New Professionals Institute: Fall 2026

Your first years in student affairs shape the professional you become. Build a strong foundation with colleagues from across Canada through the New Professionals Institute (NPI).

CACUSS is excited to offer the New Professionals Institute this fall. This will be a virtual offering taking place over the course of six weekly sessions, for 2.5 hours from 12:30pm - 3:00pm EST each session. Participants should also schedule an additional 2 hours a week over the course of the Institute to connect with peers, the Facilitator, a mentor and to review the available readings and resources. 

Build a Strong Foundation

The New Professionals Institute is designed for student affairs professionals in their first one to five years in the field who want to build confidence, strengthen their practice, develop core student affairs competencies, and grow their professional network.

NPI is a six-week cohort learning experience that combines weekly sessions with reflection, peer connection, mentorship, and applied learning between sessions. Participants explore the foundations of student affairs practice and develop the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to navigate the evolving realities of post-secondary education with confidence.

Learn Through Practice

Through facilitated discussion, problem-based learning, and reflection, participants explore student advocacy and well-being, inclusive leadership, equity, diversity and inclusion, emerging practices, and leadership in action.

Participants are guided by experienced facilitators and supported by a mentor of their choosing, creating opportunities to connect learning to practice, receive feedback, and continue developing throughout the program.

Who Should Attend

Whether you're navigating a transition into the profession, looking to strengthen your day-to-day practice, or preparing for future leadership opportunities, NPI provides a supportive learning community where you can deepen your understanding of student affairs, build meaningful professional relationships, and apply your learning to the work you do every day.

Session Schedule

• Week 1 - Foundations & Orientation 
• Week 2 - Student Advocacy & Well-Being
• Week 3 - Inclusive Leadership
• Week 4 - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Week 5 - Innovative Practices
• Week 6 - Leadership in Practice 

Event Details & Registration

Dates: 

Wednesdays

October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18

Time: 

2.5 hours each day, starting at 9:30am PST / 10:30am MTN / 12:30pm EST / 3:00pm ATL

Registration Fees: 

Early bird rate in effect until September 14, 2026.

Member: Early bird: $689. After 9/14: $789

Non-Member: Early bird: $789. After 9/14: $889

Pre-work (approximately 3 hours)

Before the institute begins, participants will:

• Watch a short introductory video.
• Complete a one-page reflection on their core values and student affairs practice.
• Introduce themselves in the online discussion forum.
• Identify a mentor who will support them throughout the institute. Mentors provide guidance, feedback, and support as participants reflect on and apply their learning between sessions. Your mentor may be a current or former supervisor, a mid-level professional colleague, or another experienced leader in the field.

Meet the Facilitators!

Cory Seney-Coletta (he/him):

Dr. Cory Seney-Coletta (he/him) is the Senior Director of Student Engagement, Retention + Success at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, where he leads a portfolio of student services and supports spanning accessibility and accommodations, career development and work-integrated learning, international student support and mobility, campus and student experience, and student conduct and incident response. At the heart of Cory’s work is a commitment to helping students feel that they belong, know where to turn for support, and are equipped to thrive; his work focuses on navigating complex matters involving student safety, crisis response, institutional risk, policy, and care with sound judgment and a deeply human approach. With more than 14 years of experience in post-secondary education, Cory has worked across two provinces and in universities, polytechnics, and colleges. He has also taught and developed curriculum in three student affairs and student services certificate programs offered across Canada, supporting the development of new and emerging professionals in the field. Cory currently serves on the Board of the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services as Finance Director. Cory facilitated NPI 2024 and is looking forward to connecting with new folks and building another great community of professionals new to student affairs and services. Outside of work, Cory has become an avid bird watcher while living on the west coast.

Pearl Mendonça (she/her)

Pearl Mendonça is one of the facilitators for the upcoming New Professionals Institute. With over 20 years of experience in Student Affairs roles, she is deeply committed to student support, staff engagement and community development. Pearl has worked within university and college settings and brings a wide range of experience in a variety of student affairs and services areas, including Residence Life, Student Wellness, Learning Support, Career Development, Academic Advising & Retention. Pearl is an active CACUSS member, recently supporting as co-chair of the Advising Community of Practice, and previously connected to the Empower program as a mentor, a Conference presenter and volunteer, and a former NPI co-facilitator. As a lifelong learner, professional development opportunities are energizing for Pearl, as she enjoys connecting with, and learning from, colleagues from across Canada. Outside of work, Pearl is drawn to creative outlets like writing, stand-up comedy and cooking.  She looks forward to welcoming and connecting with the incoming NPI cohort!

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing (via email) 1 week (7 days) prior to the event. No refunds will be issued if the request is received less than one week before the event. Cancellations received prior to 1 week of the event will receive a refund minus an administration fee. Administration fee for cancellation is $40. In extenuating circumstances, event registrations can be transferred to another delegate. Registration could be transferred to another delegate with a $20 administration fee.

Want to learn more? Take some time to explore these Frequently Asked Questions