WINTER 2015


TACUSPA President's Message

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

$1000+ Lifetime Contributions

$90 for 90 Honorees

Amanda Drum

Don Albrecht

John Kaulfus

Eliot Chenaux

Lisa McDougle

Dora Grossenbacher

Thomas Moorman

Mary Hill

Keri Rogers

Jan Hillman

Deidra Stephens

Karen Johnson

Wanda Mercer

$500+  Lifetime Contributions

Sandi Osters

Don Albrecht

Gage Paine

Darlene Biggers

Joanna Smith

Gene Fitch

Joe Stewart

Alicia Huppe

Sandi Osters

Silent Auction Item Donors

Gage Paine

Don Albrecht

Joanne Smith

Darlene Biggers

Elizabeth With

Danielle Champagne

Amanda Drum

$90 for 90 Contributors

Richard Drum

Rosalind Alderman

Lily Gonzalez

Molly Albart

Brandon Griggs

Don Albrecht

Alicia Huppe

Marlon Anderson

John Kaulfus

Jo Anna Benavides-Franke

Daniel Maxwell

Darlene Biggers

Paulina Mazurek

Stephanie Box

Lisa McDougle

Linda Bullock

Thomas Moorman

Laurette Byars

Gage Paine

Danielle Champagne

Adam Peck

Edna Dominguez

Minita Ramirez

Amanda Drum

Keri Rogers

Richard Drum

Ashley Spicer-Runnels

Debbie Dunn

Deidra Stephens

Cathy Duran

Collin College

Charlie Fey

Stephen F. Austin State University

Gene Fitch

Taylor & Francis Group

Sam Gonzalez

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Brandon Griggs

Texas A&M University - Commerce

Caryn Hawkins

Texas A&M University - Kingsville

Judy Henry

Texas Tech University

Jan Hillman

University of Houston School of Optometry

Alicia Huppe

UNT Health Science Center

Jeff Jackson

University of North Texas

Charlin Jones-Chavez

University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

John Kaulfus

University of Texas at Austin

Keith Kowalka

University of Texas Permian Basin

Jenni Kraft Batchelder

Keith Lamb

Michelle Lopez

Daniel Maxwell

Lisa McDougle

Barry McKinney

Jan McKinney

Iliana Melendez

Monica Mendez-Grant

Wanda Mercer

Dana Moore

Thomas Moorman

Lisa Nagy

Maricela Oliva

Sandi Osters

Gage Paine

Matt Park

Howard Patterson

Adam Peck

Lisa Perez

Anne Reber

Keri Rogers

Christine Self

Amanda Smith

Joanne Smith

Deidra Stephens

Jim Studor

Todd Sutherland

Trisha Van Duser

Angela Walker

Richard Walker

Steve Westbrook

Elizabeth With



TACUSPA Member Spotlight

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. 

“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.  
View more information, including presenter bios, and register for webinars at http://www.tacuspa.net/webinars.

Title IX Compliance/New Regulations

February 10, 12:00-1:00pm CST
Presented by W. Scott Lewis, J.D.
Partner, NCHERM

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
Presented by Iliana B. Melendez, Student Conduct Officer, Texas State University
Mikiba W. Morehead, Title IX Coordinator, Baylor College of Medicine
Corey James Benson, Title IX Investigator, The University of Texas Austin

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
Hosted by Dr. Jeff Jackson
Director of Medical Student Programs
UT School of Medicine at San Antonio

**More Information to Follow**

Ethics in Higher Education: Identifying Actual Experiences to Enhance Training for New Professionals 

May 18, 12:00-1:00pm CST
Presented by Dr. Peggy Holzweiss
Assistant Professor in Education Leadership
Sam Houston State University

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
Presented by Michael E. Aldape, Program Coordinator for Early College Outreach and
Dr. Sylvia Leal, Associate Vice President of Student Educational Outreach
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

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
Director of Student Life Studies
Texas A&M University

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
Presented by Angela Calise, Community Director for Honors LLC and Alyssa Raymond, Graduate Hall Director
Texas A&M University

