NEWSLETTER September 2019
JOIN THE FUN ONLINE @acuiregionvii
Highlights from our
REGIONAL DIRECTOR Greetings Region VII! I hope the start of this academic year has been successful for you. I say this knowing full well that each brings returning challenges and new situations. As you are responding and reacting to the events of each day, I hope that you are finding ways to center yourself. I am excited to share some updates for this coming year regarding our Association and region. ACUI’s revised core competencies will be shared in The Bulletin as well as debuted at the Regional Conference in Glassboro, New Jersey. The Education Council will be presenting on how to utilize the new and revised core competencies at your institution in a variety of ways. I look forward to learning ways to tie the new competencies to volunteer experiences, writing job descriptions, developing student and staff training opportunities, and crafting assessment criteria. If you are looking to map the previous competencies to the new ones, then please keep an eye out for more information coming from the Association. During the July Leadership Team meeting in Bloomington, the regional directors renewed our focus on common goals for all regions. Specifically in planning the 2019 Regional Conferences, we are focused on increasing awareness of the research agenda, exploring networking/professional
development opportunities for communities of identity, and supporting member profile updates to improve data accuracy. As you will see later in the newsletter, the Regional Leadership Team will be transitioning in five new volunteers. Regional Leadership Team applications were open from May 10 through June 21 with an extension to June 30. On June 12, members of the current Regional Leadership Team offered an informal interest meeting via Zoom for any ACUI members considering applying. We received six applications for five open positions. In coordination with the other regional directors, our selection team was comprised of myself, the 2020 conference coordinator, and included an impartial participant in the selection process—an inclusivity coordinator from Region III. For an introduction to the incoming members of the Regional Leadership Team, please go to page 16. If you are looking for ways to get involved with the region then please contact Tiff Brodner (brodner@geneseo.edu). She will be able to provide more information on upcoming opportunities such as the Regional Conference Planning Team for 2020. We will be announcing the host institution for 2020 while we are together at Rowan University from November 14-16. I hope that you can join us for the Regional Conference to learn from professionals and students in our surrounding area. I started this update with the hope that you are taking care of yourself in between all of the day to day demands. I truly want to stress that desire. I know that each of us spends time dealing with the situation that is right in front of us. Meanwhile, there is a backlog of long-term projects, plans, and programs that you want to prepare for in advance. I prefer to think that it is not procrastination that keeps us from getting to those longer term demands but if we do not take the time to center ourselves, priortize what is in front of us as well as what is up ahead, then we are not doing ourselves any favors in the future. “Future Vinny” and “Future You” have lots of things to do. So let us find ways to support each other.
Please know that if I can assist with anything or if you are simply looking to chat, then please reach out. (vincee@udel.edu) Hope to see you in Glassboro! Best,
ACUI Region VII
GOALS 2019-2020 Advancing inclusion goals into action by documenting standards in which our services incorporate everyone Aim to be the role model for other regions in defining the words diversity, inclusion, and equity and what that means for Region VII Build an engaged, caring, and welcoming community that strives to meet the need of all members Connect community of practice leaders and communities to engage and develop further learning & networks Create and implement an intentional assessment plan to help guide the region Creating a budget that is fiscally responsible and accessible Creating an education plan for the region that aligns with the associations education plan as outlined by the education council Expanding our knowledge of best practices outside the union by researching other industry standards (e.g. hotel, amusement parks, etc.) Foster holistic development for each member Foster personal well-being of members in our region through social connectivity and by providing an engaging atmosphere Identify inclusion and practices of equity and social responsibility within Region VII Identify innovative practices at member institutions to share their creativity in regional communication Maintain timely communications for events, and opportunities Provide diverse and accessible professional and personal development opportunities to all regional members Work towards making visible the invisible (mental health, autism, differently abled)
Updates from the 2019 Region VII
CONFERENCE
PLANNING TEAM
We asked Katy Tufts and Adam Burgman, co-fundraising coordinators, about their Conference Planning Team experience so far. Here's the insider info about preparations for the regional conference: We are so excited to be working with the Conference Planning Team this year and supporting ACUI Region VII through fundraising. Did you know that any fundraising activity or initiative you participate in goes directly towards the creation of scholarships so that others can attend future conferences and programs hosted by ACUI? Last year, we raised over $4,000 for ACUI Region VII! As your 2019 fundraising coordinators, we have been working hard at securing dynamic and fun opportunities to help you give back to ACUI. As part of the preconference festivities, you can participate in one of two evening activities for a small fee: a canvas paint night or a trip to Axe and Arrow Microbrewery. Axe and Arrow was kind enough not only to offer each person a beer flight with your registration, but also to donate 15% of sales to ACUI Region VII. They are also naming a brew after us for the night!
