OCTOBER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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 learn more about the upcoming Regional Conference, hear one last time from our outgoing Regional Director, and meet our incoming Regional Director!
Zac
Lomas Communications Coordinator, ACUI Region VII
Updates From the Regional Director
Anthony Otero
Regional Director
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Hola Mi Gente,
First, I want to say that this is a goodbye. However, I’m finding this last newsletter entry difficult to write As you may know, the upcoming regional conference marks the end of my term and I cannot begin to express my gratitude for being able to serve in this role for the last four years.
I would be remiss if I did not say that these four years have been some of the most rewarding years I have ever had in ACUI. Not only have I been able to fully conceptualize the work I am doing at Rutgers University, but helping younger professionals with their professional development has been nothing less than extraordinary.
The reason this isn’t a goodbye is because volunteering never ends
The work to move and advance campus communities never ends. It will always be my job, as a seasoned professional, to help lay the groundwork for the next generation of professionals looking to do great work in this field I just hope that I had a little bit of influence when it comes to the future of Region VII
I pass the baton over to Chrissie Taylor, who I have no doubt, will continue to do the great work of all the past Region VII Directors. I will see you all at West Chester University in November.
Adios Anthony Otero Region VII Director
IncomingRegionalDirector Profile:ChrissieTaylor
Chrissie Taylor
Incoming Regional Director
Rutgers University - Camden
As we approach the Regional Conference at West Chester, we’ll prepare to say farewell to outgoing Regional Director Anthony Otero who has served the region for the past 4 years (wow!) and welcome in a new Regional Director With this change, we wanted to make sure all of our members know who will be leading Region VII for the next 2 years, so we sat down with incoming Regional Director, Chrissie Taylor to learn more about her and her relationship to ACUI and Region VII
Please tell us a little bit about your current role and previous involvement in ACUI?
My current role is on the Regional Leadership Team as the Student Involvement Coordinator I have been in this position for the past four years and love working to help get students more involved in the region. Prior to that, I have been a
part of a whole mix of things in ACUI I was recently on the Corporate Sponsorship Committee, a co-chair for the Student Employee Supervisor Community of Practice, and helped planned the last Building Manager Seminar held at West Chester. Prior to that, I have been on multiple Conference Planning Teams as the Sponsorship and Vendor Coordinator
What made you want to run for the position of Regional Director?
I have been a part of ACUI since about 2011 and knew from that moment that I wanted to be more involved and help advance the culture to be more inclusive
IncomingRegionalDirector Profile:ChrissieTaylor
I could tell that there was a sense of community, love, and scholarship and I wanted to dive right in! After years of involvement, running for the Regional Director seemed like the next step I love thinking big picture and looking to what the future will hold.
How do you plan to move Region VII forward during your term?
Many of the ideas that I have for Region VII are projects that we have been working on over the past few years. What I truly want to move forward is the recruitment of new membership institutions (yes, Quebec, I’m talking to you!), but also, more members to volunteer for the many different projects that Region VII is working on Often, I think folks are nervous to commit to volunteer, but we have so many opportunities that can be short-termed or not as scary as people think!
What do you currently feel are the strengths of Region VII and where can we grow as a region?
Our biggest strength is the volunteers and our family feel…we want everyone to feel that they are home in Region VII We have a region that is innovative, loves to get things done, and truly cares about advancing our community I do believe that the lack of involvement from the variety of members is where we need to grow
As we look at the list of all of our member institutions, compared to where our volunteers come from, there is definitely some heavy repeat volunteers My hope is with engaging our conference attendees and members beyond the conference, we can bump the number of members excited to volunteer
As we look at the list of all of our member institutions, compared to where our volunteers come from, there is definitely some heavy repeat volunteers My hope is with engaging our conference attendees and members beyond the conference, we can bump the number of members excited to volunteer
What is your favorite memory working in the college union field?
I would say my favorite memories include the friendships that I have built with other ACUI members I know it sounds cheesy, but I love being able to connect with folks in the region and have made many lifelong friends (aka CrocGroup)
Is there anything else you would like Region VII to know about you at this time?
Please know that my door is literally always open! I welcome you to reach out to me via email, come up and start a conversation, or give me a call anytime. I love hearing new ideas, and for me, things are always a yes, until someone says no so come and share your ideas with me!!
