Collaborate 2025

Collaborate 2025 is an innovative global partnership in student affairs and services between NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education), EucA (European University College Association), and SAI (Student Affairs Ireland), hosted by Munster Technological University.

This partnership aims to leverage diverse perspectives and best practices from across the world to address shared challenges in student support, services, and engagement. The conference will bring together professionals from both student and academic affairs to foster collaborative dialogue that enriches the educational experience and celebrates diverse perspectives (Kezar, 2014). By combining expertise and resources, Collaborate 2025 will drive meaningful advancements in student affairs internationally, enhancing student success and wellbeing across borders.

Submit your proposals

Schedule at a Glance

Wednesday, 18 June

DAY 1

09:00 - 09:50

Registrations

17:00 - 17:30

Flash talks

10:00 - 10:30

10:30 - 11:00

11:00 - 12:00

12:00 - 13:00

13:00 - 14:30

14:30 - 15:30

15:30 - 16:30

16:30 - 17:00

Welcome session

Coffee break

Keynote

Concurrent sessions

Lunch + MTU Campus tour

Concurrent sessions

Keynote

Coffee break

Thursday, 19 June

DAY 2

09:00 - 09:50

Registrations

17:00 - 17:30

Gala BBQ

10:00 - 10:30

10:30 - 11:00

11:00 - 12:00

12:00 - 13:00

13:00 - 14:30

14:30 - 15:30

15:30 - 16:30

16:30 - 17:00

Welcome session

Coffee break

Keynote

Concurrent sessions

Lunch + Campus tour

Concurrent sessions

Coffee break

18:00

Flash talks

DAY 3

Friday, 20 June

Morning

Experiential learning session

Afternoon

Cultural activity (additional registration and payment required)

More information coming soon. Details may change.

Call for Programs

As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing and oftentimes tumultuous world, the imperative for higher-education institutions (HEIs) to prioritise student mental health and wellbeing as well as social justice, equity, and inclusion has never been more pressing.

We invite you to submit proposals that address one or more of the conference themes for Collaborate 2025:

Social Justice and Inclusion

Social Justice anchor

Student Health and Wellbeing

Student Health Anchor

Student Life, Engagement, Belonging, and Success

Student Life Anchor

Student and Staff Learning and Collaboration

Collaboration Anchor

Holistic Care for Staff Wellbeing and Success

Holistic Care anchor

Why submit a program?

Collaborate 2025 provides an opportunity to explore the vital role we all play in supporting student learning and development and in creating a sense of community and belonging for all. We are particularly interested in innovative strategies and best practices that address barriers to participation, empower underrepresented voices, and promote holistic approaches to both student and staff success.

What to submit?

We welcome submissions that highlight collaborative initiatives within student affairs, emphasising the importance of partnership in addressing the unique challenges faced by diverse student populations.

Join Collaborate 2025!

We look forward to welcoming you to Munster Technological University in June 2025 and we invite you to join us as we share insights, initiatives, and research that all contribute to creating inclusive and supportive educational environments in which our students can thrive. Through the sharing of best practice, expertise, and experiences in a welcoming and collegiate environment, we can all contribute to the empowerment of our communities to thrive in their pursuit of knowledge, wellbeing, and a profound sense of belonging.

References

Astin, A. W. (1999). Student Involvement: A Developmental Theory for Higher Education. Journal of College Student Development, 40(5), 518-529.

Davis, H. (2018). Creating Inclusive Campus Environments: The Role of Student Affairs in Promoting Equity. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 55(4), 389-401.

Kezar, A. (2014). Higher Education for the Public Good: Emerging Strategies for Student Affairs Professionals. New Directions for Student Services, 2014(146), 5-17.

Kuh, G. D. (2008). High-Impact Educational Practices: What They Are, Who Has Access to Them, and Why They Matter. Association of American Colleges and Universities.

Conference Themes

Social Justice and Inclusion

Go up!

In a rapidly changing world, HEIs play a crucial role in championing the principles of social justice and inclusion, ensuring that every student, regardless of background or circumstance, has equitable access to opportunities for success. By acting according to these principles, institutions can foster environments where diverse perspectives are celebrated, barriers to participation are dismantled, and every member of the community feels a genuine sense of belonging and empowerment.

Submit your program!

We welcome submissions that address key topics, such as:

Social Justice and Inclusion, e.g. strategies to combat inequities within HE, foster inclusive campuses, and empower all students to succeed.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), e.g. initiatives that create safe, inclusive spaces for diverse communities, cultivate a sense of belonging, and promote equitable practices across institutional structures.

Accessibility and Widening Participation, e.g. insights on creating accessible, equitable, and welcoming learning environments, and expanding opportunities for marginalised and underrepresented groups.