In addition, we reviewed the feedback from previous years and decided to move many of our Funds for Fitness programs to the afternoon. Take a break from learning to participate in yoga during our first ever Wellness Hour. If yoga isn’t your thing, we will have plenty of mindfulness activities to help you relax during a day that challenges you to expand your limits. You can also preregister for a gym pass to visit the Rowan REC Center and Rowan Fitness Center each day of the conference or donate to sleep in. Finally, our annual Heads or Tails game and silent and live auctions will return to this year’s conference. Bring your cash to compete in Heads or Tails and win a pair of Apple AirPods or donate some new or gently loved items to our auctions. Last year’s top selling item went for $340. We know we can beat that this year! We look forward to welcoming you to Rowan University from November 14-16! We hope you will consider pre-registering for a fundraising opportunity or two to help us expand our limits to new attendees and colleagues. Early registration closes on September 30.
Updates from the 2019 Region VII
CONFERENCE
PLANNING TEAM
We asked Alfred Burks, III, coeducational coordinator, about their Conference Planning Team experience so far. Here's the insider info about preparations for the regional conference: Habari Gani! (Kiswahili for what’s the news). My name is Alfred Burks III and I have the privilege of serving as this year’s co-education coordinator on the 2019 Region VII Conference Planning Team. This year, we have decided to emphasize student leadership development by creating the Student Leadership Track. While leadership has always served as a critical component for conference education sessions, we believe that students may deem it helpful if we highlighted the group of sessions focused on students. If you are an undergraduate or graduate student, these leadership focused ed sessions will help push you to elevate your leadership in whatever role you play in your college union and campus. Proposals are in and I can say it looks like presenters are excited to contribute to the growth of our students. If you are a professional, I encourage you to register and bring your students as this is an opportunity that you wouldn’t want to miss! If you are interested in learning more about the Student Leadership Track or if you would like to contribute, please don’t hesitate to contact me. See you in November!
Seeing the regional conference from the
STUDENT
PERSPECTIVE Operations assistant Iteoluwakishi Gamu from Howard University shares how attending the regional conference as a student benefited her. My introduction to ACUI was through the "Pride in Our Roots" 2018 Region VII conference at Penn State. I learned a lot about the mission and core values of the organization including traditions such as the spirit stick. The educational sessions and networking opportunities with other professionals exposed me to a plethora of ideas I was eager to implement. Upon my return, I began brainstorming ways to increase my involvement in the conference and contribution to the overall mission. My supervisor recommended I submit a proposal for an educational session for the upcoming conference which would allow me to strengthen my professional skills in curating a workshop. My excitement is continually growing in preparation for the conference and presentation as well, which is why I encourage other students to submit education proposals. The atmosphere of the conference creates a platform for collaboration and exchange of ideas surrounding leadership, student activities, and overall enhancement of campus communities across universities. I am looking forward to the new Student Leadership Track in the upcoming regional conference as it will provide educational sessions tailored to the enhancement of the student experience. I can't wait to see you in November!� Register your students today!
Mark your calendar for
UPCOMING EVENTS Region VII Conference Rowan University, November 14-16 Women's Leadership Institute Amelia Island, Florida, December 9-12 100th Annual Conference Atlanta, March 15-19, 2020
REGION VII
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION Early Ends September 30
Regular
Late
October 1-23
October 24November 6
Professional Member Professional Nonmember
$245 $300
$255 $310
$285 $320
Student Member Student Nonmember
$240 $300 $140 $170
$240 $310 $150 $180
$250 $320 $160 $190
One-Day Member One-Day Nonmember
Reflections from a Region VII Scholarship Recipient
I-LEAD® Maria Dovshek, California University of Pennsylvania A saying that I catch myself using frequently is, “Everything happens for a reason,” and I truly believe that I was given such an amazing opportunity for a reason. This past summer I attended a conference called I-LEAD® that was in Burlington Vermont and this experience was without a doubt life changing. During the conference each person was put in a big group and a small group. The big group is where we had formal discussions and activities together. The small groups were where we could be our true selves as we shared our leadership journeys which allowed us to become very close-knit by the end of the week. I believe the people that I met at this conference are people that I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life. They have touched me in a way that I cannot put into words. We also had an opportunity to do service. I worked on creating a walking path and tidied a beach at a place called Rock Point. That day was a gift. Going into I-LEAD®, I thought of it as a leadership conference. Looking back, I have realized that this not only helped me gain leadership skills, but it also helped me with self-improvement. A quote that one of my peers used was, “I am bettering myself for the sake of others.” Those words stuck with me because that is the best way to describe I-LEAD® and the people there. I cannot express the gratitude that I am feeling after I-LEAD®, and anyone who gets the opportunity to attend should not think twice about going because they will encounter a life changing experience as well.
