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.



Well-Being in Flight: Reflections from an Accidental Birder

Available Seats 72
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Michigan League, Vandenberg Room
Mackenzie Leatherman - Michigan Housing

Our lives are often moving quickly, whether it’s solving problems, consuming information, or meeting urgent needs and deadlines. This session explores birding from the perspective of a staff member who unexpectedly discovered it and now practices it as a method of intentional pause. 


From a lens of curiosity and reflection, participants will explore how birding supports mindfulness and enhances well-being, identify strategies to make birding more equitable and accessible, and challenge myths about what it means to "be a birder.”


This session will also introduce social prescribing, a growing health-promoting approach that connects people with nature, arts, movement, and other community experiences to support overall well-being. Participants will learn about existing U of M resources, such as Nature Rx, and consider how birding and other nature-based experiences can inspire both personal renewal and creative approaches to student support.


No prior birding experience is needed!

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