NACA - National Association for Campus Activities

08/21/2026

Member Shout Out! Congratulations to Katie Brooks on her promotion! Katie's new role is Assistant Director of Clubs & Organizations at Appalachian State University. 👏

08/21/2026

Belonging should never come at the expense of safety or dignity.

In “Shaping Experiences That Build Friendships Without Hazing,” Todd Shelton examines the role Campus Activities professionals and student leaders can play in preventing hazing and creating healthier organizational cultures.

With the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act bringing increased attention to prevention, transparency, and accountability, Shelton challenges campuses to think differently about how students build connection and community.

The answer is not simply stronger policies. It is intentional culture building.

Todd Shelton serves as Executive Director of the Hazing Prevention Network and brings two decades of nonprofit management experience to his work in hazing prevention and student safety.

📚Read “Shaping Experiences That Build Friendships Without Hazing” in the Summer 2026 issue of Campus Activities Programming.
🔗https://f.mtr.cool/nqrpjwbarw

08/20/2026

Member Shout Out! Dr. Jarrick Brown has completed his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education Administration at the University of Southern Mississippi. Congratulations, Jarrick! 🎉

08/19/2026

Meet the team behind NACA Hartford 2026! 👋✨

From planning and programming to communications and everything in between, our team is excited to bring this year’s conference to life. Get to know the people making it happen, and stay tuned for what’s ahead! 💙

08/18/2026

Who is in the room? And who might be missing?

As the college student population continues to change, campus programming has an important role to play in creating experiences that connect with today's students.

In “Navigating the New Majority: Connecting All Students Through Purposeful Programming,” NACA Leadership Fellow Jeanette Padilioni examines the experiences and needs of non-traditional students and explores how programming boards can help create a stronger sense of belonging.

Jeanette is a Program Coordinator of Campus Activities at Temple University, where she serves as a co-advisor to the Main Campus Program Board. She specializes in large-scale institutional programming and is a 2025-26 NACA Fellow representing the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Her recommendations include using assessment to better understand student needs, creating opportunities for non-traditional student representation, and considering accessibility when scheduling programs.

📚Read Jeanette’s perspective in the Summer 2026 issue of Campus Activities Programming.
🔗https://f.mtr.cool/tqzgktjjbr

08/17/2026

Great facilitation doesn't happen by accident. Whether you're leading a workshop, classroom, staff training, or conference session, the right tools can transform the participants' experience.

Join us for Facilitation School - a virtual, two-day, hands-on course - on Nov. 17-18 and learn practical strategies to engage participants, improve your delivery, adapt to different audiences, and create learning experiences that stick.

Presented by Erin Fischer The Leadership and Training Studio and Dr. Michael McRee (The Whitespace Group).

📅 November 17-18, 2026
💻 Virtual
🔗 Register: https://f.mtr.cool/zbxqepamrv

08/16/2026

What if the key to greater engagement is making it easier to participate? In “Belonging by Design: How Low-Barrier Programming Better Engages Students,” Nicole Luebbers explores how campus activities professionals can reach students who may not feel comfortable walking into a high-energy event or arriving with a built-in group of friends.

Her message is simple: students are not necessarily opting out of connection. They may be looking for experiences that feel more accessible, familiar, and low-pressure.

Nicole Luebbers is a Sales Director at Swank Motion Pictures and has more than 20 years of experience working alongside higher education professionals on student engagement and campus programming.

From consistent movie programming to “solo-friendly” experiences, this article offers practical ideas for reducing friction and creating more opportunities for students to find their place.

📚Read “Belonging by Design” in the Summer 2026 issue of Campus Activities Programming.
🔗https://f.mtr.cool/ryvcpcbljj

08/13/2026

So You Want to Work in Higher Education. Now What?

Starting a career in higher education can be exciting, rewarding, and a little overwhelming. What should you consider beyond the job description? Timing. Location. Cost of living. Campus culture. Professional development. And the broader environment shaping higher education.

In the Summer 2026 issue of Campus Activities Programming, Lucas Beal, Assistant Director of Student Engagement & Activities at Albion College, shares lessons from his own career journey and practical advice for students, recent graduates, and professionals considering a move into higher education.

From researching institutions before applying to understanding entry-level opportunities and making the most of graduate assistantships, Lucas offers a thoughtful look at what it really takes to navigate the job market.

📖Read “So You Want to Work in Higher Education. Now What?” in the Summer 2026 issue.
🔗https://f.mtr.cool/alqtetxenl

08/11/2026

What does meaningful campus engagement look like right now?

The Summer 2026 issue of Campus Activities Programming explores that question from a number of different angles. What we found throughout the issue is a common thread: intentionality matters.

Intentionality in how we design programs.
Intentionality in how we develop student leaders.
Intentionality in how we advise and supervise students.
Intentionality in how we manage our work.
Intentionality in how we create belonging.

From low-barrier programming and the changing student population to student burnout, hazing prevention, project management, and the realities of starting a career in higher education, this issue is filled with ideas for the work ahead. And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that Campus Activities is about more than events. It is about connection, development, belonging, and helping students find their place.

Explore the Summer 2026 issue of Campus Activities Programming.
🔗https://f.mtr.cool/sravgpsumr

The Summer 2026 issue brings together ideas, perspectives, and practical strategies for the people shaping campus experiences every day.

08/05/2026

⏰Last call for NACA Santa Clara Showcase Applications ⏰

Don't miss your chance to showcase your talent at our upcoming conference! This is your opportunity to perform and gain valuable exposure in the NACA Community.

📅 Application Deadline: Thurs., August 13

Submit your application today and be part of an inspiring lineup of artists.