From the Chair: ACPA July Leadership Meeting and #ACPA16

As I begin this post, I'm taxiing on a runway at Montreal's Pierre Trudeau International Airport. I've been in town since Monday for the annual ACPA July Leadership Meeting (July 6-9). These gatherings are an opportunity for elected association leaders to come together to discuss the future of ACPA and the field, make plans for the upcoming convention, and find new ways to collaborate and deliver professional development products to our members.

 

First off, having been in the convention space and in Montreal, I can say with confidence that there is a lot to be excited about for #ACPA16! The convention planning team has been working diligently (incessantly!) to craft an experience for all of us that is engaging, inclusive, thought-provoking, and meaningful to our work. Be sure to check out the convention page for regular updates. And be sure to register for the 2016 convention!

 

I also had the opportunity to spend time with fellow commission chairs, as well as with leaders from the coalitions and state and international divisions. I am truly excited by all the work these groups are doing to produce valuable tools for all of us. If you haven't logged into the ACPA website in a while, I encourage you to check on your profile and review which groups you have joined. This is as simple as clicking checkboxes and only puts you on their mailing list - no other commitment involved in joining a group. Be on the lookout for opportunities to attend or present webinars; publish your work in a blog (like this one!), newsletter, or monograph; nominate yourself or a colleague for an award or leadership position; or check out new videos posted in the ACPA On Demand portal on the website.

 

Finally, there were great conversations with the governing board and international office staff. Perhaps the most incredible thing to me about serving as a leader in ACPA is that we are a community of colleagues who listen, hear, respect, and appreciate each other, all in an effort to foster student learning and development. Are you interested in engaging in conversations about the future of higher education, student affairs, and academic support? Do you have an idea about how ACPA could better support or represent you? Please contact me (jbreslin@bellarmine.edu, @jimbreslin) with these and any other ideas. ACPA is a living, organic, growing entity that we can all support and receive support from. Please never hesitate to reach out to me or any of the directorate members if you have ideas, want to get more involved, or just want that sense of connection so many of us experience each year at convention.

 

Warm regards,

 

Jim Breslin, Ph.D.

Chair

 

Dean of Student Success

Bellarmine University