International Student Support, e.g. programmes, policies, and practices that cultivate belonging and address unique challenges faced by international students.

Supporting the supporters, e.g. examples of best practice in training, support, and emotional support for those staff whose role it is to provide equitable care, guidance, and advocacy for students, especially during times of geopolitical unrest and conflict.

Submit your program!

Student Health and Wellbeing

Go up!

This conference theme aims to explore approaches to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and health-promoting environment for students in HE.

Submit your program!

We welcome submissions that address key topics, such as:

Wellbeing, Mental Health, and Support Systems, e.g. enhancing campus mental health services through peer support, mentoring, and trauma-informed practices; addressing diverse wellbeing needs.

Health Promotion and Campus Culture, e.g., building a health-promoting culture aligned with the Okanagan Charter; partnerships and collaborations for a holistic approach to campus health.

Student Partnership and Advocacy: e.g. involving students in shaping wellbeing policies, leading initiatives, and ensuring inclusivity in health programmes; empowering students to advocate for personal and peer wellbeing.

Physical Health and Fitness, e.g. promoting accessible resources for sports, recreation, and physical activity that support mental and physical wellness; inclusive, community-building fitness options; digital tools and apps that encourage students to stay active and healthy; health education on chronic illness prevention.

Submit your program!

Student Life, Engagement, Belonging, and Success

Go up!

This conference theme explores holistic and inclusive approaches to enhancing student engagement, fostering a sense of belonging, and empowering students to succeed in HE. By addressing the diverse experiences and needs of students, we aim to create a supportive campus environment that promotes wellbeing, human flourishing, and personal and academic success.

Submit your program!

We welcome submissions that address key topics, such as:

Happiness, Flourishing, and Belonging, e.g. exploring how emotional wellbeing, belonging, and personal growth drive engagement, academic success, and a thriving campus community.

Holistic Care for Student Success, e.g. supporting mental, emotional, and physical health through collaborative care in student and academic affairs to meet academic and social needs.

Student Activities and Engagement, e.g. fostering participation in campus life, promoting social connection, and building community through extracurricular and co-curricular activities, student organisations, and students’ unions.

Enabling Student Success, e.g. empowering students to achieve academic and personal goals, during and after their time in HE, with targeted skills, support, and resources.

Careers and Career Readiness, e.g. preparing students for workforce transitions through skills development, career guidance, and experiential learning.

Supporting Diverse Experiences in Student Life, e.g. addressing unique needs across student living situations and identities, such as inclusive residence life and supports for commuting students.

Integrating Student Life into the Curriculum, e.g. embedding engagement, belonging, and wellbeing themes into academic programmes to enhance student development.

Evaluating Success in Student Life Initiatives, e.g. using metrics to assess the impact of engagement programmes on belonging, wellbeing, and academic outcomes.

Submit your program!

Student and Staff Learning and Collaboration

Go up!

This conference theme focuses on the intersection of student and staff learning, emphasising collaborative efforts that enhance academic experiences and foster inclusive environments to which each member of the community feels that they belong.

Submit your program!

We welcome submissions that address key topics, such as:

International Collaborations and Partnerships, e.g. best practices and case studies demonstrating successful cross-cultural academic collaborations that enrich student and staff learning experiences.

AI and Technology, e.g. exploring the role of AI and technology in facilitating collaboration, enhancing teaching methods, and supporting personalised learning journeys.

Supporting the Academic Journey, e.g. strategies and programmes aimed at supporting students through their academic paths, focusing on holistic approaches to student success.

Collaboration with Academic and Student Staff, e.g. initiatives that foster meaningful partnerships between student affairs and academic affairs professionals to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

CPD Opportunities, e.g. CPD initiatives that empower staff through training, resources, and networks to promote effective collaboration in educational settings.

Accreditation (Additional Modules), e.g. discussions around the development and implementation of additional modules for accreditation, focusing on enhancing educational quality and learning experiences.

NASPA/EucA/LUMSA Masters Programme, e.g. Insights into the collaborative efforts and outcomes of the NASPA/EucA/LUMSA Masters Programme for those working in student affairs and services.

Submit your program!

Holistic Care for Staff Wellbeing and Success

Go up!

Prioritising staff wellbeing at work helps to create the necessary foundation for professional success. This theme encompasses a range of topics related to mental health, wellbeing, and achieving meaningful work-life balance, aiming to support staff at every level within the community of student affairs and services.

Submit your program!

We welcome submissions that address key topics, such as:

Mental Health Support, e.g. creating a workplace that prioritises mental wellbeing through, e.g. clinical supervision, mental health training, peer support, etc.

Work-Life Balance, e.g. promoting balance through workload management, setting healthy boundaries, and offering flexible work arrangements.

