Turn theory into practice

Are you a graduate student in higher education administration looking for an opportunity to apply what you are learning? Are you an early-career student affairs professional ready to demonstrate your strategic thinking and expand your professional network?

The TACUSPA Research Committee invites you to participate in the 2026 TACUSPA Case Study Competition, held in conjunction with the TACUSPA Annual Conference this October in College Station.

This virtual competition gives emerging practitioner-scholars an opportunity to address a real-world higher education challenge, collaborate with peers from across Texas, receive feedback from experienced student affairs leaders, and showcase the skills needed to navigate today’s campus landscape.

Registration Deadline: Monday, August 24 at 11:59 p.m. CT

Register Now for the Case Study Competition

Why participate?

Turn Theory into Practice

Apply student development theory, policy analysis, strategic thinking, and equity-minded decision-making to a contemporary campus scenario.

Expand Your Texas Network

Connect and collaborate with graduate students and early-career professionals from institutions across the state. These relationships can extend well beyond the competition.

Strengthen Your CV and Professional Profile

Add a meaningful state-level case competition and presentation experience to your résumé or CV.

Gain Statewide Recognition

Top-placing teams will be recognized during the 2026 TACUSPA Annual Conference, October 14–16 in College Station. Your work will be highlighted before student affairs leaders, hiring managers, faculty members, and other professionals from across Texas.

How the Competition Works

1. Register

Complete the registration form by Monday, August 24 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Register individually, and TACUSPA will assign you to a team.

2. Meet Your Team

Team assignments and welcome information will be distributed on Monday, August 31.

September 2–7 will serve as Orientation and Icebreaker Week, giving teams time to connect, review the competition materials, and establish a comfortable working process.

3. Review the Case

The virtual information session and official case release will take place on Wednesday, September 2.

Teams will receive the competition instructions, case materials, submission expectations, and other information needed to begin their work.

4. Develop Your Response

Work virtually with your assigned team to analyze the case and develop a thoughtful, strategic response to the challenge.

5. Submit Your Presentation

Teams must submit their final video presentation by Sunday, September 27, at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Presentations will be reviewed and scored before the TACUSPA Annual Conference travel week.

6. Celebrate the Results

Top-placing teams will be recognized during the TACUSPA Annual Conference, taking place October 14–16 in College Station.

Important Dates

• Registration Deadline: Monday, August 24 at 11:59 p.m. CT
• Team Assignments & Welcome Information Distributed: Monday, August 31
• Virtual Information Session & Case Release: Wednesday, September 2
• Orientation & Icebreaker Week: September 2-7
• Video Submission Deadline: September 27 at 11:59 p.m. CT
• Competition Results Announced: Prior to the TACUSPA Annual Conference
• Top-Placing Team Recognition: October 14-16 in College Station

Sign Up for TACUSPA Buddies!

Ready to take on the case?

Meet your team. Tackle the case. Showcase your leadership.

Register by Monday, August 24 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Questions about the competition format or schedule may be directed to the TACUSPA Research Committee at conference@tacuspa.net. 

Register Now for the Case Study Competition