Events
Master’s Student Conference and Grad Connections Program
October 3 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
Master's Student Conference and Grad Connections Program
2 VIRTUAL EVENTS
• CONFERENCE: 25 September and 2 & 3 October 2025 // 1:00-5:00PM ET each day
• CONNECTIONS: 4 Fridays (3 Oct, 7 Nov, 5 Dec, 6 Feb) // 1:00-2:00PM ET each day
Cultivate your Student Affairs Career at the inaugural Master’s student conference and grad connections program
Introducing new engagement opportunities for Master’s students interested in enhancing their graduate preparation experience. This program will allow you to deepen your understanding of the field of higher education and student affairs, prepare for the next steps in your career, and connect with colleagues from across the country.
MAster’s student conference
WHAT TO EXPECT
This conference will provide you with the tools to advance your career post-Master’s, whether you are a first-year or 2+ year student, a full-time or part-time student, have prior professional experience or are just diving into the field of student affairs.
- Learn about different career paths professionals in the field have taken
- Engage in interactive sessions fostering your ability to support all students on our campuses
- Gain valuable insights on ways to advance your career as a 1st year or 2+ year, full-time or part-time students
The conference includes keynote sessions, interactive workshops facilitated by experienced leaders in the field, and opportunities to connect with peers and professionals from across the country. Several sessions have break-outs allowing you to engage in activities geared toward your unique needs based on the stage in your career.
Conference Schedule
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Welcome (1:00-1:30 PM ET)
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Interactive Workshops and Panels (1:30-5:00 PM ET)
This is an optional add-on for Conference participants and will require an additional $25 registration fee
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ACPA/ASHE Presidential Symposium (1:00-4:00 PM ET)
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Opportunity to process the presidential symposium with other graduate students (4:00-5:00 PM ET)
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Interactive Workshops, Educational Sessions, and Panels (1:00-3:00 PM ET)
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Interactive workshop and an introduction to ACPA’s identity-based entity groups in an interactive workshop (4:00-5:00 PM ET)
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Grad Connections Program Kick-off (separate registration) (1:00-2:00 PM ET)
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Interactive Workshops, Educational Sessions, and Panels (2:00-4:00 PM ET)
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Commission, State Chapters & International Divisions Networking Event (4:00-5:00 PM ET)
Grad Connections Program
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our Grad Connections program provides you with an opportunity to reflect on your experiences in the field and engage in collective problem solving in small groups of peers, facilitated by one or two professionals or faculty in the field.
- Connection with other graduate students and professionals in the field
- Exposure to diverse perspectives within higher education
- Cultivation of your career within higher education (Insights to career paths and professional development opportunities)
Grad Connections small groups meet virtually once a month on the first Friday in October, November, December, and February. An optional meet-up will take place at the annual ACPA convention in March.
Registration Information
Registrants are encouraged, but not required, to register for both the Master’s Student Conference and the Grad Connections Program.
Take advantage of early registration rates through September 12, 2025
- Conference ACPA Member: $69
- Connections ACPA Member: $30
Rates after 12 September 2025
- Conference ACPA Member: $79
- Connections ACPA Member: $30
Optional Add-ons:
- ACPA/ASHE Presidential Symposium on Friday, 26 September: $25 for members
Take advantage of early registration rates through September 12, 2025
- Conference Non-Member: $109
- Connections Non-Member: $50
Rates after 12 September 2025
- Conference Non-Member: $119
- Connections Non-Member: $50
Optional Add-ons:
- ACPA/ASHE Presidential Symposium on Friday, 26 September: $40 for non-members
Registrations can be paid by check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. All fees must be prepaid. Purchase orders are not accepted. Refunds will be given for cancellations received in writing at ACPA by 25 August 2025. Cancellations must be sent to info@acpa.nche.edu. Registrations can also be withdrawn by registrants using the event registration system through 25 August 2025. After 25 August 2025, there are no refunds. ACPA reserves the right to charge a service fee of US$50 for returned checks. Registrations can be transferred to another participant with the same membership type. The conference may be canceled or postponed due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. In this case, the fees will be fully refunded.
In order to qualify for member rates for the ACPA’s Virtual Master’s Student Conference, membership with ACPA must be valid through 3 October 2025. You must have your own individual membership. ACPA Members who purchase a Virtual Master’s Student Conference Registration understand their membership needs to be active through 3 October 2025. If it is not active prior to the start of the Virtual Master’s Student Conference, you will not be provided with your program access link unless you renew your membership or pay the difference between the non-member and member registration cost.
In order to qualify for member rates for the ACPA’s Grad Connection, membership with ACPA must be valid through 6 February 2026. You must have your own individual membership. ACPA Members who purchase a Grad Connection Registration understand their membership needs to be active through 6 February 2025. If it is not active prior to the start of the Grad Connection program, you will not be provided with your program access link unless you renew your membership or pay the difference between the non-member and member registration cost.
