Theorists suggest that resilience can be learned in two key ways. First, resilience can be strengthened naturally, perhaps during a stressful or traumatic event. Second, resilience can be strengthened through instruction and practice. The resilience of attendees has likely been sharpened based on the collective stress of the pandemic and other events that significantly impacted college campuses the past few years. This conversation focuses on the importance of explicit, trauma-responsive leadership instruction. We will discuss how to acknowledge the hard work and past successes while continuing to achieve and deliver; how to persist when demands are high and resources are strained; how to establish and maintain personalized leadership philosophies in alignment with organizational values; how to strengthen resilience and other essential leadership skills; and more. Templates and activities will be shared for participants’ reflection and later implementation. Participants will be able to describe and implement supports and resources to develop themselves and lead highly effective staff.

Speaker: Dr. Caroline Millen

The clutter, confusion, and changing trends on social media make it challenging to effectively strategize and create tactics to communicate the right messages successfully.

In this session, learn how to align business goals with a social media strategy that will drive results and provide a focused and intentional effort to meet the needs of various audiences.

During the session, we'll discuss current social media challenges. You'll gain practical insights on linking business objectives to social media KPIs, crafting unique content that stands out, and impactful social media campaigns that will empower, educate, and inform audiences.

You'll learn how the Rochester Institute of Technology Finance & Administration's marketing team drove awareness, educated audiences, and created better connections for RIT Dining's programs, people, and menu options. Efforts significantly increased engagement rates, followers, shared posts, and collaboration posts. In addition, campaigns closed gaps in student questions, increased student engagement, improved partnerships, boosted student employment inquiries, and earned the team an RIT Presidential Award for Staff Excellence.

Speaker: Denishea Ortiz

Over the last 20 years, new Student Housing construction has kept pace with contemporary student expectations for bathroom features, accessibility, gender neutrality, and privacy.  Outdated bathroom design prototypes, even if well maintained, now render older housing stock more obsolete than ever before.  Where does this comparison position smaller colleges and satellite campuses, whose budgets cannot support new housing?  This session will focus on two 1960’s dormitory prototypes on Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses, in which the antiquated grouped bathroom cores have now been transformed into privatized, modern, accessible, gender neutral, facilities that students appreciate, at a fraction of the cost of a full building renovation or new construction.

The two projects—one complete and one currently in construction—have each been primarily completed over the course of one summer break, eliminating the need to temporarily flex residents to other buildings during construction.  Each project showcases differing design layouts and features, adapting to unique existing conditions presented by the original buildings.

Having completed recent restroom privatization work in the context of full building renovations, the University engaged WTW Architects to author a feasibility study which concluded that the restroom remodeling work alone could be realized as a stand-alone project.  Having gained confidence in the project type as proven out by the study, Penn State hired WTW to move forward with basic design services for the first two projects.  Given the vintage of the buildings, the work included hazardous materials abatement, demolition, general construction, and all required structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection upgrades as needed for fully modern and code compliant bathroom cores.

The resulting bathroom facilities are in alignment with contemporary student expectations for accessibility, gender neutrality, privacy, design features, and finishes.  The architect and the University will lead conference attendees through the process of assessing, planning, designing, building, and maintaining privatized bathroom cores as stand-alone projects within existing housing facilities, aspiring to share this model with other institutions who may be interested in implementing similar projects on their campuses.

Speaker: Dayna Wolfe

Many organizations mistakenly equate branding with mere logo design and catchy slogans, but its scope extends far beyond. This session delves into the comprehensive process of integrating brand concepts and effectively disseminating the brand story throughout an organization. It provides a framework for crafting a distinctive brand narrative and showcases how staff can serve as effective brand ambassadors. Crafting a compelling narrative transcends storytelling;it's a strategic initiative that positions an organization as a campus leader. Establishing a robust brand is pivotal, yielding significant dividends for those willing to invest in it.

Crafting a compelling narrative goes beyond storytelling;it's a strategic endeavor that can elevate an organization to a position of leadership within its campus community. By artfully shaping its story, an organization effectively communicates its values, mission, and unique contributions. This narrative serves as a powerful tool for building brand recognition and loyalty among students, faculty, and stakeholders. Investing in a strong brand identity not only enhances visibility and credibility but also fosters trust and admiration. Thus, organizations can solidify their position as trailblazers, driving positive change and garnering widespread support within the campus ecosystem.

