#ECSAS 2026
11-13 NOV 2026
SEVILLE
CENTERING STUDENT AFFAIRS
WITHIN THE HIGHER EDUCATION ECOSYSTEM
ABOUT
The goal of the European Conference for Student Affairs and Services is to provide education, training, resources, and support to professionals working in student affairs and services roles in the European education area and beyond.
THIS YEAR'S FOCUS
Student affairs and services should not operate on the margins of higher education — they sit at its core.
As institutions face rising demands around student mental health, international mobility, digital transformation, and post-pandemic engagement, the professionals who shape the everyday student experience and campus life must be recognized as integral to the educational mission itself.
THE SOLUTION
ECSAS 2026 examines what it means to center student affairs and services within the higher education ecosystem: not as auxiliary support, but as a structural pillar that connects academic success, student well-being, institutional strategy, and societal responsibility.
From rethinking how we prepare globally fluent professionals, to modernizing engagement models on campuses that encourage more participation, to embedding well-being as a shared institutional commitment — this edition asks how we move student affairs from the periphery to the center of higher education decision-making.
CALL FOR PROGRAMS
EucA is accepting proposal abstracts from higher education practitioners who wish to share their knowledge and experience by presenting a peer-delivered educational session during the conference.
Interested individuals will complete and submit a proposal form electronically that will require them to craft an outline of their session.
Presenters will be expected to pay registration and other related fees associated with attending the conference. Please note that all accepted programs will allow presenters to register with an Early Bird conference fee.
You will submit your program through NASPA'S platform, for which you need an account. Please note that it's free to create a NASPA account and you don't need to be a member of NASPA to submit programs.
Please note that all accepted programs will allow presenters to register with an Early Bird conference fee.
€
PROGRAM SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 1 September 2026
PROGRAM DECISION NOTIFICATIONS: 9 September 2026
PRESENTER ACCEPTANCE CONFIRMATION DEADLINE: 18 September 2026
PRESENTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 18 September 2026
TOPICS
CENTERING STUDENT AFFAIRS
WITHIN THE HIGHER EDUCATION ECOSYSTEM
Moving away from the "silo" mentality and starting to view student support as a core academic and operational engine.
THEME
TYPE OF SESSIONS
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 1 September 2026
PROGRAM DECISION NOTIFICATIONS: 9 September 2026
PRESENTER ACCEPTANCE CONFIRMATION DEADLINE: 18 September 2026
PRESENTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 18 September 2026
DURATION: 50 minutes
Share in depth an initiative in your institution and use it as a starting point to launch conversations with the audience. To choose from the following sub-formats:
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General Presentations:
Go in-depth in your work by showcasing promising practices implemented in your institution
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Panel Presentations:
Bring together different voices from the field to talk about common challenges and practices across institutions or countries.
PROVISIONAL AGENDA
DAY 0 - 10 November 2026
18:00 - 19:00
First-time Attendees Meetup! - Networking activity
Greet new colleagues at your first ECSAS meetup.
Register now! - Location coming soon.
From 19:00
Happy Hour Drinks! - Networking activity
Join us for a relaxed gathering with drinks, great conversation, and a touch of cultural exchange!
Register now! - Drinks are available for purchase
DAY 1 - 11 November 2026
08:00 - 09:00
Registrations
09:00 - 09:50
Welcome session
10:00 - 10:50
Keynote
10:50 - 11:20
Coffee break
11:30 - 12:20
Concurrent sessions
12:30 - 13:20
Concurrent sessions
13:30 - 14:30
Lunch
14:30 - 15:20
Concurrent sessions
15:30 - 16:30
Flash Talks
16:30 - 17:30
Coffee break and networking activity Flavours Without Borders - Register now!
From 18:00
To choose from:
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Cultural activity. More information coming soon. Registration will be required
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Free time!
DAY 2 - 12 November 2026
08:00 - 09:00
Registrations
09:00 - 09:50
Concurrent sessions
10:00 - 10:50
Concurrent sessions
10:50 - 11:20
Coffee break
11:30 - 12:20
Concurrent sessions
12:30 - 13:20
Concurrent sessions
13:30 - 14:30
Lunch
14:30 - 15:20
Concurrent sessions
15:30 - 16:30
Coffee break and networking activity
16:30 - 17:30
Closing session
From 18:00
To choose from:
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Dinner and Dialogue - Networking activity. Registration will be required
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Cultural activity. More information coming soon. Registration will be required
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Free time!
