A schedule of Annual Meeting sessions and events for each day is provided below. An advance copy of the program will available to view and download the week before the meeting. In addition, NASD will once again offer an app which will provide direct access to program content, schedules, a list of attendees, and venue information. Attendees are invited to download and install the app using information found here when available.
Please Note:
Registration is required for the Annual Meeting.
Thursday, September 12
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Annual Meeting Registration
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Commission on Accreditation
(Commission members only)
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Pre-Meeting Workshop for New Dance Administrators
(Separate fee required and advance registration recommended; click here for full workshop description)
This annual workshop is intended for individuals who are new, aspiring, or in the early years of their administrative careers in dance programs. It is designed to address several of the most important areas of concern for new administrators. The content will focus on principles and approaches applicable to all types of institutions. There will be ample opportunity for questions and answers, interaction, and discussion.
Please note that attendance requires registration and payment of a separate fee of $55. The workshop may be registered for either in conjunction with, or separately from, the NASD Annual Meeting.
11:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Pre-Meeting Workshops for Seasoned Dance Administrators
(Separate fee required and advance registration recommended; click here for full workshop descriptions)
This workshop is intended for seasoned administrators in dance. Attendees will explore several of the most important and developing areas of concern for administrators.
Please note that attendance requires registration and payment of a separate fee of $55. These workshops may be registered for in conjunction with or separately from the NASD Annual Meeting..
4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Open Conversation for All Pre-Meeting Workshop Attendees
Facilitators will recap and provide a summary of the day’s discussions. In addition, an opportunity for open conversation will be provided for all pre-meeting workshop attendees, presenters, and facilitators, enabling both new and seasoned administrators to meet and discuss topics of interest, including shared issues that permeate all levels of administrative experience. Attendees of the Pre-Meeting Workshop for New Dance Administrators and the Pre-Meeting Workshops for Seasoned Dance Administrators from Degree-Granting Institutions and Professional Studio Schools are invited and asked to attend.
5:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Board of Directors New Member Briefing
(Board of Directors members only)
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Reception for Pre-Meeting Workshop Attendees
(Cash bar)
All pre-meeting workshop attendees, presenters, and facilitators are invited to this informal reception, which will provide an opportunity to meet, greet, and cultivate valuable professional relationships with other dance administrators. Attendees are encouraged to continue the conversations begun during the day’s workshops and Open Conversation session. All registrants are welcome to attend.
5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Board of Directors Business Meeting and Dinner
(Board of Directors members only)
Friday, September 13
7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Annual Meeting Registration
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Orientation for Executives New to NASD
This session will provide an overview of NASD: its services and role as an accrediting agency, with special attention to the benefits and responsibilities of accredited institutional membership, and a summary of salient publications. Discussion will emphasize ways the Association and its work can assist administrators to fulfill the many and varied aspects of their local responsibilities. Individuals attending the NASD Annual Meeting for the first time are especially encouraged to attend.
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Briefing for Facilitators, Moderators, and Recorders
(By invitation only)
This briefing will offer instructions, expectations, and helpful guidelines to Annual Meeting session facilitators, moderators, and recorders. All individuals who have agreed to serve in one of these capacities should plan to attend this briefing.
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
General Session: Plenary Business Meeting
Call to Order
Determination of Quorum
Minutes
Report of the Commission on Accreditation
Introduction of Newly Accredited Institutional Members
Report of the Committee on Ethics
Report of the Treasurer
Announcements
Report of the Executive Director
Action on Proposed Handbook Changes
Election of Officers
Report of the President
New Business
Adjournment
10:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Working Session: Curricular Considerations
During this day-long working session, attendees will have the opportunity to delve deeply into issues pertaining to the dance curriculum of today and tomorrow – specifically, the exploration of options and opportunities, the development of student expertise, program evaluation and how this feedback can be employed to advance considerations, and building pathways which facilitate lifelong support for and access to dance study. Each of these four topics will be introduced by presenters who will frame the issue and begin the conversation. Subsequent to each presentation, the presenters will open the floor for questions and discussion. Following the Luncheon for the Association, attendees will gather once again in plenary session to delve more deeply into the connections and relationships among topics. At the conclusion of the afternoon’s plenary session, attendees will divide into roundtable discussion groups organized by the four topics. These groups will offer attendees the opportunity to share insights, successes, challenges, and problems faced. The roundtables are intended to assist dance administrators to develop approaches which may enhance institutional efforts to consider options and contemplate desired outcomes. The discussion groups will be repeated once, offering participants the opportunity to attend two sessions of their choice.
