The Georgia College Personnel Association invites you to join us for our Next Generation Conference. The conference is a one-day drive-in event where participants can explore starting careers in student affairs and higher education or taking their career to the next level. The event will feature two tracks of programs. The Master's Track is designed for undergraduate students and professionals without a Master's Degree who want to consider a career in student affairs and higher education and are considering graduate school. The Doctoral Track is designed for professionals who currently have a Master's Degree and are exploring a Doctoral Degree and want to learn more about the process and determine whether it's the right path for them.  The conference will have two program tracks.  Exploring the Master’s Track-  The first is designed for people who want to explore a career in student affairs and higher education.  Primarily, these will be undergraduate students who are looking to attain a Master’s Degree or seek employment after they receive their Bachelor’s Degree.  Some participants may be currently employed, but do not have a Master’s Degree.Exploring the Doctoral Track-  The second is designed for participants who already have a Master’s Degree and are considering a Doctoral Degree.  Primarily, this group will be current professionals who are working in higher education or a similar field and are interested in pursuing terminal degree and taking the next step in their career.    TENTATIVE SCHEDULE 8:30am-9:30am-  Registration and Continental BreakfastLocation: Outside of Room 480, Tate Student Center9:30am-10am-  Welcome and Opening SpeakerLocation:  Room 480, Tate Student CenterOpening SpeakerDr. Andy Horne, Dean of the College of Education at the University of Georgia Arthur M. (Andy) Horne has served as the 14th dean of the College of Education since July 1, 2008. An internationally recognized authority on group counseling and therapy and early intervention for at-risk children, he also holds the title of Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus.  He founded and directed the college’s Educational Policy and Evaluation Center after he retired in 2006. Horne is widely known for his scholarship on troubled families and ways to prevent and deal with bullying and aggressive behavior by males.  Since 1999, he received more than $7 million in research funding that includes grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arthur Blank Foundation, U.S. Department of Education and National Institute of Mental Health. He is a Fellow of UGA’s Institute for Behavioral Research and several divisions of the American Psychological Association. He has received numerous awards for his research and teaching.  Horne joined the UGA faculty in 1989. He received his Ph.D. at Southern Illinois University. 10am-11amExploring the Master’s Track- Mapping out a Career in Student Affairs and Higher EducationLocation:  Room 481, Tate Student Center Kathy Alday, Kennesaw State UniversityReflective program to help participants understand who they are and what interests them as it could relate to careers in higher education.Exploring the Doctoral Track-  The What, Where, When, How, and Why of Pursuing a Doctoral Degree Dr. Kijua Sanders-McMurtry, Agnes Scott CollegeA conversational approach to understanding the many aspects of pursuing a doctoral degree. 11am-12pmExploring the Master’s Track-  An Introduction to the Possibilities and Functions in Student Affairs and Higher EducationLocation:  Room 480, Tate Student CenterA survey of the various job functions and responsibilities that are possible in higher education.Eddie Howard and Jessica Haskins, Augusta State UniversityExploring the Doctoral Track-  Advanced Career Mapping for Taking the Next Step  This is intended to be an advanced coaching session to help participants take a closer look at where they want to go with their career and how a doctoral program may (or may not) be the answer.Michael Fulford, University of Georgia 12pm-1pm-  Active Learning Lunch Location:  Throughout the Tate Student CenterExploring the Master’s Track-  This is an active lunch.  Participants will be assigned to groups and eat with one or more current professionals.  During this time, they will reflect on the programs from the morning and ask frank questions about working and living as a student affairs professional.  Exploring the Doctoral Track-  This is an active lunch.  Participants will have lunch with current faculty members of Doctoral programs and professionals who currently have a Doctoral Degree.  They will reflect on the morning sessions and be able to discuss some frank questions about what to expect before, during, and after a doctoral program. 1pm-2pm-  Exploring the Master’s Track-  Panel Discussions with Current Graduate Students Students currently participating in a Master’s program will share their experiences and answer questions from participants Exploring the Doctoral Track-  Conversation with Faculty Students will hear from the coordinators of various Doctoral Programs and learn about their curriculum and requirements.  They will also be able to ask questions.Dr. Brenda Marina, Georgia Southern UniversityDr. Pamela Larde, Mercer UniversityDr. Erik Ness, University of Georgia (Institue for Higher Education)Dr. Merrily Dunn, University of Georgia (College Student Affairs Administration)Dr. Tony Cawthon, Clemson University 2pm-3pmExploring the Master’s Track-  Conversation with FacultyLocation:  Room 481, Tate Student CenterStudents will hear from the coordinators of various Master’s Programs and learn about their curriculum and requirements.  They will also be able to ask questions.Dr. Brenda Marina, Georgia Southern UniversityDr. Pamela Larde, Mercer UniversityDr. Erik Ness, University of Georgia (Institue for Higher Education)Dr. Merrily Dunn, University of Georgia (College Student Affairs Administration)Dr. Tony Cawthon, Clemson UniversityDr. Melanie McClellan, University of West Georgia Exploring the Doctoral Track-  Panel Discussion with current Doctoral Students and Recent Graduates of Doctoral Programs   Students currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree or have recently received a degree will share their thoughts and answer questions from participants. 3pm-3:30pm-  Wrap-Up and EvaluationsLocation:  Room 480, Tate Student Center Registration includes Breakfast and Lunch Conference Registration 30.00