Tabitha D.

James
NASPA Reflection Paper
EDA 7905: NASPA Directed Conference 2015
NASPA Directed Conference 2015 New Orleans, Louisiana
As a graduate student preparing to enter the world of student affairs administration as a young
professional, attendance at the 97th Annual NASPA Conference was extremely beneficial. As I
am immersed in the job search and in pursuit of guidance as young professional, I felt attending
this conference would be an ideal learning experience, it was just that and more. The conference
was held March 21 March 25, 2015 in downtown New Orleans, Louisiana.
The overall theme of this years NASPA Conference was Navigating with Courage. With the
many changes and challenges in higher education, this theme was fitting. Program themes for the
conference included: Future of Higher Education, Student Success & Persistence, Resiliency &
Authenticity, Public Policy, Access, and Compliance Career/Employability, Affordability in
Higher Education, Outcomes Based Funding and Technology & Student Affairs. I was pleased
that NASPA released this information online well in advance therefore providing solid
information as to what the conference would primarily focus upon. As navigating a huge
conference can be difficult, especially for a first-time attendee, this information was useful and
appreciated.
On Saturday, I was overly excited to join those who had already made it to New Orleans as my
flight was rather late. Upon arrival, I went straight to bed in order to prepare for the demanding
few days ahead. Sunday morning, I found myself thrilled and slightly nervous as I walked over
to kick off my first NASPA experience. The networking began as soon as I entered the
convention center. I immediately ran into a lady who like myself had arrived to New Orleans the
night before. To my delight, she was from the University of Tennessee, an institution I had
interviewed with a few weeks prior to NASPA at another student affairs conference. At this
point, I once again realized how large yet small the world of higher education really is.
The opening ceremony held Sunday afternoon was remarkable to say the least. Hearing delegates
who have been associated with NASPA for countless years was very rewarding. Their expression
of how the association aided their professional growth and connected them with likeminded
individuals reassured me that NASPA was a great association for me. The keynote speaker Dr.
Jennifer Arnold delivered an exceptional speech with the title THINK BIG. Try, Hope, Initiate,
No, Know, Believe, Improve and lastly GO FOR IT. She elaborated on each letter of Think
Big with details that pertained to her personal life and struggles but were also relatable to most.
Dr. Arnold attended Nova Southeastern and served as Residence Assistant (RA) during her time
as an undergraduate student. She spoke highly of student affairs professionals who played a key
role in her development as a student leader and ultimately as a person. This reference proves yet
again that the work of student affairs professional is more relevant than the late night
extravaganza, free food and t-shirts.
Following the opening ceremony, I attended the African American Networking Social. This
social hosted by the African American Knowledge Community provided the opportunity to meet,
mingle and connect with individuals who not only look like me, but also have similar interest.
The space was slightly overwhelming at first; however the natural extrovert in me adapted
relevantly quickly. Conversing with both young and veteran professionals who were open to

Tabitha D. James
NASPA Reflection Paper
EDA 7905: NASPA Directed Conference 2015
NASPA Directed Conference 2015 New Orleans, Louisiana
expressing their personal challenges as it pertains to being an African American in the field was
intriguing. Additionally, hearing achievement stories and attaining job search advice was
inspirational.
Monday was a full day with numerous sessions, intense networking and reconnecting with
colleagues from ACPA. In the midst of a busy schedule, I must proclaim that attending the 3rd
Annual FAU Mentoring Red and Blue Luncheon was amongst one of the most rewarding
times at NASPA 2015. Being able to intimately engage in dialogue with such esteemed
professionals from various backgrounds in the same room as faculty and staff from FAU was
remarkable. It is a pleasure to know that the department is passionate about graduate students,
their knowledge and network. Following the luncheon on Monday I attended a session entitled
Academic and Student Affairs: An organizational model that is benefiting students faculty and
student affairs professionals. I almost missed a wonderful opportunity, as I did not want to
arrive late I was going to skip out on the session until I read the details (via the NASPA app) only
to find out that the session was based on my undergraduate institution. Dr. Debbie Conner, Vice
President of Student Affairs and Dr. Ralph Byington, Sr. Vice President Academic/Student
Affairs and Provost both from Coastal Carolina University (CCU) were the facilitators. They
provided details as it pertains to how academic and student affairs work together at CCU. They
explained the organizational structure, budgeting and functional aspects of the collaboration. It
was stimulating to hear the shift explained from an administration lens as it was not so long ago
that I was a student at that institution.
The following two sessions I attended on Monday both dealt heavily with diversity and
inclusion. It was an exceptional growth opportunity to hear tactics on addressing cultural
competency and having developmental conversations not only with students but also with
colleagues. Race, religion and sexual orientation are all difficult topics to respectfully address
without offending or eliminating certain groupings of people.
Monday night consisted of attending various socials and impromptu networking. Though I feel
like I met and interacted with a vast amount of people, I can attest that I took something away
from the majority of conversations. The large amount of conference of attendees coming from all
over the country, having experiences at drastically different institution types was a huge benefit.
Tuesday was another full day of sessions and networking. I had all intentions of visiting the
exhibits on this day; however I got slightly over consumed and missed out. Tuesdays
competencies for my personal interest included: Leadership, Advising & Helping, Human &
Organizational Resources, Student Learning & Development and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.
With a strong variety of sessions on my schedule I was able to acquire many takeaways which
are thoroughly discussed in my evaluations. At the completion of the day I felt fulfilled being
that I did not only focus on one area but instead an interconnected variety of areas. From
Tuesday I would have to say my favorite session was the one that highlighted student financial
literacy. Sadly, the student debt in our country is enormous and constantly increasing. The
extremely disheartening part is that many students do not understand the financial burdens they

Tabitha D. James
NASPA Reflection Paper
EDA 7905: NASPA Directed Conference 2015
NASPA Directed Conference 2015 New Orleans, Louisiana
are in. Ohio State and Indiana University both gave overviews of their financial literacy
component of student wellness and how it is incorporated in the lives of their student
populations. They both are integrating financial literacy into student success plans for freshman
and sophomores and project that by 2017 all students will at least go through their online
modules prior to committing to loans.
As Tuesday was my last full day in New Orleans, I took on the city along with a sorority sister
and a colleague we met at the conference. We indulged in the famous beignets at Caf de Monde,
took a horse and carriage tour of downtown and explored various shops and attractions. While
enjoying New Orleans we conversed about our NASPA experience, working in higher education
and our plans to possibly present together at next years conference.
In conclusion, the 2015 NASPA conference was an interesting, educational and thought
provoking experience to say the least. It empowered me to continue being an advocate for
students, their success and crucial development through the collegiate experience. I am glad I
decided to enroll in the directed independent study as I feel it pushed me to get more out of the
conference than I would have if just attending for personal desires. This was a wonderful way to
end my graduate study and ideal preparation to assist as I journey into student affairs.