An Update from Our Chair

I recently returned from the awesome experience of participating in the ACPA Summer Leadership Meeting. As the new chair for SCGSNP I was not certain what to expect. I was slightly apprehensive as I thought about all of the leaders in the field that would be present. When I arrived in Louisville I instantly felt at home with my ACPA family. I was greeted by colleagues that I knew and introduced to others from throughout the association.

The meetings, discussions, and conversations were wonderful! It was an incredible opportunity and experience to be at the table engaging in conversations about the future of myACPA! Here are just a few of the highlights:

ACPA Globalization- We helped give direction for the development of the globalization initiative. I also gained a new perspective on the concept and a better understanding of the ways that globalization can better inform the work that we do on a daily basis.

Financial Management- The transparency of the leadership allowed for discussion about the budgeting, spending, and income for the association. As a new professional it was wonderful to see financial management for such a large association. If you’d like to learn more please feel free to email me at amollet@radford.edu and I’d love to discuss it with you!

Convention 2012- Wow! ACPA has done an absolutely incredible job in taking our feedback and creating a convention to meet the needs for graduate students and new professionals! Specifically:

Lodging- The Galt House is offering huge suites with two beds and a pull-out sofa! There is room for 6 at a rate that is less than we typically pay for a standard room!

Parking- The parking rate has been reduced from $21-24 to only $8/night!

Internet- All convention hotels will be providing free internet to attendees!

Dining- There are tons of affordable (both fast food and sit down) restaurants within close walking distance to the convention center!

ACPA Foundation- The Foundation has been working diligently to raise funds to provide additional services and resources to the association! They now offer funding for research initiatives as well as programs/events!

Career Central- ACPA is currently soliciting feedback from graduate students and new professionals about ways to improve placement. They have some excellent ideas and I anticipate a revised and outstanding placement experience in Louisville!

Summer Leadership was a truly valuable experience for me to provide better leadership to SCGSNP and also to expand upon my own professional development. I am looking forward to expanding on some of the connections and opportunities to work with other ACPA groups to better meet the needs of graduate students and new professionals! If you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to discuss any association topics further please let me know!


Amanda L. Mollet
Muse Quad Area Director
Office of Housing and Residential Life
Radford University
Chair, ACPA Standing Committee for Graduate Students and New Professionals
Phone: (540) 831-6077
Fax: (540) 831-6654

Better Know a Member--Brian Hopkins!

Institution: Syracuse University

Position: Residence Director

What brings joy to your professional life? The thing that I love most about my job is the interactions that I have with students on a daily basis. I have formed a number of great relationships with students who I advise and supervise in which the students know that I am there for them and will do my best to help them through anything that I can. Knowing that I have helped some of my students through very challenging situations and that they have grown because of it energizes me on a daily basis to continue doing all the things that I do.

If you could be a candy bar, which would you be and why? I would be a Twix because they are just that good!

What did you want to grow up to be when you were 10 years old? Teacher

Name somebody who has /have made a difference to you in your professional life? How so? Dr. Tony Cawthon is one of the faculty members at Clemson University, which is where I graduated from with my Master’s degree. Tony has always been a great role model and supported me a great deal both professionally and personally.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? I am going to be working on piloting a residential college for students in science, technology, engineering, and math. It is going to be the first one that Syracuse University has and I’m very excited about the new challenge that it is going to bring and developing this program throughout the year.

What is your favorite food? I love Italian food!

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I think it would be fun to learn how to fly a plane.

How are you involved in ACPA or the SCGSNP? I am the Co-Coordinator of the Case Study competition.

What is your favorite color? Blue

What is a personal motto that you live by? "It's never too late to be what you might have been." --George Eliot

Better Know a Member--Jessica Prodoehl!

Institution: Rutgers University

Position: Hall Director

What brings joy to your professional life? Watching the light bulb go off in students’ heads as they come to realizations about what I’ve been saying & the students who say thank you

If you could be a candy bar, which would you be and why? Pretzel M&Ms – they’re bright, colorful, and a perfect mixture of salty and sweet.

