Preconference Workshops

NIRSA 2025 Orlando

Please note that Preconference Workshops have a maximum capacity. Registration is first-come-first-served.

8:00am-12:00pm • $55 through Wednesday, March 12 / $69 beginning Thursday, March 13

Audience: Mid-Level Professionals

Please note that this workshop has a maximum capacity of 60 individuals and registration is first come, first served.

Coffee will be served at this workshop.

Presenters:

• Lexi Chaput, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
• Kelly Shorter, Pennsylvania State University
• Liz Henry, University of California – San Diego
• Stephanne Musser, The Ohio State University

Do you aspire to become a director? If your answer is “Yes!” then this workshop is NOT for you. Designed for middle managers who supervise full-time staff, this workshop focuses on excelling in your current role and becoming an impactful influencer, advocate, and leader.

Attendees will chart a path to demonstrate exceptional leadership now, with practical growth opportunities for immediate impact.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Analyze perceived strengths and weaknesses of middle managers through self-assessment and understand common hurdles they face as supervisors and direct reports.
2. Define the soft skills imperative for success in middle management and how they apply to their current role.
3. Identify a professional development topic or tool from provided resources to promote immediate growth in their current role.

8:00am-3:00pm • $179 through Wednesday, March 12 / $199 beginning Thursday, March 13

Audience: Early Career Professionals, Mid-Level Professionals, and Students

This workshop is limited to 60 participants. Registration is first come, first served. Coffee and lunch will be provided.

Presenters:

• Julie Johnson, University of Maryland – College Park
• Kurt Klier, University of Maryland – College Park

This hands-on workshop dives into recent changes to the NIRSA Flag & Touch Football Rules Book and explores effective teaching and training methods for officials on your campus. Equip yourself with tools to shape the future of officiating and elevate flag football on your campus.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Gain a deeper understanding of flag football rules and officiating mechanics to train student officials.
2. Learn effective teaching methods for both classroom and on-field instruction.
3. Leverage technology to assist in training student officials.

8:00am-3:00pm • $179 through Wednesday, March 12 / $199 beginning Thursday, March 13

Audience: Mid-Level Professionals and Senior-Level Leaders

This workshop is limited to 60 participants. Registration is first come, first served. Coffee and lunch will be provided.

Presenters:

• Jeff Heiser, See the Forest Solutions
• Jessica Ward, Princeton University
• Rachael Finley, Rachael Finley Coaching and Consulting

This interactive workshop equips collegiate recreation professionals with essential coaching skills to transform leaders and teams. Learn to ask empowering questions, address challenges effectively, and inspire your team to achieve their best.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Develop coaching skills, including active listening, powerful questioning, and effective feedback.
2. Strengthen relationships with staff and students through improved communication.
3. Unlock potential in staff, peers, and students to create positive outcomes.

8:00am-12:00pm • $55 through Wednesday, March 12 / $69 beginning Thursday, March 13

Audience: Early Career Professionals and Mid-Level Professionals

Please note that this workshop has a maximum capacity of 60 individuals, and registration is first come, first served.

Coffee will be served at this workshop.

Presenters:

• Carson Petersheim, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Michelle Muzzillo, University of Arkansas

Participants will learn about best practices in student staff development while also developing their own programs and initiatives based on the presented materials.

This preconference workshop will provide multiple breakout sessions based on topics presented in Campus Recreation Essentials: Student Staff Training & Development. This book was published by the NIRSA Student Staff Development Committee in 2022. Breakout sessions will include specific examples and ideas from the “Learn, Act, and Assess” sections of the book.

The workshop will include two breakout sessions, each lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. An introduction/icebreaker will take place before the session, and a discussion of the session’s content will serve as a conclusion. Each participant will attend all three presentations during the breakout sessions. The workshop will wrap up as a large group for further discussion and reflection.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Develop a student leadership framework for their department.
2. Understand and articulate best practices for student staff development initiatives at other institutions.
3. Demonstrate how to assess the success of their own student development programs and initiatives.