NEWSLETTER November 2021
JOIN THE FUN ONLINE @acuiregionvii
Updates from our
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Hola Mi Gente, Can you believe that we’re almost at the end of the semester? This has been a crazy year filled with last minute events, retiring people, a revolving door of student employees, and astronomical expectations (just to name a few). Yet, we are still here and the question is why? There is no doubt there were (and still are) challenges we weren’t ready for nor did we have the capacity to deal with, but still we are here and I want to venture a tiny guess as to why that is. To put it simply, we are about this life. It may not feel like it, but we are. Just think about the times when you have been dead tired and ready to just go home when you come across that one student that makes you realize that this work means something. That is why it’s so important for us to practice the self care we preach to others because what we do does mean something to those students who have spent a year and half taking online classes and just want to engage with their peers. We provide something that may look like a job, a volunteer opportunity, a safe or bold space, a program, or just someone to help find a lost item. Sure, it feels like we are just surviving, but we are about this life. Yes, morale is down, but guess what? We are about this life. Take some deep breaths, do some yoga, do a Peloton exercise (I see some of you out here) because we will get through 2021 with new skill sets and a healthy respect for what is important to us. I highly encourage all of you to really think about attending the upcoming joint regional conference that both Region VII & VIII are putting together. I think you will benefit from both the virtual and in-person components. Both conference planning teams are working hard to ensure that you walk away with a good feeling about where things are headed. I would also be remiss if I did not mention that applications for the next years’ Regional Leadership and Conference Planning Teams are now open. Personally, I think I'm delightful to work with so you really should think about joining us as we really begin to plan out 2022.
Anthony Otero, Regional Director, from Rutgers University- New Brunswick.
Updates from the 2021 Region VII
CONFERENCE PLANNING TEAM The countdown to Regional Conference is on! Read some fast facts below. We hope to see you in November and December for our Joint Regional Conference.
Part One: Virtual Program November 18–19 Part Two: In Person in Washington D.C. and Virtual December 2–4
Registration Package: Includes Virtual Conference in November and virtual content in December. December virtual content will include a keynote session, a Professionals Panel, Awards Session, and various educational session during each Educational Session Block. Member Institutional (Unlimited Attendees)
$300
Individual Professional
$75
Nonmember
$400 $175
Virtual Package & In-person (In addition to above, please add the below expenses if you are planning to join us in Washington D.C.):
+$175 per person [Institutional virtual rate has been paid]; + $200 per person [For those paying $75 virtual fee] Includes virtual conference in November and participation at the in-person event in D.C.
Those joining us in Washington D.C., be sure to book your hotel! Visit our Conference website and navigate to the Hotel Tab: https://www.acui.org/regions/vii/region-vii-conference
Have questions, reach out to Conference Coordinator Andrea Giachino, Andrea.giachino@temple.edu.
er 2–4 b m e c e D n, D.C. o t g in h s Wa
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE See yo the u re!
Wednesday, December 1 3 p.m. - Check-in opens at conference hotel 6–9 p.m. - Preconference Program at Howard University
Thursday, December 2 - University of Maryland 8:30 a.m. - Welcome Center/Meet & Greet Opens 9:30–10:30 a.m. - All Conference: Keynote Session 10:30–11 a.m. - Conference Opening 11 a.m.–Noon - Educational Session Block 1 Noon–1 p.m. - Lunch 1–2 p.m. - Entertainment Block 2–3 p.m. - Educational Session Block 2 3–4 p.m. - All Conference Session: Building Bridges 4 p.m. - Conference Buddy Meetup 4 p.m. - Stadium Tour 4–6 p.m. - TerpZone Games 7:30 p.m. - Beirgarten Haus Fundraiser
Friday, December 3 - University of Maryland 8:30 a.m. - Welcome Center/Meet & Greet Opens 9–10 a.m. - Colleagues & Coffee 10–11 a.m. - All Conference: Professionals Panel Session 11 a.m.–Noon - Educational Session Block 3 Noon–1:30 p.m. - Lunch 1:30–2 p.m. - Case Study Presentation 2–3 p.m. - Educational Session Block 4 3–4 p.m. - All Conference Session: Awards 4:15 p.m. - Campus Scavenger Hunt 4:15 p.m. - Silent Auction Closes
Saturday, December 4 - George Washington University
8:30 a.m. - Welcome Center/Meet & Greet Opens 9–10 a.m. - Colleagues & Coffee and Educational Session Block 5 10 a.m.–Noon - Community Service Noon–1 p.m. - Educational Session Block 6 1 p.m. - Union Tours and lunch 3 p.m. - Conference wraps up allowing time for colleagues to enjoy D.C. together
REGIONAL FUNDRAISING What you need to know:
The Silent Auction is back
Get excited – a long-standing Region VII tradition is back – the Silent Auction! In order for our conference to succeed, the Conference Planning Team would appreciate any support available. Whether you’re able to donate or participate (Bid high, Bid often!) – all funds raised will go directly back to Region VII scholarships that allow regional members to participate in a variety of educational opportunities.
