Region II Review Sept./Oct. 2015 Volume 2 - Issues 9/10
Director’s Report So, this is it. The last hurrah, the swan song, au revoir, adios, or my favorite, “drop the mic.” This is the last “Director’s Report” I shall write for Region II. As I mentioned in a previous posting, I have spent much time reflecting on the impact that this position and Association has had on me. However, I would like to outline some parting thoughts on our region, in the hopes of spurring some engaged dialogue and action to further improve our professional development efforts.
Geography continues to be a challenge for us. While we are not alone in this regard, it seems to have impacted us differently than other regions. What can we do to overcome this idea of distance being a deciding factor in the pursuit of professional development efforts? Engagement in the region is very strong in some states, and not so much in others. Between Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas, we have 10 member institutions out of the nearly 100 total for the region. What can be done to improve our relationships among the region and build up our regional membership? Interest in volunteering, awards and, scholarships is high. Very high. I applaud everyone for engaging in a great opportunity to recognize students and colleagues alike. I hope that we can continue to keep up the great work here. The regional conference continues to be the signature event for the region, which is fantastic. However, what can we do to create a new event to set us apart from the other regions? We have tried several different approaches, which have been mostly unsuccessful. I hope that we can spend time at the 2015 regional conference discussing ways for us to come together more than just at conferences. Region II is exceedingly friendly and community-oriented. When we have had individuals from outside of our region engage with members, or come to the conference, they have commented how welcoming our region is and how much they appreciated the efforts to make them feel welcomed. I see this as something that can be a difference-maker moving forward for us. I love Region II. That is all. It has been an honor to serve as regional director and thank you for the opportunity to do so. I look forward to the time we will spend together at the University of Kansas, where I plan on connecting with as many of you as possible. Until then, safe travels and don’t forget to register for the conference! Regards, Terry Weber Region II Director Editor: Audrey Taggart-Kagdis Region II Communications Coordinator
Because What U Do Matters!
The Conference Planning Team is excited to explore the value of your work to your institution as well as how the student union overall impacts student enrollment and retention. Through engaging speakers and impactful education sessions, we hope you leave the conference inspired to raise your performance to new heights as you better understand the difference your efforts can make in the lives of students. One of our goals is also to provide you with data to more clearly explain to your campus the benefits of the student union in this new era of assessment and cutbacks. An additional reason to attend the conference is the local fare for dinners: Kansas BBQ and a Flint Hills buffet. Finally, there will be a wide variety of preconference tours offered including historic Allen Fieldhouse.
REGISTER HERE Heath Immel 2015 Conference Chair
History of the University of Kansas
Since its founding in 1866, KU has embodied the aspirations and determination of the abolitionists who settled on the curve of the Kaw River in August 1854. Nearly 150 years later, KU has become a major public research and teaching institution of 28,000 students and 2,600 faculty on five campuses. Its diverse elements are united by their mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world. KU has 13 schools, including the only schools of pharmacy and medicine in the state, and offers more than 360 degree programs. Students, split almost equally between women and men, come from all 50 states and 105 countries and are about 15% multicultural. The main campus in Lawrence tops Mount Oread, known informally as “The Hill.� This long, curved limestone ridge was named by the town founders who endured bitter conflicts with pro-slavery factions from Missouri. A horrific guerrilla raid in August 1863 burned the town and killed 200 men and boys. Just 32 years later, the inventor of basketball, James Naismith, founded a beloved tradition here. The scientist who discovered vitamins A and D was a graduate. Helium was extracted from gas for the first time in a KU lab. The inventor of the time-release medication capsule taught here. Astronauts, artists, authors, business leaders, senators and governors, Pulitzer Prize winners, and a Nobel laureate launched their careers here. And thousands of teachers, nurses, physicians, pharmacists, musicians, architects, engineers, and lawyers mastered their subjects here. Welcome to their Hill.
KEYNOTES AND FEATURED SPEAKERS Welcome Keynote Jeff Pelletier’s opening address will be on finding the “why,” the purpose and the passion in our day-to-day work with the various backgrounds of our student population, colleagues, and what we as professionals bring to the organization. Pelletier is an associate director with the Office of Student Life at The Ohio State University, overseeing building operations in the Ohio Union.
ACUI Talks
Marlesa Roney will focus on the importance of the student union as the intersection of fostering the holistic univeristy community through key partnership that contribute to student success. Roney serves as professor of practice in the educational leadership and policy studies department of the School of Education at the University of Kansas.
Ashli Grabau will discuss the importance of assessment and how it improves our work and lets campus administration understand the benefits of the progams and services we provide. Grabau is the student affairs assessment and planning coordinator at the University of Missouri.
