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WINTER 2015 |
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Dear TACUSPA Members, The longer I work in the field of higher education the more I learn that there are very few generalizations that we can make about different areas in our field. One vivid illustration is found in the way that different areas have different peak seasons. For example, my colleagues in student activities often struggle to keep up from August through October as they navigate a myriad of student events, homecoming, family weekends, etc. Friends in multicultural education often tell me that they can chart their busyness by the many heritage months that are spread throughout the year. Student conduct professionals may be tempted to mark each full moon on their calendar. At this time of year, many of us find ourselves saying, “If only I can make it to finals week!” At the same time, our colleagues in Disability Services or Testing Services are often thinking, “If only I can make it THROUGH finals week!” I’ve had many conversations with friends in various roles in higher education. There appears to be nearly universal agreement with the idea that we never seem to slow down anymore. Our work does not ebb and flow as it once did. In this kind of atmosphere, it can be a challenge to give our friends and loved ones the attention they deserve and attending to our personal wellness can become an ever shrinking priority. And yet, one thing that seems to be true for most is that the holiday break that occurs in December each year is one of the few times our work stops and we can renew the very precious resource of our own energy. It is my wish for each of you that the holidays provide a time for recuperation and rejuvenation. Oh, and one piece of unsolicited advice...Don’t worry too much about the indulgences of the holidays. My understanding of wellness is that it has many dimensions – some of which are fulfilled quite nicely with a slice of pumpkin pie. Happy Holidays! Sincerely, Adam Peck TACUSPA President
TACUSPA Research Development Grant Awards Each year TACUSPA funds research endeavors that show promise for improving research and practice in higher education and student affairs. We recognized two recipients in October at the Annual Conference in Corpus Christi, TX. The first recipient, Neelam Agarwal from The University of Texas at El Paso, proposed, Voices of Students with Disabilities. This project will have students with disabilities use photographs to document their concerns. The second recipient is Ric Montelongo, assistant professor at Sam Houston State University. His proposal is titled: The Impact of Latino College Student Organization Involvement on Members Twenty Years After College Attendance. He will interview a sample cohort to discover how student organizations have lasting impact on minority students. If you are interested in having a research project funded, please look for the call for grant in April of 2016.
2016 TACUSPA Conference Save-the-Date The 2016 TACUSPA Conference will be held in October 23-25, 2016 in Austin, Texas at the AT&T Conference Center. The conference theme is Picturing our Future, Telling our Story. Featured speakers will include Dr. Richard P. Keeling, Principle and Senior Executive Consultant at Keeling and Associates, LLC; Dr. Marcia Baxter Magolda, Distinguished Professor of Educational Leadership and Student Affairs at Miami University of Ohio; and Marybeth Drechsler Sharp, Executive Director for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education.
| TACUSPA Foundation Update Thanks to everyone who supported the TACUSPA Foundation this year! We have raised a record-breaking $14,000 in 2015! Donations to the Foundation totaled $10,517; the Silent Auction earned $3,045; and the Golf Tournament earned $438. We appreciate everyone who donated directly to the Foundation, donated items for the Silent Auction, as well as those of you who participated in the golf tournament and bid on and purchased Silent Auction items. It’s not too late to donate for 2015! Simply click on this link and make your donation: http://tacuspa.net/Donation_Sponsorships.
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TACUSPA President's Message
TACUSPA Member Spotlight
“TACUSPA is an amazing organization. When I moved to Texas, the association welcomed me warmly. I actually served on the conference committee of my first TACUSPA conference, and it is a great place to both fit in and stand out. Members can network with vice presidents and executives while, at the same time, having access to early leadership opportunities. I am grateful for the opportunities the association provided me to plan the annual conference, host the new professional institute and serve on the journal board. I encourage everyone to get involved with TACUSPA and harness the possibilities of membership.”
2016 Webinar Schedule Each year, TACUSPA provides a variety of free webinars for members. Title IX Compliance/New Regulations February
10, 12:00-1:00pm CST Abstract: This webinar will cover what offender support should we be offering to ensure equitable treatment when investigating Title IX cases and update regarding federal and state regulations and compliance issues. Community through Compliance – Supporting the LGBTQIA
Community on Campus March
30, 12:00-1:00pm CST Abstract: College
campuses are becoming increasingly diverse requiring those who support student
success and retention to respond to evolving student needs. With increased
emphasis on Title IX compliance, institutions of higher education must remain
cognizant of the ethical and legal obligations to support members of the
LGBTQIA campus community. In this session, attendees will examine
administrative law, case law, and legislation relating to gender equity and
inclusion of students who identify in the LGBTQIA community. Attendees will
also discuss how institutions can promote inclusivity through Title IX
education, prevention programs and campus climate surveys. Graduate Student Case Study Competition April
20, 12:00-1:00pm CST **More
Information to Follow** Ethics in Higher Education: Identifying Actual
Experiences to Enhance Training for New Professionals May 18, 12:00-1:00pm
CST Abstract: While
ethical standards exist in higher education, they are often vague and do not
identify the issues likely to arise on the job.
