CCPA Drive-In Conference Wrap-up

A heartfelt thanks to the planning committee and the Leadership Team members for making the January 2010 CCPA Drive-In Conference a success.  Many states around the country host similar Drive-In Conferences in an effort to bring together Student Affairs professionals for networking and sharing of ideas within each state.  Here in Southern California, we had over 60 attendees, which included graduate students and professional student affairs members from all levels of tenure.  They hailed from schools throughout California including the University of Southern California, California State University, Long Beach, California State University, Northridge, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Los Angeles, Glendale Community College, Whittier College and more.

Most significant was our keynote speaker Dr. Doug Robinson, a Vice President at California State University, Long Beach, who laid the foundation for our day utilizing our conference theme, Surviving & Thriving in Student Affairs.  He shared personal data that explored the tools necessary to operate a successful and efficient department.  Many of the new professionals were excited to get this inside information from a Vice President, and the mid- and senior-level professionals were reinvigorated in their survival skills and tools needed to grow as individuals.

We had a total of 11 presentations which included Working with Latino Males; Student Affairs Legal Issues in Practice; A Look at Student Activism across California; and Bringing Your Authentic Self to Work.

During lunch, we heard from Dr. Keith Humphrey, ACPA’s Director of Membership Development , who shared some important highlights regarding the upcoming ACPA National Convention in Boston and the pending possibility of an ACPA-NASPA merge.  Currently there is a Task Force in place that is considering the similarities and differences of both organizations, and the possible need for a single unified Student Affairs organization. The request to merge came from both membership groups, therefore both organizations are taking a hard look at this possibility. 

 If you would like more information on any sessions presented or information about getting involved in CCPA, please do not hesitate to contact the current CCPA President, Amanda Carlton (amanda@webccpa.com).  We look forward to your continued involvement and to your participation as a presenter or attendee at our next Drive-In Conference.

by Kim Tabari, Conference Chair