Do you ever wonder how to respond when people ask what life is like as a student development professional?

Finding the words to describe what it looks like to live out this calling of ours can be exhausting. What a gift to be able to come together after a soul-wearying year and with colleagues who understand us to build relationships that encourage us.
Jesus promised that he gives rest to those who come to him. This does not mean a nap, though you may take one at ACSD. Jesus offers himself. When we come to him, he offers us hope that our problems will be addressed and that being with him is enough.

As we work with students, we serve as examples of people who find soul-rest in the knowledge and hope that God alone is the answer to our weariness and burdens. His promise of rest comes with his yoke. Jesus is offering the work of abiding in God and resting in his hopeful promises.

Find rest in relationship with Him, and do so in community

Jesus invites us to exchange our yokes, find rest in relationship with him, and do so in community. This conference is designed for you to be challenged and to rest as we explore what rest-work looks like.

Registration

ACSD 2024
June 3-6

Register Early & Save Big

ACSD 2024 Conference logo at UMHB

Pre-Conference Retreats

NEW PROFESSIONALS RETREAT
FRIDAY, MAY 31 - SUNDAY, JUNE 2

ACSD Member Non-ACSD Member Limited to
$200 $235 25 participants

The New Professionals Retreat (NPR) caters to individuals in any realm of Student Development/Affairs related roles on their campus with three years or less of experience in the field. This pre-ACSD annual conference event brings together new professionals from both faith based and non-faith based institutions. The weekend is dedicated to fostering networking opportunities, sharing experiences, engaging in professional development, and benefiting from mentoring provided by a team of experienced higher education professionals. Please note that NPR housing will be available starting Friday, May 31. Due to limited availability, we encourage early registration, as we can only accommodate up to 25 participants. Secure your spot promptly to ensure your participation in this enriching experience. Register at your earliest convenience to avoid missing out on this valuable opportunity.

EMERGING PROFESSIONALS RETREAT
FRIDAY, MAY 31 - SUNDAY, JUNE 2

ACSD Member Non-ACSD Member Limited to
$185 $220 25 participants

The Emerging Professionals Retreat (EPR) is tailored for individuals with 3-7 years of experience in any facet of Student Affairs-related roles on their campus. Geared towards emerging leaders in both faith and non-faith based institutions, this retreat precedes the ACSD annual conference, offering a weekend brimming with educational insights, networking opportunities, and personalized professional development. Facilitated by a team of senior student development professionals boasting over 80 combined years of expertise, EPR provides a unique platform for growth and connection within the dynamic field of Student Affairs.

MID-LEVEL PROFESSIONALS RETREAT
FRIDAY, MAY 31 - SUNDAY, JUNE 2

ACSD Member Non-ACSD Member Limited to
$185 $220 15 participants

The Mid-Level Professionals Retreat (MPR) caters to seasoned ACSD professionals with approximately 8 or more years of experience in student affairs, especially those in supervisory roles at the associate or director level. Tailored for individuals aspiring to executive positions, the retreat emphasizes leadership growth and cultivating a positive campus-wide impact. Participants delve into challenges of leading from the middle, reconnect with their motivations for staying in the field, and build meaningful relationships. MPR also addresses holistic self-care, encouraging strategies for well-being, and teaches the creation of safe spaces for spiritual and emotional support within the supervision structure. This retreat provides a unique opportunity for mid-level professionals to engage in comprehensive professional development and network with peers who share similar experiences and aspirations in student affairs.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT SUMMIT
FRIDAY, MAY 31 - SUNDAY, JUNE 2

ACSD Member Non-ACSD Member Limited to
$185 $220 35 participants

The Student Government Summit unites outgoing and newly-elected student government leaders and their advisors for three days of impactful transition planning and collaborative learning. This unique gathering emphasizes three key themes: leading as a Christian in a pluralistic world, navigating leadership during conflict and change, and advancing the project of reconciliation. Participants share resources, engage in dynamic discussions, and learn from experts, empowering them to lead with a Christian perspective, navigate challenges effectively, and contribute to building a harmonious campus community.

