NODA is excited to announce that educational program planning is now underway for the 2021 NODA Annual Conference in Orlando, FL. We would like to encourage you to submit an educational session proposal, and/or consider becoming a peer reviewer for this year’s educational selection process.

Shared knowledge between members is the hallmark of the Annual Conference and is a cornerstone of NODA’s mission to provide education, leadership and professional development in the field of college student orientation, transition, and retention. By sharing your knowledge and expertise, you have a unique opportunity to give back to the Association and ensure that the Annual Conference meets the educational needs of a diverse membership.

The NODA Annual Conference Presenter Page  should be referenced for critical information related to presenting. You can:

• View a video  with advice from the 2021 conference committee on how to submit a strong educational proposal
• Preview the proposal’s questions using the Ed Session Proposal Template (below)
• Review tips on how to develop and submit a successful educational session or roundtable
• Reference  rubrics  that will be used when scoring Educational Session submissions
• View the Association-approved examples of topics in orientation, transition and retention

NODA conducts Educational Session selections through a double-blind review process using standardized rubrics. Proposals should include specific participant learning outcomes and be grounded in both research and theoretical frameworks, if applicable. Additionally, proposals must address how the information presented can be adapted to different types and sizes of institutions. The Committee is in search of sessions across the three NODA focus areas of: orientation, transition, and retention.

TIMELINE

• Educational session proposals are due Monday, April 26  – 11:59 p.m. CST
• Peer reviewer applications are due Monday, March 23 – 11:59 p.m. CST  
• Submissions sent to peer reviewers after Friday, April 30
• Educational session selections will be communicated via email beginning in late May

We look forward to working with you this spring and meeting you at the 2021 NODA Annual Conference, October 22-25, 2021, in Orlando, FL!

Educational Programs and Evaluations Session Proposal Template

Instructions

Our hope is that this form will allow presenters to more easily prepare their responses for the Educational Session proposal. You should be able to type your responses on this document and later copy and paste them into the proposal form. Presenters may also opt to use this document to collaborate with co-presenters. All proposals must be submitted through the NODA Annual Conference site by Monday, April 26 at 11:59 pm EST.

For any questions or support, please email nodaedsesssions@umn.edu. 

Presentation Type

• Choose your Session Type: Educational Session Proposal or Highlight Session Proposal (for Associate Members only)

• Which of the following are you interested in having your session considered for? Please check all that apply.

  • Pre-Conference Workshop (One 4-hour presentation that will be held in the day and a half before the conference begins)

  • Extended Session (one 60-minute presentation that will be held in the week before the conference AND a 50-minute presentation that will be held during the conference as a continuation of the session)

  • General Session (one 50-minute presentation during the conference)

Presenter Information

Please share this information for the primary presenter (required) and anyone else who may be presenting with you (optional). Beyond the first three, you’ll be asked to share this in a text response box. This information will not be shared with the Peer Reviewers who evaluate session proposals.

• First Name, Last Name:

• Institution or Organization:

• Position/Title:

• Phone Number

• Email Address

• Experience Level: Graduate Student, Faculty, New Professional (0-3 years), Mid-Level Professional (4-7 years), or Senior Level Professional (8+ years)

• Please share any scheduling details or restrictions for the presenters.

  • Text Response:

Presentation Information

Ed Proposals are reviewed in a blind peer review process. Be sure to omit identifying information, such as institution name or names of presenters in this question. If identifying information is found, your proposal may be automatically declined. 

• Presentation Format: Educational Session or Roundtable

• Presentation Title (60 characters): 

• Program Abstract (500 characters):

  • Text Response:

  • Overview & Outline: Please include a program description and a detailed outline that includes time estimates. (Consider the ways that your presentation will help attendees create actionable items through reflection. In your overview,  you should highlight how you are making time for and/or incorporating reflection and action planning into the session.)

  • Avoid using bulleted outlines which may not maintain their formatting when submitted and may not be easily understood by Peer Reviewers.

  • Text Response:

• Intended Audiences (choose the most appropriate primary level and any optional secondary audiences): Undergraduate Student, Graduate Student, New Professional (0-3 years), Mid-Level Professional (4-7 years), or Senior Level Professional (8+ years)

• Identify which category your session most aligns with: Orientation, Transition, Retention, or Professional Development

Connections to NODA

Please share how your proposed session would integrate or connect to various facets of NODA’s driving philosophies. You will also be able to share information about submitting your session to be endorsed by a NODA Network or Committee. For more details on each, please review the details at the links below:

How does your presentation connect to the mission & Core values of NODA?

• Text Response:

• What are the participant learning outcomes for your presentation and how will they be met during your session? Please include 1-3 learning outcomes that will be covered in your presentation.

