Professional Associations

UConn HESA at ACPA21

UConn at ACPA21 | A virtual conference 1-17 March 2021 | Support UConn scholar-practitioner during the ACPA 2021 Virtual Convention

The UConn HESA program is pleased to be participating in ACPA’s Virtual Convention as a whole program this year. Between March 1-17, ACPA 21 will offer a wide variety of educational, scholarly, and networking programs. ACPA21 aims to center attendees’ experience, focusing on building community, dedicated to a strong curriculum, and embracing the future of ACPA’s Strategic Imperative for Racial Justice and Decolonization.

ACPA-College Student Educators International is the leading comprehensive student affairs association that advances student affairs and engages students for a lifetime of learning and discovery. A key focus of ACPA‘s work is the Strategic Imperative for Racial Justice and Decolonization, through which the association directs resources, energy, and time toward addressing racial justice in student affairs and higher education around the world. Many of our HESA program faculty have been actively involved in ACPA, including in  commissions and communities of practice. Since we signed up for whole-program registration in the fall, our students have also had memberships to ACPA and been able to participate in year-round programming. 

Although we are excited for everything that ACPA 21 has to offer, we are particularly enthusiastic about the five programs that were accepted from faculty and students in the HESA program. We have provided a full list of these sessions below. Convention registrants can access all of them, and the other great convention content by logging in with your ACPA account information to the virtual convention platform. 

Session Type Date & Time Title Presenter(s)
Research-in-Process Monday, March 8, 2021, 2:30-3:30pm The Personal is Professional: Exploring Emerging Student Affairs Professionals’ Intimacies Ashley N. Robinson, Sade Erinfolami, Tania Flores, & Trevor Madore
Research-in-Process Monday, March 15, 2021; 1:15-2:15pm Anti-Blackness and the Monolith Construction of Higher Education Latinidad Luz Burgos-López
Convention Program Monday, March 15, 2021; 3:45-4:45pm An Institutional Transformation Approach to Recruiting Racially Minoritized Faculty Milagro Castillo-Montoya, Ashley N. Robinson, Luz Burgos-López, & Jillian Ives
Research-in-Process Tuesday, March 16, 2021; 2:30-3:30pm Finding Our Voice: Combating Anti-Blackness and COVID-19 in Higher Education. Saran Stewart, Milagros Castillo-Montoya, Jasmine Sindico, Irvine Peck’s-Agaya, Nicole Hyman, Alquan Higgs, Rachel Wada, & Kiara Ruesta
Research & Practice Poster Supporting Undocumented Immigrants in the Current COVID-19 Era Kenny Nienhusser, Omar Romandia-Diaz, Kiara Ruesta

UConn Higher Education Scholars & Practitioners at 2020 ASHE Conference

UConn at ASHE | Support UConn Scholar-practitioners during the ASHE 2020 Virtual Conference

UConn faculty, students, and post-docs from the Department of Educational Leadership, the HESA program, and Office of Diversity & Inclusion will be involved as presenters and volunteers during this year’s annual ASHE (Association for the Study of Higher Education) virtual conference on November 18-21 and pre-conference for the Council for Ethnic Participation (CEP) on November 13. Ten of our faculty, recent graduates, and graduate students from UConn will present 12 papers and interactive symposia and serve as discussant or chair on five paper sessions and interactive symposia. For those interested in participating in the conference, registration is still available. 

The theme for the 2020 Conference is Advancing Full Participation. The association noted that:

Advancing full participation requires dismantling racism, classism, sexism, and other forms of oppression that systematically disadvantage different individuals and groups. It requires that we construct and study “architecture of inclusion” (Sturm, 2006) at various decision points, across sectors, and between siloes. We need to understand the mechanisms most likely to foster inclusion and full participation across public, private, national and international contexts. 

