Student Life Skills the NCSL Way

The National Conference on Student Life (NCSL) brings together collegiate students and campus professionals to learn effective, lifelong skills directly from cutting-edge innovators in industry, education, and the nonprofit sector.

The conference will prepare you as an individual, as a member of a team (such as student government, clubs, and committees), and in engagement with your community and the wider world.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to create a place for college students to enhance their lifelong skills to make a difference on campus, in the local community, and beyond.

We do this by bringing together students, student life professionals, and student affairs professionals and connecting them with ‘best of the best’ presenters who offer training sessions based on tested principles in an intentionally designed program to develop lifelong skills for success for both on campus and post-graduation.

NCSL started in 1978 and thrives today because we provide a nurturing place for a personal examination of values, goals, and dreams with like-minded peers. Our students are eager to avail themselves of a unique opportunity to jumpstart personal and professional growth that will continue long after the conference ends.

Our program is rooted in current research and models of student life, pathways to career development, connections with industry leaders from around the world, and learning from practitioners who specialize in topic areas of personal growth, team management, professional success, civic engagement, and social justice.

Our Values

• Leadership is a skill that can be learned
• Excellence in programming
• Adaptability to changing needs in our students and in society
• Dedication to providing a unique experience
• Embracing the virtues of courage, work, perseverance, humility, honesty, integrity, and justice to guide personal actions