Inside this issue:

ACUI Annual Conference 2

All About Technology 3

Snow Rollers 4

Developmental Assets 5

Profesional Development 6

Region 2 Information 7

Region 2 Welcomes 8

Role of the College Union 9

Through regional com-munities, conferences and newsletters, students and staff learn about the role of the college union on campus and share in fulfilling that role.

Winter 2012 Go Region 2! By Kimberley Haines, Director of Campus Life at SUNY Brockport and Region 2 Director

I am excited to begin serving as the ACUI Region 2 Regional Director, and to work alongside so many talented professionals and students! It is my belief that together, we will be able to reach new levels of excellence for our region.

Together with the Regional Leadership Team (RLT), I have spent the last month getting acclimated to the Regional Director position and focusing on the following:

1. Defining regional Goals and Priorities for 2012. Once these have been clearly defined by your Regional Leadership Team they will be shared with the region.

2. Filling vacancies on the RLT. ACUI has provided each region with clearly defined positions that will assist with consistency and communication amongst Regions. An email will be forthcoming to our Region in the next couple of months with our open positions. 3. Preparing for upcoming events and activities. 4. Researching options for making necessary improvements to the region’s website and other forms of communication. 5. Continuing our road of good fiscal health.

Upcoming regional events/activities include the 2012 Drive-in Programming Conference and Poetry Slam Tournament at the University at Buffalo, and the NAQT Tournament at the University of Toronto on February 4. A number of our members will be representing us at the annual conference, from serving on the conference planning team to giving presentations. SUNY New Paltz and Marist College will host the fall conference in November 2012, which is sure to be extraordinary as we look at Bridging Traditions with Innovations.

Again, I am excited for the opportunity to serve as the Regional Director of Region 2, and look forward to sharing in the experiences of the next few years with you! Please do not hesitate to contact me with any suggestions, questions, concerns, or ideas. Additionally, if you are interested in serving in a role within the region please let me know and we can discuss ways for you to get involved. My contact information is khaines@brockport.edu. Have a great start to 2012! Go Region 2!

ACUI Region 2New York, Quebec, and Eastern Ontario (except Rockland and Westchester counties, New York City, Long Island)

The Association of College Unions International supports its members in the development of community through education, advocacy, and the delivery of services. ACUI is your association if your institution offers programs, activities, services, and facilities that, when taken together, represent a well-considered plan for the community life of the college. Providing these pro-grams complements the academic experience by balancing coursework with out-of-classroom experiences to develop well-rounded, intellectual individuals. While having a building creates space for events, a union is not just a building. A union is the building and strengthening of a community that encourages individual growth, social competency, and group effectiveness. Any college or university that presents a general program for the cultural and recreational life of the student body as a primary activity is invited to join the Association as an institu-tional member. Individual membership is open to professionals whose institution is not a member, students, retirees, professionals not listed on an institutional member’s roster, and faculty members. Commercial organizations providing goods and services and supporting the policies, purposes, and activities of ACUI are eligible for associate membership.

ACUI 2012 Annual Conference

Register Now!

The 2012 Conference Program Team is delighted to invite you to the 92nd ACUI annual conference at the Boston Marriott Copley Hotel. Boston, a vibrant city with strong cultural roots and many higher education institutions, is recognized for its role in the American Revolution. Similar to the college union movement, the revolution that began in Boston included a community coming together for a common purpose, individuals engaged in robust conversation, and stakeholders willing to take action. From March 18–22, 2012, the ACUI community will gather for Our Revolution, an opportunity to Relate, Reflect, and React.

In Boston, delegates will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue within our community through network-ing and programs tailored to students, emerging professionals, and senior leaders. Educational sessions and keynote speakers will allow attendees to share and reflect on knowledge and issues important to the profes-sion. The total conference experience—including tours of nearby unions and historical sites, products and services displayed in the Expo Hall, and an optional community service project—will ignite a passion for action on our campuses. Join ACUI in Boston for Our Revolution.