A brand narrative extends beyond company history or mission statements;it's the emotional backbone, intertwining facts and emotions. When executed effectively, it resonates on a personal level, fostering a human connection. Beyond logos and packaging, a brand narrative imbues purpose and meaning into an organization's endeavors, transcending mere transactions. It's about making a difference. Understanding the audience intimately is crucial, addressing their pain points and offering solutions. Crafting a narrative that resonates instills a sense of purpose, fostering advocacy and engagement.

Building a strong brand necessitates investment, yet the returns are substantial. Ensuring alignment between the brand narrative and overall messaging is vital. Consistency across channels reinforces leadership. Employ storytelling techniques to communicate the brand's journey, milestones, and impact. Engage internal stakeholders to cultivate brand ambassadors. A compelling brand narrative creates an emotional connection, leaving a lasting impression. By embracing this concept, organizations can emerge as beacons of leadership on campus, driving positive change and fostering a sense of community and purpose. By investing in this crucial concept, your organization can stand out as a beacon of leadership on campus.

Speaker: Tim Moore

Parcel lockers are well understood for the benefits they bring to the campus mailroom. Now lockers enable the exchange of a vast array of items - food pantry deliveries, laptop repairs, books and merchandise, shared transportation keys and more.  Attend this session to hear more about how universities gain efficiency using a Campus Hub for asset exchange.

Speakers: Rob Zinsky

Join us for an enlightening presentation that delves into the transformative power of a digital-centric approach in higher education course materials. In today's ever-evolving educational landscape, the shift towards digital resources has become increasingly prevalent, not only reshaping the way students access and engage with course materials but affecting processes and profits across the institution.

In this session, our panel of industry experts will explore the implications of embracing a digital-centric mindset for course material adoption, delivery, and accessibility. From e-textbooks to interactive online platforms, we'll examine:

• The paradigm of digital and today's modern learner
• The program options and pros/cons
• Looking forward - how to prepare for the current K-12 digital-minded student
• Making the most of a LMS and digital partnership
• How the impact of digital reaches across the institution
• Measuring student engagement and improving learning outcomes with digital

Discover how institutions are leveraging digital technologies to enhance student experiences, streamline processes, and positively impact retention and graduation rates. Join us as we embark on a journey to reimagine course materials in the digital age and empower learners for success in an increasingly digital world.

Speaker: Kristi Runser

First time to a NACAS conference? Come to the First Timer’s Reception to meet industry peers, learn about NACAS, and engage in networking opportunities with business partners and NACAS Regional Board members.

Whether this is your first conference or you’re a seasoned attendee, we're excited to network and make connections that will enhance your experience. Enjoy some food and drinks.

Seeking to increase students’ engagement with its dining program, raise satisfaction, and encourage more community dining, Boston University Dining (BU Dining) set out to redesign meal plans for the first time in nearly 10 years. The presenters will share how students were engaged in meaningful ways, resulting in strong acceptance of the new plans and a dramatic increase in the use of the residential dining halls. By many measures, the new plans have achieved what they were intended to, but also presented some new challenges.  Participants will be invited to share their own meal plan stories and potential solutions to the “opportunities” BU Dining now faces.

Speaker: Paul Riel

The Value Proposition of Automated Retail is a key consideration for campuses who want to meet the student demands for greater portability of meal plans.  Automated retail is a solution within tight labor markets.

This session with take a deep drive into the technology and innovation of Smart Vending machines that provide customer experiences with minimal labor.

Attendees will have a greater understanding of how automated retail systems can fit into your campus.

What pre-requisites a campus should have in place for a successful program.

What contract agreement options are available.

Speaker: Ralph Perez-Rogers

Join us for an enlightening presentation on the transformative journey of reimagining the bookstore at Penn State Schuylkill. In collaboration with campus leadership, administration from Penn State Auxiliary and Business Services, and regional executives from Barnes and Noble, we have embarked on a pioneering pilot program to revolutionize the traditional bookstore experience.

