CooperSmith’s Pub and Brewery—one of the oldest brewpubs in northern Colorado—and preconference activities include hiking, rock climbing, golf, and facility tours. The Region V Student Lead On will begin with a special opening session on September 30 and continue during the Region V Conference with student-focused sessions throughout the schedule. The Region V Conference kicks off at the end of September, so time to register is running out! Conference registration will close on September 16.

Region VI

Most members will have to take to the air to reach the Region VI Conference this fall since it’s taking place in Hawaii! Come and “Celebrate Aloha” as the University of Hawaii at Manoa hosts from November 11–13 at the Pacific Beach Hotel right on beautiful Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu. Early bird registration for the Region VI Conference ends on October 18.

On the mainland, the University of Utah will host the Utah State Meeting on Friday, October 23. This year’s Utah State Meeting will also feature a special Student Lead On track of educational sessions.

Broaden your horizons

NIRSA regional and state events are happening all across the map—make sure to explore opportunities that might be just across the border in a different state or region. Take the chance to connect with a whole new part of the NIRSA family! Check out the NIRSA calendar for information and links to these and so many more educational opportunities planned for the upcoming year.

 

For more information about NIRSA state and regional events, please contact your Member Network representative.

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