Indeed, the scholarship and research that our UConn scholars are sharing during the conference is aimed at advancing full participation, incorporating qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches, and addressing wide-ranging topics from pedagogy and learning, to policy, to student development, to global education. If you are planning to participate in the annual ASHE conference, we hope that you will take time in your schedule to support and learn from the excellent work of our UConn scholars. You can refer to the compiled selection of sessions with UConn presenters, chairs, or discussants below. Of course, we recommend using the official conference schedule for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Session Name Date Time (EST) Location Session Type UConn Scholar Role Paper Title Link
Making Space for Community, Support and Healing in Racial Equity Higher Education Work Fri, November 13 12:45 to 2:00pm EST Council for Ethnic Participation Virtual Pre-Conference, Bulbancha Room Interactive Symposium Frank A. Tuitt Co-Chair http://tinyurl.com/y6fdfx3s
Making Space for Community, Support and Healing in Racial Equity Higher Education Work Fri, November 13 12:45 to 2:00pm EST Council for Ethnic Participation Virtual Pre-Conference, Bulbancha Room Interactive Symposium Milagros Castillo-Montoya Presenter http://tinyurl.com/y6fdfx3s
Learning Through Engaging: Colleges Developing Activistas, Global Citizens, and Worldviews Wed, November 18 4:30 to 5:45pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Ida B. Wells Room Paper Session Adam M. McCready Discussant http://tinyurl.com/yx8z4hlc
Difference in Opinion: Making Sense of Student Encounters Wed, November 18 2:45 to 4:00pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Natchez Room Paper Session Ashley N. Robinson Chair
New Perspectives on Faculty Workload Inequities Thu, November 19 12:00 to 12:45pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Natchez Room Roundtable Milagros Castillo-Montoya Presenter Braids and Bridges: A Collaborative Postcolonial AutoEthnography of Racially Minoritized Women Teaching Intergroup Dialogue http://tinyurl.com/y2o2nyxs
Examining Race, Culture, and Fit in Higher Education Thu, November 19 12:00 to 12:45pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Houma Room Roundtable Luz Burgos-López Presenter The erasure of Blackness and role of Antiblackness in the Construction of Higher Education Latinidad http://tinyurl.com/yyflojxx
Multicultural and Critical Teaching and Learning Perspectives Thu, November 19 12:00 to 12:45pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Michigan State Room Roundtable Joshua Abreu Presenter Learning to Teach Through Experimentation: A Multi-Case Study on Three Professors Teaching Historically-Marginalized Students http://tinyurl.com/y4bbf7t3
Critical Perspectives on Service Learning Fri, November 20 1:00 to 2:15pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Equitable Engagement Room Paper Session Milagros Castillo-Montoya Presenter Developing Latinx students’ critical consciousness in a sport-based critical service learning http://tinyurl.com/y5jds384
Critical Perspectives on Service Learning Fri, November 20 1:00 to 2:15pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Equitable Engagement Room Paper Session Ajhanai Channel Inez Newton Developing Latinx students’ critical consciousness in a sport-based critical service learning http://tinyurl.com/y5jds384
The Influence of Policies on Graduate Education and Workforce Development Fri, November 20 4:30 to 5:45pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Michigan State Room Paper Session H. Kenny Nienhusser Presenter If You Fund Them, Will They Come?: Findings from a Graduate Student Fellowship Program http://tinyurl.com/y62dy47f
The Influence of Policies on Graduate Education and Workforce Development Fri, November 20 4:30 to 5:45pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Michigan State Room Paper Session Milagros Castillo-Montoya Presenter If You Fund Them, Will They Come?: Findings from a Graduate Student Fellowship Program http://tinyurl.com/y62dy47f
Racism Off-Campus and Online: Quantitative Investigations Fri, November 20 2:45 to 4:00pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Chitimacha Room Paper Session Adam M. McCready Presenter Does Experiencing Racialized Aggressions on Social Media Predict Mental Health Outcomes http://tinyurl.com/y42hjwjj
Attitudinal Inquires: Mixed-Methods Approaches to Student Safety Fri, November 20 4:30 to 5:45pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Houma Room Paper Session Adam M. McCready Presenter Masculinities as Barriers to Full Participation: A Longitudinal Study on Fraternity Masculine Norms and Hazing Motivations http://tinyurl.com/y6oydyap
Teaching and Learning in Global Contexts Fri, November 20 4:30 to 5:45pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Utah Room Paper Session Saran Stewart Presenter Decolonizing Academic Spaces: Advancing Full Participation Globally to Promote Racial Equity in Postsecondary Education http://tinyurl.com/yyfnpr4h
Teaching and Learning in Global Contexts Fri, November 20 4:30 to 5:45pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Utah Room Paper Session Frank A. Tuitt Presenter Decolonizing Academic Spaces: Advancing Full Participation Globally to Promote Racial Equity in Postsecondary Education http://tinyurl.com/yyfnpr4h
Institutions’ Role in Perpetuating or Disrupting Inequity Fri, November 20 2:45 to 4:00pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Caddo Room Paper Session H. Kenny Nienhusser Discussant http://tinyurl.com/yyg87sg4
Facilitating College Pathways through College Access Programs Fri, November 20 1:00 to 2:15pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Caddo Room Paper Session Leslie Allen Williams Presenter Filling the Potholes: How College Access Programs Aid Participants’ Journeys to, through and Beyond College http://tinyurl.com/y3kkx37r
(Im)Possible Strategy? Globalizing Efforts for Racial Equity in Higher Education Sat, November 21 1:00 to 2:15pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Houma Room Interactive Symposium Frank A. Tuitt Chair
(Im)Possible Strategy? Globalizing Efforts for Racial Equity in Higher Education Sat, November 21 1:00 to 2:15pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Houma Room Interactive Symposium Milagros Castillo-Montoya Presenter http://tinyurl.com/y4ty8j8b
Student Affairs on the Front Lines: Addressing Hazing, White Supremacy, and Success for Students of Color Sat, November 21 2:30 to 3:45pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Chitimacha Room Paper Session Ashley N. Robinson Presenter How Does Whiteness “Show Up” in Student Affairs Work? An Institutional Ethnographic Literature Analysis http://tinyurl.com/y6skb2dw
Taking a Stand: ASHE’s Position Taking Committee Year in Review Sat, November 21 2:30 to 3:45pm EST ASHE Virtual Conference, Bulbancha Room Invited Session H. Kenny Nienhusser Presenter http://tinyurl.com/y3cft87u