What did you want to grow up to be when you were 10 years old? A teacher

Name somebody who has /have made a difference to you in your professional life? How so? Well, I got where I am because of Ashley Ganoe, my supervisor as an undergraduate student. She introduced me to the concept of Student Affairs as a career, and is the person who forwarded me information about the program I’m currently in!

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? Developing/ Implementing a residential curriculum program

What is your favorite food? Fettucine Alfredo

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Figure skate!

How are you involved in ACPA or the SCGSNP? General Member of each!

What is your favorite color? Hot Pink

What is a personal motto that you live by? A classic: Treat others as you wish to be treated!

Leadership Lessons Or, Everything I Learned in 42 Years in Student Affairs

by Art Sandeen

1. The education of students should drive everything we do. That's why we're here.



2. Presidents make our jobs possible. We have to support them, but we must also educate them. If we can't support them, we should leave.



3. Always be honest, all of the time, with everyone. Period.



4. Follow the money.



5. Good ideas are great, but any idea only succeeds because of a good leader.



6. Take your time in hiring staff. Trust your own judgment, not a committee's.



7. Spend lots of time with students. You'll never regret it. Paper work can wait.



8. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Practice, practice, practice. Sell, sell, sell.



9. Acts of kindness are not only the right thing; they are always returned.



10. Always give credit and praise to others. Thank them often. Encourage them.
    Don't ever say, "I did that." No one leads alone.



11. Prepare yourself to leave your position and make sure you are marketable.



12. Know your strengths. Contribute where you can. Otherwise, be quiet.



13. Listen more than you talk.



14. Fight hard and clean. But, no end runs, and above all, no pouting.



15. Take some risks and be willing to accept the criticism and the consequences. Stand for something and show some courage.



16. Don't fall for the latest fad or gimmick.



17. Treat presidents and custodians in exactly the same manner.



18. Work hard, but never, ever brag or complain about your long hours.



19. Do not become your job. Forge a strong and healthy identity unrelated to any job.

Better Know a Member--Jordan Edelman!

Institution: University of Toledo

Position: Hall Director

What brings joy to your professional life? Seeing students, especially the challenging ones grow over time.

If you could be a candy bar, which would you be and why? Twix because you get 2 candy bars for the price of one.

What did you want to grow up to be when you were 10 years old? Teacher

Name somebody who has /have made a difference to you in your professional life? How so? I’m all about getting a chance and the opportunity to do something. Due to that, there are two women who are mentors to me and have given me the opportunity to do something I didn’t think I could do. They are Amy Halter and Kirsten Kennedy. Amy made a difference for me when I was a student and first thinking about getting into the field of student affairs. Kirsten made a difference for me professionally when I was in graduate school and we taught a class together.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? Teambuilding; I’m a huge fan of teambuilding so if I could work on this and only this I would love my life.

What is your favorite food? French Fries. It’s an addiction.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Teleport because who wouldn’t want to be able to go anywhere instantly.

How are you involved in ACPA or the SCGSNP? Undergraduate Outreach Coordinator Elect

What is your favorite color? Orange

What is a personal motto that you live by? Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and do something you didn’t think you could do.

Better Know a Member--Jessica Colwell!

Institution: Boston University

Position: Residence Hall Director

What brings joy to your professional life? The first six weeks of when RAs come on campus! It is always a great experience to see how empowered they feel as they build their community and realize how important they are to their residents.

If you could be a candy bar, which would you be and why? Kit Kat bar!

What did you want to grow up to be when you were 10 years old? I wanted to be a flute player in an orchestra.

Name somebody who has /have made a difference to you in your professional life? How so? One of my best friends, Carrie Miller, is someone I met in graduate school and has been a friend and confidante to me in my struggles and success during my first job. She has always been someone I can turn to for both advice and laughter.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? Anything first year experience, those first year students always keep you on your toes!

What is your favorite food? Anything Italian!

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Build houses, I’ve always admired people who can build things from scratch!

How are you involved in ACPA or the SCGSNP? Undergraduate Outreach Coordinator and Next Generation Conference Planning Committee

What is your favorite color? Purple

What is a personal motto that you live by? 'Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.'