Directors and Managers Institute (DMI)

The Directors and Managers Institute (DMI) is an immersive, two-day virtual program tailored for experienced professionals leading orientation, transition, and retention (OTR) efforts in higher education.  Designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by directors and managers, this institute combines a range of engaging formats, including large group presentations, interactive breakout sessions, and small group meetings with experienced Institute faculty.

Participants will delve into the complexities of managing OTR programs in an ever-changing higher education landscape. Sessions will focus on enhancing leadership skills, fostering collaboration across campus, navigating institutional priorities, and employing innovative strategies to support student success. Through this program, attendees will gain valuable insights and practical tools to strengthen their professional impact and drive meaningful change within their institutions.

The Institute also offers opportunities for networking with peers and thought leaders in the field, creating a collaborative learning environment that encourages the sharing of ideas, best practices, and solutions to common challenges. Whether you are looking to refine your leadership style, tackle emerging issues in higher education, or build stronger, more inclusive programs, the Directors and Managers Institute is an exceptional opportunity to invest in your professional growth and organizational success.

Due to the cohort-style format of DMI, registration is limited to 25 participants. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. NETWORKING: Foster meaningful connections with OTR leaders committed to fostering vibrant, inclusive, and socially just higher education environments.

2. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS: Enhance knowledge of how to cultivate strategic relationships to foster collaboration, secure buy-in from stakeholders, and effectively navigate competing priorities.

3. ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP: Explore management issues and strategies that promote a shared vision aligned with an institution's strategic priorities.

4. TECHNOLOGY: Discuss the use of evolving and new technology to streamline operations, enhance student engagement, and improve departmental efficiency through innovative practices.

5. DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING: Enhance your ability to leverage data and assessment tools to demonstrate program impact and garner institutional support, enabling informed decision-making and alignment with strategic priorities.

6. CHANGE MANAGEMENT: Develop strategies for navigating institutional changes and the evolving higher education landscape.

NODA Core Competencies addressed: 

• Organization & Leadership
• Campus Collaboration
  
• Diversity, Inclusion, & Access
  
• Program Delivery & Management
  
• Research, Assessment, and Evaluation
  
• Financial Management 
  
• Communication
  
• Law, Policies, & Governance
  
• Crisis Management

INTENDED AUDIENCE:

DMI is designed for experienced professionals who hold decision-making authority within their unit or division for orientation, transition, and retention (OTR) initiatives. This program is ideal for individuals responsible for leading strategic efforts, managing teams, and navigating complex institutional priorities to enhance student success.

Note: Professionals who are newer to the field of OTR are encouraged to explore the Orientation Professionals Institute, which is designed to address foundational knowledge and skills.

PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS:

This is a synchronous virtual institute that includes large and small group presentations and discussions where participants will engage in a collaborative, discussion-based learning environment. Participants are expected to attend and actively engage in all sessions. This includes turning cameras on and engaging in discussion both verbally and via the Zoom chat function. We encourage participants to network and build meaningful professional relationships with Institute participants and 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.

Please note: The use of AI notetaking tools is prohibited. Participants are expected to rely on traditional methods of notetaking to ensure confidentiality and security of the discussion. 

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE:

*Please note that this is a tentative schedule. The finalized session schedule will be shared with participants 2 weeks prior to the institute. 

Day 1: April 21, 2026

11:00 am – 12:15 pm CST: Institute welcome and Plenary Session 1

12:15 – 1:00 pm CST: Cohort Session 1

1:00 – 2:00 pm CST: BREAK

2:00 – 2:45 pm CST: Plenary Session 2

2:45 – 3:30 pm CST: Breakout Sessions

3:30 – 4:00 pm CST: Cohort Session 2

Day 2: April 22, 2026

11:00 am – 12:00 pm CST: Roundtable Discussions

12:00 – 1:00 pm CST: Plenary Session 3

1:00 – 2:00 pm CST: BREAK

2:00 – 3:00 pm CST: Plenary Session 4

3:00 – 3:45 pm CST: Cohort Session 3

3:45 – 4:00 pm CST: Institute Closing

MEET THE FACULTY:

• Chris Trudell (Lead Faculty), Assistant Dean of Students, San Francisco State University

• Brittany Beck, Director, New Student & Family Programs at East Texas A&M University

• Emily Ivey, Director of New Student & Family Programs at Texas Christian University

REGISTRATION RATES AND DEADLINES:

Member Rates:

• Member early bird: $195 (ends March 19, 2026)

• Member regular: $270 (ends April 2, 2026)

• Member late: $320 (ends April 16, 2026)

Non-member Rates:

• Non-member early bird: $375 (ends March 19, 2026)

• Non-member regular: $450 (ends April 2, 2026)

• Non-member late: $500 (ends April 16, 2026)

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. The deadline to submit a NEF application for DMI is March 12, 2026