DAY 3 - 13 November 2026
10:00 - 12:00
Visit to the University of Seville - Institutional Activity
13:00 - 14:30
To choose from:
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Visit to the Colegio Mayor Careu (University college") - Institutional Activity: Register now!
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Visit to the Colegio Hernando Colón (University college) - Institutional Activity. Register now!
From 14:00
To choose from:
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Cultural Activities. More information coming soon. Registration will be required.
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Free time!
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
María Guerrero Sanz
President and Founder of "Acción por la Música" - Leading nonprofit
María Guerrero Sanz is a social entrepreneur, leadership educator, and founder of Acción por la Música, a leading Spanish nonprofit that uses music as a tool for human development, wellbeing, and social inclusion. She teaches Leadership at Comillas University (ICADE) and works internationally with educational, social, and faith-based organizations on leadership development, collective learning, and organizational transformation. Her work focuses on helping people and institutions build the conditions for belonging, purpose, resilience, and flourishing in times of complexity and change.
SESSION:
Educating Beyond Knowledge: Why Human Development Is the Next Frontier of Higher Education
Some of the most important learning that takes place during university cannot be fully prescribed in a curriculum, planned in a syllabus, or found in a textbook. It emerges as students navigate uncertainty, relationships, identity, purpose, and their place in an increasingly complex world. Human development is not an ancillary outcome of higher education but one of its most fundamental purposes. Drawing on insights from leadership development and social transformation through music, this keynote explores how universities can create the conditions for students not only to acquire knowledge and skills, but to develop the adaptive capacities needed to grow, contribute, and flourish in a rapidly changing world.
VENUE & ACCOMMODATION
The ECSAS conference will take place at the Meliá Sevilla Hotel, in Seville, Spain.
Venue information
Address: Dr. Pedro de Castro, 1, Seville
Phone: +34 954 42 15 11
Email: melia.sevilla@melia.com
Due to high occupancy, rooms at the conference hotel are no longer available with an EucA discount. Please find below alternative accommodation options located near the venue, along with their discounted rates:
OTHER ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Enjoy exclusive discounts as an ECSAS participant!
Meliá Lebreros: Maximize luxury and comfort with an ECSAS discount! Discount deadline: 21 October.
Conditions:
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Stay under discount: from 10-13 Nov to 13
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Room: Meliá Room Double Bed, Street view, 23 m2
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Services: Free High-speed Wi-Fi
Hotel Hesperia: A charming hotel with a true Andalusian spirit. Access with discount code: “ECSAS”. No booking deadline.
More information coming soon!
Hotel Sevilla Center: An elegant accommodation option with good connections. Access with discount code: EUCA. Discount deadline: 15 July.
More information coming soon!
CONTACT:
Having any problems booking your accommodation or finding the best fit? Don't hesitate to contact EucA for support:
Contact person:
Alba Sierra, EucA Operations Coordinator
Secure the best deals by arranging your accommodation early!
Seville is very popular around that time, and prices tend to go up closer to the event. Booking early helps you secure the best available option.
HOW TO GET THERE
JOIN ECSAS WITH ERASMUS+!
Professionals working in Higher Education institutions with an Erasmus charter can be covered by the Erasmus+ Mobility Program.
The participation is subject to eligibility, institutional approval, and compliance with Erasmus+ mobility requirements. Participants are responsible for ensuring that all required Erasmus+ mobility documentation and approvals are completed in accordance with their sending and receiving institutions’ procedures.
FLY WITH A DISCOUNT!
Flying internationally? ECSAS has your back:
Lufthansa Group is the preferred airline partner for the conference.
Participants can benefit from special discounts (approx. 2%–10%, subject to booking class*) when booking flights with the following airlines:
*Important: Taxes and fees are not discounted. “Light” and “Business Saver” fares are excluded.
FEE & REGISTRATIONS
Your ECSAS 2026 registration will be confirmed once the payment is processed and the information has been submitted.
