PASSHE Student Affairs Conference Returns to Millersville

The 2026 PASSHE Student Affairs Conference is scheduled for May 20 and 21 at Millersville University. This year's discussion will focus on collaboration, connection and a shared commitment to supporting students, colleagues and institutions.

Anchored in the theme "United in Purpose, Grounded in Community," this year's conference brings together higher education professionals and students to examine how intentional partnerships, inclusive practices and community-centered strategies amplify the shared impact across the State System.

"We hope this conference will help reaffirm our role in shaping empowered and resilient campus communities," says Dr. Mary Beth Williams, vice president for student affairs and co-chair of the conference. "As we all continue to navigate the evolving higher education landscape, we must engage in meaningful dialogue across the system around fostering belonging, advancing equity and furthering our community building."

There will be opportunities at the conference for student affairs professionals and graduate students to network with one another, share best practices and stories about the struggles and triumphs in higher education.

"Building intentional relationships between all facets of our university community allows us to collectively listen to and support one another," says Williams. "It is easy to assume what success looks like based on our own experiences, but it is only when we learn from the experiences of others that we can truly be a part of their success and therefore the community's success."

"Building community doesn't happen by accident," says John Hearn, senior director of Student Memorial Center operations and co-chair of the conference. "We try to be intentional about creating spaces where people can connect, share their experiences and feel heard. That includes focusing on student-centered programming, encouraging student engagement and strengthening collaboration across departments. When staff and students feel valued and supported, belonging becomes part of the culture rather than just a goal."

Millersville last hosted the PASSHE Student Affairs Conference in 2015. This year, organizers of the conferences are expecting around 150 attendees.

"We are honored to host this biannual conference at Millersville," adds Williams. "During the conference, we will highlight our own amazing Student Affairs Team, our in-house Dining Services within the Division of Student Affairs and our connection with the arts and culture in Downtown Lancaster."

"This conference is a meaningful opportunity to step back, reconnect with colleagues across PASSHE and refocus on why we do this work," says Hearn. "I am excited about the chance to share ideas, learn from one another, and continue building campus communities where students and staff can thrive together."

Learn more about the PASSHE Student Affairs Conference here: https://www.millersville.edu/sa/passhe-student-affairs-conference/.