We are excited to bring together NECPA members, sponsors, community partners, and professionals dedicated to supporting student success in higher education. This event is designed for prevention specialists, nurses, social workers, licensed mental health care practitioners, student affairs professionals, and anyone passionate about helping college students reach graduation healthy, well, and ready to thrive.

Why Attend?
>Evidence-based strategies for substance use prevention & student mental health
>Skill-building workshops & networking with statewide professionals
>Earn up to 4.5 Contact Hours for nursing, social work, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health, and education.

Nurses: 4.5 contact hours awarded. Midwest Multistate Division Provider Approval # NE1025-1. Nebraska Methodist College Professional Development is approved with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Midwest Multistate Division, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.  

Cost & Registration
>Event Value: $180
>FREE for NECPA Members & Sponsors
>General Admission: $50
>Travel Assistance Available for NECPA Members!
>Registration opens April 1st! https://go.unl.edu/2025_necpa_convening_registration

Keynote Address: Synthetic THC and Related Cannabinoids in Nebraska
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers will provide a critical update on synthetic THC and related cannabinoids, shedding light on their composition, risks, and impact on Nebraskans. This presentation will explore the legal status of these substances, including recent enforcement efforts and public safety concerns. Additionally, AG Hilgers will address Nebraska’s evolving medical marijuana legislation, outlining its implications for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers. With the rise of synthetic cannabinoids posing significant health and legal challenges, this session will offer valuable insights into how the Attorney General’s Office is tackling the issue. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of regulatory actions, law enforcement strategies, and what these changes mean for Nebraska’s future.

Plenary Session: Stop Campus Hazing Act: what does it mean for you?
Join Todd Shelton, Executive Director of the Hazing Prevention Network, and Emily Perlow, Assistant Vice President/Dean of Students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, for an in-depth look at the Stop Campus Hazing Act, which became federal law in December 2024. This session will explore the law’s impact on campuses, the key motivators of hazing at individual, organizational, and community levels, and effective strategies for prevention. Presenters will introduce the 4 Cs of Situational Strength and discuss practical approaches to disrupting hazing culture, ensuring safer and more accountable campus communities.

Breakout Sessions:

Navigating the Rising Tide: Nebraska and National Drug Trends, Challenges, and Solutions
During this presentation, Omaha Police Lieutenant Steve Fornoff will present information and data on fentanyl and other substances, emphasizing the crucial role of Narcan in saving lives and the importance of having it available on college campuses. In response to the alarming rise in fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths that began in 2016, a partnership between the Drug Enforcement Administration, The Omaha Police Department (OPD), the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, and federal prosecutors established The Drug Task Force in the Omaha Metro. Omaha Police Lieutenant Steve Fornoff oversees the task force, manages the narcotics, vice, and intelligence unit for OPD, and supervises five teams of officers responsible for investigating narcotics violations, human trafficking, and terrorism. In his role with OPD, Steve collaborates with community groups to mitigate the impact of these issues within the Omaha metro area.

Beyond the Buzz: Understanding and Addressing Substance Misuse in Young Adults
During this presentation, Dr. Dennis McChargue Professor of Psychology and the Director of Clinical Training for the Clinical Psychology PhD program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will examine key risk and protective factors, the role of campus culture, and evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies. Attendees will gain insights into effective harm reduction approaches, digital tools for intervention, and policy implications at various levels. This session explores the latest trends in substance misuse among college students, including the impact of social media, mental health, and post-COVID shifts in usage patterns. The session will conclude with actionable takeaways and resources to help institutions foster a healthier campus environment.

The Vitality of Leveraging Campus-Community Partnerships: Harnessing the Power of Collective Collaboration
Collaboration is essential for effective alcohol and drug misuse prevention, but fostering and sustaining partnerships can be challenging. Join Cindy Clouner, Managing Director of the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery at The Ohio State University, for an interactive roundtable discussion on strengthening town-gown collaboration. This session will explore strategies to identify key stakeholders, build trust, and communicate the benefits of partnership. Participants will engage in dialogue on overcoming common challenges and increasing engagement with external partners to enhance behavioral health efforts on campus.

The Benefits of Creating a Tobacco-Free Campus for Your Students and Faculty
Join Ranae Aspen, Statewide Youth Tobacco Specialist with the Nebraska Department of Education, for an insightful presentation on the importance of tobacco-free college campuses. A tobacco-free environment safeguards students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community from the dangers of secondhand smoke while fostering a culture of health and wellness. This session will explore how tobacco use impacts mental health, athletic performance, and college retention rates. Learn about the benefits of implementing tobacco-free policies and strategies to promote a healthier campus environment for all.

If You’re Not Assessing, You’re Guessing: Prioritizing Program Assessment and Evaluation
Join Eva Esakoff, Assistant Director for Statewide Coalition Evaluation and Data Projects, on NASPA’s Health, Safety, and Well-being team, as she leads an insightful session on program assessment and evaluation. In this session, Eva will guide you through the importance of consistently assessing and evaluating your programs to ensure they are evidence-based and impactful. Whether you’re unsure where to start or need a refresher, you’ll gain practical tools for writing meaningful learning outcomes and implementing effective methods for collecting assessment data. Eva will also share valuable tips for fostering a culture of assessment and evaluation on your campus, helping you strengthen the impact of your programs.

Trauma and Substance Use in College Students: A Neuroscience-Informed Approach to Prevention
Join Dr. Christine “Tina” Chasek, Professor and Chair of the Counseling Department at the University of Nebraska Omaha and Associate Workforce Expansion Director for the Behavioral Healthcare Center of Nebraska-UNMC, for an interactive session exploring the complex relationship between trauma and substance use in college students. This presentation will delve into the neuroscience of addiction, examining how trauma impacts brain development and influences substance use as both a social connector and coping mechanism. Participants will gain insights into the unique stressors college students face and explore trauma-informed prevention and intervention strategies that can be implemented to support student well-being on campus.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, network, and build stronger prevention programs on your campus!