We invite you and your student staff to join us for this unique student-driven experience, including educational sessions, networking opportunities, campus visits, a keynote speaker, and so much more!
Member registration will open August 10; registration for non-member institutions will begin in September.
We hope to see you in Philadelphia! It is a weekend packed with everything from educational sessions to networking opportunities. For an idea of what an SDI includes, you can browse the 2027 Student Development Institute Tentative Schedule.
Session descriptions and a program book will be shared closer to the event.
Educational Program Overview
SDI includes multiple experiences – concurrent sessions for advisors and students, keynote speaker, networking, and connections. More detailed information will be coming soon.
SDI Case Study Competition
Student attendees can put their leadership and problem-solving skills to the test! The SDI Case Study Competition invites student participants to tackle a hypothetical scenario inspired by the challenges in visitor and information services. During the conference, work with a team of peers from different institutions to analyze the situation, strategize a response, and present your approach. It’s a dynamic way to gain practical experience, collaborate across institutions, and sharpen critical thinking in a supportive setting. Indicate interest in your registration and look for an official sign-up, with limited spots available, in the pre-conference survey.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
We’re now accepting proposals for educational sessions! Present solo or team up with others – even from different institutions.
This is a great chance for students to build public speaking skills and shine at a national conference. Encourage your students to submit a proposal to present!
If you are not sure who will be attending SDI, consider submitting a proposal on your institution’s behalf. Once you identify your student attendees, you can help them prepare for the presentation!
Decision notifications will be sent before the end of October. Institutions must register and pay the SDI registration fee by Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to confirm participation. Presenters are paid neither honoraria nor expenses.
Don’t miss this rewarding opportunity to share your creative ideas and expertise with others. This proposal submission guide outlines the deadlines, session tracks, and submission process. You can also reach out directly to dbloomfield@albion.edu with any questions.
Information about our keynote speaker will be coming soon.
Philadelphia Experience Options, Friday January 8 from 10am-1pm
Experience Philadelphia your way! Take advantage of these exciting tour options to experience the academic and cultural offerings in the City of Brotherly Love.
Campus tours are included in the conference registration fee. Transportation is included for all tours.
All members of your group do not have to attend the same experience – you can choose one option per attendee since all activities occur during the same time frame. These tours can be added at the time of registration or at a later date (space permitting).
La Salle University Campus Tour
La Salle University is a comprehensive Lasallian Catholic university located in Philadelphia. It is rooted in the tradition of the Brothers of the Christian Schools teaching order, founded by St. John Baptist de La Salle—the Patron Saint of Teachers. Chartered in 1863 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, La Salle prepares students to become known for more through a practical liberal arts and experiential education. By offering a quality experience; rigorous academics; transferable skills; and exposure to domestic and international partnerships in a safe and caring environment, La Salle is propelling learners into leaders.
Saint Joseph’s University Campus Tour
As Philadelphia’s Jesuit Catholic University, Saint Joseph’s provides a rigorous, student-centered education rooted in the liberal arts. We prepare students for personal excellence, professional success and engaged citizenship. Striving to be an inclusive and diverse community that educates and cares for the whole person, we encourage and model lifelong commitment to thinking critically, making ethical decisions, pursuing social justice and finding God in all things.
Temple University Campus Tour
Temple University is Philadelphia’s largest university, welcoming thousands of prospective students and their families to Main Campus each year. Led by more than 70 Temple Owl Ambassadors, every visit offers a personalized, authentic look at student life from the people who know Temple best—showing every visitor what it really means to be a part of Philadelphia’s only public Research 1 university.
Villanova University Campus Tour
Villanova University is a vibrant and distinctive community rooted in the Augustinian values of truth, unity, and love. Founded in 1842, Villanova is the only Augustinian Catholic university in the nation. Here, you’ll find a personalized experience where teachers and students are partners in learning and scholarly inquiry, along with a campus community that is curious, driven, and deeply involved. Home to approximately 7,000 undergraduates, Villanova combines academic excellence with a close-knit community that encourages students to think critically, act compassionately, and succeed while serving others.
