2026 Professional Development Conference Schedule

Take advantage of our optional professional headshot sessions, available during the two following time slots.

Time Slot #1: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Location: TBD

Time Slot #2: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: TBD

Join us at the RSU for a continental breakfast before the President’s Staff and Faculty Assembly.

Better Ways to get Things Done (When our Magic Wand isn't Cutting it!)
We've all dreamed of being able to wave a magic wand, or perhaps say "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," and have our to do list knocked out. And if you have a way to make that happen, please let us all know! When this kind of magic isn't available, there are some things we can do that all of our favorite Disney characters would be proud of (and probably would like to know, too!) Join us to talk about them!
Presenter: Professor Betsy Hays l
Location: TBD

Excelling through Transitions
Change refers to an external event or situation that occurs: a new business strategy, a change in leadership, a merger, or a new product. Sometimes the change can happen very quickly. Transition is the inner psychological process that people go through as they internalize and come to terms with the new situation that the change brings about. Empathic leaders recognize that change can put people in crisis. The starting point for dealing with transition is not the outcome but the endings that people experience when leaving the old situation behind. Change will only be successful if leaders and organizations address the transition that people experience during the change process. Supporting people through transition, rather than pushing forward, is essential. This is key to capitalizing on opportunities for innovation and creating organizational resilience.
Presenter: Dr. Matthew Ari Jendian
Location: TBD

Reigniting Your SPARK: Cultivating Purpose and Mental Well-Being for Lasting Success
Even the most dedicated professionals in higher education can lose their sense of direction and energy amid increasing demands, role changes, and invisible labor. This interactive session introduces The SPARK Method®, a research-based framework built around five key pillars — Spot, Pinpoint, Adopt, Reclaim, and Kindle — designed to help participants identify what's draining their energy, reconnect with their purpose, adopt high-impact strategies to manage time and emotions, rebuild confidence, and strengthen support systems. Through reflective dialogue and practical tools, attendees will leave with renewed clarity, emotional strength, and actionable strategies to sustain their success and create meaningful impact in the lives of students and colleagues.
Presenter: Dr. Gitima Sharma
Location: TBD

Unlocking the Magic of Leadership: Innovation, Trust and Teamwork in Student Affairs
Unlock the magic of leadership by exploring how trust, innovation, and teamwork can transform your impact. This interactive session will delve into the power of psychological safety, vulnerability, and collaborative leadership to spark creativity and drive meaningful change.Drawing from real experiences in both academic and student affairs, participants will walk away with practical strategies to lead with authenticity and courage.
Presenter: Dr. Ruby Sangha-Rico
Location: TBD

Beyond the Castle Walls: Charting a Student-Centered Digital Strategy
This interactive session will venture "Beyond the Castle Walls" of traditional communication to explore how Student Affairs offices can truly connect with today's students in a digitally saturated world. We'll hand the mic to the ultimate experts, a diverse panel of students, for a quick, candid Q&A on marketing and social media effectiveness, as well as what constitutes the most meaningful marketing experience for students in the online world.
Presenter: Alexis Ford-Duncil
Location: TBD

Creating Your Fairytale Ending with Data
In tight budget times, student impact becomes a higher priority. The session will focus on ways to use data to create a story. Participants will leave understanding the magic of student learning outcomes and how they can better inform practice.
Presenter: Dr. George Still
Location: TBD

Creative Solutions: How to Magically Solve Your Pesky Work Problems
Ever wish you had a magic wand for your toughest work challenges? This interactive session helps you discover the "Imagineer" within by introducing a creative problem-solving framework designed for higher education professionals. Through engaging exercises and real-world examples, you'll learn how to turn obstacles into opportunities, collaborate like a dream team, and bring a bit of Disney-style innovation to your workday. Walk away with practical tools—and a sprinkle of magic—to transform the way you approach everyday challenges in student affairs and enrollment management.
Presenterd: Drs. Rebecca and John McMillen
Location: TBD

Your Career Genie:The Magic of Al and Career Development
Learn how the Genie of Al can provide assistance in every stage of students' career development process. You get a lot more wishes than just 3!
Presenter: Mary Willis
Location: TBD

The sound bath therapy session offers a unique experiential professional development opportunity through somatic and pre-verbal channels, deeply nourishing and recalibrating the nervous system. This vital work strengthens our capacity as service providers to create a more supportive holding environment. Sound therapy equipment is one-of-a-kind, certified authentic museum quality, from the 17th and 18th centuries. Made by monks over nine months in prayer and mindful silence, these instruments are both extremely potent and unreplicable today.
Presenter: Nancy Minges
Location: TBD

Bowling and Billiards (1:30 - 3:00 PM)
Join us for a fun time at the Fresno State Bulldog Bowl! Connect with colleagues, and enjoy access to the billiard tables as well.