Understanding program delivery and management is a core competency of OTR professionals. This session will help orientation professionals understand the components of program delivery at any stage in their career. Participants will explore the ideas of developing program goals, establishing a budget, organizing logistics, communicating with constituents, and program implementation. At the end of the course, participants will leave with a program delivery and management guidebook that is transferable to all levels of responsibility.
You can read about the Program Delivery & Management Core Competency and all of the NODA Core Competencies on our website.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Understand campus-level priorities and goals for a successful orientation program
- Outline the essential logistics and budgetary requirements for program implementation
- Develop a strategy for communicating with both campus partners and program participants
COURSE TAKEAWAYS:
In addition to completing a program implementation guidebook which helps participants think through the logistics of program delivery and management, previous participants recognize these as key takeaways: using lenses of maintenance, growth, and change when considering program development; considering all aspects of program management including identification of stakeholders, budgets, and communication plans; reviewing campus partners, considering program resources, and creating a calendar for OTR programming to streamline and focus preparation; budget and communication preparation.
INTENDED AUDIENCE:
This course is intended for new OTR professionals who are looking to build their knowledge and skills related to program planning and delivery.
Please review NODA's cancellation policy prior to registering for this course.
TIME COMMITMENT:
As an online course with a weekly synchronous component, participants registered for the course should expect to complete 1–2 hours of independent work each week prior to attending the synchronous meetings. This independent work will be reflected upon and discussed in the synchronous meetings. Your dedication to the asynchronous coursework is appreciated.
Participants should plan to spend 2–3 hours preparing for the course. A welcome email will be sent 2 weeks prior to the course outlining the pre-work that will need to be completed, as well as resources and readings for you to review. Your engagement in all course activities and discussions is crucial for your learning and the learning of all participants.
PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS:
- Active participation: Your engagement in all course activities and discussions is crucial for both your learning and the learning of all participants.
- Respect and openness: Approach all interactions with respect, openness, and a willingness to learn from diverse perspectives and experiences. Personal attacks are not acceptable, as this is a space for learning and sharing in a respectful manner. However, all participants are encouraged to be open to constructive feedback.
- Confidentiality: Respect the confidentiality of shared personal experiences and insights within the course, fostering a safe and trusting environment for all participants.
SCHEDULE:
- January 12, 2026 – Participant access to the Canvas course module is opened; Pre-course assessment is due via Qualtrics
- January 14, 12–1 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #1
- January 21, 12–1 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #2
- January 28, 12–1 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #3
- February 4, 12–1 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #4
- February 11, 12–1 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #5
- February 18, 12–1 pm Central – Synchronous Meeting #6
- February 27 – Participant submissions of the final assignment are due to Canvas for grading and completion of post-course assessment via Qualtrics
MEET THE INSTRUCTOR:
Stephanie Brown is the Executive Director of Orientation and Transition Programs at the University of North Texas. With 15 years of OTR experience, Stephanie oversees the planning of new student orientation events for more than 12,000 new students every fall semester. Under her leadership, her team implements a required welcome week program, organizes extended orientation camps, and hosts transfer experience days. In addition to orientation programs, Stephanie oversees mentoring initiatives, pre-college transition programs, parent and family programs, and TRIO college access programs. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Arts in visual communications from Purdue University and a Master of Science in Education for higher education and student affairs from Indiana University. Stephanie is currently working on her Ph.D. in higher education at the University of North Texas.
REGISTRATION DEADLINES AND PRICING:
Member Rates:
- Early Bird Registration: $195 (register by November 20, 2025)
- Regular Registration: $225 (register by January 1, 2026)
- Late Registration: $280 (register by January 8, 2026)
Non-Member Rates
- Early Bird Registration: $375 (register by November 20, 2025)
- Regular Registration: $405 (register by January 1, 2026)
- Late Registration: $460 (register by January 8, 2026)
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you need to cancel a registration, please email noda@umn.edu with the specifics of your cancellation request. You can view NODA’s Cancellation Policy on our website.
NODA EXCELLENCE FUND:
Scholarships for this course and other NODA educational opportunities are available through the NODA Excellence Fund.