TABLE OF CONTENTS
Updates from the Regional Director
Reflections from the Regional Conference 2024
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome to the ACUI Region VII Newsletter, where I hope you’ll find everything you need to stay up to date on the happenings of Region VII. If you’re a seasoned ACUI Veteran, I hope you continue to find the community, connections, and development you’ve known for years. If you’re new to ACUI, I hope you, like me, realize how great of a family ACUI and Region VII can be in supporting your personal and professional development.
Inside this issue you’ll get a comprehensive review of our Regional Conference at West Chester University and learn more about how you can become more involved in Region VII through future volunteer opportunities!
In Campus Community, Zac Lomas Communications Coordinator, ACUI Region VII
Updates From the Regional Director
Chrissie Taylor
Regional Director
Rutgers University - Camden
Hey Party People!
I am so very excited to be joining you this newsletter as your incoming Regional Director for Region VII This past month has been one of many ups and downs, but through it all, we have been here together for each other, for our students, for our communities
In my time as Regional Director over the next couple of years, I truly want to get to know all of you! Perhaps through meeting you at a regional or annual event or you applying to volunteer in the region, I want to hear from you and your students.
Together, we can work with each other to build, to learn, and to grow. We have so many things in common, but most importantly, we are connected by the college union Now, more than ever, we need to reconnect with each other to help unify our institutions It is critical that we continue to create spaces to engage in difficult conversations, to foster respect, and affirm the identities of all individuals, to provide firsthand experience in leadership and citizenship and to encourage interaction and relationship building.
I always have an open door, so please feel free to reach out to me directly via email at Chrissie king@rutgers edu or through the Region VII GroupMe In these difficult times, THANK YOU for all that you do for your students, for your campus, and for this region I look forward to the next two years and growing with you
Chrissie Taylor Region VII Director
Reflectionsfromthe RegionVIIConference
Kraemer Clayton
2024 Conference Chair
The George Washington University
The 2024 conference was absolutely incredible! The Conference Planning Team (CPT), Host Team and Regional Leadership Team (RLT) worked closely together to collaborate and make this event a huge success I was honored to work with an incredible group of individuals
Off the heels of 2023's Conference the group had a few goals and adjustments that were all met and went above what we had hoped for We were able to invite back Drag Queen Entertainment for another Drag Show which also included hosting our region's tradition of Heads or Tails and Bingo and collaborated with Wawa Catering for lunch, making all conference meals included for our attendees
Over the last four years, ACUI Region VII has become my professional home I have often been known to say that it feels like a "family reunion" when we gather A huge thank you to Region VII for being such a strong community and really leaning into our theme of Together.
Chairing this conference was truly a privilege and the highlight of my professional career
As I reflect back on my time with ACUI and being on the CPT for the past four cycles, I will miss every zoom call, logistics to navigate, laughs and connections to be made For folks who are asking themselves, is this experience for me? I would say absolutely YES! Take the chance, volunteer and get involved in our Region Anyone who has given their time to ACUI will promise you that you will not regret it
$2,279 Raised for Scholarships
2024RegionVII AwardWinners
Edgar A. Whiting Award
As the highest Region VII honor, this award is presented to an outstanding member of Region VII who has consistently performed above and beyond the call of duty in their role within ACUI and in their institution(s) The individual has attained prominence through efforts to develop the college union and student activities movement on a regional basis through their work within the Association and on their campuses. They exemplify the core values of ACUI by demonstrating exceptional commitment and support of other colleagues and continually volunteering in regional activities, councils, and programs to help advance the mission of ACUI
Julie Fleming Montclair State University
Adriane Reilly
West Chester University
The George Washington University
Christine A. Chergi
Award
This award serves to honor and recognize a longtime college union or student activities professional of a Region VII member institution who has made exceptional contributions and demonstrated a longterm commitment to the profession and within Region VII. The recipient of this award will have demonstrated long-term volunteer service to Region VII and the college union/student activities field with a minimum of 10 years relevant career experience in the college union/student activities field. The nominee must currently be involved in or recently retired from a member affiliated institution of ACUI and in Region VII.