The conference will take place at the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown, located at 1201 Market St. in Philadelphia. Rooms will be $179 + tax per night for single, double, triple, or quad occupancy. The last day to book a room in our block will be December 21, 2026 though the room block will likely fill before then. The reservation link to book rooms will be included in your registration confirmation email.
At the heart of City Center, Philadelphia Marriott Downtown makes the entire city easily accessible, from the history of Independence Hall to delicious discoveries at Reading Terminal Market. Within our downtown Philadelphia hotel, find the comforts you crave with spacious, welcoming rooms, and signature hospitality at every turn. Find unexpected delights around every corner – from fun and games at our arcade and bowling alley to invigorating workouts in our fitness center.
Valet parking: $71.66 per day
Flying In: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is located about 12 miles (approximately 20–30 minutes) from the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown.
Ground Transportation: The average rideshare (Uber/Lyft) fare from PHL to the hotel ranges from $35–$40, depending on traffic. Proceed through Baggage Claim and follow the Ground Transportation signs for Ride App/Zone 7.
Public Transportation: SEPTA is an easy and affordable way to travel as well; take the Airport Line to the “Jefferson Station” stop (about 45 minutes) and the fare is $2.90 per trip.
Arriving by Train: Philadelphia’s Amtrak Station is less than 2 miles from the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. A taxi or rideshare from the station typically costs under $15 and takes about 10 minutes.
Looking to make the most of your time in Philadelphia? Our Conference Travel Guide—coming soon!—will highlight local attractions, dining, and more. Or use the button below to visit the Visit Philadelphia tourism website. We can’t wait for you to explore our amazing host city!
Consider becoming a CIVSA Member before registering for conference to take advantage of member-institution rates. Members also have access to apply for Conference Scholarships by established deadlines.
Attending SDI is a high-impact investment – empowering student leaders, strengthening your program, and delivering impactful takeaways. If you need assistance getting institutional support, we’ve created this customizable letter template that you can use to help advocate for your attendance. We’d love to see you and your team in Philadelphia this January!
| Member Institution | Non-Member Institution | |
| Early Registration: August 10 – 31 | $139/person | N/A |
| Regular Registration: September 1 – October 31 | $179/person | $209/person |
| Late Registration: November 1 – December 1 | $219/person | $249/person |
Professional staff members must bring at least one student in order to attend.
Students must be accompanied by at least one professional staff member.
Maximum attendance is two staff and six students per institution.
Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is a maximum capacity for this event and registration will close when we reach that capacity.
Please choose the number of student attendees carefully, as refunds will not be made should you choose to bring fewer students and there may not be space to accommodate additional students should you decide to add them at a later date. Names of all attendees (both students and staff) will be due by December 1.
Full payment is expected at the time of registration. If unable to pay by credit card, all registrations must be paid in full by December 15, 2026. Registration fees are non-refundable.
Transferring registration: A registration may be transferred for the same conference to another professional staff member or student from the same institution by writing to civsaHQ@civsa.org. If a registration transfer is requested after December 1, 2026, the change may not be reflected in the conference program book or conference app.
For entire-institution cancellation requests on or before December 1, 2026: A credit for all fees paid, less a $25 administrative fee, will be issued if requested in writing by December 1, 2026. The registration credit has no cash value, and is valid for the 2028 CIVSA Student Development Institute only. Cancellation requests must be submitted to civsaHQ@civsa.org. No credits will be issued after December 1st.
Guest Policy: Given the purpose of the Student Development Institute, there are no guests allowed. Only registered attendees will be able to participate in any formal programming including educational sessions, meals, and closing dinner.
Click here to view commonly asked questions and answers about CIVSA’s Student Development Institute. If you have any questions about SDI, please email our Conference and Events Manager or the SDI Chair.