acui region v newsletter edition 6

1ACUI Region V Newsletter | Edition 6Fun in Flyover Country

Edition 6: August - October 2015

ACUIREGION VNEWSLETTER

2ACUI Region V Newsletter | Edition 6

Hiya! I’d like to take the opportunity intoduce myself. My name is Kristin Erdman, I’m the marketing coordinator in the Memorial Union at Iowa State University, and I’ve taken over the marketing duties for Region V. First of all, let’s put a giant thank you out in the universe to Kat Shanahan for all the work she did to get this newsletter up and flying, and winning recognition like the Earl Whitfield Regional Outreach Award. I have big (and stylish) shoes to fill, but I am honored to have been chosen to take over the controls on this newsletter and all the marketing Region V will be creating. We are going to do some awesome work together and really show the world all the cool stuff we’re doing in our unions.

I’m still relatively new to ACUI, attending my first event at IPDS in 2014. This means I need your help! I can’t wait to get to know you and your universities, but in the meantime, I hope you’ll come to me with newsletter ideas and contributions. I know what makes me so excited about ACUI is that it offers me the chance to pick the brains of my peers who have often already solved the very problem that’s keeping me up at night. Let’s use this newsletter to spread that problem-solving all across this region! What problems have you solved recently? Shoot me an email at [email protected] and let’s chat— I hope to see your content in my mailbox for the next issue!

Submission Deadline: Month of Publication:Oct. 8 NovemberJan. 7 February

- Kristin Erdman, ACUI Region V Communication Coordinator

Contents3 Regional Director Message

5 Announcements & Reminders

6 Amp Up Your “Welcome!” Message for Welcome Week

7 Region V Member Schools

10 Region V Institution Spotlight

13 ACUI Region V ConferenceSponsor Levels

14 Region V Leadership Team

Greetings, Region V Colleagues!


As we embark on a new academic year, I’ve been talking with my staff about learning from the past and looking forward to a fresh start with new students. I’ve also taken a moment to pause and reflect on Region V’s first year and

my past year as director. The start of a new year is a good time for us to reflect, a time to discover habits and practices that can make us better, healthier, and more productive. Recently, I read an article written by a medical expert who was explaining the mental, emotional, and physiological benefits of taking 30 minutes at the beginning and end of the day for oneself, alone and quiet.

He said he likes to take that time to meditate. I laughed at the thought of finding another hour in my day. (Note: If you haven’t read my article in the last newsletter about doing “more,” you should find some time to do so.) Upon further examination, though, I thought that maybe this is something for which I should find the time. I mean, it was written by a credible source personally vouching for this kind of self-care, which has broad, popular appeal. And, frankly, I could use a “new year’s” resolution.

The truth is that I, just like you, live an anxious, hurried, on-the-go, technology-driven life. And so do students. From the moment they step onto campus to the moment they graduate, they see us perpetuating busyness. Many of us feel the need to remain busy to feel important. A 24-hour day seems a few hours too short. The to-do list is never empty. The stream of emails seems unending. Too easily, we wrap our sense of worth and pride in the frenzy of life, and we pass that worth on to the students we are guiding. Yet something deep within longs for slower, longer, fuller breaths.

Over the past six months, in my “pays the mortgage” job I am learning more about Jesuit charisms so that we can teach our students how they apply to their work in our

Message from the DirectorScott R. Maas, Creighton University

student center. I also read The Role of the College Union (again). As the two tenants of thought were forefront in my mind, I was struck by a similarity, so indulge me in yet another letter about Jesuit education.

The Role of the College Union states, “…the union encourages self-directed activity, giving maximum opportunity for self-realization and for growth.” So, if we truly embrace our union and its mission, we are to create a space for self-realization, and model that behavior for our students. I believe the Jesuits take this same idea to heart in their core value of “reflection and discernment,” which they call the Daily Examen. Through this, we take time to deliberately

notice, reflect, discern, and look for a higher power leading the internal thoughts and external events of our everyday lives. Even if you don’t believe in a higher power, you can replace that notion of a higher power with self, and still reflect on the decisions and actions that make you you.

The five steps to the Examen begin by taking a moment of quiet, meditation, or prayer, then asking yourself, “What was the good in my day?” and review the day with gratitude. Think to yourself, “What were the best parts about my day? Who was I with, and what was in involved in? How do I see me being my best self in these moments?” Also, reflect on those moments when you were not your best self. “Who was I with, and what was in involved in? What moved me to act the way that I did? If I’m going to be in a situation again that I did not handle

“The start of a new year is a good time for us to reflect,

a time to discover habits and practices that can

make us better, healthier, and more productive.”