10:15 a.m.
– 12:15 p.m.
Presentations
10:15 a.m.
The Curriculum: Possibilities, Options, and Opportunities
The field of dance is evolving exponentially. As it advances, our concepts of and approaches to existing forms of dance are being challenged, requiring us to contemplate whether and how new forms and styles of dance should be embraced and incorporated into the dance curriculum. Many factors influence institutional considerations and pursuits in this regard, such as student demand, availability of faculty with dedicated expertise, resources necessary to support curricular initiatives, time-honored traditions and an institution’s interest in maintaining these traditions, the receptivity of upper administrators, and more. This session will assist dance administrators to explore possibilities, consider curricular necessities, and envision the trajectory of dance education. Debunking the myth that NASD reviews only certain types of dance programs, attendees will consider how NASD standards might be used to support and advance curricular initiatives and innovation.
10:45 a.m.
Developing Student Expertise
Having considered possibilities, options, and opportunities as they pertain to curricular offerings, attendees will explore the steps that must be taken to ensure that students develop discipline-specific competencies and acquire associated knowledge and skills necessary for them to both begin and advance their work as dance professionals. What is necessary to ensure that students advance through and reach levels of achievement defined and expected for graduation? What are these levels of achievement and how do they differ between and among curricular programs offered at both undergraduate and graduate levels?
11:15 a.m.
Evaluating Student Success and Program Effectiveness
Having articulated curricular expectations and required levels of achievement for various curricular programs, what techniques, procedures, requirements of time, resources, specific methodologies, and the like should be developed/employed by institutions to enhance existing systems of evaluation and planning, and to ascertain the success of both the students enrolled and the curricular programs offered? Should evaluative criteria be aligned with specific programs? If so, how might this be accomplished? How might findings be used to inform both current practice and future initiatives? Attendees will share practices that have resulted in positive and productive outcomes, as well as those that have resulted in invaluable lessons suggesting what to avoid. Dance administrators will also consider how their findings might be collected and framed as talking points to be used in discussions which articulate the importance and continued inclusion of dance study at the collegiate and precollegiate levels.
11:45 a.m.
Promoting Dance Study: The Importance and Value of Lifelong Participation
In large part, institutions focus their efforts on the present – the education and training of students enrolled in their programs – and rightfully so. An integral part of these efforts includes a focus on the work necessary to seek out and enroll students as well as to prepare students for the next phase of their involvement in dance. In today’s session, dance administrators will explore how they might create and build networks that facilitate the progression of students from precollegiate to collegiate study. Attendees will explore possibilities such as how institutional initiatives and resources might be aligned, and how creative and enduring partnerships might be established. Noting the wealth of opportunities offered by dance institutions, in addition to considerations regarding establishing connections between precollegiate and collegiate programs, participants will explore how individually and collectively they might implement and advance initiatives that promote the importance and value of participation in dance from early childhood through adult life. Consideration will be given to how institutions might strengthen their messaging, promoting not only the existing wealth of opportunities available, but as well, advocating for individuals to become lifelong participants in the art form.
12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Luncheon for the Association
1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Curriculum Considerations – Open Discussion
Attendees will return in plenary session to delve more deeply into the salient aspects of the morning’s presentations, developing connections between and establishing relationships among topics.
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Roundtable Discussions – Curricular Considerations
The roundtable sessions will enable attendees to explore in further depth the considerations offered by each presenter. Roundtables will be repeated, offering attendees the opportunity to participate in two sessions of their choice.
The Curriculum: Possibilities, Options, and Opportunities
Developing Student Expertise
Evaluating Student Success and Program Effectiveness
Promoting Dance Study: The Importance and Value of Lifelong Participation
3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Break
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Roundtable Discussions – Curricular Considerations
(Repeated)
The Curriculum: Possibilities, Options, and Opportunities
Developing Student Expertise
Evaluating Student Success and Program Effectiveness
Promoting Dance Study: The Importance and Value of Lifelong Participation
5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The NASD Handbook: An In-Depth Look at the Standards and their Application
This session will offer an in-depth look at the NASD Handbook. Particular attention will be given to operational and curricular requirements found within the sections of the Handbook entitled Standards for Accreditation and Appendices, as well as aspects of the Rules of Practice and Procedure and Code of Ethics. The effective use of the NASD Handbook, including distinctions among standards, guidelines, recommendations, benchmarks, and norms will be discussed. Attendees will review procedures which address the preparation and submission requirements as related to the preparation of self-study dossiers, Plan Approval and Final Approval for Listing applications, Substantive Change applications, Optional Responses to the Visitors’ Report, and Responses and Progress Reports. Helpful tips for creating and writing materials which speak to an institution’s attention to and compliance with national standards will be offered.
