About NovakTalks
NovakTalks is a nationally recognized facilitation and consulting practice founded by Kim Novak, Plaid’s own Strategic Advisor and a leading expert in hazing prevention, student-focused risk management, and campus safety. NovakTalks specializes in creating communities of care through frank, research-informed conversations with students, organizations, and campus professionals.
The NovakTalks team is comprised of experienced industry experts who believe fundamentally in the value of the student voice. Every program is research-informed, evidence-based, and tailored to the client’s specific culture, policies, and needs. Plaid partners with NovakTalks to offer facilitated, in-person engagement as part of comprehensive prevention and remediation work.
Program offerings
Hazing prevention workshops
Interactive sessions that challenge student leaders to rethink the role of hazing in their chapter or team experience — using current research to help students understand unintended consequences and develop strategies for sustaining a non-hazing culture.
Keynotes & community programs
Large-group programs for fraternity/sorority communities, athletic teams, clubs, or full campus audiences. Designed to engage members in risk management from a perspective of care — empowering students to act on what they can do, not what they cannot.
Leadership workshops & retreats
Facilitated sessions for chapter or council leadership teams focused on values, governance, bystander intervention, and building a culture where members hold each other accountable.
Chapter remediation
Targeted intervention and coaching for chapters or organizations following an incident — working with leadership, members, and advisors to develop a documented plan for culture change and accountability.
Community conversations
Frank dialogue-based sessions that get students talking about the real issues — hazing, alcohol, risk, and community standards — in an environment designed to surface honest conversation rather than defensive posturing.
Advisor & professional development
Developmental workshops for campus professionals, chapter advisors, and inter/national staff focused on supporting student organizations, navigating high-risk situations, and building institutional prevention capacity.
Recognition & reach
NovakTalks has been selected for targeted hazing prevention work with the University of Louisiana System and numerous campuses and inter/national organizations across the country. Kim Novak has served as Dean at the Fraternity Executive Association’s Interfraternal Institute, established the leading institute for hazing prevention (now IIHP), and was awarded the North American Interfraternity Conference’s Silver Medal for her work in the field.
NovakTalks programs are available as a standalone engagement or as part of a broader Plaid partnership. Topics, formats, and scheduling are tailored to each client. Contact us to discuss fit and availability.
Want to bring NovakTalks to your campus or organization?
We’ll recommend the right format and connect you with the team.
