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