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2026 TACUSPA Annual Conference


A Reimagined Conference Schedule

This year, the Conference Planning Team has thoughtfully redesigned the conference schedule to create a more intentional and engaging attendee experience. The updated structure allows for a better balance of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and time for reflection.

Our goal is to provide:

  • More meaningful session engagement
  • Improved flow throughout the day
  • Dedicated time for connection and community-building

Check out the Schedule at a Glance below and be on the look out for more information soon so you can begin planning your conference experience!

schedule at a glance

 Monday, October 12      

 Pre-Conference Workshops 
 12:30pm-1:00pm  Conference Check-In & Registration
 1:00pm-5:00pm    STAND Up Trauma-Informed Care Train the Trainer Part 1
 1:00pm-5:00pm   National Threat Evaluation and Reporting (NTER) Training
   

 Tuesday, October 13

 Pre-Conference Workshops & Institutes
 8:00am-5:00pm  Conference Check-In & Registration
 9:00am-4:00pm  NABITA Risk Rubric Training One-Day Certification with Scott Lewis, J.D. 
 8:00am-5:00pm  STAND Up Trauma-Informed Care Train the Trainer Part 2
 11:00am-1:00pm  TACUSPA Board Meeting led by Shelby Hearn (Closed Meeting)
 1:00pm-5:30pm

 TACUSPA Institutes (Prior Registration Required)

  • Graduate Student Institute (GSI)
  • New Professional Institute (NPI)
  • Mid-Manager Institute (MMI)
 6:00pm-8:00pm  TACUSPA Involvement Social (Institute/Board/Conference Team) 
   

 Wednesday, October 14   

Day 1

 8:00am-5:00pm  Conference Check-In & Registration
 8:30am-9:30am  Texas A&M University Campus Tour
 9:15am-10:00am

 Various Offerings:

  • First-Time Attendee Meeting 
  • Volunteer Orientation
 10:00am-11:00am  Conference Kick-Off
 11:00am-11:50am

 Roundtables - Functional Areas

 12:00pm-1:30pm  Lunch on Your Own
 12:00pm-1:30pm  NASPA TX Board Meeting (Closed Meeting)
 12:00pm-1:30pm  Texas Council of Chief Student Affairs Officers (TCCSAO) Fall Meeting

(Closed Meeting) Sponsored by Digi Security Systems

 12:00pm-1:30pm  Texas Dean of Students Council (TxDoSC) Meeting & Lunch (Closed Meeting)
 1:45pm-2:35pm

 Various Offerings:

  • Sponsorship Passport Opportunity
  • Private Universities & Colleges Meet-Up
  • Community College Meet-Up
  • System Meetings (Invitation Only):
    • University of Texas System Meeting
    • Texas A&M University System Meeting 
    • University of Houston System Meeting 
    • Texas State University System Meeting
    • Texas Tech University System Meeting 
 2:45pm-3:35pm  Educational Session Block 1
 3:45pm-4:45pm

 Various Offerings:

  • Poster Presentations
  • Silent Auction
  • Sponsorship Passport Opportunity
 5:00pm-6:00pm  Dinner
 6:00pm-7:00pm  Keynote #1 : Dr. Kim Dooley Sponsored by TimelyCare
 7:00pm-9:00pm  TACUSPA Foundation Dessert Reception & Silent Auction Sponsored by TCCSAO
   

 Thursday, October 15     

 Day 2

 7:30am-5:00pm  Conference Check-In & Registration
 8:00am-8:50am  Day 2 Kick-Off & Breakfast
 9:00am-10:15am  Keynote #2: Dr. Justin McGlothin with Gentelligence 
 10:15am-11:00am  Coffee Break
 11:00am-11:50am  Educational Session Block 2
 12:00pm-1:00pm  Business Lunch
 1:00pm-2:10pm  Student Affairs Now Live Podcast with Dr. Keith Edwards
 2:10pm-2:30pm  Break
 2:30pm-3:20pm  Educational Session Block 3
 3:30pm-4:20pm  Educational Session Block 4
 4:20pm-5:00pm  Transition to Reception
 5:00pm-6:30pm  Presidents' Reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres (Open to All)
 6:30pm-8:00pm  Dinner on Your Own
   

 Friday, October 16

 Day 3

 9:00am-11:00am  Graduate Student Case Study Competition
 9:00am-9:50am

 Roundtables- Functional Areas

 10:00am-10:50am  Educational Session Block 5
 11:00am-12:15pm  Keynote #3: Dr. Urisonya Flunder & Brunch
 12:15pm-12:45pm  Conference Awards
 12:45pm-1:00pm TACUSPA Leadership 2027 & Closing 
 1:30pm-3:30pm  TACUSPA Board Meeting led by Dr. Lacey Folsom (Closed Meeting)

*Please note session times and locations may be updated as the conference approaches.

Daily Access Spaces

  • Wellness & Reset Space 
  • Career Readiness Corner
  • Faculty Lounge
  • Headquarters Conference Committee
  • Vice President Lounge    
  • Vendors/Grad Programs/Silent Auction


Contact us at tacuspa@tacuspa.net for general inquires

For membership inquires reach out to us at membership@tacuspa.net

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