Program and Schedule

Welcome

Beginning in 1991, MSEPS has welcomed undergraduate and graduate student work in the field of sport and exercise psychology. The symposium provides unique opportunities for networking, critical feedback, and enriching discussion. The Midwest region encompasses several institutions that have been instrumental in contributing to the professional development of students and faculty. We hope your time this weekend is filled with learning and networking opportunities. Thank you for your contribution to research and student development. Please find the program below!

2024 Theme: “The Winding Road”

In our current academic environment, students are under constant pressure to take the quickest, most straightforward path toward their future career. Whether it is to get the perfect score, earn the most ideal internship, or get into graduate school immediately — students are increasingly developing perfectionist attitudes where even the slightest mistake is considered the deepest failure, and where taking a moment to stop and ponder new, better paths is seen as time wasted and an abandonment of long-held goals. As a result, when students do inevitably “fail” it results in higher rates of anxiety, depression and a loss as to what to do next, as many of them do not consider other options when it comes to their career.

Our keynote speakers, Drs. Alan Smith and Kelley Strohacker, will reference their research and own career trajectories in sport and exercise psychology as examples on how keeping an open mind and allowing yourself to consider possibilities, make mistakes and say ‘yes’ to new opportunities can lead to an ultimately more fulfilling and enriching career in the future.

Learn More About the Keynote Speakers

Download a Full, Detailed Schedule (PDF)

Schedule At-a-Glance

Friday, February 16, 2024 – Haworth Hotel

Saturday, February 17, 2024 – Bultman Student Center (BSC)