The Directors and Managers Institute (DMI) is a two-day virtual program tailored for experienced professionals leading orientation, transition, and retention (OTR) efforts in higher education.

Designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by directors and managers, this institute combines a range of engaging formats, including large group presentations, panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions, and small group meetings with experienced Institute faculty.

Participants will delve into the complexities of managing OTR programs in an ever-changing higher education landscape. Sessions will focus on enhancing leadership skills, fostering collaboration across campus, navigating institutional priorities, and employing innovative strategies to support student success. Through this program, attendees will gain valuable insights and practical tools to strengthen their professional impact and drive meaningful change within their institutions.

The Institute also offers opportunities for networking with peers and thought leaders in the field, creating a collaborative learning environment that encourages the sharing of ideas, best practices, and solutions to common challenges. Whether you are looking to refine your leadership style, tackle emerging issues in higher education, or build stronger, more inclusive programs, the Directors and Managers Institute is an exceptional opportunity to invest in your professional growth and organizational success.

*If you are new to the field of orientation, transition, and retention, you may want to consider attending the Orientation Professionals Institute.

Save the Dates for DMI 2025: April 8 and 9, 2025 at 10 am – 4 pm CT

Register now
Learning Outcomes:
  • NETWORKING: Foster meaningful connections with OTR leaders committed to fostering vibrant, inclusive, and socially just higher education environments.
  • STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS: Enhance knowledge of how to cultivate strategic relationships to foster collaboration, secure buy-in from stakeholders, and effectively navigate competing priorities.
  • ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP: Explore management issues and strategies that promote a shared vision aligned with an institution’s strategic priorities.
  • TECHNOLOGY: Discuss the use of evolving and new technology to streamline operations, enhance student engagement, and improve departmental efficiency through innovative practices.
  • DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING: Enhance your ability to leverage data and assessment tools to demonstrate program impact and garner institutional support, enabling informed decision-making and alignment with strategic priorities.
  • CHANGE MANAGEMENT: Develop strategies for navigating institutional changes and the evolving higher education landscape.

The following NODA Core Competencies will be address at DMI 2025: Organization & Leadership, Campus Collaboration, Diversity, Inclusion, & Access, Program Delivery & Management, Research, Assessment, and Evaluation, Financial Management, Communication, Crisis Management, and Law, Policies, & Governance

Institute Faculty

Lead Faculty

Dan Murphy
Director, Commonwealth
Campus Support
The Pennsylvania State University

Faculty

Chris Trudell
Assistant Dean of Students
San Francisco State University

Faculty

Lisa Jackson
Assistant to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Success, Inclusion, and Belonging
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Faculty

Chris Shemanski
Director of the First Year Experience
Stevens Institute of Technology

Faculty

Jennifer Leach
Program Manager, Core Curriculum
University of Texas at Austin