Comprehensive Wellness Programmes, e.g. holistic wellbeing initiatives that address physical and psychological health, with a focus on inclusivity to ensure that all staff feel supported.

Submit your program!

Submit your program

We invite practitioners, researchers, faculty, and students to submit an abstract for the following proposal types:

Proposal types

Oral presentations (15 minutes): The oral presentation may be delivered by an individual or by a group. The proposal should be relevant to the conference themes.

Poster presentations: The poster presentation may be created by an individual or by a group and will be displayed as a hard copy during the Seminar. At times, the author(s) of the poster will accompany the poster so that they can address any questions that attendees have. The proposal should be relevant to the conference themes. Your poster must be printed in landscape or portrait, size A1.

Experiential activity (60 minutes): These activities can include workshops / combined presentations with colleagues and must be relevant to the conference themes. The activity will last 60 minutes. These activities are intended to be interactive with considerable participation from and discussion among and with attendees. The proposal should include a description of the content, how it will be delivered, and the expected learning outcomes.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS

31 January 2025

ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION

21 February 2025

Guidelines

Click here for a guide on writing an effective proposal for this conference. You will see some examples of proposals that have been accepted in previous conferences.

Interested attendees should submit a program form electronically. The program should be a detailed outline of their proposed session and a set of learning outcomes for attendees that connect to the conference tracks.

All presenters must register to attend the Collaborate 2025 conference in-person. There will not be any virtual presentation opportunities.

Proposals will be submitted through NASPA:

If you are not a member of NASPA, you can create a free NASPA online profile account to access the Call for Programs application. You do not need to be a member of NASPA to attend and present at the 2025 Collaborate Conference.

Submit your program!

Review Process

Proposals will be evaluated through a blind peer review. The review will look at the clarity of the content, quality and rigour, and the relationship to the conference themes.

Accommodation options

This section will be updated on a regular basis.

Student Appartments

Deans Hall Bishopstown is a modern apartment complex set in a tranquil courtyard on Curraheen Road, Bishopstown, just a short walk to Munster Technological University and close to local shops and restaurants. The spacious apartments are tastefully furnished with a fully equipped kitchen and living room, with all bedrooms consisting of an ensuite. Wifi is available to all guests. Parking is subject to availability.

Rates are based on self-catering accommodation in a shared apartment with other attendees from the conference with bedding and towels provided on arrival.

From 17 - 19 June (inclusive):

Option 1: Single en-suite room: €165 (based on a single occupancy 3-night stay from 16 - 19 June)

Option 2: Deluxe en-suite room: €185 (based on a single occupancy 3-night stay from 16 - 19 June)*

For longer periods, please enquire with a member of Deans Hall staff.

*Limited availability for this room type.

For further details email: info@deanshallbishopstown.com or telephone +353 21 4819500 by quoting the Conference.

Alternatively, check out the website DeansHall Bishopstown or their social platforms Facebook and Instagram.

Terms and conditions apply.

The Kingsley Hotel

The Kingsley is a luxury four-star urban retreat in Cork, offering stunning riverside views and a serene walk by the River Lee. Just a few minutes walk from Cork city centre, this hotel features vibey dining options, a world-class spa, and a health club, making it perfect for business travelers or those looking to explore the surrounding area. It is ten minutes by car from Munster Technological University.

From 17 - 19 June (inclusive):

Option 1: Classic Rooms at a rate of €220/240 per night (Bed-and-Breakfast)

Option 2: Deluxe Rooms at a rate of €260/280 per night (Bed-and-Breakfast)

www.thekingsley.ie

Email: reservations@thekingsley.ie

Quote Collaborate 2025 when making a booking to avail of the conference discount.

Registrations

3 December 2024 - 30 April 2025

Early Registration

299 EUR

Late Registration

1 May 2025 - 30 May 2025

415 EUR

Conference Planning Committee

The Collaborate 2025 Conference Planning Committee (CPC) is responsible for supporting the creation and execution of the conference experience by leveraging their expertise and lens. NASPA, EucA, and SAI are grateful to the thoughtful and intentional volunteers and staff listed below.

Linda Barry, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest

Clodagh Byrne, Trinity College Dublin

Daniel Caldwell, Atlantic Technological University, Mayo

Mirela Mazalu, EucA - European university college Association

Niamh Nestor, University College Dublin

Janelle Rahyns, NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education

Vicky O’Sullivan, General Manager Munster Technological University Cork Students’ Union

Contact

brussels.office@euca.eu

European university
college Association

Student Affairs made in Europe!

Schedule at a Glance

Call for Programs

Conference Themes

Go up!

Go up!

Go up!

Go up!

Go up!

Submit your program

Accommodation options

Registrations

Conference Planning Committee

Contact

CONTACT US

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