2024RegionalConference SneakPeaks&Info
November 7th is less than a month away and so we want to make sure all of our members know what to expect from this year’s Regional Conference, hosted at West Chester University’s Sykes Student Union from November 7th - 9th Between a basic schedule, keynote speaker reveal, and education session highlights, there’s plenty of information below to get you excited and prepared for this year’s conference!
Thursday, November 7
4–8 p m – Registration Open
6–10 p m – Fundraiser Dinner (On Your Own) at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
Highlights Schedule Highlights
Schedule
Friday, November 8 Sykes Student Union
Breakfast on your own
8:00 a m – Registration Open
8:00 a m – 2:00 p m – Silent Auction DropOff
8:30 – 10:15 a m – Welcome Address/Key Note
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Educational Session Block 1 11:45 a m – 12:15 p m – Educational Session Block 2
12:00 p m – Silent Auction Opens
12:30 p m – 2:00 p m – Lunch (Provided), Mentor/Mentee Meet-Up & Vendor Expo
2–3 p.m. – Building Bridges
3:15 – 4:15 p m – Educational Session Block
3/Building Tours
6–8 p m – Dinner (Provided) & Banquet
8–11 p m – Evening Entertainment
Friday, November 9 Sykes Student Union
Breakfast on your own
8:00 a m – Registration Open Ongoing – Silent Auction Drop-Off
9:00 – 10:15 a m – Opening and Keynote Panel
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Educational Session Block 4 11:45 a m – 12:45 p m – Lunch (On Your Own) 1-2 p m – Community Service Project 2:15 p m – 3:15 p m – Educational Session Block 5
3:30–4:30 p m – Educational Session Block 6
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Dinner (Provided), Closing Banquet 8–10 p m – Evening Social Activity
Education Session Education Session Highlights Highlights
Yours, Mine, Ours: Strategically Merging Two Offices to Create a Holistic Student Involvement Experience
by Nick Christy & Sara Runyon (Lehigh University)
The Office of Student Engagement and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs at Lehigh University merged in July 2023. The presenters will share their experiences leading the merger of two teams, managing new priorities and staff dynamics, and reevaluating resources to serve the Lehigh community. The presenters will explain the philosophy that led to the merger, the reactions from staff and students, and their hopes for the future.
Crunch Time: Surviving #CerealGate by Casey Coleman & Morgan Davis (Montclair
State University)
Don’t cry over spilled milk! Learn about how one unexpected turn of events transformed into the #CerealGate crisis at Montclair State University. Attendees will walk away with crisis management comprehension, problem solving skills, and a story that will make you go “cere-ously?” Hear how we navigated a “pour” set of circumstances into a “valu-bowl” experience
Education Session Education Session Highlights Highlights
To build excitement for the multitude of informative sessions being presented at this year’s conference, Conference Planning Team member and Education Coordinator Emily Inserra selected 4 confirmed sessions to highlight as we approach the conference. Make sure to check these out when you’re at West Chester!
“I
Love That Journey for You” Assessment as Storytelling by
Adrianne Reilly & Barrett McGee
(West Chester University)
Follow the journey of information as it goes from data to story in Sykes Union and Student Activities. Dr. Adriane Reilly and Barrett McGee will share the department’s assessment plan, how it informs all data collected, and how it gets shared to tell the story of SUSA’s achievements." By the end of this workshop participants will understand important skills such as applying techniques for transforming data into narratives that support student success, equity, and institutional improvement
Education Session Education Session Highlights Highlights
The 7 Foundations of Supervising Graduate Students
by Zachary Lomas & Chrissie Taylor (Rutgers University -
New Brunswick & Rutgers University - Camden)
Whether it’s students or professional staff, supervision is never an easy task, but what about those individuals who aren’t either? Supervising graduate students can be a tricky task, as they exist in the liminal space between student and professional staff, while balancing the stress of classes and the pressure of preparing for an impending job search. To successfully accomplish this task and guide the next generation of student affairs professionals into the field, Chrissie Taylor and Zac Lomas will provide their 7 foundations of supervising graduate students. These foundational practices will take you from your first introductions with a new supervisee, through onboarding, one-on-one meetings, and up until they join the ranks of fulltime professionals. By implementing these practices you will be better prepared to provide a high-impact experience for your graduate students and ensure that the future of the profession and the students we serve are in safe hands. Additionally, you’ll learn how to use ACUI as a tool to help facilitate growth, career readiness and professional development with your graduate student. Join us to learn these 7 foundations and level up your supervision skills!