Closing Keynote Eric Grospitch’s closing keynote will discuss the student union professional practitioner and their essential role, the continued growth of the profession, and the future positioning of the field in higher education. Grospitch currently serves as the dean of students at the University of Missouri - Kansas City.
ACUI REGION II CONFERENCE SCHEDULE **Shuttle service available from Eldridge Hotel and Towne Place Suites
Friday, Nov. 6 11 a.m. Registration Opens - Kansas Union Check in: preconference, graphic competition, silent auction, swap shop, golden shoe competition. 1 p.m. Preconference Activities Depart Allen Fieldhouse tour, KU Union tour, Haskell Culture Center tour (preregistration required) 3 p.m. Welcome/Keynote Address - Kansas Union “Purpose, Presence, and Passion: Why What U Do Matters” Jeff Pelletier, Associate Director, The Ohio State University 4 p.m. Functional Area Roundtables - Kansas Union 5 p.m. Welcome Reception - Oread Hotel 6:30 p.m. Welcome Dinner 8 p.m. Evening Entertainment - Kansas Union Day of the Dead with Student Union Activities Saturday, Nov. 7 - all activities at the Kansas Union 7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast 8 a.m. Registration, Hospitality Desk and Silent Auction Opens 8:30 a.m. Educational Session Block 1 9:30 a.m. General Session and Business Meeting 10 a.m. Educational Session Block 2 11 a.m. Educational Session Block 3 Noon Lunch, Vendor Expo, Swap Shop and Silent Auction Bidding 2 p.m. ACUI Talks 3 p.m. Educational Session Block 4 Extended Learning - ACUI Talks 4 p.m. Kansas Union Tour Networking and Reflection Graphics Competition Closes 6:30 p.m. Reception and Closing Banquet 6:45 p.m. Silent Auction Closes Seating for Closing Banquet 8 p.m. Evening Entertainment What U Do Matters - Inspiration Board Sunday, Nov. 8 - all activities at the Kansas Union 8:30 a.m. Educational ,Session Block 5 9:30 a.m. Brunch/Keynote Address “The Student Union - Professional Growth and Future Positioning” Eric Grospitch, Dean of Students, Univeristy of Missouri - Kansas City 11 a.m. Adjourn
DONATIONS AND FUN STUFF Silent Aution! The Region II silent auction site is now live! Register your items here.
Guess-ti-mation Jars Be sure to place your bets at the Guess-ti-mation jars! For $1 per guess, attendees can guess the mumber of items inside the container. Guess on delicious items such as Hershey Kisses and more! Make your best guess and support the Region II goal of raising $2,500 during the conference.
Golden Shoe Competition Raise money for scholarships while being active during the conference! For only $5 attendees can and enter and compete for bragging rights and the fabulous shoe trophy! Start tracking steps on Saturday morning and submit at the end of the day.
Steal This Idea Graphics Competition Submit entries by 5 P.M. Nov. 6 onsite during registration. Attached entry tag to each item. Original work can be picked up at the conclusion of the conference. Winners will be selected by a jury of attendees. Announcement of winners will be at the Saturday evening banquet.
TRAVEL FLYING
DRIVING
Lawrence is located 50 miles west of the Kansas City International Airport. Check out flight options online.
Getting here is easy - Lawrence is located on I-70 just a 45-minute drive from the Kansas City International Airport (I-435 South to I-70 West). Full driving directions are here.
DON’T FORGET THE REGION II CONFERENCE REGULAR REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, OCT. 16.
LODGING The Oread Hotel
The Oread is the most unique and complete center for lodging, h ospitality, business, and social leisure activities in the region l ocated beside the campus of the University of Kansas. Room options: King Room - $139 per night Queen Double Room - $139 per night Valet Parking - $12 per night per vehicle Call 785-843-1200 for reservations.
The Eldridge
Located in the heart of historic downtown Lawrence, the hotel is surrounded by an abundance of unique shops, galleries and dining, and entertainment venues. Room options: King: Deluxe, Grand, Premier Suite - $139 per night Premier Double Suite - $139 per night Queen Suite (ADA) - $139 per night Valet Parking - $10 per night per vehicle Call 785-843-1200 for reservations.
TownePlace Suites Lawrence Downtown
Relax and feel at home with a fully equipped kitchen,high-speed Internet access, large outdoor courtyard with fire pit and barbecue area. Our guests will enjoy convenient access to all of historic downtown Lawrence and Kansas University. All this and more at the brand new Towneplace Suites Lawrence! Room options: (breakfast included) Studio King w/sofa sleeper - $139 per night One Bedroom King Suite - $159 per night Studio Double Queen Suite - $159 per night Two Bedroom Suite - $209 per night Complimentary parking Book online.