ACUI Annual Conference “All About Technology” Sneak PeekBy Jennifer Keegin, Associate Director for Campus Activities at SUNY Binghamton

Presenting a Pre-Conference with a title like “Tech 101” or “All About Technology” is quite daunting. Where to begin? The good thing is - that’s where the conversation will start. Asking participants “What comes under the Technology umbrella for College Unions and Activities?” and “What do you want to learn about in terms of Technology?” -- these questions will be used as a jumping off point, and I will be presenting on a wide-range of topics regarding Technology, and then attendees will tour Emerson College’s Campus Center after-wards.

So to sneak peek a few items from the session - I can tell you that we won’t be talking about Facebook unless it’s in reference to Marketing your Union or programs. We will talk about utilizing social media to enhance marketing and to build community on campus. We’ll talk about iPad usage and best practices including some top applications that are out there like Evernote, Square, etc.

Programs for your desktop like Wiggio, Tungle and Doodle, which organize groups and help schedule meet-ings will be covered as well as Wordpress which enables you to create and host your own blog online.

Not all tech is computer related, although most things seem to be. I attended this year’s first ever NASPAtech conference in Newport, RI and really got a sense of the full variety of technology available to student affairs. Based on that experience, I decided to bring along two different types of scanners which can be used to count heads, to connect with software to collect data, and to be used for assessment purposes.

Other areas that are still in development for this session are people counters in the union.

In the end, we only have one hour to cover the gamut of the world of technology, but I hope that everyone will come out with some new ideas and new information that will help them do their jobs better and easier. This will benefit all the students they work with at their institutions.

ACUI Annual Conference “All About Technology” Sneak Peek Date and Time: 11am Sunday, March 18

Price: $25

Description: In our ever-changing world, it can be tough to keep up with all the latest technology available to union and activities professionals. This program will help keep participants in the loop by explaining some of the newest programs and services on the market, including best practices from mem-ber institutions. From productivity enhancers to social media marketing tips to iPad usage, it will all be covered in a way that even “newbies” can understand. A “Tech 101” type of discussion, this program is for all attendees. Participants also will have the option to have lunch at Boston’s famous Cheers restaurant and then walk across Boston Common to Emerson Col-lege. There, attendees will meet with members of the Max Mutchnick Campus Center and tour their facilities. Lunch is not included in the registration fee.

We will talk about utilizing social media to enhance marketing and to build community on campus.

A snow roller is a rare meteorological phenomenon in which large snowballs are formed naturally as chunks of snow are blown along the ground by wind, picking up material along the way, in much the same way that the large snowballs used in snowmen are made.

Unlike snowballs made by people, snow rollers are typically cylindrical in shape, and are often hollow since the inner layers, which are the first layers to form, are weak and thin compared to the outer layers and can easily be blown away, leaving what looks like a doughnut or Swiss roll. Snow rollers have been seen to grow as large as two feet in diameter.

The following conditions are needed for snow rollers to form: -The ground must be covered by a layer of ice to which snow will not stick. -The layer of ice must be covered by wet, loose snow with a temperature near the melting point of ice. -The wind must be strong enough to move the snow rollers, but not strong enough to blow them too fast. -Alternatively, gravity can move the snow rollers as when a snowball, such as those that will fall from a tree or cliff, lands on steep hill and begins to roll down the hill.

Because of this last condition, snow rollers are more common in hilly areas. However, the precise nature of the conditions required makes them a very rare phenomenon.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_rollerhttp://www.showmetoronto.com/blog/snow-donuts-a-natural-weather-phenomena.html

Snow Rollers, Snow Doughnuts or Snow Swiss Cakes

You do not have to be a meteorological phenomenon to be phenomenal. Get involved in ACUI today!

Snow Rollers in Ajax, Ontario

In addition to snow rollers, Toronto has one of the earliest student centres in the world, Hart House.

Using the Developmental Assets to Promote Positive Development in Your Family, Community and Institution. http://www.search-institute.org/content/what-are-developmental-assets

Subject: Asset 1: Family SupportLove and support: The family foundationYou can show the children in your family that you love and support them in many ways. When you hug them or say, “I love you,” the sentiment is obvious. Paying attention to them, listening to them, and taking an inter-est in what they’re doing are less noticeable ways of giving support. After all, does your child feel supported when you come home from an exhausting day, and he or she wants to talk—but you want a break? The young people closest to you know your body language. They listen to what you say—and don’t say. They notice when your words and actions don’t match. Make it a point to be sure they hear your message of love and support loud and clear at all times. Family Support is Asset 1 of Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets, the quali-ties, experiences, and relationships that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.

