Attending NACA Institutes 2025

This summer 2025, NACA will once again offer four Institutes – two Programming Board Institutes and two Student Government Institutes. These programs are designed to provide student leaders and professional advisors the opportunity to network with others in similar roles while diving into curriculum that will aid them in becoming strong leaders and advocates. Ultimately, this will help students and professionals as they create a campus experience that elevates the NACA vision of creating “college communities where everyone belongs.”

What is important to know about NACA Institutes?

The Institute model means that all attendees, including students, advisors, and facilitators, are expected to actively participate and invest in all aspects of the institute. NACA Institutes all follow a similar schedule, beginning with check-in around 1:00 p.m. on the Tuesday of the event and concluding at approximately 10:30 a.m. on the Friday of the event. All participants stay on-campus in the provided residence hall accommodations and eat all meals together beginning with Tuesday dinner and concluding with Friday breakfast.

NACA Institutes incorporate a balance of large group learning with small group processing and learning will occur in both formal and informal moments throughout the Institute. A team of volunteer facilitators help guide participants through an intentional, shared curriculum that builds upon itself throughout the experience.

Attendees will explore the following topics*:

*The curriculum in 2025 is similar to the curriculum in 2024. Previous participants are welcome to attend in 2025 with the understanding that the content may feel repetitive, but the perspectives and presence of other students, advisors, and facilitators may allow for continued growth and learning.

Who should attend a NACA Institute?

NACA Institutes are ideal for students and advisors who are passionate about the impact they can make on their campuses. NACA Institutes recognize that everyone present has something to gain from the experience – no matter how many years you have been connected to governance or programming. At the same time, we all have something to give to the experience. This collective understanding of contribution and learning is what helps make the Institute experience a place where participants leave feeling empowered to make their campus communities better.

In addition, participants must meet the minimum expectations for the event. All attendees must be at least 18 years of age. Individuals must agree to abide by the NACA Institute Policies and basic expectations.

Anyone who is interested in exploring off-campus should plan to do so prior to arriving at the Institute on the first day or after checking out of the Institute on the final day.

What have previous attendees said about their experience?

“Everything we learned was really helpful and it was nice to be able to apply it to our programming board immediately!”

“Brainstorming with others was super helpful!”

“I loved the opportunity to connect with our own college to create a plan to bring back with us.”

“I honestly believe that the topics covered this year were well rounded and helped give a good overall boost to my knowledge and the knowledge of the students I brought.”

Where and when are the 2025 NACA Institutes going to be held?

Programming Board Institute 1: Emory University (GA) on June 10-13

Student Government Institute 1: Marian University (IN) on June 24-27

Programming Board Institute 2: University of Louisville (KY) on July 15-18

Student Government Institute 2: University of Colorado Denver on July 22-25

How can someone register for a NACA Institute?

Please visit the NACA Institutes website for more information, or click on the direct links below. Tiered pricing (early, regular, and late) is available for each event so consider registering early to save! Registration covers housing, meals, and all materials during the institute.