New (and Almost New) Professionals Workshop

Time: 1:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Cost: $10

This workshop is targeted to professionals who have been in their position 5 years or less. It includes mini-sessions on issues that concern individuals who have recently made the transition from the student to professional realm, including topics such as:

• Understanding the department and campus climate
• Supervision of graduate assistants and other full-time staff
• Presenting ‘new’ ideas to ‘old’ professionals
• Dealing with unexpected job situations
• Leading from the back of the pack (or anywhere!)
• The workshop will also include a round-table / open meeting discussion in which attendees bring up or ask questions about other topics that interest them.

Location: Touch of Nature

Time: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center has been providing therapeutic opportunities for children and adults with disabilities since 1952 and is designated as a National Environmental Education Landmark by the National Park Service, and provides free adventure education opportunities for our veterans. To provide these services at little to no cost Touch of Nature relies heavily on volunteers to assist with projects and programs.
• Lead On volunteers will be working with Touch of Nature staff on January 25th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. to collect maple sap from over 100 trees at Touch of Nature. Once collected, volunteers will assist as the sap will go through a boiling process to reduce it down to Syrup. The sap collected is served at our largest community event of the year in February that raises funds for Touch of Nature camps, Maple Syrup Fest.
• January weather in Southern Illinois is unpredictable. Please bring layers of warm clothes, rain jackets, a water bottle, and rugged/warm footwear. Touch of Nature will provide all the equipment needed as well as indoor spaces to warm up if needed. Restrooms and water are available on site.
• Backup plans will include stick and debris clearing, placement of energy conservation stickers in our nearly 100 buildings, and camp craft preparation for the upcoming camp season.
• Click here for more information about Touch of Nature! 

Location: Student Recreation Center

Time: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Tours will begin at 3:00 p.m. and will leave every half hour from the Student Recreation Center’s main lobby, by the Member Services desk, on the first floor. Come tour the 214,000 square foot Student Recreation Center that contains several basketball/volleyball courts, a natatorium, two indoor walking/jogging tracks, racquetball and squash courts, several fitness and cardio equipment areas, three weight rooms, several dance studios, and multi-purpose rooms.

Friday: 10:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. & 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 – 10:50 a.m.

Location: Student Center – Old Main Lounge

The Career Opportunity Center is the location of a variety of aspects for the conference and includes:

• Resume drop box
• Resume critiques
• Mock interview critiques
• Job postings
• Silent auction drop-off
• Food pantry drop-off

The 1-on- 1 mock interviews will pair a professional with a student who is interested in gaining skills and experience in a professional interview. Professionals may take the student through a series of questions and provide feedback, or if the student has specific questions regarding interviewing, the professional may tailor the session to meet their needs. If you are either a student looking to improve your interview techniques, or a professional interested in conducting a mock interview, this is a great option for you! These 1-on- 1 mock interviews will last approximately 25 minutes.

Volunteers will assist on either Thursday, January 25 or Friday, January 26 with the check-in of conference attendees. This position will greet attendees, disperse conference materials, and provide general conference information. Additionally, it may require early arrival on Thursday.

Session monitors will introduce the presenters in educational sessions, discuss evaluation process, and assist the presenter as necessary.

Assist in directing and greeting attendees at the formal conference social, answer any questions attendees may have upon arrival, and aid in coat-check.

Professionals will lead a 20 minute session discussing an area within collegiate recreation. These sessions will explore topics such as intramural sports, student development, marketing, outdoor adventures, fitness and wellness, aquatics, facilities, club sports, and memberships. As a professional volunteer, you will answer any questions students might ask to expand their knowledge and provide insight into your overall experience in the field.