Region VII December 2024 Newsletter

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JOIN THE FUN ONLINE @ACUIREGIONVII

DECEMBER 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Updates from the Regional Director

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Reflections from the Regional Conference

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2024 Region VII Award Winners

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Reflections and Takeaways: FirstTime Attendees Share Their Experiences at the 2024 Regional Conference

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Region VII Volunteer Opportunities Now Open

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Region VII Merch On Sale Now

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ACUI Glossary

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Social Media Content Form

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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

In my time as Regional Director over the next couple of

past month has been one of many ups and downs, but

years, I truly want to get to know all of you! Perhaps

through it all, we have been here together…for each

through meeting you at a regional or annual event or you

other, for our students, for our communities.

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

I always have an open door, so please feel free to reach

common, but most importantly, we are connected by

out to me directly via email at Chrissie.king@rutgers.edu

the college union. Now, more than ever, we need to

or through the Region VII GroupMe. In these difficult

reconnect with each other to help unify our

times, THANK YOU for all that you do for your students,

institutions. It is critical that we continue to create

for your campus, and for this region. I look forward to the

spaces to engage in difficult conversations, to foster

next two years and growing with you.

respect, and affirm the identities of all individuals, to provide firsthand experience in leadership and

Chrissie Taylor

citizenship and to encourage interaction and

Region VII Director

relationship building.

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Reflections from the Region VII Conference 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

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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.

Regional Conference By the Numbers: 115 Attendees 27 Ed. Sessions $2,279 Raised for Scholarships ∞ Joy

2024 Region VII Award Winners

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

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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

Adriane Reilly West Chester University

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 The George Washington University Pg. 6

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.

Serafina Genise Rutgers University New Brunswick

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.

Ryan Breyta Rutgers University New Brunswick Pg. 7

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.

Angela Castro Montclair State 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.

Midas Leung Binghamton University

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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

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Remember to Submit for Awards for 2025!

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.

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Scan Here to Learn More About all the Region VII Awards Offered!

Reflections and Takeaways: FirstTime Attendees Share Their Experiences at the 2024 Regional Conference

The ACUI Region VII Conference at West Chester

Region VII Conference. He saw it as a chance to

University in West Chester, PA, served as a powerful

expand his professional network and gain insights

gathering of professionals, students, and colleagues

into how other student unions operate. "Elizabeth

within higher education, specifically those involved

thought this would be a great opportunity for me

with student unions and student engagement.

to meet other professionals in the field of higher education and develop professionally," Derrick

For many first-time attendees, the experience was an

explained.

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

Lemon, watches during the Active Dialogue Conversation portion of the Regional Conference

Networking

As a first-time attendee, Derrick was especially Derrick Lemon, who works in the Student Unions at the University at Buffalo, was encouraged by his supervisor, Elizabeth Hladczuk, to attend the ACUI

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

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Reflections and Takeaways: First-Time Attendees Share Their Experiences at the 2024 Regional Conference same area as me," he said. He also looked forward to

the field of Student Centers/Unions." Having been

the educational sessions, believing they would offer

involved with colleagues deeply invested in ACUI

useful takeaways he could apply directly to his job.

throughout her undergraduate and graduate institutions, Sophia was eager to further explore her

However, like many newcomers, Derrick was nervous passion for the field. about networking, admitting, "I would like to say I’m an extrovert until I’m actually in a situation where I

Sophia's excitement for the conference stemmed

have to interact with people." Despite his initial

from the opportunity to meet a diverse group of

nerves, Derrick's confidence grew as the conference

professionals and students. "The family and

progressed. "As the conference went on, I gained

community that they have built has been nothing

more confidence, and I was actually able to meet

but amazing and welcoming," she shared. She was

some new people and grow my network!" he shared.

particularly excited to attend the various educational sessions, knowing that there was something for

One of Derrick's most memorable moments came

everyone. "I really appreciated the wide range of

on Day 2 during a discussion on active dialogue. "My

sessions offered," she said.

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

Parra looks on in shock as her guess during the Region VII fundraising tradition Heads or Tails comes up incorrect

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

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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.

Reflections and Takeaways: First-Time Attendees Share Their Experiences at the 2024 Regional Conference "No matter what, everyone at ACUI wants to make

"I was exploring different career options in Higher

others feel welcomed, especially as a first-time

Education," Briana explained, "and Nick suggested

attendee," she explained. "Once I met people who

the Region VII conference as a great place to

shared my passion for Student Affairs, I felt secure

network and learn from others."

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

Alford and Kocieniewski deep in conversation as part of the conference’s Building Bridges activity

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’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.

Briana Alford: Embracing the Community

Despite her outgoing personality, Briana admitted feeling slightly nervous about stepping into a space where many people already knew each other. "I was

Briana Alford, a first-time attendee and a current

slightly nervous if a newcomer like myself would be

staff member in the Educational Opportunity

able to connect within this super close group," she

Program at SUNY Broome, was introduced to the

explained. However, she was quickly put at ease. "The

ACUI Region VII Conference by Nick Kocieniewski,

energy and excitement everyone shared made me

Director of Student Activities at SUNY Broome.

feel at home, like family," she said.

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Reflections and Takeaways: First-Time Attendees Share Their Experiences at the 2024 Regional Conference Briana’s favorite conference memory was meeting

A Welcoming and Rewarding Experience

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."

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.

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Region VII Volunteer Opportunities Now Open

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

Scan the QR code to learn more about volunteer opportunities in Region VII!

Volunteer Opportunities. The application deadline is December 9th —apply today!

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Region VII Merch On Sale Now

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.

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Scan the QR code to place your order today!

ACUI Glossary

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

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Want to be featured in the Newsletter or on Social Media?

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

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Scan Here to Submit to Be Featured in the Newsletter or on Region VII’s Social Media