FROM 1 JULY TO 16 SEPTEMBER
Regular Fee
Non-members: €725
EucA & NASPA members: €600
SCAN TO PAY
OR CLICK HERE
SCAN TO PAY
OR CLICK HERE
NON-MEMBERS
MEMBERS
Late Fee
Non-members: €775
EucA & NASPA members: €625
REGISTRATIONS FROM 16 SEPTEMBER
CANCELLATION POLICY
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Refund requests received by 11 September 2026 will receive a full refund of your registration fee, less a 50€ service and processing fee. Please write to admin@euca.eu to submit a refund request. Please allow up to 15 days for processing.
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Refund requests received between 12 September 2026 and 12 October 2026 will receive a refund equal to 50% of your registration fee. Please write to admin@euca.eu to submit a refund request. Please allow up to 15 days for processing.
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Refund requests received after 13 October 2026 are not eligible for a refund.
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Exceptions to the cancellation refund policy outlined above will be considered on a case-by-case basis and decisions will be made approximately 15 business days after the conclusion of the conference.
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Attendee substitutions are permitted. Please submit the substitution request to both brussels.office@euca.eu and admin@euca.eu
Please, note:
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EucA and NASPA will not reimburse registration fees for weather, travel-related delays or cancellations, or other circumstances outside of EucA and NASPA's control that prevent attendees from traveling to the event.
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Conferences may be cancelled or postponed due to unforeseen major circumstances. In this case, registration fees will be refunded; however, EucA and NASPA will not be responsible for additional costs, including but not limited to cancellation/change fees assessed by airlines, hotels, and/or travel agencies.
APPLY AND ATTEND WITH A SCHOLARSHIP!
Luca Demontis Scholarship
EucA's Luca Demontis Scholarship is honouring the legacy of Luca Demontis by providing financial support to the next generation of leaders in student affairs!
Apply now, get a scholarship, and experience ECSAS 2026 for a discounted fee next November!
DEADLINE: 13 September 2026
BECOME A SPONSOR
With a strong focus on residential life, college management, energy-efficient housing, and student support systems, the event offers a unique opportunity for companies to engage with decision-makers seeking high-quality services, impactful tools, and new technologies.
BENEFITS
Establish your brand as a key player among a targeted public and SAS professionals leaders in the higher education sector.
Position your organization as a leader and innovator in supporting student success, showing solutions that could benefit participants.
Connect with potential new clients, partners, and influence on key stakeholders in the field of student affairs.
Demonstrate your commitment to improving higher education and student experiences globally, attract potential clients and new partners to improve your impact.
Interested?
CONTACT:
Download the Sponsorship Brochure and send us a message.
NETWORKING ACTIVITIES
FIRST-TIME ATTENDEES MEETUP
10 November
| 18:00 - 19:00
Description
Attending ECSAS for the first time? Start the conference by meeting fellow first-timers and making new connections in a relaxed and welcoming setting. This informal meetup is a chance to get to know other attendees, exchange experiences, and find your way into the ECSAS community before the conference begins.
Whether you’re coming alone or with colleagues, join us for a friendly introduction to ECSAS and to the people who will make your conference experience even more memorable.
Price:
Free!
Registration deadline:
10 November
HAPPY HOUR DRINKS!
10 November
| 19:00 - Evening
Description
Excited to reconnect with old colleagues and meet new ones? Who says Student Affairs professionals can’t mix work with fun? Join us for a relaxed evening filled with conversation, networking, and a touch of cultural exchange.
The Happy Hour is the perfect opportunity to unwind after a long trip, share stories and ideas with international peers, and build meaningful connections. Let’s set the mood together for an inspiring and energizing start to ECSAS!
Drinks are not included.
Price:
Free!
Registration deadline:
10 November
FLAVOURS WITHOUT BORDERS: APERITIVO NETWORKING
11 November
| From 16:30
Description
Food brings people together, and at ECSAS we want to celebrate our cultural diversity in the most delicious way!
Flavours Without Borders is a one-hour gathering where each participant brings a snack or small dish from their home country to share.
This is more than just a food exchange: it’s a chance to experience the same spirit of inclusion and intercultural dialogue we foster in our daily work with students.
Price:
Free!
Registration deadline:
10 November
DINNER & DIALOGUE
11 November
| From 18:00
Description
We’re halfway through ECSAS! Take a break from the conference programme and join fellow attendees for a relaxed evening of good food, conversation, and networking. It’s the perfect moment to reconnect, meet new people, and continue the conversations and connections that have started during the first days of the conference.