This webinar will highlight results from a recent qualitative study that
identified specific ethical dilemmas and challenges to share with new
professionals as part of their preparation and training activities. The webinar will share ideas about how to
increase awareness of common ethical problems and encourage better decision-making
in the first few years in the field. Early College High School Graduates: Translating
Pre-College Credits into Post-Secondary Success June
15, 12:00-1:00pm CST Abstract: The movement to graduate high school students through an
Early College model has grown exponentially throughout the State of Texas over
the last decade. In ten short years, Texas has become home to over 100 Early
College High Schools (ECHS), with the highest concentration of ECHS campuses
located in the Rio Grande Valley and Gulf Coast region. Many Early College High
School graduates enter institutions of higher education with total credit hours
that academically classify them as juniors or seniors; however, these young
students also encounter unique challenges. This session will discuss: 1)
Challenges related to credit alignment and timely degree completion; 2)
Academic, social and emotional challenges encountered during these students’
first year of full-time post-secondary study; and, 3) considerations and
implications for student development opportunities that can be incorporated
into the ECHS program to maximize these students’ success and transition into
the full “college experience” on an accelerated timeline. Why Should Student Affairs Assess? July 20, 12:00-1:00pm CST Presented
by Dr. Darby Roberts Abstract: Student affairs professionals are often told that they
need to assess programs and services but without the context of the multiple
reasons for assessment. This session will not only explore the varied purposes
of assessment, but also address some of the strategies to make assessment
meaningful and manageable. Staff Development: How to Create the 5 Functions of a
Team September
21, 12:00-1:00pm CST Abstract: Staff Development: How to Create the 5 Functions of a Team will explore Patrick Lencioni’s award winning model of the Five Dysfunctions of a Team. This presentation will give you the opportunity to assess the dysfunctions of your own team, giving you the tools to design staff development activities and strategies that can foster a fully functioning team. Place Holder
for Biggest Buzz Award from the 2016 TACUSPA Conference November 16, 12:00-1:00pm CST | Annual Report - 2014-2015 The TACUSPA Executive Board and the association’s many volunteers have worked hard to help the association have a very successful year. Our primary goal this year was to develop a new strategic plan. The following timeline was used in developing the strategic plan:
Other highlights from the year include the following:
Respectfully submitted by: Lisa McDougle
2015 TACUSPA Fall Conference Highlights The 2015 TACUSPA Fall Annual Conference, “Making Waves for 90 Years” was held in Corpus Christi on October 4-6 at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel. Two hundred sixty (260) members were in attendance of the conference, which celebrated the 90th Anniversary of the association. TACUSPA partnered with the Texas chapter of the Association for Student Conduct Administration to feature an education session track including six presentations on topics relating to student conduct and discipline, institutional policy, and Title IX compliance. ASCA-TX held its annual state meeting immediately after the close of the TACUSPA conference on Tuesday, October 6. Thirty-eight (38) individuals attended that meeting. Jennifer Fox, The University of Texas at Arlington, was recognized as Outstanding New Professional. Charlin Jones-Chavez, The University of Texas at San Antonio, was recognized as Outstanding Mid-Level Professional. Dr. Jeff Jackson, UT Health Science Center San Antonio, was recognized for Dissertation of the Year. Dr. Richard Drum, The University of Texas at San Antonio, was recognized as Faculty Member of the Year. The Distinguished Service (Jim Caswell) Award was presented to Dr. Sandi Osters, Texas A&M University. |
Jan McKinney serves as the Director of Communications for Student Affairs at The University of Texas at San Antonio. She is currently working her Doctorate in Higher Education at UTSA. Her emphasis is on researching student conduct sanctions. Jan is originally from South Carolina where she earned two degrees - a Masters of Education in Higher Education Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science; both from the University of South Carolina. With twenty years of experience in higher education Jan is grateful to have a diverse mix of content areas including student activities, multicultural programs, housing and student conduct. Those experiences have contributed to her current role, which is a blend of many duties including social media, staff training, and policy implementation. 
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT TACUSPA BUDGET 2015-2016
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The TACUSPA Newsletter is edited by Christine Self, Associate Director of Parent & Family Relations at Texas Tech University, and Kristy Pacheco, Coordinator of Student Activities and Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Texas at El Paso. |