• During this educational session, we will delve into the key components of the pilot program, including:
• Digital Store Concept: Explore how we have embraced digital innovation to create a seamless shopping experience for students. Learn about the transition from a brick-and-mortar bookstore to a digital concept, offering anytime, anywhere access to course materials and essential items.
• Occasional Pop-Ups and Vending: Learn about our approach to providing convenient access to essential items through occasional pop-up shops and vending machines. Explore how these initiatives enhance accessibility and convenience for our campus community.
• Online Service: Gain insights into the online services offered through the digital store platform. Discover how students can browse, purchase, and access course materials with ease, all from the comfort of their own devices.

Through this presentation, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the innovative strategies employed to reimagine the bookstore at Penn State Schuylkill. Join us as we explore new possibilities, inspire innovation, and shape the future of education together.

Speaker: Jonathan Kukta

Student expectations are evolving, and Transact’s Mobile Ordering app enables your campus to stay ahead of their needs. We’ll dive into the value of Mobile Ordering, going far beyond the dining-related functions, into boosting revenue, increasing student engagement and exploring “outside-the-box” solutions to streamline campus events. We will also discuss how you can make data driven decisions, leveraging trend analyses, to improve your operations. Join us to explore:

• Innovative marketing capabilities — reach students with inbox messages, create specialty campaigns to drive adoption and upsell items to boost revenue
• Standout loyalty experiences — stand up a rewards program, host contests and award bonus points to keep students engaged
• The future of contactless shopping — featuring Just Walk Out technology by Amazon and the latest locker integrations

Speaker: Jenn Thatcher

"Revolutionizing Your Campus Retail Experience" will unveil the future of on-campus shopping and how it can seamlessly integrate with the needs of the modern student. We'll explore innovative retail solutions that enhance convenience and promote a connected campus community. You will discover the latest technology-driven shopping experiences and personalized services that can transform campus retail into a dynamic, user-centric environment. This session will offer valuable insights for administrators looking to increase revenue and foster a more engaging and efficient retail experience within the campus ecosystem.

Speaker: Angelina Carvalhal

In 2019, Virginia Commonwealth University approved a bold vision for the future of the institution in the ONE VCU Master Plan.  The vision painted a picture of connection and growth between the city of Richmond and the urban campus.  A significant part of the vision included a comprehensive Dining Master Plan that would map the responses Business Services would need to make to best serve this dynamic and growing institution.

Join us as we unveil this Dining Master Plan designed to revolutionize VCU’s culinary landscape from nourishing bodies and minds to cultivating a vibrant community around food. We'll delve into the strategies behind reimagining our flagship dining facility into a dynamic hub of student activity and its impact on the rest of campus dining. From conceptualization to execution, we'll share insights from our feasibility study and showcase innovative approaches to enhancing the student dining experience. Prepare to be inspired as we explore the intersection of food, culture, and community in higher education.

Speaker: Mathew Lee

Since launching the mobile OneCard in 2022, Swarthmore College has received overwhelming positive feedback from students, staff, and faculty. From building access to meal plans, laundry, bookstore purchases, late-night pizza, and everything in between, students at Swarthmore just need a smartphone or smart watch to go about their daily routines. The college has also seen substantial operational benefits as well as new revenue streams since it moved to digital credentials.

Mobile credentials empower your campus card to serve as identification, provide physical access to buildings and rooms, and enable payments on and off campus. By enabling frictionless credential options, you streamline your auxiliary services into one robust, comprehensive environment that serves as the hub of your connected campus.

Join our session to learn the process by which Swarthmore moved their campus cards to digital, including how to get buy-in from senior leadership. We’ll go over where and how mobile credentials are used and provide insight to ensure a successful implementation on your campus.

Speaker: Sarah Mitchell

Equitable access programs continue to gain popularity on campuses nationwide as higher education leaders seek to improve college affordability and remove barriers that could negatively impact retention or prevent students from pursuing more expensive programs of study.

Equitable Access programs provide course materials to students on the first day of classes at up to 30% less than the cost of new materials. Ensuring students have convenient, affordable access to course materials on the first day of class eliminates the stress that often accompanies the textbook shopping process and helps students build a stronger academic foundation.

In addition to convenience and cost savings, a study conducted by University of New Hampshire research scientist Dr. Michael Moore confirms that Equitable Access programs improve academic outcomes. According to Dr. Moore’s findings, participants in Equitable Access programs were 15% more likely to successfully complete their courses on time, with higher completion rates among students receiving Pell Grants, helping students of all backgrounds move more quickly toward degree attainment.

