To see pictures from past events, click here

SPA always needs your help with our committees so we can provide a diverse range of programs and opportunities.  Besides, it is a great way to interact and get to know other student affairs professionals. If you are interested in joining a committee, please contact the chair.

SPA Annual Conference — Chair: Mary Russell (President)

The annual SPA Conference is a showcase professional development event on a chosen theme of interest for the membership.  The conference traditionally features keynote speakers, breakout sessions, lunch, and door prizes.  Themes are chosen by the Conference Planning Committee, with input from the SPA Executive Board.  The committee also plans the breakout sessions, schedules the speakers, promotes the conference, and assists during the day-long event.  This year’s conference is scheduled for Friday, February 26, 2010.  (Timeline: mid-fall/spring) 

SPA Awards Luncheon Committee - Chair:  Alison Rice (General Executive Board Member)

The SPA Luncheon is held each spring, typically the last Wednesday in April.  Its primary goal is to recognize and present the SPA Annual Awards.  The committee plans the menu, decorations, and publicity for the event.  (Timeline: spring semester) 

Note: The Awards Luncheon Committee plans the luncheon itself. The Awards Selection Committee is made up of the prior year’s award recipients and chaired by the Past President. This group oversees the nomination process and selects award recipients.

Book Club – Chair: Ruth Duval (Secretary/Treasurer)

The SPA Book Club was created to provide members with the opportunity to read and discuss books in the student personnel field that touch upon issues and dilemmas encountered in daily campus life.  The committee recommends particular readings/ books, organizes chapter or book club facilitators, and promotes the “club.”  (Timeline: late fall/spring and summer)
 

Social Committee/Volunteering – Chair: Katy France (General Executive Board Member)

SPA Socials, held in informal settings, provide opportunities of social interactions for new and seasoned professionals.  The Social Committee selects the locations, creates the timeline and promotes the events.  Volunteering was new initiative in 2006-2007. The goal is to coordinate and promote volunteer opportunities as a social outlet for membership. (Timeline: academic year)

Careers in Student Affairs/Field Days – Co-Chairs: Greg Iaccarino (General Executive Board Member) & Hiba Zakai (Grad Student Representative)

The Careers in Student Affairs panel is planned in the fall and/or spring semester and assists students who are considering careers in the field of student affairs.  The panel is an opportunity for students to learn from and get an overview of the diverse field of student affairs.  Graduate programs have also provided information about their program.  Committee members determine the panel representatives, promote the program, organize the inclusion of graduate programs information and update a membership resource guide. This program has evolved from the original concept of the Professional Exchange Program. In collaboration with MACAA (Madison Academic & Career Advising Association) and SPA membership, this program offers a great opportunity to learn how other offices on campus on how they function and how they serve the students on campus.  This is a great way to meet new people and learn about offices on campus. (Timeline: mid to late fall and/or spring semester)

SPA Forums

SPA Forums are held monthly throughout the year as either a “brown bag” over the lunch hour or some other time in the afternoon. They provide an informal opportunity for the membership to get together and talk about relevant campus topics or other issues of interest.  The committee members determine topics with input from the executive board, schedule speakers/facilitators, and promote the events.  (Timeline: academic year)

Membership & Recruitment – Heather Cote (Membership Coordinator)

Committee members interested in this committee would assist with the SPA membership recruitment drive, promote and encourage SPA membership throughout campus.  This is not a “formal” committee and will meet on an as-needed basis throughout the year. (Timeline: fall and/or spring semester)

Newsletter – Michaela Aust (Publicist/Historian)

The newsletter, Frontline, is a quarterly production, typically following a September/ October, November/December, February/March, and April/May schedule.  This is not a “formal” committee, but all SPA members can contribute articles throughout the year. (Timeline: academic year)