“So, if we truly embrace our union and its mission, we are to create a

space for self-realization, and model that behavior for our students.”


well today, how do I want to handle it next time?” Next, we choose one feature of the day and reflect on it while we look toward tomorrow. “What does my schedule look like tomorrow?” Instead of letting your anxiety skyrocket as you dread your day filled with meetings and activities, stop and ask yourself, “Where can I find my higher power or best self throughout my day? Where am I going to need to be a bit better than my average self? Are there times tomorrow where I can motivate, develop, recognize, or inspire those around me?”

So, I’m thinking about my longing for a deeper breath, and our collective need to pause and care for ourselves. I’m thinking about a meaningful self-actualization, and not just worth through busyness. I’m thinking about the union’s goal of development of persons as well as intellects. And I’m wondering whether the way to meet all these needs is simple as the Daily Examen, or your own form of reflection. It seems true to me that care for self is pivotal, even if that means putting down tasks that are not quite done, or leaving a project for tomorrow.

As I reflect on my day, I think of the good and bad, I

think about tomorrow, I think about how I want to be, I am reminded of my love and passion for my work, and the amazing opportunities ACUI has given me. Through this, I realize that I’m blessed and loved, and I make a difference in the lives of others. When these are my last thoughts before my head hits the pillow, I get a more restful, fulfilling sleep than when my final thoughts are frantically panicking about tasks that need to get done tomorrow.

I wish you all the best as you start the new academic year, and I am excited to hear about the innovative programs that come from you, the members of Region V! We have a bit of a sneak peek coming up for the regional conference, so look for that. I hope to see you all in Minnesota!

- Scott

A big THANK YOU to Jamie Matthews, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville,

Caitlin Herby, University of Minnesota, and Aaron Flynn, University of North Dakota for providing your leadership and representing

Region V at #ilead15!

KUDOS FROM THE DIRECTOR

“Are there times tomorrow where I can motivate, develop, recognize, or

inspire those around me?”

“It seems true to me that care for self

is pivotal, even if that means putting down tasks that are

not quite done, or leaving a project for

tomorrow. ”


Announcements & Reminders

Region V Scholarships Update – Great News! Due to the overwhelming number of quality scholarship requests, the Regional Leadership Team for ACUI Region V decided to allocate additional resources to our scholarship fund. In addition to the four previously awarded scholarships, these additional funds allowed us to provide two additional applicants with funding to cover half the cost of their registration for the ACUI Women’s Leadership Institute. Congratulations to Samantha Martens, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, and Jordan Andersen, Creighton University! We look forward to hearing how all of our scholarship winners are impacted by this professional development opportunity!

Region V Awards Update – More Great News!While I wish I could say this year is creeping right along and we have lots of time before our student return to campus, that is not the case! ACUI Region V is already preparing for our November conference and looking for award nominations. I wanted to pass along some exciting news and get everyone thinking about who they may nominate for these awards. After the conference last year, the Regional Leadership Team discussed the award process and decided it was time to recognize some additional people in the region. To do this, we decided to expand the number of awards that will be presented at the regional conference. Below is a list of the awards - be on the lookout for additional details coming soon!

Undergraduate Student of the Year Award: Given to an outstanding undergraduate student at a member institution of Region V who has shown dedicated work ethic in the student union/student activities field.

Graduate Student of the Year Award: Given to an outstanding graduate student at a member institution of Region V who has shown exemplary performance in the college union/student activities field.

“Igniting Innovation” Award for College Union Programming: Presented to an institution, group, or individual for executing an outstanding program, event, or activity that fosters the enhancement of the campus community. “Rising Star” Award for New Professionals: Given to an outstanding new professional, having served not less than two years and no more than five years in the profession of college unions and/or student activities.

“Inspiring Vision” Award for Mid-Level Student Affairs Professionals: Given to an outstanding professional with a minimum of five years (but no more than 15 years) in support of the college union.

Susan Maul Distinguished Service Award: The highest honor presented by ACUI Region V. The recipient must be a person who has participated in the college union and student activities movement as a professional for a minimum of 10 years and who is active in the field at the time of nomination. The nominee must have attained prominence through his or her efforts to develop the college union and student activities movement through his or her work within the Association and on campus.

Paul Wraalstad, North Dakota State University


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Not all new students are ready to jump into interactive programming on their first day. Programs that allow students to be part of a group without requiring a lot of interaction can be great for students on the shy side.

A little hospitality can go a long way, especially if it’s hot outside on move-in day. Provide some cool water and cold punch or lemonade, and you may earn the undying gratitude of people who’ve been carrying lots of heavy stuff.

