For Students

NIRSA 2025 Orlando

Discover the J. Michael Dunn Student Track on Thursday, April 18, designed exclusively for student participants. Named in honor of J. Michael Dunn, a former NIRSA president and a passionate advocate for student development in campus recreation. 

The Student Leadership Team will kick off the J. Michael Dunn Student Track by providing valuable insights on how to become more involved with NIRSA and how to maximize your conference experience. All students are invited to participate in the cherished tradition of “Take a Student to Lunch.” Following lunch, students will delve into programming sessions covering essential topics such as interviewing skills, navigating the expo hall, and networking in the NZone. 

The Student Leadership Team will help facilitate Take a Student to Lunch on Thursday, April 18 from 11:30am-1:00pm. Pairings will occur in the North Ballroom immediately following the Student Leadership Team-led session. Students, this is a great opportunity to interact with professionals and learn more about the amazing field of campus recreation!

In addition to the Thursday student track, which is made possible by the NIRSA Foundation, Friday presents a unique opportunity for graduate assistants interested in building networks and knowledge related to pursuing a career in collegiate recreation. This free 2-hour workshop will take place on Friday, April 19, from 10:00am to Noon. 

Please note that there are maximum capacities for this event, and priority will be given to graduate students.

The saying is true: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Come get to know some awesome rec people in the NZone! Hone those networking skills in a low-pressure, fun environment with special opportunities to connect with specific niche groups. Career development opportunities will also be available, so stop by to learn from the best! The NZone is the place to be for a mock interview and live one-on-one resume review so you can put your best foot forward when you’re ready to snag a new job in the field. You can also attend informational sessions hosted by employers who have current or upcoming positions available on their campus. Sessions with companies looking to hire the best of the best will also be on hand, as will the opportunity to connect one-on-one with a coach who can help enhance your overall campus recreation experience. Also, you don’t want to miss the career fair on Saturday! Check the conference app and the signs outside the NZone for a full schedule.

Come hang out with current members of the Student Leadership Team! The student lounge will be located near the NZone. Students can hang out, network, and learn more about both careers in campus recreation as well as leadership opportunities within NIRSA. Check the conference app and follow @NIRSAStudents on Instagram for more details.