ACSD Speakers

Dr. Loyd-Paige is an educator, author, speaker, podcaster, mentor, and diversity consultant. Loyd-Paige completed her undergraduate work at Calvin University and completed her PhD in Sociology at Purdue University. She is the co-author of Diversity Playbook: Recommendations and Guidance for Christian Organizations. She is the co-host of the Antioch Podcast: Conversations on Biblical Anti-racism. In 2015, she was awarded the Floyd Skinner Justice Award by the Giants organization in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 2022, she received the Dante Vanegas Award for distinguished leadership in diversity and racial justice work in the Christian Reformed Church. Loyd-Paige is also a certified wellness coach and an ordained Christian minister who enjoys creating opportunities for people to deepen their faith and care for their souls.

Jonathan “JP” Pokluda is the Lead Pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, TX. He was formerly the leader of The Porch in Dallas, TX, which grew to be the largest weekly young adult gathering of its kind in the country. JP didn’t come to understand the grace of the Gospel until his early twenties after being involved in different denominational churches his entire life. This ignited a desire in him to inspire young adults to radically follow Jesus Christ and unleash them to change the world. JP's partner in ministry is Monica, his wife of nineteen years, and together they disciple their children Presley, Finley, and Weston.

Jeremie Kubicek is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Leadership is Dead and author of The Peace Index, The 100X Leader, 5 Voices, and 5 Gears. His insights have been featured on MSNBC, INC magazine, Entrepreneur, and inside many of the largest companies in the world. He has lived worldwide and uses his works in over 115 countries. He has been named consistently by INC magazine as a top 100 speaker. He is co-founder of GiANT, Six Summers, Culture Wins, and billion. He also provides sports performance expertise to the University of Oklahoma football team.

Larry G. Locke is a Professor of Management and Associate Dean of the McLane College of Business at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and a Research Fellow at LCC International University. JD - Harvard Law School; M.B.A. - Harvard Business School; MATH - Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary; MSt Oxford University. He has 13 years experience as a finance lawyer in the financial services industry. Mr. Locke is an ordained Baptist Minister and served as Senior Pastor of an independent Baptist Church in Massachusetts for seven years. His research interests include business ethics and regulatory philosophy.

An important part of the ACSD annual conference is the opportunity to share ideas. One of the best ways to do this is through participating in our workshops. Practitioners and professionals like you will be leading workshops that reflect REST through a wide range of areas in Student Development.

Excursions

Join in on some fun adventures in Central Texas! We look forward to showing you what this beautiful state has to offer.

Guided Excursions

Magnolia Market

Magnolia Market at the Silos is located in Downtown Waco. Enjoy the food trucks, bakery, coffee shop and products created by Chip and Joanna Gaines. Located in the center of downtown feel free to check out the Dr. Pepper museum, Spice Village and the suspension bridge all within walking distance!

Baylor University

Enjoy a tour of Baylor University's new welcome center, hear about their different programs and offerings and end with a demonstration from their live mascots!

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Kayaking on Lake Belton

Lake Belton is located just 10 minutes from campus with many opportunities to explore God’s creation and find places to rest! Take on the heat by exploring Lake Belton on kayak or paddle board.

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ACSD Annual Golf Scramble

Participate in the ACSD Annual Golf Scramble! Take time to rest and relax by playing a round of golf hosted by Sammons Golf Course. Compete in 4 person teams against other conference attendees.

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Welcome To Central
Texas Y'all!

UMHB is located on 340-acres in Belton, Texas. Belton, sitting in the heart of central Texas, is 40 miles South of Waco and 60miles north of Austin. You will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy Texas close to these two cities, enough that you could add on to the end of the conference

boot

Fun Fact

Texas is larger than Italy, the United Kingdom, and Greece Combined

Find the answers you need

Here are a few good things to know for ACSD 2024 Conference. If you still have more questions, you can Email the 2024 ACSD Conference Team at acsd2024@umhb.edu.

There are several companies that provide shuttle services from the airport to campus, as well as Lyft or Uber options. Once you arrive on campus, transportation will be provided for excursions.

Join Us

Date of Conference: June 3-6

Location:Scott & White School of Nursing

Contact Office of Student Life

Email: acsd2024@umhb.edu

Phone:(254) 295-4496