Here are the factsResearch shows that young people are more likely to grow up healthy when their families provide them with high levels of love and support. It’s important for parents and guardians to create a home environment that fosters loving words and actions, consistency, and openness. About 68 percent of young people, ages 11–18, say their family life provides high levels of love and support, according to Search Institute surveys. Spend-ing quality time together is the first—and most important—step toward establishing a great family support system.

Tips for building this assetBe consistent. Be loving. Develop openness so that the children in your family know that you’re available and you’ll love them—no matter what. If you’re exhausted or angry, say so. Tell children what you’re feeling so that your body language and words are consistent. Inconsistent messages are often misinterpreted by youth to mean that they have done something wrong.

Also try thisIn your home and family: Spend one hour a week alone with each of your children. Take a walk, listen to music, cook together, or just hang out.

In your neighborhood and community: Try to arrange a babysitting swap with a neighbor. It’s important for parents and guardians to have time away from children, doing things they enjoy alone and with other adults. This will make family time that much sweeter.

In your school or youth program: Assign students and participants activities that encourage family sharing. For example, one Minnesota class studying a Native American tribe learned that tribal members passed down stories from one generation to the next. The teacher assigned students to ask their parents for family stories to share with the class.

Want to know more about the 40 Developmental Assets and ideas for helping young people build them? Visit www.search-institute.org/assets.-------------------------Developmental Assets® are positive factors within young people, families, communities, schools, and other settings that research has found to be important in promoting the healthy development of young people. From Instant Assets: 52 Short and Simple E-Mails for Sharing the Asset Mes-sage. Copyright © 2007 by Search Institute®, 877-240-7251; www.search-institute.org. This message may be reproduced for educational, noncom-mercial uses only (with this copyright line). All rights reserved.

ACUI Online Programs

In addition to in-person seminars and institutes, ACUI regularly coordinates a variety of opportunities for professional development online, through webinars or virtual round-table discussions.

There are a variety of formats for the online programs that attendees can choose from, based on their learn-ing style preferences.

Currently, ACUI offers: ACUI Online Learning Programs

These lecture-style programs are delivered by a content expert or panel to address the core competencies of the college union and student activities profession. These traditional webinars are included in your ACUI membership, so members can register at no additional fee.

Current Trends in Leadership Programs, February 9

Groundswell: Student Affairs in a World of Social Technologies, February 22

Hot Topics: Getting the Most out of the Annual Conference, February 15

Student Organizations Institute

A NACA/ASCA/NIRSA/ACUI Partner ProgramJune 27 – June 29, 2012Washington University, St. Louis

The number of student organizations on college campuses has grown over the last decade, and the need for greater support and oversight has increased at the same time. The Student Organizations Institute will offer higher education professionals and student organization advisors the opportunity to deepen their under-standing and enhance their skills in the areas of advising, risk management, and student conduct.

Institute participants will interact with facilitators and other participants to learn about both general and specific topics related to the culture, structure, resources, tools, and techniques that will help them to man-age the campus student organizations and their activities. Sessions will be structured in a variety of styles to allow for active learning.

Winter Drive-In at University at Buffalo

Theme: ProgrammingLocation: University at BuffaloDate: February 4, 2012Registration: Register for the event at ACUI.orgDescription: Join colleagues from around the region for a winter escape to Buffalo to discuss promising practices in programming. Bring fresh ideas, fun examples. and we’ll supply the hot chocolate.

Schedule:10am – Check-in, Coffee Hour11am – Welcome11:30am – Block 1 Educational Sessions12:20pm – Block 2 Educational Sessions1:10pm – Lunch and Small Group Networking2:00pm – Steal This Idea Showcase2:45pm – Closing Address3:15pm – Closing and Departure

Keynote:Dr. Andrea Costantino, Director of Campus Living at UB will be our keynote pre-sentation. Andrea has over 10 years of experience in the field and will talk about building community through programming.