HESA Student’s Group Wins Case Study Competition

Congratulations to Katrina Camerato (‘19) whose group recently placed first for the Northeast Association of College and University Housing Officers (NEACUHO) New Professionals Case Study Competition!  The annual competition, which takes place during the NEACUHO Annual Conference in October, offers new professionals (including qualified graduate students) an opportunity to put their skills to work and network with other new professionals.  

This year’s case study was an “all-encompassing case for HESA practitioners,” says Katrina.  While the case focused broadly on addressing increasing mental health issues in residential spaces, it also included obstacles such as budget cuts, an overworked staff, and issues with student satisfaction. Katrina was partnered with her group members on the first day of the conference, and they presented their proposal on the conference’s final day. The group proposed a year-long initiative that involved both campus and community partnerships in order tokeep their intervention low-cost.  

Katrina says she has her HESA program assistantship at the UConn Department of Residential Life to thank for helping her develop the practical skills and knowledge that allowed her to succeed in the competition.  “UConn has a flourishing Department of Residential Life, and I have really learned a lot from my time working with colleagues and students there,” says Katrina. She also credits her practica at Title IX offices for giving her practical experience, as well as her law and ethics class (EDLR 5119) for teaching her “how to properly read a case, find the holes, and propose solutions.”

For other students interested in getting involved in a case study, Katrina recommends reaching out to supervisors and colleagues. With her assistantship in Residential Life, Katrina was a member of NEACUHO and learned from professionals in her department that she could apply for funding through NEACUHO to cover conference costs.  After receiving full funding for the three-day conference, she began looking into what else the conference had to offer and found the case study competition. “I highly encourage students to look deeper into their professional organizations,” says Katrina. “Whether they are involved with NODA, NASPA, ACPA, ACUHO-I, or another organization, many of these professional organizations offer these types of opportunities!”

HESA Student Serves on NODA Conference Planning Committee

Since February 2018, HESA student Patrick Rogers (’19) has been one of three graduate students nationally serving on the planning committee for the 2018 Annual Conference for NODA (the Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education).  The conference took place in San Diego last week, and Patrick checked in to tell us about his experience. Both the planning process and the conference itself, says Rogers, were fantastic learning and professional development experiences.  “I was able to network with other professionals on the committee as well as throughout the country,” he says. “I learned so much about this field while also helping with on-site logistics. This was a great experience for me as I look forward to seeking a position working with first year students in the next few months!”  Congratulations, Patrick!

