AFA values the preparation and development of graduate students and new professionals. As those who will keep the profession thriving, the AFA Annual Meeting intentionally creates spaces and designs programs specific to helping elevate the work of graduate students and new professionals. Below you will find programs curated to help graduate students and new professionals thrive!
Order of Omega Case Study
Participant Orientation: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET Tuesday, November 17 [Zoom link]
On-Site Coaching Session (optional): 10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. CT Thursday, December 3
Competition: 30-minute period between 2:00 p.m. –Â 4:30 p.m. CT Thursday, December 3
The Order of Omega Case Study Competition invites graduate students, headquarters consultants, and new professionals to apply their academic and practical learning to a complex scenario they might encounter in the field. Teams of two (2) choose one of two tracks — Crisis Intervention and Systemic Issue — and present their case to a panel of judges.
Why participate in the Case Study?
The Case Study provides participants an opportunity to sharpen their knowledge and practice with the Core Competencies in a real-world, low-stakes setting, connect with peers in the profession, and compete for cash prizes. The top three teams in each track receive $500, $400, and $300 (split among team members). Thanks to Order of Omega, the program is free for all graduate students and new professionals in attendance.
Registration
Registration is first come, first served and capped at 28 participants. Register through the form below. (Note: Participating may have a minimal impact on participants’ opportunities to attend educational sessions on Thursday afternoon.)
Order of Omega Case Study Competition Registration
Serve as a Case Study Judge or Coach!
AFA is looking for judges and coaches to help bring the case study to life at the Annual Meeting! Judges will help to evaluate and provide feedback on case study presentations to participant teams. Coaches (new for 2026!) will serve as a resource for participant teams in their preparation for the competition. Advancing Professionals and New/Seasoned Directors who are interested in supporting the experience for graduate students and new professionals are invited to complete the Annual Meeting Ambassador form.
Annual Meeting Ambassador Interest Form
Graduate Student and New Professionals Intensive Session
9:00 – 11:50 a.m. CT Friday, December 4
Facilitators: TBA
The Graduate Student and New Professionals Intensive Session is designed to help you explore the AFA Core Competencies and forge your path to success. There is a theoretical side and practical side to the role of every fraternity/sorority educator and both are valuable. You understand each end of the spectrum and put in the time to understand how they fit into the larger context of our profession. Graduate school may entrench you in the theory of higher education, but a practical approach is needed to build the skills and best practices of a proficient and successful fraternity/sorority professional. This interactive and personalized experience will allow participants to develop their own professional development action plan utilizing the AFA Core Competencies. Participants will assess their current skills and through self-exploration, review of personal goals, reflection on passion projects, and collaborative conversations, develop an action-oriented blueprint to guide them through their next steps within our field. We will focus on current issues facing fraternity/sorority life professionals and provide strategies for practical application. The Graduate Student and New Professionals Intensive Session is made possible through an endowment with the AFA Foundation made possible by the generous support of Michelle Guobadia. Participation in the Graduate Student and New Professionals Intensive Session is free to all graduate students and new professionals in attendance. No pre-registration is required. This session will take place during the Intensive Educational Sessions block on Wednesday morning.
Complete the Core Competencies Self-Assessment
Graduate and New Professional participants are strongly encouraged to complete the Core Competencies self-assessment prior to attending the Intensive session.
Core Competencies Self-Assessment (launching in late September)
Career Compass
Career Compass is a two-part professional development series designed to support your career journey at every stage. Whether you’re exploring your next opportunity or preparing to navigate your long-term professional future, each session offers practical strategies and meaningful reflection. Attend either session individually or join us for both to gain the full Career Compass experience. No pre-registration or fee is required.