Joseph H. Benedict Award
This is an award that recognizes leadership, volunteer service and commitment to Region VII and the Association. The recognized individual will have 5–10 years of relevant career experience and displayed service, activism, and participation in the region and Association, while demonstrating an inspirational commitment to the college unions and student activities movement in addition to the mission and values of ACUI.
Cassandra Lammers
Outstanding New Professional Award
This award is for an outstanding new professional who has been identified as a model of employee service and volunteer involvement The recognized individual will have served 5 years or less in the profession of college unions and/or student activities, demonstrated a support to the region and Association, positive impact on the community served, and commitment to fulfilling the role of the college union. Additional consideration will be given to individuals who have demonstrated support to Region VII and/or the Association by their involvement.
Outstanding Graduate Student
This award is given to an outstanding graduate student of a member institution of Region VII who has shown exemplary performance in the college union/student activities field and/or commendable service to ACUI.
Serafina Genise
Rutgers UniversityNew Brunswick
Ryan Breyta
Rutgers UniversityNew Brunswick
Angela Castro Montclair State University
Midas Leung
Binghamton University
Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
This award is given to an outstanding undergraduate student of a member institution of Region VII who has shown dedicated work ethic in the student union/student activities field.
Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
This award is given to an outstanding undergraduate student of a member institution of Region VII who has shown dedicated work ethic in the student union/student activities field.
Outstanding Community Building Program Award
This award recognizes any program that fosters the enhancement of the campus community. The nominated program will demonstrate clearly stated objectives, include assessment data and/or evaluation materials, and supporting documentation including publicity material, photographs, and/or student testimonials
Bumpin’ Boulevard
Rochester Institute of Technology
Heart of the Campus Award - Advancing Community Spaces
This award recognizes a planned, implemented and evaluated space within a Region VII College Union that embodies ACUI’s Role of the College Union statement The nominated space strives to “advance a sense of community, unifying the institution by embracing the diversity of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests ” This space “bolsters the educational mission of the institution and the development of students as lifelong learners”
Community Kitchen
University of Rochester
RemembertoSubmit forAwardsfor2025!
While next year’s conference feels far away, it’s never too early to start thinking about which colleagues, programs, or spaces you’ll nominate for a Region VII award. Make sure to start collecting documentation of events, assessment, and testimonials so you can make your case to be the next individual, office or event showcased in next year’s awards recap! Information about Region VII Awards can be found here.
ReflectionsandTakeaways:FirstTimeAttendeesShareTheir
The ACUI Region VII Conference at West Chester University in West Chester, PA, served as a powerful gathering of professionals, students, and colleagues within higher education, specifically those involved with student unions and student engagement
For many first-time attendees, the experience was an opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired. Derrick Lemon (a graduate student at the University at Buffalo), Sophia Parra (a graduate student at Rutgers University - New Brunswick), and Briana Alford (an EOP Learning Specialist at SUNY Broome), all newcomers to the event, shared their personal reflections, offering insights into what made the conference memorable and valuable
Derrick Lemon: From Nerves to Networking
Derrick Lemon, who works in the Student Unions at the University at Buffalo, was encouraged by his supervisor, Elizabeth Hladczuk, to attend the ACUI
Region VII Conference. He saw it as a chance to expand his professional network and gain insights into how other student unions operate "Elizabeth thought this would be a great opportunity for me to meet other professionals in the field of higher education and develop professionally," Derrick explained.
