First-generation Student Success Conference
2025 NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education
The 2026 NASPA First-generation Student Success Conference, part of the NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education, will convene scholars and practitioners in Austin, TX, from June 10-13, 2026, to discuss how higher education professionals across the academy can develop effective approaches to improve the outcomes of first-generation college students.
The NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education is a co-located conference including the Assessment, Planning, and Data Analytics Conference; the Dismantling Systemic Barriers to Student Success Conference; and the First-generation Student Success Conference.
In addition to a robust selection of educational programming, the conference offers multiple dynamic keynotes, thought-provoking pre-conference workshops, exhibit hall offerings, and much more. This event is your opportunity to take a cross-functional approach to student success when it has never been more important.
Benefits of Participation
Through Network Membership connections, institutions have:
- Developed first-gen focused peer and faculty mentoring opportunities, with incorporation into summer bridge and/or seminar opportunities;
- Provided students access to unique social and cultural experiences - including one institution that developed a new martial arts course for first-year, first-gen students as a freshman seminar;
- Expanded graduate and professional school support for first-gen students both for those attending their institution and for UG students seeking opportunities;
- Built cross-campus networks to support first-gen students, particularly in response to mental health needs and the growing cost of higher education;
- Collaborated across institutions for conference presentations;
- Centered the first-gen identity through visibility campaigns and toolkits for students, faculty, and staff to know they may be first, but are not alone;
- Hosted hundreds of first-gen celebration events nationwide, with celebration numbers continuing to grow each year; and
- Led regional community drive-in events, virtual conferences, and professional development.
Network Members gain exclusive access too:
- An online community through Basecamp learning hubs to connect with other institutions across the country; and
- A series of knowledge-building and professional development e-modules will be open to any Network institution for engagement as desired and at no cost.
Attend the First-generation Student Success Conference to:
2026 Conference Leadership Committee Application
Now Accepting Applications for the 2026 SSHE Conference Leadership Committee
Are you passionate about shaping impactful learning experiences and advancing student success in higher education The Conference Leadership Committee CLC plays a vital role in developing the vision content and engagement strategy for the NASPA Conference on Student Success in Higher Education
As a CLC member you will
- Collaborate with peers across the country to design conference themes and content
- Help select educational sessions and speakers
- Support outreach efforts to engage diverse voices and communities
- Contribute to an inclusive and mission-driven conference experience
This is a rewarding opportunity to grow your leadership skills expand your network and leave your mark on one of NASPA’s most meaningful events
Apply by October 31, 2025 to be part of the team that brings SSHE 2026 in Austin, Texas, to life!
Call for Programs & Reviewers
The Call for Programs is Open!
Submission Criteria Proposals will be evaluated by several program reviewers using the Conference Themes and Learning Outcomes.
The submission deadline is February 4, 2026. Presenters will be notified of their program status by early March. All presenters and co-presenters will be expected to cover registration and other related fees associated with attending the conference. All presenters will be expected to provide an electronic copy of their presentation prior to the event, which will be shared with participants for viewing afterward.
The Call for Reviers is Open!
The 2026 NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education, including the First-generation Student Success Conference, invite higher education professionals to help shape the conference by serving as a program proposal reviewer. Apply today to contribute to this important process that ensures content is of the highest quality possible. Reviewer applications are due by February 4, 2026. The program review period will begin on February 6 and conclude on February 20. Each reviewer will be assigned between 5-10 programs to review. Reviewers will thoroughly read the proposal, and offer rankings and written (anonymous) feedback.
Member registration is based on individual membership status at the time of the event. If your current membership expires prior to the event, you will have the option to renew at the time of registration to receive the member rate.
If you are not a current member and are employed by a college or university that is an institutional member, you can join as a professional affiliate member for $80. If your institution is NOT a member, you can join as an associate affiliate member for $250. Both membership types provide access to the individual member rate for the event. Please visit the membership section of the NASPA website to learn more about membership types and benefits. We hope you’ll consider joining today!
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may qualify for a NASPA Foundation Membership Scholarship or NASPA Foundation Access Scholarship which can be used for this event.
Note that a pre-conference workshop can be added to an existing registration before the conference.
Registration Fees
|
Early Registration 01/14/2026 to 04/08/2026 |
Regular Registration 04/09/2026 to 05/20/2026 |
Late Registration 05/21/2026 to 06/10/2026 |
NASPA MEMBER |
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|
$615 |
$665 |
$750 |
NON-MEMBER |
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|
$825 |
$875 |
$950 |
NASPA STUDENT MEMBER |
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|
$245 |
$295 |
$375 |
Full-Day Pre-conference Registration Fees
|
Early Registration |
Regular Registration |
Late Registration |
NASPA MEMBER |
||
|
$150 |
$170 |
$220 |
NON-MEMBER |
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|
$250 |
$275 |
$325 |
Half-Day Pre-conference Registration Fees
|
Early Registration |
Regular Registration |
Late Registration |
NASPA MEMBER |
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|
$85 |
$105 |
$155 |
NON-MEMBER |
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|
$200 |
$225 |
$275 |
Registration Policy
Be sure to carefully review the NASPA registration policy information. Please visit this page for details.