Come ready to share, connect, and enjoy an evening together in Seville!
Price:
Free to join - Each attendee pays for their own food and drinks.
Registration deadline:
10 November
INSTITUTIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
More coming soon!
VISIT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF SEVILLE
Date and time:
13 November, 10:00 - 12:00
Duration:
2 hours.
Capacity:
60 people (with waiting list)
Description
Join us for a visit to the University of Seville, one of the city’s most iconic academic landmarks. The visit will take place in the historic former Royal Tobacco Factory, an impressive 18th-century building that now hosts the Rectorate of the University of Seville and several university faculties. Participants will discover the historical and institutional significance of this remarkable site, while gaining insight into the university’s role in the academic and cultural life of Seville.
Price:
Free!
Registration deadline:
30 October
VISIT TO COLEGIO MAYOR CAREU
Date and time:
13 November, 12:30 - 14:00
Duration:
1.5 hours.
Capacity:
30 people (with waiting list)
Description
Enjoy a visit to Colegio Mayor Careu and learn more about its residential model, student community, and role in supporting university life in Seville. The visit will offer an opportunity to exchange with the local team and better understand how student residences contribute to personal development, academic support, and community-building.
Price:
Free!
Registration deadline:
30 October
VISIT TO COLEGIO MAYOR UNIVERSITARIO HERNANDO COLÓN
Date and time:
13 November, 12:30 - 14:00
Duration:
1.5 hours.
Capacity:
30 people (with waiting list)
Description
Join us for a visit to the CMU Hernando Colón, a university residence connected to Seville’s student life. The visit will provide insight into its residential experience, community activities, and support services for students. It will also offer a valuable opportunity to compare approaches to student accommodation and engagement across European contexts.
Price:
Free!
Registration deadline:
30 October
GUIDED TAPAS & WINE TOUR
Date and time:
11 November, 18:15
Duration:
2.5 hours.
Description
In Seville, every corner has a story, and most of them are about food. On this culinary stroll through Santa Cruz (the old Jewish Quarter), City Hall, El Salvador, Alfalfa, and you’ll hop from 19th-century taverns to modern kitchens, sampling the flavors that make Andalusia so dangerously addictive. Expect bold flavors, surprise favorites, and just enough history to keep the history buffs among us hooked. It’s Andalusian cuisine done right
Price:
€62
Registration deadline:
9 November
FLAMENCO SHOW: FEEL THE PASSION OF SEVILLE
Date and time:
11 November | Time to be confirmed
Duration:
1 hour
Description
Experience the passion and energy of traditional flamenco in the atmospheric setting of Seville’s historic Casa de la Memoria. Enjoy an evening of live music, powerful performances, and authentic Spanish culture as flamenco comes alive on stage.
Price:
€25
Registration deadline:
9 November
SEVILLE CUISINE COOKING CLASS & DINNER
Date and time:
12 November, 18:00 - 21:00
Duration:
3 hours.
Description
The perfect Seville evening: you cook, you eat, you drink.
Join a small group at our cooking school in the Seville neighbourhood of Triana for a 3-hour hands-on, collaborative class led by a professional chef. Working together as a group, you'll learn authentic techniques, share in every stage of the cooking process, and help prepare the meal from start to finish – no experience needed.
You'll leave with the recipes, practical skills you can use at home, and a deeper understanding of Andalusian culinary traditions.
Suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Please inform us in advance so we can adapt the menu accordingly.
Price:
€65
Registration deadline:
9 November
SEVILLE HISTORIC CENTRE WALKING TOUR
Date and time:
13 November, 09:30 - 11:30
Duration:
2 hours.
Description
Discover the heart of Seville on a guided walking tour through the city’s historic centre. This fully outdoor tour will take participants along some of Seville’s most iconic streets, squares, and landmarks, combining history, architecture, local traditions, and the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
The tour will include Calle Sierpes, Las Setas, Plaza del Salvador, the City Hall and the surroundings of Seville Cathedral, before continuing through the charming streets and hidden corners of Santa Cruz. The tour will finish in the area between the Royal Alcázar and the Archivo de Indias, one of the most impressive historic settings in Seville.
A great opportunity to discover Seville on foot, learn more about its rich history and culture, and experience the city beyond the conference venue.
Price:
€20
Registration deadline:
9 November
CONTACT
Mirela Mazalu,