Join us at Rockhurst University for the
2026 JASPA Annual Conference!
"Mission in Motion: Forming Students in a Changing World"
Saturday, March 7, 2026
@ Rockhurst University
Kansas City, Missouri
We are very excited to host you all in Kansas City, MO, at Rockhurst University for the JASPA Annual Conference. This one-day event will include the Annual Conference, JASPA Banquet & Awards, and Club JASPA (evening social).
As a reminder, Kansas City has a wonderful FREE streetcar service that can be used to get around town and to Rockhurst’s campus, so JASPA will not run shuttles from the NASPA conference hotels. Check out the route here: RIDE THE STREETCAR.
For those only attending the JASPA Annual Conference and looking to reserve hotel rooms closest to campus, please view the local options and deals here: HOTEL OPTIONS HERE.
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Transportation Information
Kansas City has a wonderful FREE streetcar service that can be used to get around town and close to Rockhurst’s campus. Make sure to get off at the UMKC stop. From there you can uber or walk to Rockhurst using the address of Arrupe Hall (5351 Forest Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64110).
Driving or Ridesharing? Head to Arrupe Hall using the address 5351 Forest Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64110.
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Check-in & Registration | Location: Arrupe Hall, Lobby
11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Campus Tours | Location: Meet in Arrupe Hall, Lobby
Enjoy a walking tour of Rockhurst University by a Rockhurst student ambassador. Tours are approximately 45 minutes in length and will leave every 15 minutes beginning at 11:15 a.m. The final tour will leave at 12:15 p.m. and return before the opening session.
11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Box Lunches Available | Location: Arrupe Hall, 114
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. First-Time Attendee Orientation
For those new to attending the JASPA annual conference, join the first-time orientation to meet the executive board, hear about the benefits of being a JASPA member, and learn about ways to get involved with the association.
12:45 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Welcome and Invocation | Location: Arrupe Auditorium
1:00 p.m. - 2:05 p.m. Keynote Address | Sly James
Former mayor of Kansas City and RU alumnus
2:05 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Break
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Program Roundtable Sessions
- Closing the Circle: Holistic Support for Neurodiverse Students
- Journaling as Formation: Ignatian Reflection for Leadership, Well-Being, and Creativity
- Key Student Affairs Legal Issues in 2026: Where we are and Where we Might be Headed
- The Perceived Experience of Students of Color in Intentional Communities at a Predominantly White Institution
- Pipeline Stewardship: Forming Careers in Jesuit Student Affairs for a Changing World
3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Break | Snacks Available
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Senior Student Affairs Officer (SSAO) Panel
This panel of Senior Student Affairs Officers (SSAO's) will offer their perspectives and insights into current issues facing Jesuit student affairs in 2026. They come from institutions that vary in size and part of the country which will allow for a more comprehensive picture of the Jesuit student affairs landscape at this point in time.
4:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Functional Area Network (FAN) Roundtables
Gather with colleagues from similar departments and functional areas to discuss current trends, issues, and best practices within the area.
5:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. JASPA Business Meeting & Conference Wrap-Up
The JASPA Executive Board will share important updates and reports on the current status of the association, followed by closing remarks to conclude the day of learning and development before the banquet and awards ceremony. This session is open to all conference attendees and offers insight into the association’s governance.
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Cocktail Hour
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Banquet & Awards Ceremony
An evening banquet celebrating time together, followed by an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions within the JASPA network.
9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Club JASPA
End the 2026 JASPA Annual Conference at Club JASPA, an opportunity for entertainment, socializing, and networking.
Sunday, March 8, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. JASPA Mass
A special JASPA Mass brings members together in prayer and reflection as part of the annual conference experience. Location: Kansas City Convention Center 2214, Bartle Hall, Level 2
Questions?
Questions related to the Annual Conference can be directed to the following:
Briana Maturi, bmaturi@lmu.edu, Program Co-Chair
Sonya Alexander, salexander3@fairfield.edu, Program Co-Chair
Breyanna Primous, breyanna.primous@rockhurst.edu
Taryn James, taryn.james@rockhurst.edu, Host Committee Co-Chair
Future Conference Locations
JASPA Annual Conferences occur during the pre-conference stage of and in the same city as the NASPA Annual Conference.
- 2027 - National Harbor, Maryland
- 2028 - Los Angeles, California