Small Colleges and Universities Division Newsletter
Greetings from our Director
What a semester! From my conversations with colleagues and keeping abreast of national news, our campuses have experienced some sensational highs and some challenges that may seem insurmountable. If you have not heard from your supervisors, direct reports, students, or colleagues then please accept it from me – THANK YOU!
Thank you for your patience, deciding to return to the office the next day, continuing to support our students, and for hopefully continuing to see the impact you are having both short and long term.
In August, I reminded you of how easy it is to become so enthralled in our roles that we fail to prioritize ourselves. Again, as we are nearing winter break, how will you invest some of the same care in yourself that we do on our campuses each day? Is this a period of time where you can commit to disconnecting completely from email? Is this a period of time where you challenge yourself to spend as much time as possible with family, friends, pets, or even alone? Whatever it may be that renews you, please make it a priority during the break.
THANK YOU again for all that you do and maybe share a “thank you” with a colleague.
Dr. Aarika C. Camp, she/her Vice President for Student Affairs, Goucher College aarika.camp@goucher.edu
SCU Member Spotlight:
Dr. Robert Hynes (he/him)
Assistant Dean for Student Support Services/Director of Counseling Services
Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg, MA
In his role Dr. Hynes supervises the Offices of Counseling & Disability Services, while also providing leadership in the Division of Student Affairs at Fitchburg State University. “My connections with students and colleagues often result in relationships that continue beyond our shared time at the university.
I love hearing about how their lives unfold.” said Hynes. He also encourages others in our profession to embrace opportunities that help you explore different aspects of your professional identity.
Why work at a Small College/University? “Working at a small institution facilitates the development of meaningful relationships with students, faculty, and staff. It can also be easier to innovate in the small campus environment.” Dr. Hynes has also shared that in working at smaller institutions there are often opportunities to be involved across campus that may not be available at larger institutions. For example - He has been the Football Voice of the Fitchburg State Falcons for 20 years!
2024 NASPA M. Ben Hogan Small Colleges & Universities Institute
Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR
June 23-26, 2024
Registration is now open! We look forward to having you join us at the NASPA M. Ben Hogan Small Colleges and Universities Institute (SCUI). Hosted by the the Small Colleges and Universities Division on a biennial basis, SCUI is a four-day residential program in which vice presidents for student affairs (and the equivalent) and other senior-level professionals are able to engage in talk on the critical issues facing higher education and pertinent issues pertaining to small colleges and universities.
Your registration fee includes: all institute materials, housing, and several meals throughout the duration of the institute. Registration cost is based on individual membership status at the time of the event.
Note: Participation in this institute is limited to the highest-ranking student affairs officer on campus and other senior-level administrators who (1) report to the highest-ranking student affairs officer and (2) have substantial responsibility for divisional leadership.
For additional information please visit the SCUI webpage.
APPLY TODAY - Early Career Development Institute Co-coordinator
The Co-coordinators for the NASPA Small Colleges and Universities Division’s Early Career Development Institute (ECDI) manage the creation and development of this signature program. ECDI is a year-long program taking place in the spring that provides practitioners within their first three years of professional work an opportunity for affordable professional development, mentorship, and networking. ECDI consists of a cohort of 20-30 participants that attend monthly webinars on a topical area related to NASPA professional competencies, participate in monthly roundtable discussions with smaller clusters from within the cohort, and engage in monthly conversations with a senior-level coach that has been paired with them.
Eligibility Requirements:
Be a current NASPA member
Currently work at a small college or university
Be creative-thinking, well-organized, and be able to work collaboratively in developing a meaningful leading initiatives that includes the identification of critical issues, best practices, and potential resources that will lead to an exceptional professional development experience
Be knowledgeable about trends and current issues within the student affairs field, in general, and in particular, issues related to small colleges and universities and entry-level administrators
We would like to congratulate and celebrate all who were recognized as outstanding members of student affairs and higher education through the Pillars of Profession Award. Each individual is nominated and supported for designation as a Pillar by colleagues, students, friends, or others who find them to be an example of the profession and deserving of one of the NASPA Foundation’s highest honors. Although all who were recognized hold and exemplify all that is great about our profession, we would like to give an extra special recognition to those who were recognized and serve at a small college or university! Please help me Congratulate the following individuals:
Teresa L. Clounch, Associate Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students, Washburn University (Topeka, KS)
Marcella Runell, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, Mount Holyoke College (South Hadley, MA)
From Haydee Reyes (SCU Advisory Board Communications Coordinator)
Is there a colleague that is truly making a difference and working diligently to ensure student success in their role? Let us know! We would love to hear from you and showcase them in our upcoming division Newsletter and on our social media platform(s). To nominate yourself or someone you know please use the link below!
