The 2024 ACPA Convention in Chicago celebrated the 100th anniversary of the organization. In coming together to reflect on the past, we were also encouraged to consider, plan for, and look to the future. As four graduate students attending the conference for the first or second time, we took time to consider our experiences and w they set the stage for our future careers and learning in higher education. Our hope is that this article will be useful to other students and practitioners who are exploring professional organizations, but that our reflections here might also serve as an artifact to capture a part of the story of ACPA as it moves into its next 100 years.
Student Perspectives
Benjamin
As I sit down to reflect on my recent experience at the ACPA24 conference, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and connections I gained over the event. My decision to attend was motivated by a desire to immerse myself in a community dedicated to advancing student affairs and higher education. The promise of engaging sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and networking opportunities with like-minded professionals was an opportunity I could not afford to miss. The theme of “Reflect. Evolve. Act.” resonated with me personally and professionally, reflecting my belief in the power of self-reflection, continuous growth, and purposeful action to drive positive change in higher education.
Beginning with the opening session, we were offered thought-provoking insights and inspiration from leaders in the field. The opening keynote speaker was Matika Wilbur – a Native American photographer, educator and enrolled citizen of the Tulalip Tribes of Washington and a descendant of the Swinomish people. With enthusiasm and determination, she shared about her work with Project 562 and the project’s core objective: to capture the essence of Indigenous communities across the United States by photographing members of all recognized US tribes on their tribal lands. Wilbur highlighted her collaborative approach with tribal leaders and community members to ensure authentic representation and reclaim Indigenous narratives. Through her keynote, she illuminated the transformative power of art and storytelling in challenging historical narratives and uplifting Indigenous voices.
Beyond the structured sessions were various social events and receptions, creating spaces for attendees to decompress and foster meaningful connections. These informal gatherings were invaluable opportunities to unwind amidst the bustling convention while nurturing new relationships and strengthening existing ones. I attended a gathering of alumni from my program and found myself in the company of esteemed alumni shaping the landscape of higher education. Engaging in conversations with them provided me with insights into the diverse paths alums have taken within the field, reinforcing the sense of community and shared purpose.
The sessions were the cornerstone of my experience offering insights, perspectives, and practical strategies that left an indelible mark on me. Five which stood out to me were:
- My Right or My Liberty? The Constitutionality of DEI – This session explored the legal framework surrounding DEI efforts in higher education. Sherard Robbins (Vanderbilt University) challenged us to critically examine how legal principles shape our work in student affairs. We delved into the legislative landscape, discussed specific states, and explored implications and strategies for higher education professionals related to DEI on campus.
- Why Names Matter More Than You Think – Yibin Wei (James Madison University) and Saryu Sanghani ( University of Pennsylvania) explored the significance of names and their impact on individuals in academic and professional settings. We explored how mispronunciations, misspellings, and name assumptions can contribute to feelings of exclusion, marginalization, and identity erasure. The session provided practical strategies to foster a culture of respect and inclusivity.
- Centering International Students’ Standpoints in Decolonizing Student Affairs – brought together a panel of international students and scholars to encourage attendees to prioritize inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. The session fostered a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in decolonizing student affairs and underscored the imperative of centering diverse perspectives in higher education.
- US Career Pathways for International Graduate Students: Challenges and Opportunities – Panelists Madina Akhmetova (St. Cloud State University), Maria Minero (entrepreneur), Delyash Tsartsaeva (Elon University), and Jameco McKenzie (North Carolina State University) discussed topics including work visa regulations, cultural adjustments, and networking strategies. The session offered practical guidance to empower international graduate students in overcoming challenges and maximizing opportunities in the US job market.
These and other sessions catalyzed my reflection, dialogue, and action, and inspired me to reimagine my approach to student affairs and higher education. As I reflect on my experience,
I plan to put my learning into action by presenting during a staff meeting with my Residential Community Mentors about the significance of names. Additionally, I intend to leverage social media platforms to amplify the message of diversity, equity, and inclusion. By sharing resources, articles, and personal reflections on social media, I hope to spark meaningful dialogue and inspire action within our community. Aligned with ACPA’s commitment to advancing inclusivity and social justice in higher education, I’m eager to see the positive impact of this work.
