The NCAA is excited to introduce a new hybrid format for the Effective Facilitator Workshop. This year, the workshop will include virtual sessions leading into an in-person experience at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis. The program will no longer be held in Las Vegas alongside the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals convention.

What’s new?

The workshop’s updated model is designed to:

• Strengthen learning through intentional prework and virtual engagement.
• Deepen skill application and coaching through in-person practice and feedback.
• Provide a more focused and immersive facilitation experience.
• Align with current professional development best practices.

Participants will complete virtual sessions to build foundational skills and peer connections, followed by an in-person workshop centered on hands-on facilitation, coaching and small-group application.

Why participate?

Participants will:

• Build confidence leading discussions, workshops and team meetings.
• Learn strategies to engage student-athletes and colleagues.
• Receive real-time coaching and feedback.
• Join a network of committed facilitators.
• Become eligible for NCAA facilitation roles (e.g., Career in Sports Forum, Student-Athlete Leadership Forum).

What you’ll learn

Participants will develop:

• Core skills for planning and leading group discussions.
• Effective questioning and group-management techniques.
• Approaches to active learning and reflection.
• Tools for designing purposeful agendas and session plans.

Through virtual learning, applied practice and coaching, learners will leave with a facilitation tool kit for a range of professional settings.

Schedule

Virtual sessions: May 7 and May 21

These interactive sessions build foundational knowledge and prepare participants for the in-person experience.

• Thursday, May 7: Noon–2:30 p.m. ET and 3:30–5 p.m. ET.
• Thursday, May 21: Noon–2:30 p.m. ET and 3:30–5 p.m. ET.

In-person workshop: June 4–6 (Indianapolis)

The in-person workshop is a three-day immersive experience at the NCAA national office that focuses on applied facilitation practice, real-time coaching and small-group work through scenario-based learning.

Eligibility

Open to full-time employees at NCAA member schools, conference offices and affiliate organizations. Ideal applicants:

• Lead or contribute to meetings, trainings or team sessions.
• Are interested in growing their facilitation skills.
• Can articulate how the workshop supports their professional development.
• Plan to apply what they learn to support student-athlete success.

Cost

Participants are responsible for travel and hotel accommodations for the in-person portion in Indianapolis. Meals during the workshop and all program materials are provided by the NCAA.