Lemon, watches during the Active Dialogue Conversation portion of the Regional Conference
As a first-time attendee, Derrick was especially excited to meet other graduate students and learn from their experiences "I was mostly excited to meet other graduate students who were working in the
ReflectionsandTakeaways: First-TimeAttendeesShareTheir
same area as me," he said He also looked forward to the educational sessions, believing they would offer useful takeaways he could apply directly to his job
However, like many newcomers, Derrick was nervous about networking, admitting, "I would like to say I’m an extrovert until I’m actually in a situation where I have to interact with people." Despite his initial nerves, Derrick's confidence grew as the conference progressed "As the conference went on, I gained more confidence, and I was actually able to meet some new people and grow my network!" he shared
One of Derrick's most memorable moments came on Day 2 during a discussion on active dialogue "My favorite memory from the conference had to be the discussion that started Day 2 It really gave me the chance to engage with others in a meaningful way," he said Derrick encourages future attendees to come prepared. "Make sure to bring a notebook, water bottle, and business cards You never know who you will meet!" he advised
Sophia Parra: Finding Her "Why" in Student Affairs
For Sophia Parra, the decision to attend the ACUI Region VII Conference was rooted in her desire to find a professional home within the field of Student Affairs "I wanted to find my 'professional home,'" she explained, "and I thought I could find that within ACUI and the wonderful professionals that work in
the field of Student Centers/Unions " Having been involved with colleagues deeply invested in ACUI throughout her undergraduate and graduate institutions, Sophia was eager to further explore her passion for the field
Sophia's excitement for the conference stemmed from the opportunity to meet a diverse group of professionals and students "The family and community that they have built has been nothing but amazing and welcoming," she shared She was particularly excited to attend the various educational sessions, knowing that there was something for everyone. "I really appreciated the wide range of sessions offered," she said
However, Sophia was also apprehensive about stepping into a space where many attendees already knew each other "I was nervous about meeting new people and being in a new environment," she admitted But her nerves quickly dissipated
Parra looks on in shock as her guess during the Region VII fundraising tradition Heads or Tails comes up incorrect
ReflectionsandTakeaways: First-TimeAttendeesShareTheir Experiencesatthe2024Regional Conference
"No matter what, everyone at ACUI wants to make others feel welcomed, especially as a first-time attendee," she explained "Once I met people who shared my passion for Student Affairs, I felt secure and confident that I was where I was meant to be "
Sophia's favorite part of the conference was the Building Bridges discussions, where attendees had the opportunity to sit at different tables and discuss specific topics such as student training and stress management "I was able to listen to people and their experiences," Sophia recalled, "and it was great to give advice and support to each other "
Looking back on the experience, Sophia expressed how the conference boosted her confidence in her role as a first-year graduate student "I truly have to thank the Conference Planning Team, the Regional Leadership Team, and the Sykes Student Union at West Chester University for hosting a wonderful conference," she said "I feel more confident in my role and am excited for the future of my career in this field "
Briana Alford: Embracing the Community
Briana Alford, a first-time attendee and a current staff member in the Educational Opportunity Program at SUNY Broome, was introduced to the ACUI Region VII Conference by Nick Kocieniewski, Director of Student Activities at SUNY Broome
"I was exploring different career options in Higher Education," Briana explained, "and Nick suggested the Region VII conference as a great place to network and learn from others "
Kocieniewski
Briana’s excitement about attending the conference was fueled by her curiosity about how student engagement professionals were motivating and inspiring students "I was excited to see what goes on in the student engagement world and what people were doing to motivate students," she said, adding that she was eager to learn if these practices aligned with her current work
Despite her outgoing personality, Briana admitted feeling slightly nervous about stepping into a space where many people already knew each other "I was slightly nervous if a newcomer like myself would be able to connect within this super close group," she explained However, she was quickly put at ease "The energy and excitement everyone shared made me feel at home, like family," she said.