Don’t forget family members. This is your chance to make a great impression with parents and others who can help students remember what you do, why it’s important, and how what happens in the student union contributes to student success.

What other amazing ideas do you have for being welcoming during welcome week? Share your thoughts on the Region V Facebook page (facebook.com/ACUIRegionV) or on Twitter (@ACUIRegionV).

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Amp Up Your “Welcome!” Message for Welcome Week

Get everybody out of the office, especially on move-in day or when lots of new students are in your building for orientation. You can answer questions, give directions, welcome students and families, and help people who are confused or overwhelmed. And by everyone, we don’t just mean your student activities staff or event staff -- this is a day for support staff, custodial staff, and administrators to reinforce the welcoming and exciting vibe of the student union.

Temporary signage can help students find the landmarks in your building that your regular signage doesn’t include. It can also help with learning the insider lingo and acronyms that continuing students already know.

Harness your marketing savvy not only to promote what’s happening in your building but also to help students learn where to look for information.

The new academic year is here, and you’re probably finalizing what’s going to happen in your building the first weeks of school. To add to your already-incredible plans, here are six ideas to do to amp up your “WE WELCOME

YOU!” message for new students and their families.

“Hey, welcome! What can I help you find?”

“This way to textbook pickup in The Wedge.”

“Of course we’re on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, but you can also check posters or our digital signage to see what’s happening this week.”

“Tonight: Grocery Bingo! Win fabulous food items!”

“This is for me? Really? Thank you!”

“We’re here for your student and can help them find what they need.”

Jeni Eltink, University of Minnesota-Duluth


region VMember Schools


IllinoisCollege of Lake CountyDePaul UniversityElmhurst CollegeIllinois CollegeIllinois State UniversityLake Forest CollegeMillikin UniversityNortheastern Illinois UniversityNorthern Illinois UniversityNorthwestern UniversitySoutheastern Illinois CollegeSouthern Illinois University-CarbondaleSouthern Illinois University-Edwardsville University of ChicagoUniversity of Illinois-ChicagoUniversity of Illinois-SpringfieldUniversity of Illinois-Urbana-ChampaignWestern Illinois University

IowaIowa State UniversitySimpson CollegeUniversity of IowaUniversity of Northern Iowa

Manitoba

MinnesotaBemidji State UniversityGustavus Adolphus CollegeHamline UniversityMacalester CollegeMinnesota State University-MankatoMinnesota State University-MoorheadNormandale Community CollegeSt. Catherine UniversitySt. Cloud State University

St. Olaf CollegeUniversity of Minnesota-DuluthUniversity of Minnesota-MorrisUniversity of Minnesota-RochesterUniversity of Minnesota-Twin Cities University of St. Thomas

NebraskaCreighton University Midland UniversityUniversity of Nebraska-LincolnUniversity of Nebraska-Omaha

North DakotaNorth Dakota State UniversityUniversity of North Dakota

South DakotaBlack Hills State UniversityMount Marty CollegeSouth Dakota State UniversityUniversity of South Dakota

WisconsinCarroll University Madison Area Technical CollegeMarquette UniversitySt. Norbert CollegeUniversity of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireUniversity of Wisconsin-Green BayUniversity of Wisconsin-La CrosseUniversity of Wisconsin-MadisonUniversity of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeUniversity of Wisconsin-OshkoshUniversity of Wisconsin-ParksideUniversity of Wisconsin-PlattevilleUniversity of Wisconsin-River FallsUniversity of Wisconsin-Stevens Point University of Wisconsin-Stout University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Region V Member Schools


Details are on the website at acui.org/region/v.

Categories:Poster

3DBrochure

Multi-Page PublicationLogo

Large MediaT -Shirt

Promotional CampaignDigital Media

Video

OR e G i VN

S tEC o n TrG ApH iC s

Design is intelligence made visible.

Show us your smarts! Bring your union’s favorite graphic design projects to the Region V conference at University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities on Nov. 6-7 and enter them into our graphics contest. We’ll have panels on site judge each submission and pick three winners from each category.


Number of years as an ACUI member: 3

Last renovation: 2014

What is the most beneficial/exciting part of your building? The most exciting part of our student center is the media wall which is made up of 16 60-inch televisions. We can show a different channel on each television simultaneously, show four quads of four different channels, make all 16 televisions into one big screen, and many more programmable options. We’ve done this to show the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament announcement to see who our women played, the NFL Combine to see our very own Tyler Starr, Movies at the MUC every Friday and Saturday night, and to show the weekly student-run KYOT News.