The integration of land acknowledgements into ACPA24 sessions was a thoughtful practice demonstrating a respect for Indigenous Peoples. Additionally, throughout the conference, sessions provided opportunities to reflect on the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization. These efforts encouraged attendees to consider their roles in advancing reconciliation, justice, and solidarity. I also encourage each of us to continuously engage with Indigenous communities in the spirit of partnership, reciprocity, and mutual respect.
The theme of “Reflect. Evolve. Act.” is a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey of growth and development. As I return to my campus, I am committed to integrating what I learned into my daily practice, to create welcoming and affirming environments where all students can thrive.
The spirit of community and collaboration that permeated the conference left a lasting impression on me. The opportunity to connect with friends, peers, mentors, and thought leaders from across the country was invaluable, reminding me of our collective power to effect meaningful change in higher education. As I embark on the next chapter of my journey, I carry the lessons learned, the connections made, and the passion ignited at ACPA. With each step forward, I am guided by a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all students.
Hali
Knowing this was the 100th year of ACPA drew me to the conference because I felt as if it could encapsulate for me as a new student affairs professional all that ACPA has to offer to the world of higher education along with what it will continue to do in the future. I had never attended a conference as a graduate student and I had never gotten the opportunity to explore Chicago! The city has such a rich history and culture and it was so meaningful that ACPA was founded there.
As I prepared to participate in the conference, networking was my biggest need and goal for going. I hoped I could meet other students like me and professionals to seek advice from in the future. I knew if I could achieve those two goals that I would feel as if my expectations were met. Another one of my expectations was to go to sessions that applied my in class theory to real life research and help me to better use my academic studies in practice.
I found a number of experiences impacted me. Some had to do with specific connections – individual and communal – that helped foster a sense of belonging for me at ACPA and within the larger context of higher education and student affairs. I was lucky to find multiple points during the schedule for me to have these relational and belonging experiences. I attended the Clemson Alumni/Current Student & Employee mixer, both the opening and closing events, and the ACPA Drag Show! All of these events were engaging in different ways. Connecting with alumni from the program made me hopeful for the future and it is nice to know that there are professionals in my corner as I discover what parts of student affairs work I fit in the best.
I am also grateful for the opportunity to learn from specific program sessions. I chose the sessions I did based on things that sounded interesting or were relevant to my work today as well as the work I will possibly be doing in the future. I attended a session about the constitutionality of DEI legislation and programming as it is extremely important to understand the laws being passed concerning DEI and how we can preserve these offices and continue doing important work to support all students, faculty, and staff on campus. Another session that has stayed with me since the convention explored race and gender relations through comics and sci fi. Finally, I found the session about conspiracy theories and working with students that believe in them engaging and useful.
As I reflect on my experience, there are a number of things I will carry with me from ACPA in Chicago. My first big takeaway from this experience is that higher education and ACPA are places that should lead the way in creating a safe space for students and individuals who hold marginalized identities or who are underrepresented in higher education. Education outside of the classroom is essential as we learn about one another and ourselves. We must center student development and encourage exploration of social identities different from one’s own. This work is essential to creating good people, engaged citizens, and leaders who can contribute positively to our society.
I am grateful for the sessions and conversations I had the chance to be a part of. I must acknowledge the work of ACPA leadership to build such a transformative experience for me. The conference planners were so intentional regarding the speakers they chose, and that Matters. Additionally, the organization’s intentionality about who represents them, the preparation that these representatives put into their comments, and the welcoming environment they sought to build and foster over the course of the event was really important to my experience. The speakers and leadership from ACPA were so thoughtful and knowledgeable when sharing their stories and what ACPA means to them. As a new student affairs professional, I can jump off from their reflections and what is meaningful to them in order to create meaningful action in my work in the future.