(Of Note: This session is designed for 1) representatives of institutions scheduled for NASD comprehensive accreditation reviews within the next three years, as well as for individuals who will have the responsibility for leading the accreditation process and/or writing Self-Studies; 2) currently trained NASD visiting evaluators; 3) individuals attending the 2024 NASD Workshop for Visiting Evaluators; and 4) individuals attending the 2024 NASD Workshop for Experienced Evaluators.)
5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Annual Reporting Requirements and Administrative Resources
This session will provide an overview of specific reporting requirements for accredited institutional members of NASD, including the Accreditation Audit, Affirmation Statement, Supplemental Annual Report, and the HEADS Data Survey. It will also enumerate and explain the purposes of several sets of NASD publications designed to assist institutions in the formulation of local proposals and policies. These supplemental publications touch upon issues including faculty work, promotion and tenure; the duties of administrators; planning and futures analysis; assessment; and communicating with others, explaining the principles, aspirations, and suggested considerations for the development of effective and quality programs in dance. A brief look at the NASD website, highlighting the location of various online resources, will be offered.
5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Briefing on Federal Issues for Dance Administrators
Under the law, the federal government does not control higher education. However, the federal government does play a major role in developing conditions for the work of higher education, primarily through laws and regulations defining conditions for institutional participation in grant and student loan programs, and tax policies that influence economic conditions affecting education and the arts. Issues to be addressed include economic realities and projections; public and private funding sources and trends; and prospects for new policies, laws, and regulations concerning higher education, P–12 education, and the arts. This briefing will take a non-partisan policy analysis approach, looking at the ramifications and effects of various options and probabilities.
5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Open Forum: Non-Degree-Granting Programs
(This session will be continued on Saturday from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.)
This forum will provide an opportunity for representatives from both professional studio schools and precollegiate dance schools to connect and discuss issues of common concern. It is recommended that participants give prior thought to issues they would like to explore during this Open Forum.
6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Reception for the Association
(Cash bar)
Saturday, September 14
7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Annual Meeting Registration
7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast for the Association
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Working Session: Leading During Challenging Times
Following the approach employed yesterday, during today’s working session, attendees will have the opportunity once again to roll up their sleeves, delve deeply into, and consider issues faced by dance administrators – specifically, those related to student expectations and issues, the use and value of artificial intelligence as an aspect of dance study and/or in the dance curriculum, the various roles dance administrators must assume and the different hats they must wear, and the development of advocacy campaigns. Each of these four topics will be introduced by presenters who will frame the issue and begin the conversation. Subsequent to each presentation, the presenters will open the floor for questions and discussion. Following a short break, attendees will return in plenary session to allow participants to delve more deeply into the challenges faced by dance administrators, in particular focusing on approaches that can be implemented to address these challenges. At the conclusion of the morning’s sessions, attendees will enjoy a box lunch and divide into smaller roundtable discussion groups organized by the four topics, so that conversation begun during the plenary session may continue.
9:00 a.m.
– 11:00 a.m.
Presentations
9:00 a.m.
Addressing Student Expectations and Requests
Students often arrive on campus with pre-conceived notions about what they should learn and how they should be taught, what parts they should be assigned, and accommodations they should receive. Mismatched expectations may lead to consequences which not only affect the student’s path to program completion, but the paths of fellow students as well. This places on the dance administrator pressure to address and resolve issues in a timely and efficient fashion for the sake of all involved. Attendees will consider the more common expectations held by current students, where appropriate assistance ends and enabling begins, and when and under what circumstances the issues require expertise beyond that available within the dance unit. Attendees will have the opportunity to share best practices, as well as those that should be avoided.
9:30 a.m.
AI: A Helpful Tool or Unnecessary Distraction?
