Recording Date: March 30, 2026

Beginning the journey into research, presenting, or publishing can feel intimidating if you don’t know where to start. Join us for a virtual informational meeting designed specifically for professionals who are new to scholarly work and want to build confidence in developing their ideas. Through accessible language, real examples, and practical guidance, you will learn how to transform your professional experiences into research questions, write a compelling proposal, and explore opportunities for publishing.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

During this session, you will 

• Understand the steps involved in moving from practice to scholarship
• Identify a potential research or presentation topic based on their current work
• Learn strategies for developing a basic research question or concept
• Gain practical advice on submitting presentation proposals
• Explore entry-level publishing opportunities, including JCOTR and campus-based venues
• Build confidence in seeing themselves as scholar-practitioners
• Understand the support and resources available through NODA’s Educational Initiatives Committee, Scholarly Engagement Subcommittee, and JCOTR. 

PRESENTERS:

• Sal Rizza (NODA Scholarly Engagement Lead), Director of Orientation, Transition, & Family Engagement at Southern Connecticut State University
• Danielle Porter (NODA Educational Initiatives Committee Chair), Associate Director of Retention & Engagement at Florida State University
• Dennis Wiese (JCOTR Editor), Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Recording Date: February 5, 2026

NODA is excited to partner with Innovative Educators (IE) to expand professional development opportunities for NODA members in 2026. Through this collaboration, all NODA members now have complimentary access to 36 on-demand webinars, offering flexible learning designed to support professionals at every career stage.

These on-demand webinars were carefully selected by NODA member volunteers serving on the Educational Initiatives Committee, ensuring the content aligns with the real needs, challenges, and priorities of our members. The curated webinar topics include:

• AI and technology for student success and operational efficiency
• Orientation, onboarding, and first-year experience programs
• Leadership development and team management
• Student retention, persistence, and equity
• Student support, mental health, and wellbeing

Join NODA and Innovative Educators for a collaborative 30-minute webinar highlighting this partnership and showcasing how these on-demand learning opportunities, alongside NODA’s broader professional development offerings, can support individual growth, staff development, and program success.

Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned leader, this webinar will help you better understand how NODA’s professional development offerings support your work and how IE resources can complement your campus efforts.

Innovative Educators partners with higher education institutions to provide comprehensive online services for students, faculty, staff, and families. Their expertise in student services, academic affairs, and online learning aligns seamlessly with NODA’s mission to support institutions and professionals in helping students thrive.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe NODA’s professional development offerings for 2026 and how they support orientation, transition, and retention professionals
2. Identify ways to leverage the 36 complimentary Innovative Educators on-demand webinars for staff development and program improvement
3. Recognize how the NODA and Innovative Educators partnership expands NODA members’ access to professional development that supports OTR professionals
4. Participants will also receive an overview of how to access the on-demand webinars through NODA Connect, including how NODA members are integrating these resources into staff training and professional development plans with no additional cost or separate login required.

PRESENTERS:

• Lisa Dela Cruz, NODA Director of Education
• Jo Turcotte, NODA Director of Membership and Operations
• Melissa Durant, Webinar Coordination / Facilitation Director & Client Liaison, Innovative Educators

Recording Date: February 2, 2026

This webinar explores the 2025 NODA Benchmark Navigator (formerly the NODA Databank) and the insights it provides into Orientation, Transition, and Retention (OTR) work across higher education. The most recent survey was distributed to 541 institutions of higher education, with 151 institutions completing one or more sections across six key areas: orientation, transition, retention, staffing, funding, and assessment. Responding institutions represent a range of institutional contexts, including public and private institutions, as well as two-year and four-year campuses.

This webinar highlights key findings and emerging trends reflected in the data, offering participants a clearer picture of how OTR programs are structured, resourced, and assessed. Participants are introduced to the Benchmark Navigator filterable spreadsheets and learn how to explore and compare data by institutional characteristics.

Whether you are assessing current practices, advocating for staffing or funding, preparing reports, or engaging in strategic planning, this webinar demonstrates how the NODA Benchmark Navigator can be used as a practical, evidence-informed tool to support individual and team decision-making.

