October 14, 2026 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT
The work that we do on college and university campuses can be deeply rewarding, but even meaningful work can leave us feeling depleted. When burnout sets in, the interactions we once found energizing can start to feel like one more thing on an already too long list.
This interactive presentation invites participants to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the why behind their work. Participants will explore practical strategies for protecting their own mental well-being, recognizing signs of burnout, finding moments of meaning and joy, and building healthier connections with students, supervisors, and mentees. Using the LANE framework—Listen, Affirm, Note, Encourage—participants will consider how to support others without taking responsibility for everyone else’s well-being. Because sustainable care starts with recognizing that we matter, too.
About the Presenter
Annalise Sinclair is an award-winning speaker, mental health advocate, and fierce believer in the power of authentic connection. A proud alumna of the University of South Florida and Kent State University, Annalise considers the college campus her favorite place to be.
Over the last decade, she has worked in a variety of roles supporting students on several college campuses. Most recently, she had the unique privilege of serving as the only woman on the headquarters staff of a men’s fraternity, where she developed a deep appreciation for the people who support and shape the collegiate experience behind the scenes.
Today, Annalise is the owner of her own educational company, where she partners with colleges, universities, and organizations to create engaging learning experiences focused on mental health, resilience, authentic leadership, and meaningful connection. She brings a candid, energetic approach to helping campus professionals build healthier communities while caring for their own well-being along the way. Annalise spends her (limited) spare time as an active fraternity/sorority life advocate, crazy cat lady, dogmom, and fiber artist.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify common signs and contributing factors of burnout, particularly in student-facing and people-centered roles.
- Apply practical strategies for protecting their own mental health and creating sustainable boundaries while remaining engaged and effective in their work.
- Use the LANE framework- Listen, Affirm, Note, Encourage- to practice supportive, empathetic interactions with students, colleagues, supervisors, and mentees without assuming responsibility for solving every problem.
- Identify at least three strategies for reconnecting with meaning, purpose, and moments of joy when their work feels emotionally or professionally draining.
- Recognize how individual well-being and community well-being are connected and identify ways to contribute to a culture where seeking support, setting boundaries, and caring for one another are normalized.
ACUI Core Competencies
- Human Resources
- Student Learning
Registration Details
- Campus Pass for Premium or Full Tier Member Campus: $199
- Campus Pass for Digital Tier Member Campus: $249
- Nonmember: $249
After the initial registration from an individual at a campus, others associated with the campus will be able to register at the $0 complimentary rate. Each person who wants access to event or resources following event should register individually. Members must be associated with the correct campus account to receive the $0 rate, where applicable; please contact acui@acui.org with questions or issues.
Premium and Full Tier members may use a Thought Leadership Voucher toward this event. Please contact acui@acui.org with questions or issues.
About Thought Leadership
Thought leadership events bring in experts from outside of higher education to share information on industry best practices, trends, or research that assists college union and student activities professionals to do their work on campus.