11
2. Register as a 2021 Donor Read this year’s 2021 Donor Letter on our conference website. To register as a 2021 Region VII Donor, please complete the online form so we know what to expect!
3 3
3. participate anywhere! It’s important to note that you do not have to attend the conference to donate! All bidding will occur online, so you can participate from home!
2 2
Questions? Contact our Region VII Fundraising Coordinators Sabrina Selvaggio at sabrina.selvaggio@rutgers.edu or Madeleine Aborn at madeleine.aborn@rochester.edu
MEET THE 2021
CONFERENCE PLANNING TEAM Casey Coleman Coordinator of Student Activities Montclair State University
2022 Regional Conference Chair
Tell us a little bit about the role you have on the Conference Planning Team. What will you be doing/planning for the Regional Conference? I've been shadowing the 2021 Conference Chair and learning all the ins and outs of what it takes to plan a conference! You should definitely consider joining the 2022 team! I'd love to work with you! What are you most looking forward to about the 2021 Regional Conference? I'm most looking forward to connecting with colleagues! Why should regional members plan to attend the 2021 Regional Conference? You should plan to attend the conference because we do our best work when we're together! I'm always amazed at how ACUI helps recharge my batteries! If you could give an educational session on anything (and we mean anything!), what would it be (and why)? If I could give an educational session on anything, it would be on extreme couponing, saving money, and how to pay off your student loans as soon as possible. Or on why Home Alone 2 is the best movie of all time. It just depends on my mood. What is one thing you’ve learned from your current job that is a new skill you have, but it wouldn’t make it onto your resume? I'm a master bingo caller and I know how to stretch a game of bingo if it needs to be longer or wrap it up almost instantly if need be.
Madeleine Aborn Assistant Director, Wilson Commons Student Activities University of Rochester
Co-Fundraising Chair
Tell us a little bit about the role you have on the Conference Planning Team. What will you be doing/planning for the Regional Conference? With Sabrina Selvaggio, I’ve been coordinating the Silent Auction and other fun fundraising opportunities for the Regional Conference. I won’t miss a chance to plug for donations! Sign up to donate a Silent Auction item and support Region VII scholarships!
What are you most looking forward to about the 2021 Regional Conference? I’m really excited about the opportunity to see friends and colleagues from all over the region inperson for the first time in 2 years! Why should regional members plan to attend the 2021 Regional Conference? Whether you attend virtually or in-person, the 2021 Regional Conference will give you the chance to connect with and learn from folks from all over our region (and Region VIII!). I always leave the Regional Conference with new ideas and a strong motivation to bring what I’ve learned back to my own work.
If you could give an educational session on anything (and we mean anything!), what would it be (and why)? 1. Why Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar is the ultimate cheese. This feels self-explanatory but I firmly believe that good cheese improves almost anything (meal or just general life situation) and I think it’s important to share that information with as many people as possible. 2. How to convince campus partners to let a student organization launch pumpkins 400 ft across the quad.
What is one thing you’ve learned from your current job that is a new skill you have, but it wouldn’t make it onto your resume? I am very good at estimating how many of the student employees will actually take the free donuts at staff meeting, and notice egress issues almost everywhere I go.
CONFERENCE
TIPS
From the Conference Planning Team
PREPARE
IN
ADVANCE
Prepare what you will eat during the virtual conference days! Bring out your best conference chicken recipes!
DRESS
TO
IMPRESS
STAY
HYDRATED!
You’ll be doing a lot of talking and moving. Drinking water will help keep you going throughout the longer conference days.
Whether attending virtually or in person, put on something that makes you feel good. #PantsRequired GET
DOWNLOAD
COMFORTABLE
Make sure you are comfortable! Especially our virtual attendees. Bring your snacks, drinks, tune out the external distractions (don’t go grab that package that just arrived). It’s easy to get lost if you tune out for even a moment.
