Transition Symposium Planning Committee

Qualifications & Eligibility

Desired Experience, Knowledge, Skills, & Attitudes

  • Demonstrated involvement experience within NODA, including, but not limited to: regional leadership, network chair, standing appointments, committee participation.
  • Current knowledge and understanding of the field of orientation, transition, and retention; experience and skills specific to Transition programming.
  • Leadership and professional experience which reflect the skills needed to fulfill the responsibilities outlined.
  • Previous contributions to the scholarship of the Association such as conference presentations, facilitated workshops/webinars, or publication submission.
  • Sufficient interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with association staff, NODA Leadership, and Symposium members.
  • Organizational skills sufficient to perform multiple tasks while managing and monitoring many aspects of the Symposium experience and expectations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Ability to collaborate with the association staff, program committee members, and NODA leadership.
  • Ability to assist in creating a unique Symposium experience while advancing NODA’s strategic plan.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of NODA’s core purpose, beliefs, values, and core competencies, as well as the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position as stated below.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

  • Association Membership: Program committee members are required to maintain an active Association membership for the duration of their term.
  • Higher Education Employment: Program committee members are required to maintain employment at a higher education institution or a non-profit interest in the field of OTR for the duration of their term.
  • Time Commitment: Program committee members require a commitment through the end of the Transition Symposium. During the course of the appointment, program committee members should anticipate an average of 5-10 hours of Association-related calls and project work per month, in addition to attending virtual meetings. Time commitments ramp up significantly the month prior to the Symposium.
  • Communication & Representation: Program committee members responsibilities require members to be in active communication with other members, Board of Directors, Association staff, and external constituents. Program committee members are expected to engage in discussion and actively participate in committee work. Program committee members are also expected to represent the Association to the membership with clarity, professionalism, and integrity.

Primary Responsibilities & Expectations

  • In consultation with Association staff, select the planning committee.
  • Lead the planning committee to facilitate and implement Symposium programmatic content.
  • Facilitate and lead regular meetings with the planning committee and meet with individual committee members as needed.
  • Working in collaboration with the NODA Association Office Staff, support the development and management of the Symposium budget.
  • Meet regularly with the Association Office Staff. 
  • Review deadlines & application for “Call for Programs”.
  • Coordinate the review and selection of educational session proposals.
  • Coordinate and develop educational session schedule as well as session evaluation process.
  • Coordinate presenter resources and assist with accessibility of presentations including distribution of a presenter guide.
  • Attend committee meetings and meet with Association staff / Program Chair as needed.
  • Solicit featured speakers (i.e. plenary speakers, panel discussions, etc.).
  • Coordinate presenter resources and assist with accessibility of presentations including distribution of a presenter guide.
  • Coordinate meeting(s) with presenters and panelists to prepare for the Symposium.
  • Attend committee meetings and meet with Association staff / Program Chair as needed.
  • Assist with communications before, during, and after the Symposium to registered participants.
  • Manage the NODA Connect Community for participants.
  • Solicit, compile, and manage presentations (PowerPoint), videos, and music for large events. Support accessibility efforts.
  • Develop and curate the Symposium app via Sessionize and other related technologies.
  • Attend committee meetings and meet with Association staff / Program Chair as needed.
  • Assist with marketing and communication before the Symposium via email and social media.
  • Employ creative strategies to promote the call for sessions.
  • Create and implement a social media plan and targeted outreach emails to market the Symposium both with the Association and beyond.
  • Attend committee meetings and meet with Association staff / Program Chair as needed.

2025-2026 Planning Timeline Snapshot

  • October: Applications Open
  • November: Chair and Committee Selected
  • December: Weekly meetings begin (skips the week of 12/22 and 12/29); set Symposium goals and learning outcomes; prepare materials for the call for programs
  • January: Session proposals open; registration opens; marketing efforts begin
  • February: Peer reviews and session decisions
  • March: Finalize Symposium schedule; coordinate logistics for presenters
  • April 15-16, 2026: Transition Symposium


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