Highlights from
IPDS: NEW PROFESSIONALS ORIENTATION Ashley Petitt, Fairliegh Dickinson University IPDS was a week of enrichment, education, and entertainment. Each day was mixed with sessions, tours, and time for getting to know the other attendees. The sessions were very relevant and engaging with topics such as: Role of the College Union, Motivating Others as Supervisors and Advisors, Bias 101: The Awakening, Food Insecurity on Campus, to name a few. Since each session allowed for discussion, we were given new perspectives from the other attendees and their personal experiences or backgrounds. I think this was one of my biggest takeaways from the week. Hearing from others about their universities or their college union buildings offered encouragement and insight from other young professionals like myself. I believe this experience was worth every minute. Beyond the sessions, having time to get to know the other people there was my favorite part. We were given time to explore, enjoy the Indiana Memorial Union bowling lanes and outdoor area for games. Learning about the others beyond their job title and school they represent was such a treat! If you would have told me I’d leave IPDS with more than thirty six new friends, I don’t know if I would have believed you but it’s true! Now I have a familiar face all around the country that can relate to the various challenges and successes in this field. Overall, hearing from seasoned professionals and connecting with fellow young professionals made IPDS an unforgettable experience.
Highlights from
IPDS: NEW PROFESSIONALS ORIENTATION Jennifer Moxley, Frederick Community College I started in my role as coordinator of student leadership and service at Frederick Community College in November 2018, after working in the Admissions Office for 10 years. My supervisor, Jeanni Winston-Muir, immediately introduced me to ACUI and told me about the IPDS: New Professionals Orientation. She told me that ACUI has shaped her professional career and the IPDS experience is one she still remembers to this day, adding that she still keeps in touch with her cohort. Obviously I was excited to attend this program after her glowing comments but I didn’t realize how truly life changing the experience would be. The IPDS program introduced me to so many important and relevant topics in the student affairs field like budgeting, supervision, motivation, bias, student activism, and food insecurity on campus. The educational sessions provided thoughtful conversations in these topics and best practices to take back to our campuses. It provided a broad knowledge base for new professionals to feel more confident in our roles. But what I loved most about this experience was the people I met! I have a bunch of new friends and a new professional network that I can reach out to whenever I have questions, need advice, or when seeking new ideas. We started a GroupMe chat that is still going to this day! I would highly recommend IPDS for anyone who is new to the student affairs field! You will leave with a solid foundation of knowledge, a new sense of confidence and motivation, and a network of friends for life! I can honestly say this experience has been a highlight of my professional career. Special thanks to Allison Lara and Kelsie Holt for planning such a great week!
Highlights from
IPDS: NEW PROFESSIONALS ORIENTATION Dawn Wilkenfeld, Montclair State University As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.� As a new professional, I was looking for an opportunity to do just that, to get involved beyond my campus. I came across the IPDS: New Professionals Orientation through ACUI and as I write this, two months after the conference, I can honestly say that I use the knowledge I learned and connections I made in my daily work. This orientation enabled me to be a better colleague, a better employee, and a better professional. For those that have attended conferences before, you know that there are a variety of educational workshops and networking opportunities with sometimes hundreds or even thousands of people, but the IPDS: New Professionals Orientation was different. I was with the same cohort of new professionals throughout my time in Indiana. Together, we learned about the origination of a college union, how to supervise students and motivate others, about food insecurity on college campuses, the process of budgeting and fiscal management, student activism, and more. These new professionals, like myself, had similar questions and a shared passion for higher education. Outside of educational sessions, I am lucky to have had the opportunity to form a network of peers through social activities held throughout the week. Whether it was touring the athletic facilities of a university whose 1975-1976 basketball team finished their season undefeated, touring the city of Bloomington, bowling in a student union from the 1930s, enjoying the famous Chocolate Moose ice cream,
or the Formal Dinner on the last night, I have so many fond memories from the IPDS: New Professionals Orientation. For any new professionals reading this, I hope you consider participating in this program. I teach my students every day to expand their worldview and this opportunity enabled me to do just that—to be a part of something bigger than myself. As I look at the framed picture of all the attendees that sits on my desk before me, I am reminded of the network of peers I created and the knowledge I gained to prepare me for a successful career in the field of higher education.