BRANCH
THE
APP
Prior to attending the conference, use the ACUI conference app to view and plan sessions you are most interested in
OUT
It's easy to sit with who you know for a better networking experience, sit at a table with people you don't know
FOLLOW
UP
Always follow up with the people that you meet at the conference. This helps to increase your network. USE
THE
VIRTUAL
FEATURES!
Take advantage of all the virtual platform features! Networking, seeing attendee list, and chat feature. Log into the platform early to get acquainted.
EMBRACE
NEW
THINGS
Make sure to step out of your comfort zone! Whether it’s attending an education session on a topic you’re not super familiar with or talking with a colleague you’ve never met before, those “uncomfortable” moments are where we grow and learn the most, so definitely take advantage of them!
USE
YOUR
RESOURCE
Heading to D.C.!? Download 2 apps: The WMATA app for managing smartrip money throughout the city And/ or the Trip planner app: This allows you to plan your trip and see when the next metro train is arriving.
CHAT
IT
UP
Feeling anxious or going alone? Don't be afraid to chat with a presenter after their session or with a member of Conference Planning Team!
We can't wait for you to experience the 2021 Joint Regional Conference!
INTERNAL DIALOGUES OF A DIRECTOR Clayton Kolb West Chester University of Pennslyvania
Greetings! The following provides some reflections after completing my first year and few months as a new director of a student union and student activities office during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. My hope is that you can glean some items in which you can implement into your own process as a leader, a new staff member, share with your own team, or think about for future growth. I started in my new role as the Director of Sykes Union and Student Activities at West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania in July of 2020. An interesting part of my journey was the interview process, which, involved a day and half ZOOM interview (in lieu of an on-campus) and a third inperson visit to campus (about 2 months into the pandemic). Upon arriving to my new job, the entire campus was closed, and everyone was working remotely. The challenge before me was to figure out how to meet and build my team, learn about the building I was responsible for, and integrate into a campus culture while I couldn’t be on campus, with no work computer, keys, or any clear context for what I was about be part of. In thinking about the best way to share some of the key moments of this first year, I have decided to break it up into three phases: 1. Integration, 2. Team Development, 3. Vision Casting. Integration Upon arriving to my new role, I knew my first course of action was soaking in all the information I possibly could. This included diving into all the department’s resources, catching up with all the COVID happenings, doing a listening tour with my immediate team, and understanding what was happening within the division of student affairs. Let’s be honest, on-boarding is a struggle for many institutions and while I could likely do an entire article related to that in the future, I’ll focus on how I decided to start. One of the biggest goals I made for myself was to spend time with the team. Prior to starting I asked them to complete an intake that shared fun facts about who they are, why are they in the role they are in, who was a role model in the field, and what have they binged (tv, movies, books, etc.) during the start of the pandemic. From there, I had one task, to listen. Listen to what has worked and what hasn’t in the past. What were their hopes and goals for themselves and the office? What was lacking from the department as well as what was working, and importantly how did they see themselves in the process of filling in the gaps.
Based on these listening tours, I took all the information and formed some departmental priorities for the upcoming year. This included updating the name of the unit to recognize the union and activities teams, some much needed development of procedures, processes, and expectations, and the formation of three working teams (Student Staff Experience, Affirming Spaces, and Department Work). Each member of the team was to volunteer for at least one team and use this to guide our work. Each working team was led by a member of the team, and they created specific goals to achieve. You can learn more about some of this work through our Annual Report found on our website from last year! In addition to the working teams, we created a data pool to collect all the possible data we had to best tell our story and support our future asks. We developed new was to communicate through tools like Microsoft Teams and created small wins with the addition of some much-needed column wraps to break up the monotonous concrete columns in our lobby. Our first team building occurred when we all showed up to the building in shifts to dedensify (yes, it’s a real word… now at least) the furniture in the building to create appropriate social distancing within the building. With some of these initiatives determined, the team was ready to go. Team Development My next area of focus was putting attention to the team and looking for ways to develop each individual and the entire team at the same time. The working teams mentioned before were a great way to rally behind projects and initiatives that also spoke to our values as a unit. As a manager, it is important to set clear and reasonable expectations that guides the work and that is something I took very seriously. This ranged from working hours to how to ask for vacation time, and how to embrace healthy conflict. This process spawned on the creation of various standard operating procedures or SOPs that would help keep our work aligned. Some of the biggest failures I have witnessed in various organizational settings is that processes live in someone’s head or the “this is how we have always done it” mentality and when that person leaves so does the process. Making it part of our culture to document everything was our priority, and it was helpful for how we worked together and provide leadership to our student staff and leaders
One team development strategy we embarked on was a book club! I knew going into it that there may be mixed emotions about it but decided that it was a good way to get to know each other better and to dive into a difficult topic. The first book we reviewed was “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi. We spent the first semester of the year reading through this book and having very deep and challenging conversations. As a society we have experienced racial injustice and movements in this area, compounded by the pandemic, it was a good way to really focus our attention and understanding of our desire to create affirming spaces in our space and programs. The following semester we read through “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni to understand true team dynamics. Between these opportunities and some purposeful retreating and meetings, we were able to create more meaningful relationships and partnerships in our work which have aided in ongoing success as a department.