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:

  • January 2014 – 2013-2014 Executive Board conducted a thorough review of previous strategic plan
  • Summer 2014 – A needs assessment was conducted with the TACUSPA membership
  • November 2014 – New board members were brought up to speed with the process used and information gathered to date
  • December 2015 – 2014-2015 Executive Board did a SWOT analysis
  • March 2015 – 2014-2015 Executive Board met in person for a 2 ½ day planning retreat
  • March/April 2015 – Solicited feedback from membership regarding new strategic plan
  • April 2015 – Conducted webinar regarding the new strategic plan
  • Summer 2015- Brought proposed changes to the constitution and initiative to add two board members to the Executive Board to the membership for a vote. All items passed. Constitutional changes went into effect immediately.
  • Fall 2015 – Solicited names of individuals for consideration as appointees to the new board positions.

Other highlights from the year include the following:

  • TACUSPA membership continues to break records. At the time of this report it is at 673 members for the year.
  • The Operations Manual for the association was updated and an Operations Manual for the foundation was created.
  • Three editions of the TACUSPA Times were published.
  • TACUSPA co-hosted the Higher Education Law Conference with the University of North Texas for the 13th year and offered 4 scholarships for graduate students to attend.
  • The association continued to strengthen ties with NASPA Region III and other professional associations.
  • A new form for job postings on the website was created.
  • The Director of Technology worked with COSSVP to develop a plan for hosting their website.
  • The association hosted 8 webinars including topics such as Project CEO; legislative issues; behavioral intervention teams; developing, using, and analyzing surveys; TACUSPA strategic plan; assessments; multicultural centers; and the Violence Against Women Act.  Over 591 members took advantage of these learning opportunities with the Violence Against Women Act webinar garnering the highest attendance at 217.
  • The TACUSPA Foundation raised $14,000 for the year (an increase of 152%) which included 29 new donors for a total of 120 donors since the foundation’s inception. The Foundation approved funding to support ten graduate student scholarships and four fellowships for the 2015 TACUSPA Conference although less than that number of applications was received.
  • The Fellows Program was named the Thomas Moorman Fellows Program in honor of Dr. Moorman’s role as founder, first chair, and continued donor.
  • Annual Board Elections were held in April with Lisa Nagy elected President Elect, Molly Albert elected as Vice President of Administration, and Corey Benson elected as Director of Technology. Paulina Mazurek will serve a second term as Secretary. Jeff Jackson was appointed to fill the vacant position of Director of Research. Christine Self was appointed to the new position of Vice President of Marketing and Andrea Mitchen was appointed to the new position of Director of Assessment. A record number of individuals (15) were on the ballot including five for the office of president. In addition, a record number of members (186) voted in the election.
  • Overall assets of TACUSPA are in excess of $243,000.
The 2015 Fall Conference, “Making Waves for 90 Years” was held in Corpus Christi on October 4-6 at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel.
  • 269 members registered for the conference.
  • Keynote speakers included Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, Julissa Arce and Dr. Jennifer Waller.
  • The association celebrated its 90th anniversary which included special fundraising efforts for the foundation. Twenty-one past presidents and Caswell award recipients were honored during the celebration.
  • TACUSPA partnered with the Texas chapter of the Association for Student Conduct Administration. The conference offered a student conduct administration track and 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.
  • “Putting Your Best Foot Forward: the Career Impact of First Impressions” was the theme of the New Professionals Institute led by Dr. Thomas Moorman. 32 new professionals attended.
  • Dr. Marc Lamont Hill presented at the pre-conference workshop with the theme of “Leading, Loving and Learning from 21st Century Youth.” 22 participants attended.
  • 3 faculty members took advantage of the free faculty registration.
  • 6 members took advantage of the tour of USS Lexington.
  • 6 members took part in the annual golf tournament. 

Respectfully submitted by:

Lisa McDougle

2014-2015 TACUSPA President



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.

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT

TACUSPA BUDGET 2015-2016


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.

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