Region VII supports the attendance of ACUI students on the spectrum is such a very positive development for the Student members to“Hiring ACUI-affiliated programs Center. The employees at our Student Center have responded very well to the as IPDS through changesthe andRegion I feel like IVII amGeneral part of the staff. It has really truly been a blessing. If this The can be done at your Scholarship. funding willuniversity cover then it will pay enormous benefits. The staff will be enormously grateful if you hire students on the spectrum.” registration only; all travel and lodging will be at the expense of the scholarship- Luke Tomczuk InfoaDesk at the winner/institution. Keep lookstaff out forHoward the Gittis Student Center, Temple University application come April 2020.
Musings from Region VII's
INCLUSIVITY
COORDINATOR If you're Facebook friends with the Presidential Award for Distinguished Service recipient, Anthony Otero, you're familiar with his weekly "Random Thoughts" posts on Thursdays. The thoughtprovoking topics range from superheros to social justice. For the Region VII Newsletter, we've asked him to share some Random Thoughts on diversity and inclusion as it relates to our work in student unions and activities.
Random Thoughts on Diversity & Inclusion Latinx Heritage Month is between two months because many countries within the diaspora have independence days that fall between September and October The question you should be asking is what are your student unions/centers doing to highlight any of the celebratory months? Words and definitions matters. So do pronouns. Trans women are women. Before you ban straws in your facilities, take time to realize there is a portion of the population who need them. We can both be sustainable and inclusive of those who are physically impaired. Latinx/o/a is an ethnicity, not a race. Students on the spectrum are, first and foremost, students. It is okay to think twice about how we are using campus security at events. It is okay to think about who will feel safe and who will not. As we head toward the holiday season, please remember that not everyone celebrates the same holidays. Health and wellness are important for our students and for us. Take time to heal and replenish your energy.
Check out these
REGION VII
OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer Volunteering for Region VII is a great way to expand your network, develop your skills, and give back to your professional association of choice. The Regional Conference will offer many ways to step up as a volunteer on-site. Opportunities will be announced via email, social media, and the conference Eventsential app.
Nominate
Take a quick break from doing the work to celebrate the work. Nominate a colleague for one of eight Region VII awards that recognize achievements by individuals and campuses by October 7. All criteria, eligibility, and supporting documentation appear online at https://www.acui.org/regions/vii/regional-awards
Mentor The Region VII Conference Mentorship Program will pair professionals with grad and undergrad students to learn from one another. Sign up as part of your conference registration.
Introducing new faces on the
REGION VII
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Emily Kofman
My name is Emily Kofman and I work at West Chester University of Pennsylvania as the assistant director of student activities. I am the incoming communications coordinator for the Region VII Regional Leadership Team and I am so excited to be able to assist in getting more folks in the region involved in all of the amazing opportunities that ACUI offers! A fun fact about me is that I am an avid baker! You can catch me coming into work most weeks with loads of cookies, sweets, and treats!
Filip Pongratz I am the associate director for the Student Faculty Center Activities and Operations Department under Student Center Operations at Temple University. My title within the Regional Leadership Team is business manager and my hope is to provide excellent fiscal management practices in all areas as well as contribute to the approachable, fun, and energetic team that we already have place.
Jay Patel Hello Everyone! My name is Jay Patel and I am a program coordinator for the University Student Centers at the University of Delaware. I am excited to serve as your inclusivity coordinator for Region Vll. I am really excited to work with the Region Vll team to make ACUI more inclusive!
Introducing new faces on the
REGION VII
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Michael MacStudy I'm Michael MacStudy and I'm the current coordinator of commuter affairs at Ramapo College of New Jersey and the incoming educational coordinator on the Regional Leadership Team. I'm excited to bring a diverse set of educational programming to the region and developing some great, longlasting relationships throughout ACUI. I am a tattooed, cat dad with an affinity for baseball.