Vision Casting The final area I want to discuss is the all-important vision casting. As a department we had an existing mission statement that many members of the team were part of but no vision statement and no defined values. Throughout the first year, we understood that this was imperative to create as it helps define who we are as a department and provides the guardrails of how we do our work. As a team, we worked through this process and by doing this provided clear buy in from all members. Another area I often see organizations fail in is holding stead to these elements (mission, vision, values) and incorporating them into the day-to-day work. An example of this includes how we re-shaped our student staff awards to be themed around the department values.
This first year, working mostly remotely and sometime in the building, was a challenge. We learned a lot and the team was stretched in many ways. The initiation of working teams created specific projects above and beyond the typical tasks of each staff member, but it was work that needed to happen. As a team, we are still working to achieve the end goal of these teams and have made it a priority not to add any new projects until these have been fully incorporated into our work. If you do read our inaugural annual report, you will note all of what I have shared and more! It was also important to find time to have fun. I often find myself blasting music from my office on a Friday morning to have a dance party, encouraging each team member to share their favorite snacks and random outings around campus. Don’t ever forget to find time to have fun and laugh! In conclusion, starting a new role as a leader and director of a student union can be challenging and doing so during a pandemic adds a degree of difficulty. The success of this is not on the individual but the ability to bring a team together. All our work is challenging in many ways, and we are often stretched to the max in various situations. My word of advice is to take it day by day, surround yourself with great people, build your team, laugh, have fun, and stay true to your core values.
Articles needed! Do you want to write for the Region VII newsletter? We are looking for people to write articles for upcoming editions of the newsletter. Email Emily Kofman at ekofman@wcupa.edu for more information!
Check out these
REGION VII
ANNOUNCEMENTS Volunteer Opportunities! Looking to volunteer in Region VII? Applications are now open for the Regional Leadership Team and Conference Planning Team! Apply by November 30!
Regional Leadership Team Educational Programs Coordinator Inclusivity Coordinator Business Manager Communications Coordinator
Conference Planning Team 2022 Regional Conference Coordinators
2021 Scholarship 2021 scholarship applications from Region Applications VII are currently open! Apply today for a scholarship to help fund the registration fee Open! of any ACUI-affiliated program or the travel to an ACUI-affiliated program. Applications can be found online at https://www.acui.org/regions/vii/regionalscholarships.
Online Learning Opportunities Mental Heath Series: Meditation Apps with Scarlett November 9, 11:30 a.m. Eastern
Supporting Students Through Relationship Formation and Maintenance November 17, 2 p.m.
Mental Heath Series: Meditation with Richard November 18, 1 p.m. Eastern
Mental Heath Series: Meditation with Brandy November 23, 1 p.m. Eastern
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Unpacking the Year December 7, 11 a.m. Eastern
How to Fix Your Training December 15, 3 p.m. Eastern
Visit www.acui.org/onlinelearning for details.
Tune in to the Region VIII Podcast, The Info Desk Region VIII is excited to introduce a new podcast, The Info Desk, hosted by Ian Russell, Joanne Dunbar, and Jessie Santer. Together, they will discuss relatable and interesting content on all things Higher Education and will meet campus community builders from the U.S., Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The podcast will also highlight the joint regional conference and other exciting elements! Join them as they explore the challenges faced as we attempt to cultivate connection and enhance the student experience! New episodes will be released every other Tuesday and can be found on any of your favorite podcast listening platforms.
