NIRSA Preconference workshops offer students and professionals the opportunity to engage in active learning centered on a specific topic. Whether you're looking to develop your leadership skills, or searching for ways to make your facility more inclusive, NIRSA's preconference workshops offer attendees the unique opportunity to engage with dedicated students professionals, committed to giving you the tools you need to be successful.

9:00am-3:00pm

• Anne MacDonald, Assistant Director of Aquatics and Instructional Programs, DePaul University

Students receive an enlightening foundation for a successful conference at this event. The goal of this preconference workshop is to inspire NIRSA student members to continue to learn about NIRSA, the profession, and themselves through motivational interaction with peers and professionals. Invited speaker Paul Wesselmann will work with attendees to develop skills that lead to a successful transition from student employee to graduate assistant, and graduate assistant to professional. Attendees can expect to learn about different leadership topics, tactics, and techniques, as well as how to seek insights and mentoring from current professionals.

8:00am -12:00pm

• Jessie Belter, Aquatics & Safety Coordinator, Portland State University

Inclusive recreation needs to be a priority in programming, not an afterthought. Learn techniques to train your aquatics staff, make meaningful equipment purchases, and introduce minor facility changes to accommodate the growing need for inclusive recreation in aquatics.

8:00am-3:00pm

• Dr. Betty Siegel, Distinguished Chair of the Siegel Institute for Leadership, Ethics & Character and President Emeritus at Kennesaw State University
• Maureen McGonagle, Director of Campus Recreation, DePaul University
• Rhonda DuBord, Associate Director, University of Miami and past NSRSM Chair
• Steve Bobbitt, Associate Director, James Madison University and past NSRSM Chair
• Jeff Sessine, Senior Vice-President, Centers L.L.C. and past NSRSM Chair

The National School of Recreational Sport Management Executive Level Pre-Conference this year will be exploring what makes up a successful leadership team through presentations, discussions and shared knowledge. Dr. Betty Siegel will bring her expertise from a Presidential level to our morning session discussing foundational principals of leadership teams. Guided discussions from professionals in the field will fill the remainder of the day using key components from Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner book, The Leadership Challenge. Focus on building true collaboration, moving your department beyond the status quo and making dreams into reality will all be part of the day. In the spirit of the NSRSM, we'll strive to build connections with others and leave you inspired with ideas that can implemented immediately.

8:00am - 12:00pm

• Eric Appiah, Assistant Director of Fitness and Wellness, Northern Illinois University

Learn essential tools for building your personal training program and learn how to increase campus participation. Discover four major components every program must have to be successful and receive practical tools to develop exceptional trainers. Then, get the wherewithal to put them into practice!

For more information about the preconference workshops taking place in advance of the 2012 conference, please contact the NIRSA Director of Professional Development, Cheri Christenson.