2026 Directors and Managers Institute - Atlanta

Registration for this event will open in May

The Directors and Managers Institute (DMI) is an immersive, in-person program tailored for experienced professionals leading orientation, transition, and retention (OT&R) efforts in higher education. Offered as a pre-conference experience at the NODA Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA, this institute is designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by directors and managers.

Through a dynamic mix of plenary sessions, panel discussions, interactive breakouts, and small-group dialogues with seasoned Institute faculty, participants will engage with the nuanced challenges of managing OT&R programs amid the shifting terrain of higher education.

Attendees will gain valuable insights and practical tools to strengthen their professional impact and drive meaningful change within their institutions. The in-person format also provides a unique opportunity for networking with peers and thought leaders in the field, fostering a collaborative learning environment where participants can share ideas, best practices, and solutions to common challenges..

Whether you're looking to refine your leadership approach, address emerging trends in higher education, or strengthen your department’s practices, the Directors and Managers Institute offers a powerful opportunity to invest in your professional development and organizational growth.

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 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 OT&R are encouraged to explore the Orientation Professionals Institute, which is designed to address foundational knowledge and skills.

PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS:

This is an in-person 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. 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.

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE:

*Please note that this is a tentative schedule. The finalized session schedule with meeting locations and session descriptions will be provided prior to your arrival. 

Location: Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, 190 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Sunday, November 8, 2026

• 2:00 – 6:00 pm: Presentations and Breakout Sessions

Monday, November 9, 2026

• 9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Presentations and Breakout Sessions (coffee provided)
• 12:00 - 1:00 pm:  Lunch (on your own)
• 1:00 - 5:00 pm:  Presentations and Breakout Sessions
  6:00 pm: Networking Dinner at STATS Brewpub (provided)

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

• 9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Plenary and breakouts (coffee provided)
• 12:00 - 1:30 pm: Lunch (provided)
• 1:30 – 3:00 pm: Closing Session

MEET THE FACULTY:

• Chris Trudell, Assistant Dean of Students, San Francisco State University
• Brittany Beck, Assistant Vice President for Admissions & Enrollment at East Texas A&M University
• Emily Ivey, Director of New Student & Family Programs at Texas Christian University
• Craig Johnson, Director, Orientation Programs at Purdue University

REGISTRATION RATES AND DEADLINES:

Member Rates:

• Member early bird: $450 (May 14–October 13, 2026)

• Member regular: $550 (October 14–October 23, 2026)

• Member late: $690 (October 23–October 29, 2026)

Non-member Rates:

• Non-member early bird: $630 (May 14–October 13, 2026)

• Non-member regular: $730 (October 14–October 23, 2026)

• Non-member late: $870 (October 23–October 29, 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.