  • Text Response:

• How will you use assessment/outcome data, theoretical models, current research (e.g. peer reviewed), or best practices to validate elements of the program or session?

  • Text Response:

• Does your presentation address one or more of NODA’s Core Competencies? (Y/N)

  • Please note that answering “no” to this question does not harm your chances of being accepted for an educational session.

• If yes, you’ll be asked to choose from the following Core Competencies as a primary focus for your session.

• If yes, you’ll be asked: “Of the competency that you have selected above, what level will address the competency?”

  • Choose from: Introductory, Intermediate, or Advanced

• If yes, you’ll be asked: “How does your presentation develop this core competency for attendees?”

  • Text Response: 

• If yes, you will be asked to add similar details about other core competencies:

  • Please select any other core competencies your presentation will address.

  • Of the competency(ies) that you have selected above, what level will you address these competency(ies)? (Introductory, Intermediate, or Advanced)

    • Text Response:

  • How does your presentation develop the selected core competency(ies) for attendees?

    • Text Response:

• Please select the topic area(s) that align with your presentation:

• If accepted to present, would you be interested in having this presentation recommended or endorsed by a NODA Network and/or Committee related to that topic area? Y/N

  • If yes, your session will be shared with leadership for the Networks/Committees to review for endorsement.

  • Please note that answering “no” to this question does not harm your chances of being accepted for an educational session.

Terms & Conditions

• If the NODA Annual Conference includes virtual programming, would you still be interested in presenting? Yes / No

  • Please note that answering “no” to this question does not harm your chances of being accepted for an educational session.

  • If yes, what format(s) would best fit your presentation? Live presentation via Zoom, Pre-recorded session, Either would work.

  • If  yes, how will you engage the audience in a virtual setting if you are selected to pre-record your session or if you are selected for a live-Zoom session?

    • Text Response:

• You will be asked to agree to a series of standard terms and conditions before completing your submission: 

As educators of students and colleagues, conference presenters must be particularly sensitive to and aware of the issues of language, and the perpetuation of stereotypes and erroneous assumptions. Presenters are strongly advised to model behavior that will educate their audience. All conference participants, presenters, and entertainers are expected to use appropriate sensitive and inclusive terminology so NODA will provide an environment which is comfortable for everyone. Should this program be selected I/We agree that:

1: All presenters listed in this proposal have agreed to participate in this presentation. 

2: All presenters agree to pay full conference registration fees (including membership fees). 

3: All presenters are responsible for all printed materials in this session. 

4: All presenters have read and agreed to NODA's Appropriate Language Statement (see above). 

5: All presenters have agreed to provide appropriate reference/citation when using/quoting the words of others as part of the proposed presentation. 

6: The lead presenter must be a full-time staff member or graduate student, and must be a current member of NODA. *You will not be able to access this application if you do not have an active membership. 

7: All presenters will provide their own laptop for their presentation.

NODA Gives Back:

• Through our partnership with the Hilton, we were able to donate 185 pounds of food to Second Servings, which provides meals to various shelters in Houston.
• All remaining books from the Authors Events and exhibit hall were donated to the Houston Public Library Foundation
• 354 total Cupanion reuses provided clean water to the Navajo Clean Water Project and prevented 2.124 pounds of ocean pollution and 155.76 pounds of CO2 emissions.

Congratulations to the Winners:

During the opening ceremony, many of our members were recognized for the contributions they are making to the OTR field. Please join us in congratulating the award winners below:

• President's Award: Beth Lingren Clark, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
• Outstanding OTR Professional: Shannon Calega, University of Tampa
• Outstanding New OTR Professional: Eric Carnaje, University of Vermont
• Innovative Program: Veteran Student Orientation, University of South Carolina
• Outstanding Research: Dr. Re'Shanda Grace-Bridges, University of Dayton
• Outstanding Graduate Student Leadership: Ena Walker, University of Georgia
• Outstanding Mentor: Pearson, Florida State University
• Outstanding NODA Intern: Quinn Peoples, interned at Seattle University
• Outstanding NODA Intern: Jacey Goerlitz, interned at University of Virginia
• Norman K. Russell Scholarship: Lyndsey Williams Mayweather, Augusta University
• Norman K. Russell Scholarship: Emily Wheeler, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• Outstanding Non-Print Media or Emerging Technologies: University of Victoria
• Outstanding Publication for New Students or Families: West Virginia University
• Outstanding Handbook: University of North Dakota
• Outstanding Brochure or Booklet: Texas A&M University
• Outstanding Theme: Carnegie Mellon University

Logan Adams
Georgia Southern University
Technology, Social Media & Graduate Interns

Lily Oyarzun
Indiana University Bloomington
Marketing, Design, & Special Program Logistics 

• Career Advancement panel featuring OTR professionals who have progressed to senior-level leadership roles within higher education.
• Women in Leadership Panel featuring prominent OTR professionals.
• Extended sessions such as Graduate School Revisited.
• Pre-conference sessions on International Student Orientation, Transition & Retention; Online Orientation, Transition & Retention; Retention Initiatives gaining campus buy-in and engaging faculty members featuring campus-based retention professionals; Title IX/Gender-Based Violence Prevention & OTR, and more.