Learn more about the Benchmark Navigator on our website. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Summarize key findings and emerging trends in Orientation, Transition, and Retention based on data from the NODA Benchmark Navigator.
2. Navigate the Benchmark Navigator filterable spreadsheets to compare institutional practices and resource models by campus type and context.
3. Use benchmark data to support advocacy and programming efforts.

PRESENTER:

This webinar is presented by the Benchmark Navigator Workgroup:

• Brandon Cash, Director of Student Activities, St. Olaf College
• McKaylee Copher, Director of Orientation and Outreach, University of Kentucky
• Emily Ivey, Director of New Student and Family Programs, Texas Christian University
• Jansen Rouillard, Director of New Student Orientation, University of Georgia
• Angie Taylor, Director of Quality Enhancement, Texas Christian University 
• Lisa Dela Cruz, NODA Director of Education
• Jo Turcotte, NODA Director of Membership and Operations

Recording Date: August 28, 2025

This webinar introduces Soliya’s mission and core principles of dialogue as a tool for student orientation and explores the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue on campuses facing polarization and reduced in-person engagement. It offers practical tools for fostering inclusive spaces and introduce foundational skills such as active listening, asking good questions, and navigating emotions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Participants will:

• Gain a better understanding of Soliya’s communication model and the role dialogue can play in orientation programming and enabling a positive campus culture
• Learn about key tools and strategies for creating safe, inclusive spaces for engagement across difference
• Explore foundational dialogue skills that support meaningful connection and communication with new students

PRESENTER:

Rafael Tyszblat is the Director of Innovation and Program Design at Soliya. An expert in the fields of conflict resolution and dialogue, he has been designing and leading dialogue programs for adults and youth globally for the past 20 years. Rafael received his Mphil in International Relations from Paris I Panthéon Sorbonne University and his MA in Conflict Resolution from University of Bradford. He received another MA from Paris Institute of Political Science. He is trained in several schools of conflict resolution and his praxis combines Carl Rogers’ Person Centered Approach, emotional intelligence, neurosciences, Transactional Analysis and Non-Violent Communication.

Recording Date: April 24, 2025

As Orientation professionals, we are often the distributor of campus-wide information. Our expertise lies in framing and sharing the content appropriate to new students, but we rely on campus partners to be content experts. How do you balance collaboration as a core value for your work with siloed departments and incompatible timelines? Learn how to create structure for collecting and updating content that honors and benefits both partners and Orientation. I’ll help you, help them, help you!

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

As a result of attending this webinar, attendees will be able to:

1. Seek out and defer appropriately to campus experts in other functional areas
2. Identify and navigate challenges with campus partners
3. Negotiate goals, procedures, and planning details with stakeholders
4. Ensure that key collaborators feel informed of, included in and engaged in OTR programs, policy, decisions, and change

NODA Core Competencies addressed: Campus Collaboration

PRESENTER:

Heather Mann currently serves as the Associate Director of New Student Programs at Emory University. She is a higher education professional with over 10 years of experience helping students transition into college, build strong networks and a sense of belonging, and persist. Heather’s career has been built around positions that merge both academic and student affairs, providing a strong holistic lens.

Recording Date: March 20, 2025

Still feeling the spreadsheet blues? This skills session will provide more tips to turn Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets woes into wins. Join us in this session to explore robust tools to manage data and tell the story of your OTR impact. All skill levels of Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets users are welcome!

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

As a result of attending this webinar, attendees will be able to:

1. Develop skill in foundational techniques of data analysis
2. Identify computer software to support the assessment and evaluation process
3. Analyze and disseminate data from programmatic assessment findings

NODA Core Competencies addressed: Research, Evaluation, and Assessment

PRESENTER:

Brandon Cash, M.S. currently serves as the Director of Student Activities at St. Olaf College. His research interests consist primarily of masculinity, meaningful student involvement, and the new- and continuing- student transition and experience within the context of institutions of higher education. Outside of his work, Brandon enjoys travel, hiking, and baking.

