Student Life Skills — The NCSL Way

Welcome to the National Conference on Student Life (NCSL) — where college students and campus professionals come together to learn, grow, and lead. Since 1978, NCSL has been the place where students take charge of their futures by developing the skills that matter most — on campus, in the community, and in life beyond graduation.

This isn’t just a conference — it’s a launchpad for lifelong success.

What Is NCSL?

NCSL is a high-energy, hands-on conference experience designed to help you:

• Develop essential leadership and life skills
• Connect with peers and professionals from across the country
• Gain practical tools you can apply immediately
• Grow as an individual and as part of a team
• Get inspired by real-world leaders who walk the walk

Whether you’re part of student government, leading a club, or just starting your leadership journey — NCSL gives you the confidence, clarity, and community to thrive.

Our Mission

At NCSL, our mission is simple: To help college students build lifelong skills to make a difference — on campus, in their communities, and beyond.

We bring together students, student life professionals, and student affairs experts and connect them with “best of the best” presenters who know what it takes to succeed. Through carefully designed sessions based on tested principles, you’ll walk away with strategies that stick — for college and for life.

Our Values

We believe in more than just great sessions — we believe in transformative experiences grounded in core values:

• Leadership is a skill that can be learned — and we’ll show you how.
• Excellence in programming — Every session is designed to have impact.
• Adaptability — We evolve with our students and the world around us.
• A unique, energizing experience — No boring lectures here!

• Core Virtues — We lead with courage, perseverance, humility, honesty, integrity, and justice.

This is where values meet action. Where confidence is built. Where future leaders find their voice. This is NCSL.