Category Archives: Events

New England at ACPA17: Accepted Program by Leah Hakkola

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Preferred Name: Leah Hakkola

Employer: University of Maine

Position: Assistant Professor, Higher Education Program

Title of your program: Discourses of Difference in College Admissions

Description:
This paper examines how discourses of difference are constructed in college admissions processes and programing, with a focus on how language and images influence the college choice process for students and impact the goal to increase diversity in sustainable ways. Use of Critical Discourse Analysis highlights how college admissions representatives interpret and understand diversity and they communicate these understandings to prospective students. Methods include an analysis of interviews focusing on how recruiters understand “diversity” in their engagement with prospective students.
I am very much looking forward to networking and connecting with other scholars and practitioners in the field who are interested in engaging with critical theories and perspectives focusing on supporting diversity, equity and social justice in higher education.

Student Affairs Camp (SA Camp)

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Student Affairs Camp (SAcamp)

 

Two summers ago I was a graduate student who was searching for local, low-cost professional development opportunities. My intention was to expand my network and continue to grow as I transitioned into the role of a student affairs professional. I was fortunate to have some awesome connections at UMass Amherst (where I went to grad school) and one of them suggested Student Affairs Camp. It was the first time that SA Camp was going to be held, and I registered as soon as I learned about the unConference structure!

 

Back in 2014, MCPA (Massachusetts College Personnel Association) hosted SA Camp, and as you know we have since transitioned to NECPA. The primary reason that I am on the NECPA Executive Board is actually because I attended SA Camp. It gave me the opportunity to meet amazing higher education professionals and am still connected to quite a few of them!

 

I am thrilled that SA Camp 2.0 is returning this summer. It gave me the opportunity to network and explore this field in a very relaxed setting. I was comfortable from the minute that the weekend began, even though I only knew one other person! After leaving other conferences that I have attended, I am absolutely drained – mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. But, after I left SA Camp, I returned to my summer internship ready to finish the summer strong. I was rejuvenated and most importantly, I was excited. I was excited to finish my last year of grad school and to enter this incredible field.

 

Please consider joining my colleagues and myself at SA Camp 2.0 this year. I am very excited to be a Camp Counselor (aka Session Presenter) and to engage in important and meaningful dialogue to continue my professional development journey. I’m also thrilled to reconnect with some colleagues I already know, while making connections with new folks as well.

 

Feel free to reach out to me if you want to connect more about Student Affairs Camp and I hope to see you in Bennington, VT at the end of the month!

 

Jillian Toce

NECPA Member-at-Large

Resident Dean, Landmark College

JillianToce@Landmark.edu

8 Reasons to Attend the MCPA Drive-In Conference

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8 Reasons to Attend the MCPA Drive-In Conference

 

  1. Networking

One of the biggest goals that MCPA has for this conference is to allow for professionals across the state to meet and learn from each other. Opportunities will be created for you to meet new people and reconnect with those you have not seen in a while.

 

  1. Visit a New Campus

This year, the conference will be held at Newbury College in Brookline, MA. Never been? Take this opportunity to come to campus and see what the quaint New England college has to offer!

 

  1. Reconnect with MCPA

If you’re a member who hasn’t been able to attend the coffee talks or social events, the Drive-In Conference allows you time to reconnect with the organization and hear a bit about the goals of the organization for the upcoming year. The executive board will be sharing information about the proposed updates to the bylaws, allowing for time to vote, and sharing some information about the upcoming ACPA Convention.

 

  1. Support the Local Organization

While closely connected to ACPA, MCPA is specifically geared towards those of us across the Commonwealth. Our organization is successful because of the support, mentoring, and learning that happens during the annual Drive-In Conference. Having an in-state conference allows you to get the conference experience during a one-day event.

 

  1. Talk with the Executive Board About Getting More Involved

If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved with MCPA but don’t quite know how to do that, we’d be happy to talk to you! There are great opportunities for formal (think executive board positions) and informal (we’d love to host a social in your town!) involvement.

 

  1. Support our Award Winners

MCPA award winners will be announced during the Drive-In Conference. Take a moment to talk with an award winner about their career path, or the spectacular program that won them the award!

 

  1. Get Your Headshot Taken

How many times have you been asked for a photo of yourself for an article, announcement, or staff list? Is it time to update that Twitter photo? MCPA is offering complimentary headshots for all conference attendees.

 

  1. Hear from Dr. Cindi Love, the Executive Director of ACPA

Dr. Love will be the keynote speaker for the Drive-In Conference this year. We are so excited to welcome her to our event!

 

 

 

Interested in joining us on December 5th? Register here!