AI has not only arrived on the doorstep of the academy, it has assumed a place at the table. Many in higher education, including those in the dance community, are focused on considering whether AI should be included in the dance curriculum and/or in the collegiate dance experience. Attendees will explore aspects such as: Authorship (Who is the author? How is this verified?), Authenticity (Where does AI end and student work begin?), Originality (Will new work be created, or existing work merely be recast?), Critical thinking (How does critical thinking guide creation?), Intellectual curiosity (Does intellectual curiosity still matter?), AI’s use as a tool (Will the student remain in control or become directed by the technology? Will the tool limit or advance the creation of original work?), Adaptability (How should AI be integrated into the curriculum, if at all?), Ethics (Who becomes the rightful owner of thought, creativity, and innovation?), and Integrity (Who will know and why will that matter?).
10:00 a.m.
The Dance Administrator as Leader, Teacher, Mentor, Peacemaker, Advocate: How to Balance the Many Roles and Responsibilities
Today’s dance administrator is a jack of many trades and a wearer of many hats. Considering the basic responsibilities held by dance administrators to oversee the operation of the dance unit and manage the curricular programs offered, it seems hard to imagine how dance administrators are able to simultaneously keep the many balls they must juggle in the air. To compound the situation, typically each issue faced is original in nature and therefore tried, tested, and true answers are not readily at hand. Today, it is more likely that issues are of such complexity that further study, expert consultation, and thorough consideration is necessary. In this session, attendees will devote their time to working with their colleagues to explore good practices that might serve or inform how to address the various challenges faced. Participants will also give thought to those issues that would benefit from expertise found beyond the dance unit.
10:30 a.m.
Developing an Advocacy Strategy: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
The need to articulate clearly and definitively the importance of dance study has never been more important, particularly in light of the current need for institutions to find ways to reduce costs in the face of low enrollments and dwindling support. These efforts may result in a scaling back of programs or their discontinuation altogether. A systematic approach entertained by many institutions when it comes to consideration of a program’s viability is simply a bottom-line calculation. Unfortunately, these calculations often do not reflect the intangible benefits dance provides, not only to the student enrolled, but also to the institutional community. Without proactive discussions which emphasize the benefits of dance study, the art form is in jeopardy of being undervalued at best, and at worst, possibly disregarded. Few can articulate better than those with expertise in dance, the role, value, and importance of dance and dance study at all stages of human development. This critical responsibility often falls to the dance executive, to protect, defend, and maintain all things dance. Dance administrators must develop, hone, and use with regularity “pitches” which not only speak to the need to maintain dance as a viable curricular force within the institution, but also as an important aspect in the everyday life of individuals. Attendees will work together to develop sets of talking points intended to target various constituencies (i.e., upper administrators, colleagues in other disciplines, parents, state officials, etc.) that, to a certain extent, play a role in the future of dance as a collegiate offering.
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Break
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Leading Through Challenging Times – Open Discussion
Remaining in plenary session, attendees and presenters will delve more deeply into the salient aspects of the morning’s presentations.
12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Box Lunch for the Association
(Attendees should feel free to take their box lunch to the afternoon sessions.)
12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Roundtable Discussions – Leading Through Challenging Times
The roundtable sessions will enable attendees to explore in further depth the considerations offered by each presenter. Roundtables will be repeated, offering attendees the opportunity to participate in two sessions of their choice.
Addressing Student Expectations and Requests
AI: A Helpful Tool or Unnecessary Distraction?
The Dance Administrator as Leader, Teacher, Mentor, Peacemaker, Advocate: How to Balance the Many Roles and Responsibilities
Developing an Advocacy Strategy: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Break
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Roundtable Discussions – Leading Through Challenging Times
(Repeated)
Addressing Student Expectations and Requests
AI: A Helpful Tool or Unnecessary Distraction?
The Dance Administrator as Leader, Teacher, Mentor, Peacemaker, Advocate: How to Balance the Many Roles and Responsibilities
Developing an Advocacy Strategy: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
12:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Workshop for Self-Study: Specifically Designed for Representatives from Degree-Granting Institutions
This session will provide information and guidance concerning the Self-Study and on-site visitation processes for individuals representing degree-granting institutions with programs in dance whose institutions are to be visited in the next two to three years, institutions planning to begin the NASD evaluation process, and those formally engaged in the process. A step-by-step walk-through of the accreditation process will be provided, including confirmation of timelines and deadlines, and information regarding Self-Study formats, on-site reviews, the Visitors’ Report, the Optional Response, and Commission action. Questions may be posed during this nuts-and-bolts session. All interested individuals are welcome.