The future was a theme even though this conference was celebrating the 100 years of its past. Because it was the 100th anniversary of ACPA, the “evolve” idea of the conference spoke to me. The conference and organization has evolved into such a huge event from its beginnings, and I loved how involved they wanted the city of Chicago to be in this process. I believe that the conference theme was a great way to encapsulate the work ACPA has done and will continue to do in the future.
I hope that other grad students get a chance to go to ACPA. It was really beneficial for me. A few tips of you attend:
- Don’t forget your business cards! I was so mad at myself for doing this when we got to the airport and it was too late.
- I also would recommend going to sessions about things you don’t really know very much about already. Getting to these sessions early is also a great way to network with whoever you’re sitting with.
- Another thing I tried to do was to go to sessions different from the people that I came with, so that I could meet new people and step out of my comfort zone a little bit.
Thanks for a great experience, ACPA. Keep up the wonderful work.
Madesh
In our intro class we talked about ACPA and NASPA conferences and I wanted to experience ACPA. I was attracted to go to ACPA because its focus on social justice issues. I also went to ACPA because I wanted to connect with the Commission for Global Dimensions of Student Development. This is a community of members that I interact virtually every month. It was great to connect with some of them in person.
Along those same lines, one of my goals for the conference was about building connections. Going into the conference my hopes and expectations were to connect with the international student community, share my experiences, hear others and collect information that could be useful for my research lab. I attended events with the Commission for Graduate and Professional Student Affairs community as well as the Commission for Global Dimensions of Student Development. I enjoyed going to both as they provided opportunity for networking and to seek support from peers.
Many of the sessions I attended related to my personal and professional goals in the spring and summer following the conference. I attended sessions on international student support during the job search process. I chose these sessions because I am in the job search as an international student and I wanted to hear and learn from others about their experiences and seek guidance from the community. I also attended sessions related to DEI education and facilitation which helped me to collect information and take it back to my research lab. Finally, I also attended ACPA 101, centennial celebrations, keynote speakers, and The Cabaret.
My biggest takeaways from the ACPA convention were finding mentors, knowing about the opportunities to be involved with ACPA, learning about the current state of DEI across the nation and how we can still do the work to support students. These experiences helped me learn and develop holistically through personal and professional connections. Developing an understanding of the context for higher education right now will help me be better prepared for the future.
When I think about the thematic elements of this year’s ACPA – reflect, evolve, and act – I think of the journey we have taken as a profession. The things we have been able to accomplish and working together in finding ways to make things inclusive and accessible for all despite the situations is essential to where we are today. Additionally, the strategies we have used so far will help us continue to find success in the future.
ACPA has been home for many of us for 100 years. This year the conference stood strong, celebrated their core values and goals, and reflected on how we need to move forward. It is everyone’s responsibility to provide equitable opportunities for students to excel. In doing that work, for students or other new members in the future, I encourage you to find a commission that you are passionate about, learn about them, and meet them during ACPA. Seek ways to get involved.
Ramon
When reflecting on my experience in 2023 at ACPA, I remember being in a space for the first time with a professional who held the same identities I do as a queer Latino male in higher education. I found a sense of belonging and home attending a session of queer Latinos in higher education. I was able to fully see myself as a professional making an impact on students’ lives like the other professionals in that space.
Returning to ACPA this year, I knew I wanted to get involved with the organization and start building connections with professionals in the field. I applied and was chosen as one of 10 ACPA interns. As an intern, I had no idea that this year’s convention would be such a transformative experience, but it allowed me to see the work put into setting up our 100th ACPA conference in Chicago.
In my role, I came to Chicago early and attended the ACPA Foundation and Leadership Executive Conference Social. There I met professionals across the field involved in the over-planning process of this year’s conference. The social event allowed my fellow intern peers, Cole and Jaclyn, and me to share our experiences as graduate students in our student affairs programs and create space to reflect on lessons learned.
One of the best parts of my experience was connecting with so many student affairs professionals at the registration desk and helping them through the conference. I got to hear about their ACPA experiences as members, meet former presidents, and learn about the work of different practitioners in the field.
