MACHA (Mid-American College Health Association) Virtual Conference

Join colleagues from across the region for the Mid-America College Health Association Fall Virtual Conference on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 1:00–4:00 PM EST. This free, half-day virtual gathering will bring together health and well-being professionals, campus leaders, and student affairs practitioners to engage in learning, recognition, and community building.

The program will open with a warm welcome and the MACHA Business Meeting, where members will receive updates on current initiatives and future directions. The featured Keynote Address will explore the rapidly expanding role of artificial intelligence in mental health, highlighting opportunities, risks, and the importance of AI literacy for campus communities. Following a short Wellness Break, the conference will celebrate excellence through the Labyk Award Presentations, honoring outstanding contributions to college health. We’ll conclude with a brief Closing Session to reflect on key takeaways and inspire continued collaboration.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the field, this event offers an accessible opportunity to learn, connect, and advance our shared commitment to student health and well-being.

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Participant Information

Conference Title:
Mid-America College Health Association Fall Virtual Conference 2025

Date/Time:
November 12, 2025, 1:00–4:00 PM EST

Agenda

1:00–1:10 PM – Welcome
1:15–1:45 PM – MACHA Business Meeting
1:50–2:40 PM – Keynote Address: AI and Mental Health: Building Literacy for Campus Communities
2:45–3:00 PM – Wellness Break
3:00–3:45 PM – Labyk Award Presentations
3:50–4:00 PM – Closing Session

Session Highlight (Keynote Abstract)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly expanding into the mental health space, with therapy apps, AI companions, and chatbots often marketed as effective, affordable, and available 24/7. Yet, these tools operate in a largely unregulated and misunderstood landscape. This keynote will highlight why AI literacy is now essential for higher education communities. Participants will gain strategies to help students make informed decisions about AI mental health tools, explore ways to address stigma in conversations about AI and well-being, and consider approaches for creating supportive campus environments in the digital age.

Learning Objectives (Participants will be able to…)

  1. Describe the current role and limitations of AI tools in mental health.

  2. Evaluate the benefits, risks, and ethical considerations of AI therapy tools in higher education.

  3. Apply strategies to support students in critically assessing and responsibly engaging with AI mental health tools.

  4. Identify approaches for integrating AI literacy into campus health promotion and well-being initiatives.

Intended Audience

College health professionals, mental health practitioners, administrators, faculty, student affairs leaders, and others engaged in student well-being and campus health promotion.

Teaching Methods / Format

  • Live virtual conference sessions (Zoom/Teams)

  • Keynote presentation with Q&A

  • Business meeting & awards ceremony

  • Interactive discussions and wellness activities


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