Andrea Giachino
Hello all, I currently work at Temple University as an event operations coordinator at the Student Faculty Center. I will be the 2021 Region VII Conference chair and look forward to promoting community building, idea sharing, and providing all of us a weekend to refresh during the 2021 Regional Conference! Something interesting about me is I grew up in small town Wisconsin where the population of cows was higher than the population of people! And yes, the cheese is that amazing back home :)
What's happening
AROUND
THE REGION
Through rain and location changes etc. - the B was made.
My bulletin board is full! Into my 14th year at @binghamtonu and starting my 22nd year working in Higher Education - feeling my age this year. â˜ş We all joke about Welcome Week / Opening as a trying time in Student Activities - but also - October tends to be another pocket of madness. Concerts, Homecomings and more - to all my @acui_gallery and @thenaca colleaguesMay the Force Be With You!!!
What's happening
AROUND
THE REGION
click here to watch the video recap
What's happening
AROUND
THE REGION Operation Stick-It Photo credit: Whitney Schepf
Who's Innovating in Region VII
STAFF TRAINING
JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY
Our training model is not so different from many other summer student staff trainings. We cover areas such as emergency preparedness, policies and procedures, review of audio-visual and setups, etc. But what I think has made the Summer Building Manager Training at Jefferson University special has been how involved the students have been in the process. We, as professionals, are the content experts. But the students need to be partners in shaping how they want to learn. With that in mind, the students actively play a role in shaping and dictating how their staff training looks and runs. After many years of successes, failures, and input, we came to this current model. I share some of the unique sessions that have made our training so special!
Session Leader
Each day of training has various sessions. For example, the sessions that make up our traditional Saturday are Audio-visual Training, Behind Closed Doors, and our Alumni Panel and Dinner. For each of these sessions, a building manager volunteers to be the leader. The building manager responsible for that session will go over the learning expectations with the new building managers prior to starting, keep track of time and indicate when to rotate, and lead the debrief at the conclusion of the session. Each session follows that general trend, with a few changes depending on the session. An example is behind closed doors. That building manager makes sure that the scenarios are realistic, and students aren’t over-dramatizing the scenarios. For the Alumni Panel and Dinner, this building manager serves as the moderator for the panel, makes sure there are questions for the panelists, and then time out the rotations at dinner (more on this below!).
Day Leader
Let me first say that this idea came about due to my daughter, who was due to be born in the middle of our building manager training! Since there was a chance that I would not be able to attend the whole training, I appointed one building manager to be the point person for the whole training. This later evolved into having different graduating building managers take on leader for each day of training. This building manager's responsibility starts the evening before their appointed day. The building manager checks in with all the session leaders for the next day to make sure they are good for their sessions and see if they need support. On their appointed day, they monitor the time for the sessions making sure the session leader is staying on schedule. They also take notes on how the day is going, were there any issues with the sessions or individuals, and what improvements could be made for next year. Finally, at the end of the day, they lead the evening debrief with the returning building managers to see how the day went and collect feedback.
Site Visits
Each year we visit a different student union/center, campus center. Some of the universities that were gracious enough to host us over the years included: West Chester University, Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Delaware, Rutgers Camden, and The College of New Jersey. The site visits usually include a meeting with the professional staff, some sort of ice breaker or team builder, a tour of their facility, a Q&A with the host institution’s student staff (if available) and their pro-staff, and lunch. The site visits are great for the students because helps them to know that there are others who do what they do. They can see what the other Each year we visit a different student union/center, campus center. Some of the universities that were gracious enough to host us over the years included: Chester “Hiring students onWest the spectrum is a very positive development for the Student Center. The employees at our Student University, Temple University, University of Center have responded very well to the and I feel like I am partRutgers of the staff. It has really truly been a blessing. If Pennsylvania,changes University of Delaware, this can be done at your university then it will pay enormous benefits. The staff will Camden, and The College of New Jersey. The be enormously grateful if you hire students on the spectrum.” site visits usually include a meeting with the - Luke Tomczuk professional staff, some sort of ice breaker or Info Desk staff at the Howard Gittis Student Center, team builder, a tour of their facility, a Q&A with Temple University the host institution’s student staff (if available) and their pro-staff, and lunch. The site visits are
great for the students because helps them to know that there are others who do what they do. They can see what the other student staffs were responsible for, their compensation, their facilities, etc. Many of our great ideas came as a result of our site visits such as the use of Google Drive and their suite of products, and rentable phone chargers.