Proffessional Development Opportunities http://www.acui.org/programs/

Region 2 Website: http://region2.acui.org/Region/02/

Region 2 Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/2216085238

Association of College Unions International Region 2 Information

New Region 2 MembersHobart and William Smith College

(New as of November)

Current Institution and Position: The College at Brockport – Assistant Director for Campus Life

Current position in ACUI Region 2: 2013 Regional Conference Chair

Were you a member of another region prior to this one? Previously a member of Region 5

What about being a member of ACUI excites you most?I am most excited to meet to colleagues and learn more about the unique things our region has to offer!

Matt Barone

Matt Hayes

Current Institution and Role On Campus: SUNY Geneseo; Manager, MacVittie College Union

Graduation Year: 2013

What are you most excited about leaning as a member of ACUI? I’m looking forward to learning the “business models” of other col-lege unions (i.e. publicity strategies, programming, employee appre-ciation, connection with other aspects of campus life, etc.)

Institutional Members - 40 Individual Members (self registered) - 159

Undergraduate -128 Graduate -27 Faculty Member - 4

Membership Update

Did your institutional membership expire on 12/31/11?Renew your membership today!

Region 2 Welcomes...By Kristen Mruk, Technical Assistant , Student Life at Niagara County Community College

Defining the Core Competencies Core competency refers to a set of composite skills, knowledge, and behaviors that provide the basis and form the foundation for successful professional practice in college union and student activities work. Communication (COM): Ability to successfully exchange information through verbal and nonverbal symbols and behaviors. Facilities Management (FAM): Ability to successfully maintain attractive, safe, fully operable built environments. Fiscal Management (FIM): Ability to develop and manage financial systems through responsible stewardship of fiscal re-sources. Human Resource Development (HR): Ability to interact with staff members and to manage staff resources in a consistent and equitable manner. Intercultural Proficiency (IP): Ability to successfully communicate, understand, and interact among persons with differing assumptions that exist because of ethnic and cultural orientations Leadership (L): Ability to develop and communicate a vision so that others commit to fulfilling the mission and goals of an organization. Management (MGMT): Ability to coordinate, oversee, administer, and evaluate the daily operations of our facilities, pro-grams, services, and activities. Marketing (MKTG): Ability to identify primary markets and to develop and use effective promotions, communications, and informational pieces in a variety of media and formats. Planning (P): Ability to identify organizational needs and initiate strategies aligned with the institutional mission, strategic directions, and values. Student Learning (SL): Ability to create educational environments and experiences that intentionally provide students with opportunities for acquiring intellectual and interpersonal skills, beyond the traditional place and time bound-aries. Technology (T): Ability to understand the overall intent and to choose from appropriate tools, equipment, and procedures for service delivery and problem-solving.

ACUI Core Competencies for the College Union and Student Activities Profession ACUI has identified 11 core competencies for college union and student activities profession. Regardless of job responsibili-ties or position level, these 11 competencies permeate all work in the profession, though prioritization may differ.

Role of the College UnionThe union is the community center of the college, serving students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. By whatever form or name, a college union is an organization offering a variety of programs, activities, services, and facilities that, when taken together, represent a well-considered plan for the community life of the college.The union is an integral part of the educational mission of the college. • As the center of the college community life, the union complements the academic experience through an extensive variety

of cultural, educational, social, and recreational programs. These programs provide the opportunity to balance course work and free time as cooperative factors in education.

• The union is a student-centered organization that values participatory decision-making. Through volunteerism, its boards, committees, and student employment, the union offers first-hand experience in citizenship and educates students in leader-ship, social responsibility, and values.

• In all its processes, the union encourages self-directed activity, giving maximum opportunity for self-realization and for growth in individual social competency and group effectiveness.

The union’s goal is the development of persons as well as intellects.Traditionally considered the “hearthstone” or “living room” of the campus, today’s union is the gathering place of the college. The union provides services and conveniences that members of the college community need in their daily lives and creates an environment for getting to know and understand others through formal and informal associations.The union serves as a unifying force that honors each individual and values diversity. The union fosters a sense of community that cultivates enduring loyalty to the college.Adopted by the Association’s general membership in 1996, this statement is based on the Role of the College Union statement, 1956.