STAND Up Trauma-Informed Care: Train-the-Trainer

Learn how to implement trauma-informed practices within your campus community through this interactive train-the-trainer model. This workshop equips participants with the knowledge and tools to effectively educate others on trauma-informed care.

NABITA Risk Rubric Training: One-Day Certification

Facilitated by Scott Lewis, J.D., this certification training provides a comprehensive overview of the NABITA Risk Rubric. Participants will learn how to assess and respond to concerning behaviors using a structured, research-informed framework.

Our institutes are designed to bring together professionals at similar career stages for a more personalized and community-focused experience. Each institute creates space for connection, reflection, and professional growth.

Graduate Student Institute (GSI)

The TACUSPA Graduate Student Institute is a half-day professional development experience designed for graduate students preparing to enter or advance their careers in higher education and student affairs. Through interactive discussions, leadership exploration, personal branding activities, and guided reflection, participants will examine how institutional structures shape the higher education experience, identify and communicate their individual leadership styles, and develop strategies for establishing healthy professional boundaries. The institute provides an opportunity for emerging professionals to connect their graduate experiences with their future career goals while gaining practical insights into navigating institutional change, building a professional identity, and fostering sustainable workplace relationships.

By the end of the Graduate Student Institute, participants will be able to:

• Distinguish core characteristics of 6 institution types according to Hirth’s Where You Work Matters. 

• Articulate a personal blend of leadership style into an easy to communicate cohesive personal brand

• Recognize the need for establishing professional boundaries and detail a boundary for supervisees and supervisors.

New Professionals Institute (NPI)

The TACUSPA New Professionals Institute is a half-day professional development experience designed for emerging student affairs professionals who are building their careers in higher education. Through interactive discussions, peer networking, case studies, and practical skill-building, participants will explore strategies for professional growth, workplace effectiveness, personal advocacy, and sustainable leadership. The institute creates a supportive environment where new professionals can learn from experienced colleagues while connecting with peers facing similar challenges and opportunities.

By the end of the New Professional Institute, participants will be able to:

• Apply strategies for intentional career development by focusing on skill acquisition, professional competencies, and long-term growth rather than solely pursuing titles or promotions.

• Demonstrate effective workplace relationship-building skills through managing up, self-advocacy, and fostering productive partnerships with supervisors and colleagues.

• Identify resources and practices that support personal well-being and professional sustainability while navigating current challenges and emerging trends in student affairs.

Mid-Managers Institute (MMI)

The TACUSPA Mid-Managers Institute is a professional development experience designed for student affairs professionals navigating the opportunities and challenges of middle management in higher education. Through facilitated learning experiences, practical leadership strategies, reflection, and peer collaboration, participants will explore the complexities of leading from the middle, including balancing competing priorities, navigating organizational dynamics, supervising teams, and making strategic decisions. The institute creates space for professionals to share experiences, examine common management challenges, and identify actionable approaches to strengthen their leadership practice. By connecting with colleagues who are navigating similar responsibilities, participants will gain new perspectives and strategies to support their teams, advance institutional priorities, and foster their continued professional growth.

By the end of the Mid-Managers Institute, participants will be able to:

• Apply practical leadership strategies to strengthen strategic thinking, supervision, and day-to-day decision-making.
• Examine the unique role of leading from the middle, including how to navigate competing priorities, organizational dynamics, and relationships across levels.
• Use reflection, peer learning, and shared problem-solving to explore common middle-management challenges and identify potential solutions.
• Build connections with fellow professionals who are leading teams, managing priorities, and shaping programs within their institutions.