Recording Date: February 20, 2025

The programs we execute are costly. From staffing, facilities, and supply costs, it can help to find additional streams of revenue. This is where sponsorships come in. Whether you are creating one from scratch or revitalizing what was already there, this skills brief will provide a step-by-step guide for implementing a relationship-focused sponsorship program. We will cover best practices for identifying department needs, initiating contact, and pitching your program to potential sponsors.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

As a result of attending this webinar, attendees will be able to:

1. Recognize the financial and programmatic benefits of sponsorship programs.
2. Apply tangible methods for starting a sponsorship program in their departments.
3. Identify potential sponsorships within their communities.

NODA Core Competencies addressed: Financial Management

• Recognize the impact that funding and budgeting models have on program development
• Understand and utilize appropriate institution/state/province guidelines for fundraising and funding
• Negotiate fundraising and sponsorship opportunities to support OTR programs and services

PRESENTER:

Jennifer Asouzu currently works with the Office of New Student Orientation at the University of South Carolina. In her role, she manages all marketing and communication efforts within the department, as well as campus partnerships and sponsorships. Additionally, she coordinates special population orientation programs including Veterans Orientation and International Student Orientation. Jennifer is committed to creating equitable spaces in education and has a love for all things design, digital and brand-centered.

Jennifer earned her B.A. in Communication and Theatre-Performance from the College of Charleston, and her M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina.

Recording Date: September 26, 2024

This webinar will deliver key principles and tools to increase awareness and understanding of the skills needed to support others in engaging more constructively on polarizing topics. It will cover:

• The meaning and goals of dialogue
• The art of listening
• Identity threats, dealing with emotions, de-escalation strategies + tips on how to transfer those to students
• The art and goals of facilitation
• How to deal with triggers
• Setting the space for dialogue, sound questions, difficult dynamics
• Convening and communicating on dialogue

The speaker will provide examples on how to address specific difficult topics and invite the audience to connect the concepts presented with their own realities and experiences.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

This webinar is intended for University staff, particularly those engaging with students.

By participating in this webinar, attendees will:

• Acquire a renewed sense of possibility to shift the culture of engagement over difficult topics on campuses
• Get exposed to the core communication skills to support others in engaging with differences constructively as a third party
• Get exposed to the core tenets and tools of dialogue facilitation
• Improve their self-awareness of their attitude regarding polarized topics
• Get motivated to enroll into further training and dialogue experiences to develop the dispositions and skills to engage constructively with difference

PRESENTER:

Rafael Tyszblat is a consultant, program designer, mediator, facilitator and trainer in the fields of conflict resolution and dialogue. Based in Paris, France, he is the Director of Innovation and Design at Soliya, an online-based NGO who pioneered the field of Virtual Exchange. He designs and leads programs between youth from North America, Europe, North Africa and the Middle East as well as within American and European societies between members of antagonistic communities. He graduated from the Institute of Political Science (Sciences-Po Paris), has an MPhil in International Relations (Paris I Panthéon Sorbonne) and a MA in Conflict Resolution (University of Bradford).

Learn more about Soliya and their programs.

Recording Date: May 8, 2024

Join us as we walk through the importance of Orientation, Transition and Retention on your campus and how to help bring other campus partners to the table in order to help increase opportunities for student success!

During this webinar, attendees will:

By participating in this webinar, individuals will:

• Understand the environmental factors impacting student success
• Define key terminology such as orientation, transition & retention
• Examine strategies that will aid in developing an institutional student success strategy
• Identify literature and research that supports an institutional strategy
• Employ strategies to create an institutional student success plan that blurs the independent fields of orientation, transition, and retention

Presenters:

Shawn Smee currently serves as the Director of Undergraduate Recruitment at Murray State University. For over 25 years, he has worked in Higher Education in the areas of Student Life, Greek Life, Student Activities, New Student Orientation, Admissions and Enrollment Management. He has served NODA as President, Board of Directors member, Annual Conference Chair and as Lead Faculty for the Transition Symposium.

