The Graduate Student Symposium (GSS) is designed to support masters-level graduate students by providing informational workshops, mentoring opportunities, and networking with professionals and peers.
GSS provides virtual sessions on a variety of topics to assist with professional development and the transition from graduate student to professional.
GSS is open and relevant for current masters students, whether you are currently a graduate student working in the field of orientation, transition, and retention (OTR) or one that desires to obtain employment in higher education in the future. Throughout the symposium, participants will gain an understanding of the field of OTR.
The format of the symposium will include monthly virtual meetings that will consist of cohort meetings and presentations by GSS faculty. Potential session topics include understanding functional area, positions, and office types within OTR, internship and job search, interview preparation, theory to practice, goal and boundary setting, assessment, and creating a professional development plan.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE:
All meetings will occur on Zoom from 12–1:30 pm CT.
- Thursday, November 13, 2025 - GSS Introduction & All Things OTR
- Thursday, December 11, 2025 - Bridging Theory & Reality: Navigating the Student Experience
- Thursday, January 15, 2026 - Two Roads Diverged in a Wood, and Both Were Fine
- Thursday, February 12, 2026 - Make Your Mark(et)
- Thursday, March 19, 2026 - Have it Your Way (Pick Two Breakout Sessions)
- Thursday, April 9, 2026 - What’s In Your Toolkit?
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Understanding Trends and Challenges: Participants will deepen their understanding of current trends and challenges in the OTR field, equipping them with knowledge to address complex issues and reaffirming their status as emerging leaders and professionals.
- Professional Identity Reinforcement: Through engagement with peers and professionals, participants will reaffirm their professional identity within the OTR field, recognizing their role as leaders and future mentors.
- Foundational Knowledge: Participants will bridge academic theory with practical knowledge, equipping them to address program challenges in their current and future roles.
- Employment Competencies: Participants will develop essential employment competencies that foster personal and professional growth.
PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS:
To successfully complete the Graduate Student Symposium experience, participants are required to attend at-least four monthly sessions.
This is an interactive, synchronous virtual institute designed to foster active engagement. Participants will take part in both large- and small-group presentations and discussions, creating a collaborative, discussion-based learning environment.
Active participation is expected in all sessions. This includes turning on cameras, contributing to conversations verbally, and participating via the Zoom chat. We also encourage participants to connect, network, and build meaningful professional relationships with fellow attendees and institute faculty.
To foster a positive learning experience, participants should actively contribute to creating a safe and professional space, respect themselves and others, engage in collaborative learning, commit to inclusion, and remain open-minded.
INTENDED AUDIENCE:
First or second year masters-level graduate students.
Meet the Faculty:
- Shaun Holloway, GSS Lead Faculty, Coordinator, Orientation & First Year Programs at the University of North Texas
- Nick Stines, Assistant Director for New Student Orientation, New Student Programs at Syracuse University
- Anna Spaschak, Program Coordinator For Special Populations at The University of Florida
- Shane Reilly, Director of the Lula Bell Houston Resource Center at Davidson College
- Jennifer Asouzu, Associate Director for Family Programming and Communications at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Member Rates:
- Early Bird Registration (Ends Oct. 16, 2025): $35
- Regular Registration (ends Oct. 30, 2025): $60
- Late Registration (ends Nov. 6, 2025): $85
Non-member Rates:
- Early Bird Registration (Ends Oct 16, 2025): $120 (includes a one-year graduate student membership)
- Regular Registration (ends Oct 30, 2025): $145 (includes a one-year graduate student membership)
- Late Registration (ends Nov 6, 2025): $170 (includes a one-year graduate student membership)
Cancellation Policy:
Please review NODA's cancellation policy prior to registering for this symposium or institute.
NODA EXCELLENCE FUND:
Scholarships for this event and other NODA educational opportunities are available through the NODA Excellence Fund.