Alumni Panel & Dinner
This year we celebrated our 4th Annual Building Manager Alumni Dinner, with our largest number of alumni turnout totaling 13 alums! This year was also the first year we incorporated a panel discussion prior to the dinner. The panel helped to start the conversation and was moderated by the session leader. All building managers had to submit their questions in advance for the moderator, and the panelists also had time to ask questions of the current staff. After the panel, which had four alums, the remaining alumni showed up and sat at various tables. At each table there were questions in the middle to help facilitate conversation, but the point was to allow the current staff to spend time with alums on a more intimate setting. After a certain number of minutes, we would rotate the building managers, so they had the opportunity to interact with as many alums as possible. This was a great way to keep our alumni engaged in what we were doing. It was fun to catch up with building managers that had graduated almost five years ago and see how they were doing. It was a great networking opportunity for our current staff, and it gave new meaning to the job and how it could benefit them.
Community Service
Giving back is something that I think is very important, and something that I wanted to make sure was a part of our training. The first year I ran training, we went to a community garden and did yard work. While the thought was appreciated, this site was not. I suggested making breakfast at the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia, and the students were open to trying it. Four years later, it is one of the students’ favorite session in training. Planning the menu, doing the food shopping, and making the breakfast are their own natural team bonding moments. But the students also
appreciate sitting with the families and talking to them and hearing their stories. For some, it pushes them outside of their comfort zone to speak with people they don’t know, but they always find the experience rewarding.
AED/CPR/First Aid Training While all my students go through the training, none of them are required to use these skills if they don’t want to. However, I would rather teach the students these skills, and have them decide they don’t want to use them rather than have them in a situation where they felt helpless. There was also discussion to train the students on tourniquets and use of Narcan.
Staff Bonding
As I had mentioned, the community service session was one form of staff bonding. But our whole training is a giant staff bonding time. Time is allocated for intentional bonding time, such as a team building session and a staff outing. We also incorporate ice breakers at every meal that are led by one returner and one new building manager to keep the bonding going. But throughout the years, I noticed how bonding started to occur throughout training. By really stepping back and putting the returning building managers front and center, it helped them bond with each other and with the new building managers. The returners are viewed as experts and as role models, and they embraced these roles and take it seriously. Having the returners reenact behind closed doors or emergency scenarios gives them the opportunity to share their experiences and wisdom with the new hires, while also allowing them to get to know each other. They also start to do other homegrown bonding activities, such as creating a family tree, like what you would see in a sorority or fraternity, to help build a family feeling. Just letting these things happen naturally are the best way to have the staff come together and bond.
Student and Staff Feedback
Overall, the feedback that has been received by the students have been overwhelmingly positive. Returners appreciate playing a very active role in training. It engages them in a new and active way that recognizes that they have been through this process before, and that they can be trusted to now lead these sessions. It also helps with their learning of the job. As one of my
former building managers, Theresa, put it, “You never really know something until you can teach it to someone else.� For the new building managers, because they constantly interact with the returning building managers, it helps them become more comfortable. They feel comfortable going to their peers, and their peers are always there to help them out. It also excites them because it gives them something to look forward to doing after their first year on the job. From the perspective of professional staff, they always admired how independent the students are. Even since I have left Jefferson in September, I am so proud of how the students have now used that independence to take over many of my responsibilities while the search for my position is in process. They have embraced that role and have truly stepped up as a result. I am very proud of this training model and that it was created with my student Building Managers. This was something that had been worked out over time and through a lot of feedback from both the students, and professional staff that have participated in our training. The most important thing about this training is trusting your students, and trusting yourself. Sometimes we can be hard on ourselves, or we hold ourselves back for various reasons. But if you trust that you have done a good job of hiring and training your students, then maybe consider turning that trust over to your students. Give them the space and freedom to learn and grow and be there to provide them the support that they need when they need it. While there are still changes and adjustments that need to be made to the model, I feel confident that it has hit a good point. There are a lot of logistical considerations that went into this planning, and I would be happy to discuss this with anyone. Feel free to reach out to me at my email, Giancarlo.Brugnolo@stockton.edu or by phone at 609-652-4878. I hope this provides some inspiration in looking at how you can make your summer trainings engaging, fun, and productive for you and your student staff!
Coming to
REGION VII'S
Takeover!
We want to showcase your work in union or activities in action! Email NaQuan Redd at naquan.redd@rutgers.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! The past few months featured a Graduate Toast at Rutgers-Camden, new furniture delivery at Thomas Jefferson University East Falls Campus, and a push for Educational Session proposals submissions with the Conference Planning Team!