ACPA and NASPA Approve Similar Resolutions - Subcommittees Next by Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., ACPA President 2009-10

It was Desi Arnaz saying to Lucille Ball, “Now you went and did it!” As for consolidation, yep, both ACPA and NASPA took one more small step as we continue on the path toward consolidation.

When I was a graduate student I heard the question: what is the difference between ACPA and NASPA? I won’t tell you what I was told at that time but I will tell you that the following year I joined both associations and have remained a member of both associations ever since. Where those differences I was told true at the time? In hindsight I honestly think they were exaggerated. Some were true but all in all, at least for my career, ACPA and NASPA have been much more alike than they have been different. I acknowledge these sentiments may not be true for everyone, and certainly the many before me. However, a big part of the message we have heard this past semester within the states has been that ACPA and NASPA are much more alike than they are not. In part for this reason, both of our memberships favor ACPA and NASPA having these discussions. They have for many years. And, to your Governing Boards credit, they are listening to you.

During the December board meetings for both ACPA and NASPA, both boards acted on a resolution to continue the process toward consolidation. There still is a great amount of work to do, but the boards committed themselves to a process that now involves each board directly, as well as many leaders and members within the associations. This is an amazing and very positive step. For many, many years this conversation did not make it to the respective boards, and therefore never made it officially to the members. This past year not only has your ACPA Governing Board acted on this topic twice, but the NASPA Board of Directors has done so as well. This is historic.

The resolutions that were passed contain mostly the same language. However, the versions voted on and passed also have subtle differences. Most importantly, however, is that both versions commit to a process of involving association leaders in co-chairing joint subcommittees that will define many elements of a new organization. What occurs after this work is completed remains the only significant difference between the two resolutions. There have been some members who wanted a more detailed picture of what a combined association might look like in the future. This is an opportunity for some of this work to be developed. It really is exciting.

In late January the “consolidation steering team” consisting of the ACPA and NASPA president, ACPA and NASPA past president, ACPA and NASPA Vice President/President-Elect, and the two Executive Directors will meet in Washington, D.C. This will be the historic 3rd meeting of this group. During the meeting the group will work with our consultant in reconciling the resolutions, determining our next steps, revising our timeline, transitioning our leadership, and slotting co-chairs for the different subcommittees.

The collegiality within your ACPA Governing Board, and the shared collegiality between our two associations, has been very present these past several months. As we contemplate the larger question of what is best for our profession, there has been no doubt that we all share a commitment to our profession and respective associations. It is my belief you, as a member, would be proud of this Governing Board.

No matter where this consolidation path takes us collectively, it is gratifying that you have allowed the members of this ACPA Governing Board to be the leaders of our profession at this moment in time. They are a talented group of colleagues who have already proven themselves worthy of your confidence and support. Weeeee.

VP Thoughts from Dr. Susan Salvador, ACPA VP 2009-10

Last March I began my journey as ACPA Vice President. What I didn't know at the convention was that -- as I transitioned to VP -- I had just jumped on a fast moving, powerful, focused, multitasking train. As our president Tom Jackson says: "Weeeeee." I had to hold on so I didn't fall off.

We are involved in ACPA in a multitude of purposeful ways. I have learned of the many amazing initiatives you are committed to; as well as the events, projects, and new initiatives that need my attention.

I have met new colleagues and rekindled relationships with colleagues who I have known for years -- all focused on our students and the profession.

I am professionally and personally enjoying 'the ride' and greatly look forward to being President.

Susan Salvador
ACPA Vice President (President 2010-11)

Unification Documents: Answers to many of your questionsby Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., ACPA President 2009-10

I sincerely hope you are having a wonderful fall semester and your respective students are engaged and thriving throughout campus.

This email is a special update on the continuing discussions related to unification with NASPA. Over the past several months the presidents and executive directors of both associations (past, current, and future presidents) have been working, emailing, planning, and talking about the many dynamics involved in unification. These discussions, including two face-to-face meetings, have been incredibly collegial, strategic, and positive. We share so much in common and it truly is rewarding to be working with such a fine group of people.

Today, both ACPA and NASPA shares with you some of the work of the presidents. These “unification” documents are in response to member feedback for additional information. More specifically, the following links take you to new documents (webpages): one that speaks to the considerations we have identified (including background, rationale, and pre-unification issues); a second that articulates the values guiding this process; and a third that contains frequently asked questions and the present responses to them.

http://www.myacpa.org/unification

With these pieces in hand, you now have more context and content related to our ongoing conversations concerning the unification issue. We are also still in the process of finalizing a communications plan/timeline document. We should be able to share that with you within a week or two.

Both ACPA and NASPA share a deep commitment to our profession. In fact, ACPA leaders have attended the many different state conferences and ACPA supported professional development programs to respond to member questions. If you have comments or questions you are strongly encouraged to share them using one of the emails below. As always, you can also review and respond to any of the ACPA President blogs located at http://acpa-president.blogspot.com.

ourcommonvoice@gmail.com - (read by both Tom and Mike)
msegawa@naspa.org - (read by Mike Segawa)
acpaprez@gmail.com - (read by Tom Jackson, Jr.)

As we continue to hear your voices and utilize our legal and unification consultants, this process will certainly evolve and we will do our best to keep you apprised of our progress. What an exciting time to be a Student Affairs professional. Thank you for your commitment to ACPA.

Tom Jackson, Jr.
ACPA President