about

As an inclusive community, NODA enhances and elevates orientation, transition, and retention practices in higher education that cultivate the professional development and education of student leaders, graduate students, practitioners, and scholars.

NODA Bylaws
Policy Manual
Operating Procedures
Social Media Policy
Volunteer Guide

Core Purpose 

To create a community of practice that defines and enriches the fields of orientation, transition, and retention.

Core Beliefs and Values

  • We are an inclusive community of practitioners and scholars; building, fostering and sharing an environment that promotes connections of people and ideas for peer-to-peer learning.   
  • We value learning and innovation through the research, acquisition, formation and dissemination of scholarly knowledge, and the sharing of new and emerging best practices.   
  • We value diversity of ideas, institutions, and individuals. We practice integrity and model ethical behavior through adherence to professional standards.   
  • We take pride in the history and future of our services, programs, and resources.   
  • We practice leadership; providing opportunities for professional growth and development both on institutional campuses and within the Association.

Strategic Plan

The NODA Board of Directors approved of a revised Strategic Plan in October 2021. The strategic plan initiative was a collaborative effort that included NODA member representing a range of institutions and roles with the Association. The Strategic Planning Advisory Board presented a revised mission statement and refined statement of core beliefs and values. In addition the Advisory Board identified four themes and articulated specific goals. The revised Strategic Plan will guide the Association with decision-making and activities over the next three to five years. 

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NODA History

NODA was chartered in 1976 (originally as National Orientation Directors Association) and continues the tradition of orientation, transition, and retention professionals who have met annually for over 40 years. In 2013, in order to better reflect the membership, NODA Board of Directors changed the association name to NODA – Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education. Today, NODA is an international association comprised of professional administrators, students, faculty, and related organizations. The Association strives to attract a pluralistic membership and leadership, which endeavors to facilitate the professional development of its members. NODA is further dedicated to inter-association cooperation, the advancement of professional and ethical standards, and the production of scholarly works. 

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NODA Annual Report

The Annual Report is a way for NODA to report to you on the state of the Association. Within the report, you will find updates and accomplishments to the strategic priorities and we recognize the award winners this past fiscal year. We also highlight the financial standing and revenue increases and the growth in membership. It is also our opportunity to recognize NODA’s volunteer leadership.

NODA continues to be a viable, strong Association. It is because of you, our members, that we see such tremendous support for NODA as we continue to strive to be the premiere Association in orientation, transition, and retention in higher education.

Read the Annual Report

NODA Statements & Commitments

NODA declares a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in the provision of services to the membership and the public. In recognition of responsibility to the membership, NODA reaffirms its policy of fair and equal treatment in all practices to all persons regardless of race, color, age, marital status, sex, gender identity and/or gender expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual/affectional orientation, disability, or veteran status. NODA complies with all applicable federal, provincial, and state regulations regarding affirmative action and non-discriminatory practices.

As the Association for Orientation, Transition and Retention in Higher Education, NODA embraces the values of equity, inclusion, and social justice within the orientation, transition, and retention fields and for its members. The need for engagement and understanding of these values is amplified with the intersections of identities that our members have, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, nationality, color, age, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, faith, religion, country of origin, immigration status, social class, veteran status, and all other identities. 

As a global association, NODA’s commitment is to ensure our membership, leadership, educational opportunities, events, and programs embody and embrace the values of equity, inclusion, and social justice. We acknowledge that upholding this commitment is a process. We hold our members, leadership, and the Association to these values and principles on behalf of our profession, our field, and our students. The Association leads this change through our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive, equitable and socially minded organization. Moving forward with an inclusive and equitable philosophy will not only benefit students, but professionals and institutions as a whole.

The commitment to the successful orientation, transition, and retention of students in higher education transcends national, cultural, and organizational borders and boundaries. NODA members represent various institution types, sizes, cultures, languages, and geographic locations. We ask our membership to commit to learning and collaborative environments free of assumptive nation-specific jargonand points-of-view. NODA commits to the leveraging of a global perspective to better support our members and build a stronger orientation, transition, and retention profession. 

We, NODA, affirm our commitment to protect and enhance the environment and our surrounding communities through learning, service, education and administrative operations. We seek to collaborate with and assist our members concerning the creation of more sustainable orientation, retention and transition programs internationally. NODA will be a community that acts with a conscious mind towards social, economic, and environmental awareness and positive, intentional action whenever possible.

Read the Full Statement

The actions of professionals and paraprofessionals in the field of orientation, transition, and retention have significant impact upon both the retention and potential success of the students whom they serve. This statement of professional ethics is intended to assist the membership of NODA in assuring that they conduct themselves in a manner which will best support positive educational outcomes for students. In addition to this statement, professionals in the field of Orientation, Transition, and Retention may wish to review the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Statement of Ethical Principles and Standards.

Read the Full Statement