The full planning committee
Patrick [left] with two of the other graduate student committee members

Abigail Smith’s (’17) Blog post with NASPA

In order for me to gain experience and commit to being the international leader that I strive to be, studying abroad in the summer was the right decision for me. While my program does great work on educating us about student affairs in the US, we don’t do much of comparing and contrasting to other Higher Ed systems abroad. For my experience abroad, I was able to travel to Glasgow, Scotland and do a three week assessment project at the University of Glasgow with two of my cohort mates.

Read more here: https://www.naspa.org/constituent-groups/posts/travel-noir-sa-grad-summer-abroad

glasgow

Danielle Berkman (’18) -National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) December Of The Month (also known as OTM) Campus Winner

Danielle has been an outstanding source of support and guidance for her staff since the first day of the semester. She has been devoted to checking-in with each RA regularly ever since. Before she even met the Hilltop Halls staff, Danielle wrote a welcome note to each RA, and continued to hand-write thoughtful messages throughout the semester as she learned more about each RA. Additionally, Danielle has made snacks and baked desserts to give staff members for the sake of making others cheerful. The notes and random snacks are just a couple out of many ways Danielle has made the Hilltop Halls staff smile and feel supported. These actions demonstrate Danielle’s dedication to fostering a happy staff. Danielle also cares for her residents. She led a planning committee of RAs to organize a Fall Festival in Hilltop Halls to give residents a fun way to get involved with their community. Danielle offered great advice during the planning phase of Fall Festival that resulted in a very successful area-wide social program. Outside of organizing programs, Danielle is very accessible to the community should any community members need help with a roommate conflict, or just want to chat about what’s going on in their lives. Danielle’s accessibility provides the Hilltop Halls community with another level of support that we all appreciate greatly.

https://otms.nrhh.org/otm_general.php3?otmid=339890&uid=52334&vid=q7mgrqfnm6k7t15p

Price (’17), Smith (’17), and Nix (’17) to Present at NACADA CT Conference

NACADA Drive In 2016 Smith Price Niimo Nix NEW

 

Christian Price (HESA Class of 2017), Abigail Smith (HESA Class of 2017), and Jeronima “Niimo” Nix (HESA Class of 2017), will be presenting at the 2016 NACADA CT Drive-In Conference. The theme of the conference is “The Greatest Advising on Earth: Mastering the Balancing Act.”

Price and Smith will be presenting, “Beyond Academic Advising: An Approach to Supporting African American Male Student Athletes at Predominantly White Institutions.” The pair will focus on the contexts and lived experiences of African American male student athletes, and how to assist students in maximizing their potential as both students and young adults.

Nix’s presentation will focus on incorporating social justice theory with academic advising philosophies. Using case studies and some interactive activities, Nix hopes to highlight the importance of embracing cultural differences in advising practices, and share resources that may prepare students and advisors to build more engaging relationships.

Additional details about the NACADA conference can be found at the conference website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-nacada-ct-drive-in-conference-tickets-21017743637.

Rapoport (’11) Selected for NACA Mid Atlantic Regional Conference Planning Committee

Elizabeth Rapoport (Class of 2011)  was recently selected to serve on the NACA Mid Atlantic Regional Conference Planning Committee as the Volunteer Center Coordinator; her fourth consecutive year serving as a part of the RCPC for this region. Elizabeth would be more than happy to connect with any students who are interested in a career in Student Activities to share with them how to leverage NACA as a graduate student and young professional!

AFA Award Presented to Greg Fink, HESA ’11

AFA Outstanding Change InitiativeCourtney McKenna (Associate Director, Student Center & Campus Life, Quinnipiac University) and Greg Fink (Assistant Director) were honored with the Outstanding Change Initiative Award at the 2013 Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors Annual Meeting.  Additionally, McKenna and Fink presented their 2-year transition for the fraternity and sorority community toward a university-centered learning paradigm.  Below is the presentation description:

“As institutions of higher education are forced to prove their value through scrutiny of what a college education currently provides, some institutions have begun implementing a learning paradigm–a philosophy that asks all community members (faculty, staff and administrators) to reexamine and rework policies and practices to ensure that student learning is at the core.  Presenters will provide insight into practices taken for a fraternity/sorority community to align itself with an institutional learning paradigm while simultaneously ensuring fraternities and sororities are reliable student learning vehicles.  Just as an intentional focus on values congruence can elevate a fraternity and sorority community through position actions, intentional focus on enhancing student learning can highlight why fraternities and sororities exist, while also supporting an institutional mission. ”

Well done Greg!