Alford and
deep in conversation as part of the conference’s Building Bridges activity
ReflectionsandTakeaways: First-TimeAttendeesShareTheir
Conference
Briana’s favorite conference memory was meeting one of her sorority sisters, Angela Castro, from Montclair, during the conference "The conference was during our Founders Day, so it was so great to still celebrate and connect with a new sister," she shared with a smile Briana also appreciated the sense of pride that permeated the event, noting how attendees proudly wore lanyards decked out with pins from past conferences "It really gave me a sense of tradition and pride," she said
To future first-time attendees, Briana advises, "Bring something purple and show your school pride!" She also encourages newcomers to embrace the community aspect of the conference "Step out of your comfort zone and attend sessions where you might not know the presenter," she said "It’s a great way to connect and expand your network "
A Welcoming and Rewarding Experience
For all three first-time attendees, the ACUI Region VII Conference provided more than just a professional development opportunity it was a chance to connect with a community that shares a deep passion for student engagement From networking and educational sessions to building new friendships and celebrating personal milestones, the conference left an indelible mark on all who attended
As Derrick, Sophia, and Briana can attest, this conference is not only about gaining knowledge it’s about finding belonging, support, and inspiration within a vibrant professional family Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned veteran, the regional conference is a place where you can grow, learn, and connect with others who are equally dedicated to advancing student life and success in higher education
Individuals from New Jersey cheer loudly during the annual state sound off, as part of the opening session
RegionVIIVolunteer OpportunitiesNowOpen
Are you passionate about shaping the future of student unions and campus life? Join the ACUI Region VII Regional Leadership Team or Conference Planning Team!
By volunteering, you'll gain valuable leadership experience, build lasting connections, and help create impactful events for your peers in the student union community. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to make a difference To learn more and apply, visit ACUI Region VII Volunteer Opportunities The application deadline is December 9th apply today!
Scan the QR code to learn more about volunteer opportunities in Region VII!
RegionVIIMerchOnSaleNow
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a crisp new hoodie or fresh t-shirt, especially when it lets you represent your favorite professional association! So check out the Region VII merch store where you can pick up either a new hoodie or shirt, just in time for the annual conference in New York!
Store closes December 15, 2024. Orders will ship to arrive 3-5 weeks after store closing date
Scan the QR code to place your order today!
We understand that sometimes folks in ACUI use acronyms or terms that not all members are familiar with. While we try our hardest to avoid this, you still may hear these terms and phrases and not be sure what they mean. To help everyone stay in-theknow, here is a glossary of commonly used ACUI acronyms or terms that you may hear in the future.
ACUI - The abbreviation for Association of College Unions International Annual Conference - Association-wide meeting held each year
Board of Trustees - Volunteers that work on determining and advancing strategic directions, governing over long-term goals, representing the association to other members, and setting the tone for member experience
The Bulletin - ACUI’s online member magazine
CAS - Council for the Advancement of Standards
CO - Central Office
Community of Practice - A term referring to networks of members that share a common interest.
CPT - Conference Planning Team (team planning Regional conferences or could refer to Conference Program Team (team planning annual Conference)
ERF - Education and Research Fund
ILEAD® - Institute for Leadership Education and Development, I-LEAD® is ACUI’s premier student program, designed to emphasize the key concept areas of leadership, community development, and change
IPDS - IPDS: New Professionals Orientation is an introduction to the profession that offers ample idea sharing, discussion of theory and skills, and opportunities to network
RD - Regional Director Regional directors serve as the chief administrator of their region, representing regional activities to other ACUI leaders and members.
Region VII - ACUI is broken down into eight separate regions that cover the globe. Region VII is made up of Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland , New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Quebec.
RLT - Regional Leadership Team
VDT - Volunteer Development Team
Wanttobefeaturedinthe NewsletteroronSocialMedia?
As communication coordinators, Dom Hannon and I, have a goal to consistently provide our Region VII members with content about our members, events, student unions, and more.
However, we can’t do that without you! Our members are the lifeblood of our Region and so we want to hear your stories, your successes, see your building, and more. To be featured just fill out our content form which can be found by scanning the QR code on this page.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
-Zac Lomas