Menu
Log in
Forgot password

Southwest Association of Student Assistance Programs

Log in
Log in
Forgot password

SWASAP 55th Annual Pre-Conference

Pre-Conference Professional Development

Saturday, November 7, 2026
The Clyde Hotel | Albuquerque, New Mexico

Kick off the 2026 SWASAP Annual Conference with an engaging day of professional development designed specifically for TRIO professionals. Whether you are new to TRIO or an experienced project director, these interactive pre-conference sessions provide practical strategies, compliance guidance, leadership development, and innovative ideas you can immediately implement within your program.

Participants will leave with actionable tools, sample resources, and best practices to strengthen program management, improve student outcomes, and enhance services for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students.


Upward Bound & UBMS Best Practices

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.


This workshop provides practical guidance for managing successful Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science projects. Designed for directors, coordinators, advisors, and staff, the session focuses on strengthening day-to-day program operations while maintaining compliance with federal regulations.

Participants will explore proven strategies for documentation, assessment readiness, strategic planning, and continuous program improvement. Whether you are preparing for a federal review or simply looking to improve organizational systems, this session offers practical solutions that can be implemented immediately.

Learning Objectives (Participants will learn how to): 

  • Develop effective recordkeeping and documentation systems
  • Prepare for program monitoring and assessment reviews
  • Build strategic implementation plans
  • Strengthen program management practices
  • Use program data to improve participant outcomes
  • Implement practical tools and templates for everyday operations


McNair Best Practices

Time: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m


The McNair Scholars Program plays a critical role in preparing first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students for doctoral study. This session focuses on the unique regulations, expectations, and operational requirements of successful McNair projects.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of participant eligibility, allowable services, recruitment strategies, and performance expectations while exploring proven approaches that support student persistence and graduate school preparation.


Learning Objectives (Participants will explore):

  • Federal regulations and program-specific requirements
  • Participant eligibility and selection procedures
  • Allowable services and project expectations
  • Developing comprehensive participant service plans
  • Recruitment and retention strategies
  • Graduate school preparation and research opportunities
  • Effective documentation and compliance practices


Recognizing Students in Crisis:

Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and Effective Referral Practices for TRIO Professionals

Time: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Presenters: Dasie Kent and Molly Brack

Today's students face increasing mental health challenges that can significantly impact academic success and personal well-being. While TRIO professionals are not counselors, they are often among the first individuals to recognize when a student may be struggling.

This interactive training equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to recognize warning signs, respond appropriately, and connect students with the appropriate campus and community resources.

Through case studies, role-playing scenarios, and group discussion, participants will strengthen their ability to support students while understanding the boundaries of their professional role.

Participants Will Learn To: 

  1. Recognize behavioral, emotional, and academic warning sign
  2. Respond using evidence-based communication strategies
  3. Apply de-escalation techniques for non-clinical professionals
  4. Understand when and how to make appropriate referrals
  5. Develop referral protocols and campus resource guides
  6. Strengthen crisis response planning within their TRIO programs

  

See Santa Fe: Best Practices in Student Travel for TRIO Programs

Time: 7:30a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Looking for new ways to create meaningful educational travel experiences for your students?

Join fellow TRIO professionals for a unique hands-on learning experience as we travel aboard the New Mexico Rail Runner Express from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. This mobile workshop demonstrates how affordable public transportation can be incorporated into educational travel while showcasing strategies for planning engaging student experiences.

Participants will visit several cultural, educational, and civic landmarks while discussing every stage of planning a successful TRIO student trip from budgeting and logistics to supervision, risk management, learning outcomes, and assessment.

Participants Will Explore:

  • Planning affordable educational travel
  • Creating meaningful student learning experiences
  • Budgeting and transportation logistics
  • Safety planning and risk management
  • Student supervision best practices
  • Building educational itineraries
  • Integrating college, career, workforce, and cultural exploration
  • Evaluating student learning outcomes

What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water bottle, portable fan, phone charger, small backpack, notbook and spending money!


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software