Call for Sessions

Ready to submit a session proposal and be a part of the inaugural year for Spring Learning? Click below! Applications closed January 12, 2026. 
Submitting a program for a Spring Learning Conference is a quick and simple process. You don’t need to be an expert to be a conference presenter, just have a program or idea you would like to share with the NODA community. While undergraduate students are welcome (and encouraged) to present at a NODA Spring Learning Conference, we ask a professional or graduate student member be responsible for submitting the session proposal.

Submit a proposal for:

Skills Based Sessions – Highlight the skills and tools that don’t always get to shine in the OTR arena. Skill based sessions are practical demonstrations of everyday skills OTR professionals may need.

Educational Session – Showcase current research, best practices, and/or professional techniques which advance the field of orientation, transition, and retention (OTR) or enhance our professional careers.

Roundtable – Organized conversation with one or more moderators. Moderators provide a contextual overview to the topic and then facilitate dialogue between participants.

Conference Speakers & Highlights

LeaderShape is known for creating immersive learning experiences that help students build the confidence and capacity to lead. With the collaboration of the NODA planning teams they have designed a keynote specifically for our new spring learning series that will continue that tradition by engaging students in meaningful reflection, hands-on practice, and real-world application. The keynote invites participants to explore their personal leadership strengths and styles to uncover how these qualities shape the way they show up on a team and in their orientation leader roles. Through interactive tools and guided reflection, students gain deeper self-awareness and a stronger understanding of their leadership potential.

The follow-up breakout session shifts the focus to communication, helping students learn how to share their ideas with clarity and confidence. Participants will practice giving and receiving feedback, explore how verbal and nonverbal messages impact team dynamics, and develop strategies for navigating high-stakes or peer leadership scenarios. Facilitated by trained LeaderShape educators, both sessions prioritize reflection, skill-building, and practice—ensuring students leave with practical tools they can immediately use. Together, these experiences empower students to lead with intention, communicate effectively, and contribute to a stronger, more connected orientation team.

Service Learning Project:

The Spring Learning Conference will offer the opportunity for students to connect with a cause in the greater Tampa area and participate in an activity that directly benefits our community partner. This year, we are leaning into our conference theme, “The Next Chapter,” to provide books and book-related supplies to an organization that will positively benefit from these donations. Stay tuned as we reveal our community partner closer to the conference!

Mixers:

At Spring Learning, we work hard and play harder! To round out each day at USF, we will host socials for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals in attendance. These socials will incorporate playful activities, opportunities to network and connect, build tradition and spirit, and rewind after a busy day at the conference. We are excited to share these full opportunities with you soon!

Case Study:
As a part of the Tampa Spring Learning Conference, we are excited to host both a Graduate and Undergraduate Case Study Competition. Here’s how it will work:

On the first day of the conference, groups will be given a real life scenario related to orientation, transition, and retention. They will then take that information to create a 7-minute presentation of the case. Students will form groups of 2-3. Groups will sign up for a presentation time slot while at the in-person meeting Friday, March 13. Participants are able to pick their own groups or sign up as an individual to meet others on site.

Thank you to our 2026 Spring Learning Sponsors: Playful Campus

Playfair: The Ultimate Icebreaker. 
The newly designed “low-touch” Playfair is the perfect way to make new campus friendships! And Playfair is a team-building experience that increases retention of your new student class.

Everything But The Mime, Inc.
A family of great entertainers who has worked (literally) all over the globe. We’ve done shows in the college/university market for over 30 years. Bringing the hype to your next campus event!

Chartwells at USF 
Chartwells Higher Education is the official dining and catering provider for the University of South Florida (USF) offering customized, fresh, and locally sourced food for events ranging from meetings to conferences. They provide online ordering, diverse menu options, and support for various dietary needs. Chartwell has donated snacks for the social events and will be catering lunch on Saturday.

Spring Learning Tampa 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be spirit initiatives at Spring Learning in Tampa?

Yes! A designated space will be available for attendees who would like to participate in button making, friendship bracelets, and a swag swap. We encourage you to bring swag from your institution! 

While there will not be an official roll call by the institution, we will recognize attendees by state as a fun way to highlight the diverse representation at our conference.

What meals are provided during the conference and how should we plan for other meals?

One meal will be provided during the conference, and breakfast is included for attendees staying at the USF Embassy Suites. We are currently finalizing which on-campus dining options will be available during Spring Learning. If on-campus options are limited, attendees may have meals delivered to the Marshall Student Center (MSC), where the conference will take place. Additional details will be shared once finalized.

What is the service learning project, and should we bring supplies?

We are excited to be partnering with Friends of the Library Tampa and inviting attendees to bring a book to donate. Books of all types are appreciated. During the first night of the conference, attendees will also have the opportunity to make bookmarks, which will be donated as well.

How will the Case Study experience work?

On the first day of the conference, groups will be given a real-life scenario related to orientation, transition, and retention. They will then take that information to create a 7-minute presentation of the case. 

Students will form groups of 2-3. Groups will sign up for a presentation time slot while at the in-person meeting. 

Groups will be judged on the following criteria:

• Identifying and Understanding Key Issues
• Critical Thinking
• Solution-Building
• Leadership Competency
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Communication

Students (both undergraduate and graduate) can complete the interest form here.

Will small groups be offered for undergraduate students?

Yes! We will be offering small group opportunities for undergraduate students to connect with other attendees. Small groups will take place during the service learning project as well as during keynote breakout sessions to encourage meaningful conversation and connection.

What type of social activities can we expect during the conference?

Attendees can expect a variety of fun and engaging social activities throughout the conference designed to build connection and community. Highlights include silent disco, an interactive social from Playfair, and additional activities woven throughout the weekend to encourage networking in a relaxed and fun environment.

We will also offer a dedicated space for professional staff to connect with one another, providing opportunities for conversation, networking, and shared reflection separate from undergraduate programming.