What are some unique challenges you face and how do you overcome them? When I was hired there was no recycling program at the MUC so one of the first initiatives I took upon myself was to start a recycling program. We are collaborating with the Sustainability Club on campus to put our best foot forward to recycle more and minimize our carbon footprint.

Region V Institution SpotlightKyle Schoenfelder, Director, University of South Dakota

What are your most successful programs or initiatives? In January 2014 we opened a 30,000-sq. ft. expansion to our student center. There is a lot more lounge space and national food vendors including Einstein Bros Bagels, Qdoba, and Chick-Fil-A.

What makes your building or organization different from others in our region?Our building has a space for everyone. Whether it be in our fire pit lounge, dining areas, or lounges, we have a space for everyone to be comfortable.

What is something other institutions can learn from you? How to tie a bowtie. On a serious note, I’m just over a year into my position so I’m an open book, taking any and all advice and learning from those around me.


IPDS Reflection

I’m about a year in. I started my job at the Skutt Student Center on Creighton University’s campus in August of last year. I can’t recall ever experiencing a year in which I discovered or refined more skills. When I heard about an ACUI conference for new professionals, I quickly jumped at the opportunity to attend.

The IPDS: New Professionals Institute is for people like me, a must attend for anyone who is new to working in college unions or student activities jobs, regardless of title. Taken broadly, IPDS promises its participants will leave with new techniques and theories for confronting common issues, along with the opportunity to share and network with other new professionals from across the country. Thinking back on my IPDS experience, it’s easy to see how I have already benefitted from both.

Hosted by the University of Illinois for the first time in its 40+ years of existence, this year’s IPDS held intrigue for everyone. The sessions ranged from broad talks about professional life in a college environment from ACUI CEO John Taylor to specific instruction on financial management and budgeting from Jeff Pelletier of the Ohio State University. Perhaps the most impactful for me was the session on assessment by Julie Payne-Kirchmeier of Northwestern University. Like the other presenters, She kept it fun and informative. Somehow, I left fired up for assessment!

I really found value in how the faculty used the experiences of the cohort to guide the learning. We were mined for “real world examples” to teach from. Without a doubt, the best part of the conference was the ability to gain insight and share yours with peers. As a new professional, I wasn’t quite sure what I would bring to the table. What I found was that the way we confront a particular issue in my union might have never occurred to another

new professional on their campus, and likewise.

The sharing didn’t stop with the close of the conference, either. When I returned to my campus, I was asked to revise a student staff job description. I was able to reach out to several new colleagues and gather a wealth of information that helped my department determine what works best for us. I can’t wait for the opportunity to return the favor for one of

the other attendees!

One of the things Liz Beltramini encouraged participants to do was to reflect back on the conference several times throughout the next year. I have heeded this advice already, and it has paid dividends. With so much useful information now at my fingertips, both from the educational sessions and networking opportunities, it’s necessary to look back and discern what is relevant for me right now. It’s hard to imagine an issue that wouldn’t have me reaching for my IPDS binder. Every new professional in the college union or student activities field would benefit from attending this foundational conference. I am humbled by my experience. IPDS is truly a great way to get started in this field and a great introduction to all that ACUI membership has to offer.

Danny Steiner, Creighton University

“The IPDS: New Professionals Institute is for people like me, a must attend

for anyone who is new to working in college unions or student activities jobs,

regardless of title.”

“Without a doubt, the best part of the conference was the ability to gain insight and share yours with peers.”

“It’s hard to imagine an issue that wouldn’t have me reaching

for my IPDS binder.”


REGISTER NOW!

acui.org/region/v

Contact Vanessa Ryan, [email protected] for more information.


ACUI Region V ConferenceSponsor Levels

ACUI RegIon V ConfeRenCe SponSoR LeVeLS

Bronze Silver gold

priority for space assignment in the Corporate partner Showcase High Very High Highest

Tabling Area ✘ ✘ ✘Half page Ad in Region V newsletter ✘ ✘ ✘Reserved seating at the opening banquet ✘Verbal recognition at opening and closing events ✘Regional Corporate partner Directory ✘opportunity to present an educational session ✘ at the regional conference (Subject to juried session proposal review process)

Armchair Chats (1:1 meeting times) ✘Use of sponsor logo in ads and communications until June 31, 2016 ✘ ✘ ✘Invitation to Region V Directors/ Corporate partners Social ✘ ✘ ✘Hyperlinked logo on the regional website ✘ ✘ ✘one delegate registration ✘ ✘ ✘Advertising in regional ACUI app ✘Delegate bag insertion ✘Social media shout-out 2 4 5

