The NOSS‑MI community warmly invites you to submit a proposal for our 2026 conference, The Three R’s of Student Success: Reviving, Reinvigorating and Recommitting. We are looking forward to a day of learning, connection, and shared ideas that strengthen our work with students and one another.
This conference will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Vista-Tech Center of Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan. Our featured keynote speaker will be Dr. Michael Oliver, PhD, LPC, Co‑Founder of Mindtation, and the conference will conclude with a send‑off address by Dr. Hunter Boylan, well-known advocate and leader in student success.
Conference Theme
This year’s theme, The Three R’s of Student Success: Reviving, Reinvigorating and Recommitting, reflects our shared commitment to student success in every form. We welcome proposals that offer practical strategies, fresh perspectives, meaningful reflection, and approaches that help us support students more effectively.
Planned Schedule
- 9:30–9:45 AM — Welcome & Registration.
- 9:45–10:30 AM — Keynote Address: Dr. Michael Oliver.
- 10:30–10:40 AM — Break.
- 10:40–11:25 AM — Breakout Sessions 1.
- 11:25 AM–12:00 PM — Lunch.
- 12:10–12:55 PM — Breakout Sessions 2.
- 12:55–1:05 PM — Break.
- 1:05–1:50 PM — Breakout Sessions 3.
- 2:00–2:30 PM — Send‑Off / Closing Remarks by Dr. Hunter Boylan, with refreshments, prizes, and awards.
Proposal Invitation: We encourage proposals from faculty, staff, administrators, counselors, advisors, tutors, learning center professionals, student support staff, and community partners. We especially welcome sessions that are practical, engaging, and relevant to the day-to-day work of supporting student success.
Possible topics may include:
- Student success initiatives.
- Advising, mentoring, and retention strategies.
- Inclusive and equitable support practices.
- Academic support services and learning assistance.
- First-generation student support.
- Mental health, wellness, and self-care.
- Community and belonging.
- Collaboration across campus departments.
- Innovative practices that help students persist and thrive.
Proposal Guidelines: Please include the following in your submission:
- Presenters’ names, titles, institutions, email addresses, and phone numbers.
- Presentation title, up to 15 words.
- Abstract, up to 250 words.
- Short summary, up to 50 words, for the conference program or app.
- Three learning objectives.
- Brief presenter bios.
- AV or technology needs, if any.
Abstract Guidance: Your abstract should briefly describe the purpose of your session, the main ideas you will share, how the session connects to the conference theme, and what participants will gain from attending. A clear and concise abstract helps reviewers understand the value of your proposal and how it will contribute to the conference experience.
Session Format: We welcome a variety of formats, including:
- Individual presentations.
- Panels.
- Interactive workshops.
- Roundtable discussions.
- Practical strategy sessions.
Please indicate the format that best fits your session and how you plan to engage participants.
Review Criteria
Proposals will be reviewed for:
- Relevance to the conference theme.
- Clarity and organization.
- Practical value for attendees.
- Engagement with student success and support.
- Overall fit with the conference program.
Submission Details
We are grateful for the expertise, creativity, and care that so many of you bring to student success work every day. We hope you will consider sharing your ideas and helping make this year’s conference a meaningful and energizing experience for all who attend.
Warm Regards,
Kristin Conley
NOSS-MI
President
