2024 NASPA M. Ben Hogan Small Colleges and Universities Institute

The 2024 Institute will be the thirteenth in its twenty-six-year history and will be held on Lewis & Clark campus in Portland, Oregon. The Institute brings together vice presidents for student affairs and other senior-level leaders at small colleges and universities with enrollments of fewer than 5000 students for three days of learning and networking

An intentional component of this signature NASPA program is living and learning together on the host campus.

In 2024, the program will begin with an opening reception and dinner on Sunday, June 23 and will end at noon on Wednesday, June 26. Additionally, several optional pre-institute outings will be offered on Sunday, June 23 for early-arriving participants.

About M. Ben Hogan
In March 2016, the NASPA Small Colleges and Universities Division proposed that the NASPA Small Colleges and Universities Institute be renamed in honor of Michael “Ben” Hogan. The NASPA Board of Directors enthusiastically supported the proposal, and the Institute was renamed the NASPA M. Ben Hogan Small Colleges and Universities Institute. The 2018 institute, hosted by the University of Puget Sound, was the first that bore Ben's name.

Ben Hogan had a long and distinguished career in student affairs. Having spent time at Lycoming College in Pennsylvania and Springfield College in Massachusetts, among other places, Ben was a long-time student affairs administrator at small colleges. As the chairperson of the NASPA Small Colleges and Universities Network (predecessor to the current division), he worked tirelessly to advance the mission and purpose of the small college movement. He was instrumental in laying the groundwork for increased recognition, which resulted in small colleges and universities gaining a seat on the NASPA Board of Directors. Through this work, Ben championed the concept of a professional development experience specifically for small college professionals, and he served as the chairperson of the first NASPA Small Colleges and Universities Institute in 1998.

Participation in this institute is limited to the highest-ranking student affairs officer on campus and other senior-level administrators who (1) report to the highest-ranking student affairs officer and (2) have substantial responsibility for divisional leadership. For example, a director of student conduct who oversees student conduct functions only would not be eligible. An associate dean of student affairs who oversees several departments/units/functional areas would be eligible to attend.

Your registration fee includes

1. all institute materials

2. housing in a private bedroom with a bathroom shared by not more than one other person on Sunday, June 23; Monday, June 24; and Tuesday, June 25 (Some attendees may choose to arrive on Saturday, June 22 to participate in the pre-institute activities on Sunday, June 23; housing is available by adding "Early Arrival Lodging and Breakfast" to your registration.)

3. breakfast on Monday, June 24; Tuesday, June 25; and Wednesday, June 26

4. lunch on Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 25

5. dinner on Sunday, June 23 and Tuesday, June 25

Registration as a member is based on individual membership status at the time of the event. If your current membership will expire prior to the event, you will have the option to renew at the time of registration to receive the member rate.

If you are not a current member and are employed by a college or university that is an institutional member, you can join as a professional affiliate member for $80. If your institution is NOT a member, you can join as an associate affiliate member for $250. Both membership types provide access to the individual member rate for the event. Please visit the membership section of the NASPA website to learn more about membership types and benefits. We hope you’ll consider joining today!

During the day on Sunday, June 23, you'll have the chance to participate in some optional pre-institute sessions and activities. All pre-institute offerings require registration, and some have an additional registration fee. Institute attendees who wish to participate in these optional activities may also register for early arrival lodging, which is available on Saturday evening, June 22 for an additional $58.00. (Breakfast on Sunday, June 23 is included with your early arrival lodging fee.)

Pre-institute Outing: Downtown Portland Highlights

Sunday, June 23, 9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.

Enjoy your own self-paced walking tour of downtown Portland! A shuttle van will pick you up from campus and drop you off in downtown, where you’ll be able to enjoy the myriad of shops, restaurants and bars available. We recommend comfortable walking shoes for this outing.

Cost: $10

Pre-institute Outing: Hike Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Sunday, June 23, 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Enjoy the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area by hiking Latourell Falls - a 2.9 mile loop with a 600’ elevation gain. We’ll hike through a forest of big cedars and firs as we visit two waterfalls and a grand vista of the gorge on this trail of moderate difficulty level.  On our return to Portland we will stop at the Sugar Pine Drive-in for participants to purchase and enjoy a meal (not included) along the Sandy River.

Cost: $ 20

Pre-institute Outing: Portland’s Japanese Garden & International Rose Test Garden Tour

Sunday, June 23, 9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.

Visit Portland’s iconic Washington Park and enjoy 2 hours of self-guided tours in this  urban oasis. Portland’s Japanese Garden (admission included) encompasses eight separate garden styles, a tea house, meandering streams and walkway and a spectacular view of the city and beyond. Portland’s International Rose Test Garden is home to over 600 rose varieties and 10,000 rose bushes. How you split your time between the two parks is up to you! On your return to campus, participants will stop at a downtown food cart pod for lunch (self-paid).

Cost: $35

Early Arrival Lodging and Breakfast

Saturday, June 22, evening

Institute attendees who wish to participate in optional pre-institue activities may also register for early arrival lodging, which is available on Saturday evening, June 22 for an additional $58.00. (Breakfast on Sunday, June 23 is included with your early arrival lodging fee.)