Episode Listing Episode One: Meet the Regional Leadership Team Episode Two: I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Summer! Episode Three: ACUI Educational Sessions Episode Four: Hustles & Hobbies
Musings from Region VII's
INCLUSIVITY
COORDINATOR As we inch our way into November, it's not hard to think about one major holiday, Thanksgiving! As we may know, Thanksgiving may be very different for everyone. I grew up in a household who did not have a traditional turkey, but a feast of many Indian dishes that would make your mouth water. Even though I did not have a traditional American Thanksgiving meal and started really celebrating during my teenage years, I knew that I came from a place of privilege. I was blessed to have food to eat on this holiday and family to celebrate it with. With this being said, I want to advocate for those who may not have the same privilege or space to celebrate this holiday from the expectations laid out by our society. 1. First, the reality is that not everyone has equal access to food in our country. Does your campus have food insecurity funding or a food pantry for students to take advantage of? 2. Family is relative. What you may consider family may not be the same as someone else. Some students may not have family to celebrate either being from abroad or their living situation at home. What are we doing to support those students? 3. Is it weird not to have turkey for Thanksgiving? Many of us celebrate the holidays with different traditions which are reflected in our food, cultures and identities. Let's try to embrace all cultures celebrating the holiday. 4. COVID-19 is not over. During the last two years, many of us have lost someone who can no longer be around the dinner table to celebrate this holiday. This could become a time of sorrow and mourning for some individuals and we should be able to support those who may be suffering from depression and/or grief. To end, Thanksgiving is a holiday in which its origin is often misrepresented. I remember in elementary school seeing many of my peers dressed up as Native Americans and Pilgrims to showcase and reenact the events which lead up to Thanksgiving. Yes, this is problematic in many ways, including the cultural appropriation of Native people. Also, what is really not talked about is the day, months, and years of disease spread and exploitation of Native people, land, and resources. The reality is that the history of this country's treatment of Native people is inexcusable and wrong. We talk about having gratitude in relation to Thanksgiving and that is something we can hold onto. With this said, let us not forget the wrongful treatment of Native people still to this day and what we can do as individuals to change the narrative and educate future generations of the full story of this holiday. Sincerely, Jay Patel Inclusivity Coordinator Pateljay@rowan.edu
CREATING A COLLABORATIVE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY FOCUSED ON STUDENT EMPLOYMENT & CAREER READINESS LAUREN KUSKI ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR PROGRAMS & ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS CHAMBERLAIN STUDENT CENTER & CAMPUS ACTIVITIES (SCCA) ROWAN UNIVERSITY
As student affairs professionals, we know that our on-campus student employment opportunities serve a larger role in students’ collegiate experience besides simply a paycheck. By working within a college union or activities office, our students are learning valuable skills that employers are looking for from college graduates, such as ability to work in a team, problem solving skills, communication skills, initiative, and leadership development to name a few. On-campus student employment also supplements their in-classroom experience by being able to practice some of those skills outside of the classroom. We know this as professionals in the field. But how are we telling the story to others? An opportunity arose for the Division of Student Life to tell our story of impactful student employment throughout campus when submissions for Professional Learning Community (PLC) proposals opened. Rowan University’s Faculty Center sponsors Professional Learning Communities, a cross-disciplinary group of individuals who come together in active, collaborative, and dialogic learning. Originally only open to faculty, in 2019 the communities opened up for any staff member on campus to participate. This was our opportunity to not only tell our story, but create a community to collaborate and participate in reflective learning on student employment and career readiness.
The PLC: On-Campus Student Employment & Career Readiness hosts professionals from various aspects of the University community, including Residential Learning & University Housing, the Recreation Center, Off-Campus and Commuter Services, Academic Advising, Career Services, faculty from the Higher Education Administration graduate program, and leadership from the Division of Student Life, as well as the Student Center and Campus Activities (SCCA). We continue to on-board members of the university community who are committed to learning and engaging in students’ out-of-classroom learning experiences. By the end of the academic year, we’re hoping to create a tangible product that can be utilized by on-campus student employers and benefit students as they begin their post-graduation lives. Our end product could be consistent language utilized in position descriptions or when describing a students’ transferable skills, a website with resources, or best practices for on-campus student employers.
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-the-know, 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 experiences. 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 Conferences) 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 covers 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
Featured on
REGION VII'S
Takeover our Story! We want to showcase your work in union or activities in action! Email Dawn Savage at savaged@umd.edu for the opportunity to takeover our Instagram account for a day or two. This is a great way to highlight unique staffing practices, fun events, or building improvements. We're open to whatever! Our most recent takeover was from Penn State! Viewers were able to follow along for a tour of new art exhibits in the HUB-Robeson Student Center!