Keynote Speaker Keynote Speaker
Fernando Alcántar
Fernando Alcántar is a former leader of the Foursquare denomination in Mexico and Senior Coordinator of North American Partnerships at Azusa Pacific University, where he oversaw hundreds of churches in Mexico and helped to mobilize thousands of missionaries a year from all over the United States and Canada He later served as Director of Leadership Development for Young People for the California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, where he oversaw almost 400 youth and young adult groups across Southern California, Hawaii, and Saipan. He now serves as Director for Student Engagement at East Stroudsburg University, where he also pursues his doctorate in Educational Leadership & Administration.
Fernando has run major civic engagement programs, and presented on inclusion and leadership development topics in Africa, Middle East, Asia, Latin America, Native American reservations in the US, Mexican Indigenous reservations in Mexico, and across the United States. He has spoken in front of thousands of people and continues to advocate for equal rights and mental health issues
Awards, Scholarships, & Awards, Scholarships, & Silent Auction Silent Auction
The deadline for nominating a colleague, program, or physical space for a Region VII award is October 18th, so make sure to nominate a peer and recognize all the hard work happening in Region VII from professionals to graduate students and undergraduates
Scan the QR code to the right for more information about awards and for the link to submit!
The deadline for submitting for a scholarship for the Regional Conference is October 18th, so make sure to submit today if you or your institution could use the extra help to make it to the Regional Conference!
To apply for a scholarship, scan the QR code to the left!
The deadline for submitting items for the Regional Conference silent auction is October 18th, so make sure to fill out the form to the right to help raise money for Region VII scholarships!
Past auction items have included books, home goods, sports memorabilia, institutional swag, and much more!
Regular Registration
Registration & Registration & Lodging Lodging
(September 21–October 18)
Professional Member: $275
Professional Nonmember:
$350
Student Member: $210
Student Nonmember: $285
Retiree: $125
Late Registration (October 19 – November 1)
Professional Member: $300
Professional Nonmember: $375
Student Member: $210
Student Nonmember: $285
Retiree: $125
Scan the QR code to register or find more information about lodging
One Day Registration (Members & NonMembers)
$160 for Professionals
$115 for Students
Our hotel block at Hotel Warner is officially SOLD OUT, but don’t fret, the Region VII Leadership Team has compiled a list of hotels in the area, so you can choose which lodging works for you, your institution, your needs, and your budget. Make sure to register for the conference and book lodging as soon as possible so we can see you at West Chester University in November!
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham
500 Willowbrook Ln, West Chester, PA 19382 +16106741224
Holiday Inn
Express & Suites West Chester 1310 Wilmington Pike, West Chester, PA 19382 +16103994600
Hampton Inn & Suites Chadds Ford
40 State Farm Dr, Glen Mills, PA 19342 +16103589540
Comfort Inn & Suites Glen Mills – Concordville 1110 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, PA 19342 +14848453498
Home2 Suites by Hilton Glen Mills Chadds Ford 75 Applied Bank Blvd, Glen Mills, PA 19342 +16103584716
Parking Parking
Friday
Paid parking is available on campus Friday in the New Street, Commons, and Sharpless garages for $9 for the day (or $1 50 per hour) Additionally, after 4 PM it is free to park in the “K” lot or commuter lot behind Sykes Student Union.
Saturday
Parking in the “K” lot or commuter lot behind Sykes Student Union is free all day
For information on the locations of the garages and K lot, please visit https://www.wcupa.edu/campusMap/ and filter for Parking – Commuter to locate K Lot or filter for Parking and search the name of the garage you’re looking for to find a garage.
For information on garages and their pricing, please visit: https://www wcupa edu/dps/parkingservices/parkingGarages aspx
Eventsential Eventsential
Reminder! The Eventsential app is the best way to stay up to date for all things Regional Conference, especially while you’re at the conference. Eventsential will have information about Education Session schedules, resources, silent auction links, and more! Visit your phone’s app store and download today The Region VII Conference Event goes live on October 24th!
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)
CUPSI - The abbreviation for College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational
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