At the time of this webinar, Dr. Phillip Campbell served as the Director of Student Support and Engagement at Barnes-Jewish Goldfarb School of Nursing. In his role, he led the team to develop and implement all student services and student life functions including academic, career, and student support advising, peer leaders/tutor/mentors, orientation and transition initiatives, access/disability support services and test proctoring, student activities, diversity and inclusion efforts, student assistance and crisis response, student leadership development, and behavioral intervention.

Writing an Authentic NODAC Proposal Workshop

Recording Date: April 15, 2024

This webinar is designed to provide an overview and tips & tricks for how to write your authentic educational session proposal for NODAC 2024. We want to ensure all submitters have an intro to the submission process and a couple of changes you might notice from previous submissions

InCOREportating the Core Competencies

Recording Date: May 13, 2024

Your NODAC proposal is only complete by inCOREporating the NODA Core Competencies, and this webinar offers the opportunity to learn how to align your authentic approach and use the NODA Core Competencies to your advantage in your proposal. * The NODA Core Competencies were designed to be the organizational system for knowledge, skills, and abilities of all professionals. 

What we’re Looking For: NODAC Educational Session

Recording Date: June 5, 2024

This webinar is designed to provide an overview of the call for sessions process, and tips & tricks for how to write your authentic educational session proposal, and some tips from the 2024 Educational Sessions & Evaluations Co-Chairs.

Recording date: March 6, 2024

This webinar is designed to equip you with the insights needed to get the most out of your student leader training. In this session, we’ll delve into the critical components of intentional training, exploring topics such as leadership styles, facilitation techniques, effective communication strategies, group management principles, and more.

Discover why intentional training is the cornerstone of student leadership development and how it can transform your orientation programs. Our presenter will share practical tips, real-world examples, and proven approaches to empower student leaders to thrive.

This webinar will introduce you to the basics of student leadership training. We encourage you to consider sending your students to the virtual Student Leadership Institute (SLI). From honing essential skills to navigating campus dynamics, SLI offers a holistic approach to leadership development that ensures students are equipped to lead with confidence and competence.

Learning Outcomes:

By participating in this webinar, individuals will:

• Learn how intentional training can positively impact student leadership development and campus community dynamics
• Explore practical strategies and best practices for implementing student leadership training for orientation leaders
• Brainstorm and discuss key components of student leadership training

Presenter:

Carrie Zimmerman brings over 25 years of higher education experience, specializing in supporting new students and empowering student leaders. Carrie has conducted impactful training workshops on over 50 campuses nationwide, championing the belief that student leaders are our most important resource. Carrie is the facilitator for NODA’s Student Leadership Institutes.

Recording Date: February 14, 2024

Join the Core Competencies Integration Committee for a crash course on utilizing NODA’s Core Competencies in your daily work and throughout your involvement in NODA. You will leave with three new tools that will actually make your work easier.

The NODA Core Competencies not only provide a common framework and foundation of skills for professionals involved in the association, they also create opportunities for professional development and help advance the skills and experiences for all levels of orientation, transition, and retention professionals. Learn more about NODA’s Core Competencies.

Learning Outcomes:

By participating in this webinar, individuals will:

• Receive an overview of NODA’s 12 Core Competencies
• Learn how to use the Core Competencies in developing professional development plans (both for yourself and those you supervise)
• Explore how to use the Core Competencies as an evaluation tool
• Learn how to use the Core Competencies to develop learning outcomes and proposals for educational sessions for NODA conferences

Presenters:

Devin Carpenter (University of Montana), John Tilley (The University of Alabama) and Marcella Flores (Oregon State University) hold roles that span the orientation, transition, and retention spaces. As members of the Core Competencies Integration Committee, they update and maintain the core competency language so that it is relevant and aligned with current trends and expectations in our field. The committee develops ways for association members to engage with the competencies, including a menu of 6-week virtual courses. Our goal for 2024 is to provide tangible tools that members of the association can utilize the competencies in their daily work.