REGIONAL INNOVATIVE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT SESSIONS
Innovation is a core focus area for the 2015 NODA Annual Conference. In addition to the regular regional showcase sessions, the 2015 Annual Conference will recognize and highlight innovative programs happening within each of the Regions at the Annual Conference. The recipient of each region’s Innovative Program Award will be invited to present a highlight of their program during an educational session block during the 2015 Annual Conference.  

Be on the lookout for more updates and highlights regarding the 2015 Annual Conference. Don’t forget that we are currently accepting educational session proposals which closes April 1. We look forward to seeing you in Denver!

Sincerely,  

Brett L. Bruner, M.S.
2015 NODA Annual Conference Program Chair
Director of First Year Experience/Persistence & Retention
Fort Hays State University
blbruner@fhsu.edu

• Proposals are due Wednesday April 1, 2015 at 11:59:59 PM, CST.
• The lead presenter must be a current Professional or Graduate member of NODA.
• All educational sessions at the conference will be 50 minutes in length.
• Each program proposal will be reviewed by at least three experienced members of the Association, who have presented at an Annual Conference.
• Reviewer feedback will be provided for all submissions, accepted and not accepted.
• Program reviewers will be solicited later in February.
  

In the coming weeks, we will release more details about programming highlights for the 2015 conference.  Look for these details and an announcement of our very special featured speaker.   

Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions at noda2015edsessions@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing your submissions!

Brett Bruner
Fort Hays State University
Chair, 2015 NODA Annual Conference

Heather Maginnis
University of Delaware
Educational Programs & Evaluations Co-Chair

Zach Manning
Texas Tech University
Educational Programs & Evaluations Co-Chair

Outstanding OTR Professional* CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE
This award recognizes outstanding contributions of a NODA professional to the field of orientation, transition, and retention.

Outstanding New OTR Professional* CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE
This award recognizes a new orientation, retention and transition professional who has demonstrated service to the NODA, and/or to the orientation, retention and transition profession.

Outstanding Contributions to the OTR Profession CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE
This award recognizes contributions and/or publications in the field of orientation, retention and transitions.

Outstanding Service Award CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE
The Outstanding Service Award may be presented annually to a NODA member (student and/or professional) who has provided outstanding service to the association.

Innovative Program* CLICK HERE TO APPLY
The Innovative Program Award is presented annually by NODA to a program or unique approach to a challenging situation and/or specific campus concern or need. It is the goal of NODA to recognize leaders and generate new knowledge within the field of orientation, transition and retention. This award seeks to recognize innovative and effective approaches that help university officials meet the changing needs on college and university campuses. It is also an opportunity to highlight good administrative and other practices and share different approaches to meeting student needs with colleagues at other institutions.

Outstanding NODA Intern CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE
This award recognizes up to two (2) interns who have demonstrated commitment to learning and professional development and service through the successful completion of a NODA internship experience.

Outstanding Mentor CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE
This award is designed to give special recognition to those professionals who provide outstanding mentorship and guidance to graduate students who aid in orientation and transition programs within our association, and on your campuses. In order to be considered, the nominee must have been involved in orientation, transition or retention programs between September 2013 and September 2014.

Outstanding Research Award CLICK HERE TO APPLY
To emphasize and celebrate the importance of research in the field of orientation, transition, and retention, NODA has an established research award. Each year, one graduate/doctoral student will be awarded a $1,000 financial aid stipend plus the annual conference fee for 2014 (including the annual membership fee) in recognition of excellence in research and contributions to scholarly pursuits.

Norman K Russell Scholarship CLICK HERE TO APPLY
The Norman K. Russell Scholarship is awarded to recognize and assist graduate or doctoral students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to orientation, retention and transition, who will contribute to the enhancement of the orientation field, and who is currently enrolled as a graduate student in orientation-related fields. Up to three $1,000 scholarships (one of which may be awarded to a doctoral student) will be announced at the annual conference. Scholarships are sent through each recipient’s financial aid office for distribution of funds.

Publications & Media Showcase CLICK HERE TO APPLY
The Publications & Media Showcase awards highlight the best of the promotional materials submitted for the 2014 orientation season. There are 13 categories; each publication can only be submitted to one category, and each institution can apply to no more than three categories.

Application and nomination forms for the 2014 National Awards are due September 15, 2014.

*The winners of these awards at the regional level will automatically be considered for the same award at the national level.