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.



QPR Suicide Prevention: A Collective Campus Approach & Impact

Available Seats 30
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Michigan Union, Pond Room (First Floor)
Markie Silverman - University Health & Counseling, Ed Huebner - University Health & Counseling, Kayla Douglas - University Health & Counseling

For over two decades, the University of Michigan UHC Counseling and Psychological Services (UHC CAPS) has been dedicated to equipping students, staff, and faculty with the skills to recognize and respond to individuals in distress through the nationally recognized QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training. QPR—which stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer—is a life-saving mental health intervention designed to prevent suicide, much like CPR is used to save lives in medical emergencies. This evidence-based, preventative training empowers participants to identify warning signs of suicide, engage in compassionate and direct dialogue, and connect individuals to professional support. Facilitated by QPR-certified mental health experts from UHC CAPS, the program promotes a campus culture of care, early intervention, and shared responsibility for community well-being. In addition to QPR training, we will highlight the impact of 20 years of implementation, lessons learned, and strategies for sustaining and expanding suicide prevention efforts across the UM campus.

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