CCPA & NorCal NASPA Drive-in Success!

CCPA and NASPA Nor Cal Conference Committee: from left Tina Jung, Dean Kennedy, Marissa Reynoso, Alexandra Froehlich, Amanda Carlton, Noki Seekao, Steve Jacobson

CCPA and NASPA Region VI Northern California held the first-ever joint drive-in conference on Friday, January 28 at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco, CA. The event was a huge success with over 90 attendees, 9 educational sessions, mock interview sessions for graduate students, and a discussion led by ACPA Executive Director, Greg Roberts and NASPA President, Elizabeth Griego.

The highlight of the conference was the discussion about the proposal for the consolidation of a new association. Led by Dr. Elizabeth Griego, NASPA President, an overview of the background for consolidation and details of the 40-page report co-published by ACPA and NASPA was provided to attendees. Pros and Cons of the proposed consolidation was also presented as well as statistics about the financial and membership reports of both associations. An open dialogue with question and answer followed the presentation which was co-facilitated by Dr. Gregory Roberts, ACPA Executive Director, and Dr. Elizabeth Griego, NASPA President. Several questions were brought forth from the attendees, including how the two associations were founded, the process for naming of the new association, and how the joint convention will take place. Both facilitators provided perspective and history to how the discussion of consolidation has evolved and the process for moving forward. Highlights form the discussion include:

• Over time the two associations have changed and evolved from their original founding. A consolidation would represent the student affairs profession that is current.
• Reconciliation will be needed if there is a “yes” vote for consolidation. Both facilitators noted that we will need to support those who were not in favor of consolidation.
• A consolidated organization can be a stronger voice for the student affairs profession. Currently the two associations are vying for a seat at the table and doubling efforts.
• There are still options for cities to accomodate the joint convention.
• Convention will not be the only professional development opportunity. There wil be several opportunities for professional development that will meet the needs of all professionals (i.e., graduate students, new professionals, mid-level professionals, senior student affairs officers).
• This new association could help to shape and re-shape higher education both nationally and internationally.

Voting will take place March 15-April 15, 2011 for both associations. Members of both associations are encouraged to make an informed vote. For more information about the proposal for a new association, please visit the ACPA Consolidation website or the NASPA Consolidation website.