Spring Learning – University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina in South Carolina, March 5-7, 2027.

 

This Spring Learning experience is hosted by the University of South Carolina (USC).The conference will be held at the Russell House University Union, 1400 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29208. The conference will be held Friday, March 5 - Sunday, March 7, 2027. 

Registration Rate (per person)

Conference

Early Bird

Regular

Late

 

Rate Ends

2/12/27

Rate Ends

2/19/27

Rate Ends

3/2/27

Member Rate In-Person Conference

$195

$220

$270

Non-Member Rate In-Person Conference

$390

$415

$465

Member Rate Virtual Conference

$95

$120

$170

Non-Member Rate Virtual Conference

$190

$215

$265


Friday, March 5, 2027

  • Check-in: 5:00 pm-7:00 pm

  • Opening: 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm

  • Keynote: 7:30 pm-9:00 pm

  • Evening Socials: 9:00 pm-10:00 pm


Saturday, March 6, 2027

  • Keynote: 8:30 am-10:00 am

  • Ed Session blocks: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 

  • Lunch/Community Connections:  12:00 pm-1:30 pm

  • Ed Session blocks: 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm

  • Dinner break: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

  • All Conference Session: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm 

  • Evening Socials: 9:00 pm-10:00 pm


Sunday, March 7, 2027

  • Case Study Competition: 8:30 am - 10:00 am

  • Ed Session blocks: 8:30 am - 11:00 am

  • Closing: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm


*Two meals will be provided during your conference experience.


Call for Sessions

Ready to submit a session proposal and be a part of Spring Learning? Applications are now open, and close on December 11, 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. Undergraduate students are welcome and encouraged to present at a NODA Spring Learning Conference, we ask that a professional or graduate student member submit the session proposal on the undergraduate student’s behalf.

Submit a proposal for:

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

  • Educational Session – Showcase current research, best practices, and/or professional techniques which advance the field of orientation, transition, and retention (OT&R) 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.

  • Associate Member Highlight - Presentations by Associate Members highlighting partnerships with NODA members or promoting specific goods or services. Fees apply to present.

Submit a proposal


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.

Other highlights include…

  • Undergraduate Case Study Competition information coming soon!

Hotel Information and Travel information

Travel

Air Travel:


By Car or Bus:

  • Parking: you will be provided with an on-campus exact location near conference sessions.

Suggested places to stay

  • Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown - located 0.2 miles from the University of South Carolina
  • Sheraton Columbia Downtown - located 0.7 miles from the University of South Carolina
  • Holiday Inn Columbia - located 0.7 miles from the University of South Carolina
  • Hilton Garden Inn - located 0.6 miles from the University of South Carolina
  • The Lantern Hotel Columbia - located 0.5 miles from the University of South Carolina
  • Graduate by Hilton-Columbia - located 0.5 miles from the University of South Carolina
  • View a comprehensive list on the Experience Columbia SC website!

Things to do:

Places to eat:

  • On Campus
    • Within the Russell House University Union
    • Close to Russell House
      • Starbuck, Dunkin, Groucho’s Deli, Beezer’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop, Cool Beans Coffee
  • Off-Campus
    • The Golden Spur
    • Starbucks
    • Jersey Mikes
    • Groucho’s Deli
    • Tropical Smoothie Cafe
    • Moe’s Southwest Grill
    • Gourmet Shop and Cafe
    • Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria
    • CAVA
    • View a comprehensive list on the Experience Columbia SC website!

 

Questions? 

Email the planning committee at [email protected].