Investment $2,500 $3,500 $5,000(specific program or conference marketing opportunities, membership, or exhibit space not included)

nov. 6–8, 2015

University of Minnesota–Twin Cities

Contact Brent freeman, [email protected] for more information

ACUI RegIon V ConfeRenCe SponSoR LeVeLS

Bronze Silver gold

priority for space assignment in the Corporate partner Showcase High Very High Highest

Tabling Area ✘ ✘ ✘Half page Ad in Region V newsletter ✘ ✘ ✘Reserved seating at the opening banquet ✘Verbal recognition at opening and closing events ✘Regional Corporate partner Directory ✘opportunity to present an educational session ✘ at the regional conference (Subject to juried session proposal review process)

Armchair Chats (1:1 meeting times) ✘Use of sponsor logo in ads and communications until June 31, 2016 ✘ ✘ ✘Invitation to Region V Directors/ Corporate partners Social ✘ ✘ ✘Hyperlinked logo on the regional website ✘ ✘ ✘one delegate registration ✘ ✘ ✘Advertising in regional ACUI app ✘Delegate bag insertion ✘Social media shout-out 2 4 5

Investment $2,500 $3,500 $5,000(specific program or conference marketing opportunities, membership, or exhibit space not included)

nov. 6–8, 2015

University of Minnesota–Twin Cities

Contact Brent freeman, [email protected] for more information


Region V Leadership Team

Regional DirectorScott R. Maas Creighton University 200 Skutt Student Center 2500 California Plaza Omaha, NE 68178 Phone: (402) 280-1701 [email protected] (Dec. 1, 2014 - Dec. 31, 2016)

Student Involvement CoordinatorShelby SchuppeUniversity of Wisconsin–StoutMemorial Student Center 212302 10th Ave. E.Menomonie, WI 54751Phone: (715) [email protected](Oct. 9, 2014 - Nov. 30, 2015)

Business ManagerDan Abler Marquette University Alumni Memorial Union Room 245 PO Box 1881 Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881 Phone: (414) 288-5528 [email protected] (9/13/2013 - 11/30/2015)

2015 Regional Conference ChairVanessa RyanUniversity of St. ThomasDirector of the Anderson Student Center2115 Summit AveMail #5012Saint Paul, MN 55105 Phone: (651) [email protected](9/13/2013 - 11/30/2015)

2016 Regional Conference ChairKyle BurkeNortheastern Illinois UniversityStudent Union5500 N Saint Louis AveChicago, IL 60625-4625Phone: [email protected](Oct. 9, 2014 - Nov. 30, 2016)

Volunteer CoordinatorAaron Flynn University of North Dakota Memorial Union PO Box 8385 Grand Forks, ND 58202-8385 Phone: (701) 777-0872 [email protected] (9/13/2013 - 11/30/2016)

Membership CoordinatorAndy Williams Macalester College Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center 1600 Grand Ave Saint Paul, MN 55105 Phone: (651) 696-6472 [email protected] (9/13/2013 - 11/30/2016)

Awards & Scholarships CoordinatorPaul WraalstadNorth Dakota State UniversityMemorial Union 246PO Box 6050 Department 5340Fargo, ND 58108Phone: [email protected](Oct. 9, 2014 - Nov. 30, 2016)

Online Learning CoordinatorWilliam TourvilleMinnesota State University-MankatoCentennial Student Union220 Student UnionMankato, MN 56001Phone: (507) [email protected](9/13/2013 - 11/30/2016)

Communications CoordinatorKristin ErdmanIowa State University Memorial Union 2229 Lincoln WayAmes, IA 50011-1130 Phone: (515) 294-2549 [email protected] (12/1/2015 - 11/30/2017)

Web and Social Media CoordinatorSeth Dohrn Iowa State University 201 Memorial Union Iowa State Memorial Union Ames, IA 50011-1130 Phone: (515) 294-7226 [email protected] (9/13/2013 - 11/30/2015)

Regional Corporate Partnerships CoordinatorBrent FreemanUniversity of Nebraska–LincolnNebraska Union, Room 200PO Box 880452Lincoln, NE 68588-0452Phone: [email protected](Sept. 15, 2014 - Nov. 30, 2015)

Educational Program CoordinatorVacantInterested in joining the Regional Leadership Team? Email Scott Maas at [email protected]

Inclusivity CoordiantorJeni Eltink University of Minnesota Duluth 134 Kirby Student Center 1120 Kirby Drive Duluth, MN 55812-2403 Phone: (218) 726-6526 [email protected] (9/13/2013 - 11/30/2015)

Connect With ACUI Region V

/ACUIRegionV @ACUIRegionV acui.org/region/v/

acui region v newsletter edition 6

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