2026 Student Life Professional Development Conference View Other Sessions

Join us for the 2026 Student Life Professional Development Conference - Anchored in Purpose: Evolving Work, Steadfast Mission! This conference is dedicated to recentering ourselves in the midst of increasing change in complexity at work, enabling future opportunities for us and our students, growing our community to meet the ever evolving needs of higher education, and expanding our reach to ensure maximum impact. Participants will engage in dynamic discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at creating a resilient, equitable, and inclusive future.

Our Pre-Conference (Monday, January 26, 2026) includes half or full day Sessions and Workshops. The Conference Day (Tuesday, January 27, 2026) includes 50 Minute Breakout Sessions, Lunch, and 75 Minute Extended Sessions in the afternoon.

This year's conference encompasses four focus areas:

  • Strengthening Our Roots: Professional skill building (core skills, best practices)

  • Growing Our Community: Networking, collaboration, and building inclusive spaces

  • Anchored in Purpose: Leadership, mission-driven work, and ethical decision making

  • Expanding Our Reach: Innovative approaches, emerging student needs, and new programs

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 9, 2026.

There is a $25 charge for Student Life staff and graduate students to attend the conference and a $50 charge for non Student Life staff per day.



Turning "duoethnography" (a 2-person research method) into dialogue: Making inclusive decisions with staff voice

Available Seats 54
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Michigan League, Michigan Room
Wendy Lawrence - Student Life Research

Leaders and middle managers do their best work when they can include the voices of others. Duoethnography is a dialogic research technique that can be applied to leadership and management to increase the voices that are included in decisions and celebrate the diversity of thought amongst your staff and students. In the words of the founders of this methodology, what if we replaced "oh we have so much in common" with "oh we have so much in difference"? This session explores the ways duoethography can be taken out of the research world, made more practical, and used in the workplace to increase conversation and connection among staff. The presentation includes a theoretical introduction, practical instructions for using these techniques with staff and students, and short practice sessions with other participants.

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