This session will focus on best practices for campuses looking to build community support across departments in advance of launching their own Equitable Access program, spotlighting the work of leaders at University of Houston, Cypress College, Purdue Northwest, and more.

Speaker: Ann Barlow

Join us for a Nightcap to wind down on Monday night!

Come enjoy a beautiful and informative campus tour of Old Dominion University. During the tour, you will visit the Student Recreation Center (SRC), Webb University Center, Student Union Area & inclusive to PNC Bank, Owens House (newest student residence), University Bookstore, Football Stadium (including the Priority Club).

Sign up for tour

Hear highlights from the NACAS East board about the past year and learn what's coming up next. The slate of nominees for the incoming board will be presented for East institutional member votes. Come learn about the location for the 2025 NACAS East CX. Attendees from the East region and Business Partners are all welcome to join the business meeting.

Reusable to-go container programs offer great potential for waste reduction and financial savings, but challenges with implementation often limit participation, prevent containers from being returned and reused, or provide little usable data on impact and participation. Boston University Dining (BU Dining) implemented Choose to Reuse, a mobile order-integrated reusable container program for retail dining, with ReusePass in the Spring 2023 semester and has seen immense success from the program, from both sustainability and financial perspectives. Join us at this session to learn about the challenges that BU Dining faced with prior reusable container programs and how they overcame those challenges with the Choose to Reuse program, so you can learn to implement a successful reuse program on your campus.

Speaker: Lexie Racka

“If you embrace AI you will be completed; if you do not or you’re late will be finished; if you reject it you will be completely finished.” Omar Sultan Al Olama

Immerse yourself in a profound exploration of AI's potential for generating innovative solutions uniquely suited to the dynamic needs of your campus environment. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the transformative power that AI technology can bring to your professional toolkit.

In this thought-provoking session, we invite you to partake in a discussion that delves into the evolving realm of AI in auxiliary services. Explore critical questions surrounding administration, programming, facility operations, community building, and student leadership.  Are you prepared to adeptly navigate this transformative journey?

The session aims to unveil the practical applications of Generative AI. Learn how AI gathers insights, analyzes trends, and tailors strategies for projects.  Integrating this technology into professional practices elevates work quality and refining skill sets. Embracing AI fosters a shift towards human-to-human collaboration for auxiliary services.

Speaker: Tim Moore

Everyone on campus asks Auxiliaries to “do things.”

Lots of things.

Ironically, few people on campus know what Auxiliaries actually do.

At the Naval Academy, Business Services (NABSD) employs over 500 people and operates 20 forward-facing business units all focused on supporting the Brigade of Midshipmen.

It’s a story we’re proud of, but a story not heard on campus.

Piloted in the Fall of 2023, “The NABSD Experience” created an opportunity for faculty and staff to learn about our division, network with our leaders, tour our facilities, and hear our story;Who we are, what we do, and why we do it.

Over 110 participants attended five “Experiences” this academic year and based on positive feedback, more will be planned for future semesters.

This session will walk through what we created, what we learned, and why we’ll keep doing it.

Come hear about our experience with … our “Experience.”

Speaker: Chuck Morrow

Organizations are increasingly confronted with complex problems that are often ambiguous or difficult to define. Traditional problem-solving approaches, which follow a linear process of identifying a problem and brainstorming solutions, fall short of addressing these intricate issues. Design thinking takes a human-centered approach, utilizing evidence of how people engage with a program or service, rather than relying solely on assumptions made by others or the organization itself. It is an iterative process aimed at creating solutions that cater to the concrete needs of customers.  By embracing design thinking, organizations can effectively tackle complex problems, deliver customer-centric solutions, and drive innovation within their institutions.

Speaker: Tim Moore

“Digital dining” creates benefits across C&U operations of any size, including faster, more efficient labor processes, increased throughput, and new data insights. We’ll dive into Lehigh University’s successful transformation of their library cafe, The Grind, into a dependable spot for quick mobile order pickup through the Grubhub App and Apex Smart Food Lockers, and their dining expansion plans for 2025.

Speaker: Vicki Rae