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.



What is “disability justice” anyway?

Available Seats 71
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Michigan League, Vandenberg Room
Saumya Gupta - Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services, Heather Oertel - Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services, Andrea Truitt - Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services

“Disability justice” is a phrase that has become so commonplace that the original intent has become lost. This presentation will introduce the 10 Principles of Disability Justice, which were developed by the Disability Justice Collective in 2005, a group of disabled activists of color. Each of the Principles will be defined and then connected to a work of art or to a current issue. In the end, participants will be asked to reflect on and discuss which of the principles are most easily aligned with their personal and/or professional values, and which of the principles are the most challenging to align. The purpose of this exercise is not to frustrate, but rather to recognize how “disability justice” is both challenging to apply to our work, and something to strive towards. 


More information about the 10 Principles that will be covered: https://sinsinvalid.org/10-principles-of-disability-justice/

For questions or contact information click here