Please note: Individuals attending this training session may wish to attend The NASD Handbook—An In-Depth Look at the Standards and Their Application, which will be offered on Friday, September 13 from 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
12:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Workshop for Visiting Evaluators
This annual workshop will provide training to dance administrators interested in becoming visiting evaluators for NASD. Fundamentals of the accreditation process will be described in detail. Considerable time will be spent discussing expectations with regard to Self-Studies and Self-Study documentation. An overview of the Handbook and its constituent parts will be presented. Standards and guidelines and their application to applicant institutions will receive considerable attention as potential evaluators are guided through the process of on-site review and Visitors’ Report preparation.
Please note: This session is by invitation only. Institutional representatives from accredited institutions interested in becoming NASD evaluators are encouraged to contact the National Office staff for consideration for training in 2025.
Please note: Individuals attending this training session may wish to attend The NASD Handbook—An In-Depth Look at the Standards and Their Application, which will be offered on Friday, September 13 from 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
12:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Workshop for Experienced Evaluators
This workshop will provide training to dance administrators who have been trained previously as evaluators and who have served as members of visitation teams. The role and responsibilities of the visiting team chair will be discussed. Detailed expectations regarding the review of Self-Studies, the on-site visit, and the Visitors’ Report will be reviewed. Attendees will have the opportunity, using case study materials, to consider various scenarios that may arise during on-site reviews.
Please note: This session is by invitation only. Representatives from accredited institutional members interested in becoming NASD evaluators are encouraged to contact the National Office staff for consideration for training in 2025.
Please note: Individuals attending this training session may wish to attend The NASD Handbook—An In-Depth Look at the Standards and Their Application, which will be offered on Friday, September 13 from 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Briefing for NASD Evaluators
This annual briefing is offered by invitation for individuals currently trained and serving as NASD visiting evaluators. It provides an opportunity for evaluators to refresh their knowledge of NASD procedures, protocols, and standards, with particular focus on the Procedures and the Handbook. Helpful reminders regarding the format, preparation, and required content of Visitors’ Reports will be provided. The potential impact of the activities of external constituencies, such as the federal government, states, and other review bodies, which may impact the accreditation process, will be discussed. Documentation required of institutions and evaluators will be highlighted, as well as sources and uses of helpful and informative publications aimed to assist institutions in the preparation of Self-Studies and evaluators in the preparation of Visitors’ Reports.
Please note: This session is by invitation only. Institutional representatives from accredited institutions interested in becoming NASD evaluators are encouraged to contact the National Office staff for consideration for training in 2025.
Please note: Individuals attending this training session may wish to attend The NASD Handbook—An In-Depth Look at the Standards and Their Application, which will be offered on Friday, September 13 from 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Workshop for Self-Study: Specifically Designed for Representatives from Non-Degree-Granting Institutions
This session will provide information and guidance concerning the Self-Study and on-site visitation processes for individuals representing non-degree-granting institutions with programs in dance whose institutions are to be visited in the next two to three years, institutions planning to begin the NASD evaluation process, and those formally engaged in the process. A step-by-step walk-through of the accreditation process will be provided, including confirmation of timelines and deadlines, and information regarding Self-Study formats, on-site reviews, the Visitors’ Report, the Optional Response, and Commission action. Questions may be posed during this nuts-and-bolts session. All interested individuals are welcome.
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Forums
These discussion-based sessions will provide an opportunity for individuals to consider in further depth the issues raised during Annual Meeting sessions, as well as those of common interest. Discussion comments and issues noted by session recorders that have the potential to inform the future work of NASD will be provided to and considered by the NASD Board of Directors.
Non-Degree-Granting Programs
(This is a continuation of the session offered on Friday from 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.)
This forum will provide an opportunity for representatives from both professional studio schools and precollegiate dance schools to connect and discuss issues of common concern.
Institutions with Small or Developing Dance Departments
This forum will provide an opportunity for attendees from small or developing dance departments to connect and discuss issues of common concern.
Public Institutions
This forum will provide an opportunity for attendees from public institutions to connect and discuss issues of common concern.
Private Institutions
This forum will provide an opportunity for attendees from private institutions to connect and discuss issues of common concern.
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Board of Directors Seminar Meeting
(Board of Directors members only)
6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Reception for the Association
(Cash bar)
7:15 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Annual Dinner
9:30 p.m.
Adjournment of the Forty-Fourth NASD Annual Meeting