That said, I also attended sessions! I chose to attend “Exploring the Future of Student Affairs via Integration Conversation” because in any environment, you work with humans from different generations and mindsets. As good professionals, we need to be aware of stylistic differences and find ways to mesh our work styles with others’. This session led to a series of discussions: “Things I wish I knew or would have done differently,” “How to support the future of leaders,” and “The future of racial justice and decolonization in higher education.” In entry-level and seasoned professional pairs, we shared our responses, experiences, and thoughts. Among the takeaways from this session were Danny Roberts’ sharing his experience, the Leadership and Followership pendulum, and Ron Heifetz’s practice of adaptive leadership. I left the session with ideas about how to use these practices in higher education for students and between student affairs professionals, faculty, staff, and administration.
This year’s theme of reflecting, evolving, and acting spoke to me as a second-year master’s student who was about to graduate and enter the field. Having the opportunity to see what I accomplished in two years in my program and seeing myself evolve into a professional I didn’t expect to become has given me pride in my work. I found my calling by working with students and supporting their development process as a graduate student. When thinking about the last word “act,” I am now acting on all I gained, and I will continue to apply the lessons learned and the experiences collected in the work that I do as a professional who will never stop learning and who will continue to find ways to develop in the field.
In sharing my experience, I have a few recommendations. The biggest one is to find ways to get involved. You can do this in a number of ways:
- Attend an online virtual session.
- Sign up for early pre-conference sessions.
- Connect with other graduate students throughout the conference and start building those relationships.
- Apply to be an ACPA conference intern to see the team effort it takes to create such a great experience for all the attendees.
All that said, you do not have to be an intern to get involved. Volunteer. Work registration, step up when there are calls for assistance. It will help you forge important connections and give you a chance to further explore who you are as a professional.
Lastly, I want to shout out my amazing Clemson Family from our student affairs program, our current graduate students in the program, and our outstanding faculty and staff, who were nothing but friendly throughout the conference, constantly checking in on me and creating opportunities through the week to connect and be with one another. To all of the grads who attended ACPA – including my co-authors here – thank you for being inclusive and accepting and for letting my fellow interns, peers, and other professionals hang out and feel a part of our family dynamic. I heard so many positive things about you throughout the conference from others, which makes me so proud to be a part of this program.
Conclusion
While we each had our own unique experiences at ACPA, there are themes that emerged as we reflected on our time in Chicago. Community and connection was at the core of our experiences – whether conversation, similar identities, engaging in activities, or casual conversation between sessions. We each came away from convention having found some of our people and a place to call a professional home.
Learning was also a key element. Learning about what is happening in higher education, how different institutions are navigating difference challenges, and how the past informs today and sets the stage for the future, each of these was an element of our learning. Additionally, we learned about the complexity of a conference on this scale and the level of dedication ACPA’s members and leaders have to the organization.
Finally, we each left the experience with a sense of hope for the future. We may be holding out hope for our forthcoming job searches or for the ongoing commitment to doing DEI and social justice work on our campuses. But we also hold onto hope for the future beyond higher education. We have a community to help us as we support students, colleagues, and leaders into the future.
We encourage each of you to engage with ACPA – whether it is at the upcoming convention February 16-19 in Long Beach, California, through an entity group, committee, or task force, or by attending one of the many events ACPA sponsors throughout the year. We hope to see you all soon. Have a great year.
Author Biographies
Benjamin Dadzie (He/Him/His)- Benjamin Michael Dadzie is a graduate student at Clemson University, where he is pursuing a Master of Education in Student Affairs. He serves as the Graduate Community Director for the Shoeboxes, where he plays a vital role in enhancing student life.
Hali Sanders (she/her/hers) is a graduate student at Clemson University studying for her Masters Degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs. Her undergraduate degree is from Old Dominion University in Communications.
Madesh Samanu (he, him, his) is a recent graduate of the student affairs program at Clemson University. Madesh’s area of interest include international student support, academic advising and success, athletics, admissions, DEI education, and alumni programs.
Ramon Izquierdo (He/Him/His) is a Community Coordinator at the University of Cincinnati.