Registration for this event will open in May
In the fast-paced world of Orientation, Transition, and Retention (OT&R), you are the architect of student success. Every day, you design interventions, analyze student behavior, and perfect programs that change lives. But too often, these "blueprints" stay hidden in slide decks or internal reports.
This workshop is designed to help you make the "final jump" from the activity of the campus to the permanence of the page. We will shift the narrative from "I’m just a practitioner" to "I am a contributor to the field’s body of knowledge." Through interactive exercises and peer coaching, we will help you identify the "seed" of a publication within your current work—whether it’s a successful pilot program, a unique assessment, or a fresh perspective on OT&R trends. We’ll provide the roadmap to get it published in the Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention (JCOTR). Don’t let "perfect" be the enemy of "published"; your daily innovations are exactly what the profession needs to move forward.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
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Identify publishable elements within their existing campus projects, reports, and conference presentations.
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Distinguish between JCOTR submission categories (e.g., Feature Articles, Campus Notes, Emerging Research) to determine the best fit for their work.
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Navigate the peer-review process with confidence, viewing it as a developmental partnership rather than a gatekeeping hurdle.
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Draft a preliminary abstract or outline for a manuscript using JCOTR-specific rubrics and professional guidelines.
NODA Core Competencies addressed:
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Research, Assessment, & Evaluation: Focusing on the translation of campus-based assessment and data collection into scholarly manuscripts.
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Professionalism: Elevating the standard of practice by contributing to the collective knowledge of the OT&R profession.
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Leadership: Utilizing peer-review and collaborative writing as a developmental tool for personal and departmental growth.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE:
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 1:00–4:00 pm EST
*A detailed schedule will be provided closer to the event.
INTENDED AUDIENCE:
This workshop is designed for graduate students and OT&R professionals at all levels. Whether you are a first-time author navigating "imposter syndrome" or a seasoned director looking to formalize your department's successes, this session offers the tools and encouragement to help you find your scholarly voice.
PRESENTER:
Dr. Dennis Wiese is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and serves as the Editor of the Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention (JCOTR). With decades of experience in student affairs and a passion for practitioner-led scholarship, Dennis is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of OT&R authors and ensuring that the "on-the-ground" wisdom of NODA members is preserved in the scholarly record.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Member Rates:
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Member early bird: $50 (May 14–October 13, 2026)
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Member regular: $60 (October 14–October 23, 2026)
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Member late: $75 (October 23–October 29, 2026)
Non-member Rates:
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Non-member early bird: $230 (May 14–October 13, 2026)
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Non-member regular: $240 (October 14–October 23, 2026)
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Non-member late: $255 (October 14–October 23, 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.