Recording Date: January 31, 2024

The goal of this panel discussion is for attendees to gain a greater understanding and knowledge of:

• How organizational structure and behaviors impact underrepresented communities, including policy, legislation, and culture
• Inclusive practices related to recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and supervision
• Programming that has been effective in helping community members understand the value of DEI

Moderator:

Dr. LaToya Stackhouse, Dean of Students at Gordon State College | Dr. LaToya Stackhouse has worked in education for over twenty years, including roles in numerous areas within student and academic affairs in higher education. Her tenure at different types of institutions has provided her with a diverse range of experiences working with students, faculty, and professional staff.

Panelists:

Dr. Elizabeth De La Rosa, Coordinator of Orientation & Campus Tours at San Jacinto College | Dr. Liz De La Rosa has over 25 years of experience in higher education at both two- and four-year schools. She holds degrees in psychology, communications, and higher education leadership. Her passion to work in the field of diversity and inclusion is a result of her life’s experiences, both personally and professionally.

Dr. Delisa Johnson, Director of Prospective Student Programs and New Student Orientation at University of South Alabama | Dr. Delisa Johnson serves on NODA’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, University of South Alabama’s (USA’s) Cultural Awareness Collective, and USA’s Orientation Advisory Council. She is a proud mentor for USA’s Multicultural Leadership Center and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated. She has presented her scholarly work at regional and national conferences, as well as published work in the Advancing Women in Leadership Journal.

Dr. Relius Johnson, Director of New Maverick Orientation at the University of Texas at Arlington | Dr. Relius Johnson currently serves as the Director of New Maverick Orientation at the University of Texas at Arlington, making history as the first Black Director in this role and the youngest to hold such a position. As a catalyst for positive social change, he actively engages with the complexities of identities, experiences, privileges, and ideologies to ensure that all students matter and not just belong.

Dr. Joshua Fredenburg, President of the Circle of Change Leadership Experience | Dr. Fredenburg is a speaker, author, leadership consultant, and expert in personal and organizational development. He delivers powerful messages on leadership, diversity and inclusion, student success, and personal empowerment. His numerous accolades include an honorary membership from Golden Key International and recognition as a Top Leader Under 40 in South Florida.

Recording Date: January 17, 2024

We are in the midst of a generational landmark as Generation Z moves through college and into the workforce. This webinar, presented by Dr. Jay, explores a set of strategies that will help professionals become more effective at leading, retaining, engaging, motivating, serving, and creating a culture that enables members of this emerging generation to thrive and succeed.

For the past few years, Dr. Jay has spoken to and surveyed thousands of diverse Generation Z college students and young professionals across the world about their preferences around professional development, leadership effectiveness, recruitment, retention, workplace trends, organizational culture, finances, and communication from leadership. During this webinar, Dr. Jay shares some common trends that he has identified in his research and experience with this generation.

In this webinar, viewers will:

1. Learn about common workplace and leadership trends among diverse members of Generation Z, as well as a set of strategies to increase leadership effectiveness, retention, engagement, motivation, and performance
2. Discover the foundational aspects of generational research and develop a deeper understanding on how generations are formed and defined by researchers
3. Think outside the box and create innovative solutions to become more effective at attracting, retaining, engaging, developing, serving, and leading more diverse members of Generation Z through the research findings shared in this presentation.
4. Learn about specific ways to create more generational synergy within the workplace, eradicate generation divide and myths, and unleash the potential of this emerging generation within their campus community.

Presenter:

Dr. Joshua Fredenburg is an acclaimed speaker, author, leadership consultant, and expert in personal and organizational development, delivering powerful messages on leadership, diversity and inclusion, student success, and personal empowerment. As the president and founder of the Circle of Change Leadership Experience & First Generation Student Career Conference, he has guided thousands toward leadership excellence. His numerous accolades include an honorary membership from Golden Key International and recognition as a Top Leader Under 40 in South Florida. Dr. Fredenburg, known as Dr. Jay, holds a doctoral degree in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University and a master’s degree from Biola University.