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New Professionals
...where new professionals go to Branch Out!
- Meet the Committee
- New Pros on Facebook
- Purpose & Responsibilities
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Awards
- WACUHO Conference
The New Professionals Committee works to network other new residence life, housing, dining, facilities or other related university housing professionals in the region. Please take a moment to climb through our site by clicking on the links above. We look forward to working with you all, and should you have any questions, feel free to contact one of us.
Meet the committee
The Chairs
Chad Myers - Occidental College
Brian Roundtree - University of Redlands
The Members
Tramaine Austin-Dillon - University of California, Los Angeles
Judith Asuzu - California State University - Northridge
Earl Duque - University of California - Los Angeles
Sarah Fernandez - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Jonathan Higgins - California State University, San Bernardino
Ryan McRae - California State University, San Marcos
Cassandra Morton - University of Redlands
Alex Oh - Cal Poly Pomona
Allison Vail - University of Redlands
Purpose & Responsibilities
Purpose
To create and maintain networks related to the needs and issues of new WACUHO members in all areas of apartment living, residential life, food service, residential operations, business services, clerical support and other trades and specialized interest supporting the overall housing and food services program throughout the Western region
Responsibilities
- Bring together the committee 3-4 times during the academic year and establishe the agenda, minutes, timeline, location of meetings, and overall calendar of events
- Work closely with the committee chairs of RAPs, Program, WTI, Host and the Executive Committee Liaison
- Design and coordinate one or more specialized "One Day Workshops" in the area or topic of choice as related to some or all of the areas; the workshop(s) should challenge participants and provide them with personal and professional skill enhancements as well as the most updated information on their specific area via literature review and shared experiences (optional)
- Publish and disseminate the New Professionals Welcome Wagon
- Solicit facilitators to conduct "Roundtable" discussions at the Annual Conference in regards to the vision and leadership of our profession and request from the Annual Conference Program Committee time and spaces to hold the roundtable sessions
- Solicit nominations and render (3) deserving individuals special recognition scholarships for "Outstanding New WACUHO Professional." Two $500 scholarships shall be awarded for the annual conference and shall cover the cost of registration fees and assistance towards travel or hotel costs. One $500 scholarship shall be awarded for WTI and shall cover the cost of registration fees and assistance towards travel. Scholarship money may only be used for registration fees, travel and/or hotel expenses. Expenses exceeding the scholarship shall be incurred by the recipient
- Coordinate an open New Professionals reception at the Annual Conference in conjunction with a "Mentor's" or "Conference Buddies" program which introduces new professionals to "seasoned veterans" of the Association. Reception cost should be configured into the New Professionals budget.
- Submit an informative article or update per issue of the WACUHO WAVES newsletter
- Submit a brief abstract in January to the Program Committee Chair(s) for inclusion in the program notebook
- Prepare and submit an annual report to the Vice President by May 1st which summarizes the committee's activity during the year
Frequently asked questions
What is a new professional?
- Having no more than three years of professional experience
- Working in a functional area encompassed by the WACUHO mission
- Employed by a WACUHO member institution
- Does not qualify as a student under the student definition:
- Enrolled full time in a degree granting progra
- Not employed full time
- Go to the WACUHO website and fill out the Committee Request Form
What is WACUHO?
- (From the Leadership Manual) “The Western Association of College and University Housing Officers is an incorporated, nonprofit, volunteer organization, democratic in nature.”
Awards
Purpose of awards - to help new professional attend professional conferences to enhance their personal and professional development. APPLY Today!
Wacuho Conference
The New Professionals Committee is excited to tell you about some great events that are planned for you at the conference! We encourage you to take use these opportunities to get the most out of your conference experience
Attend the Newcomers/New Professionals Welcome & Orientation
The New Pro's Committee and the Executive Committee will take this time to welcome you to the conference before it officially begins. This will give you an opportunity to figure out what the conference is all about and meet other new professionals within WACUHO. Event time, date and location TBD.
Participate in the Conference Connections Breakfast
This is an excellent opportunity to connect with experienced professionals within the region. You will get to sit down and talk with them, exchange contact information, and hopefully maintain contact throughout the year. You can always sign up for this at the Newcomers Welcome. See Conference Schedule for time and location.
Attend the Diversity and Affirmative Action Network Sessions
These are important places to discuss issues and challenges facing diversity education. Participants also get the opportunity to exchange ideas about what’s going on at various campuses. In addition, be sure to look for programs sponsored by the Diversity and Affirmative Action Committee.
Check out the exhibitor booths
We really do mean it when we say you get lots of cool free stuff. While there, you will have the chance to play WANGO, a bingo-like game where once you finish, you will be entered into a drawing to win cool prizes! You can also drop off business cards at the corporate sponsored booths for individual giveaways.
Participate in the Passport Program
The passport program is a bingo-like game offered by the New Professionals Committee to allow you to meet vendors, attend New Pro's Committee sponsored activities and programs, and win cool prizes. It is a fun and easy way to make your mark at the conference.
Branch Out and Network, Network, Network!
This is another good reason to bring your business cards. There will be many people at the conference from a variety of departments and institutions. It’s always nice to meet someone new and make a lasting connection.
Get involved
One easy way to get involved in WACUHO is through the variety of committees. Look in the Hospitality Suite for a committee nomination form or contact any Exec Committee Member while you are at the conference. It is never too late to join a committee. The conference also needs volunteers to run smoothly and I can assure you that is the easiest way to make connections and get involved.
Feeling lost?
New Professionals Committee Members will be wearing polo shirts and we will have a sticker on our name tag. We will be glad to help you connect with others at the conference that may be equally new to WACUHO.
Get comfy
WACUHO is known to be a casual conference. It is okay to wear khakis or even jeans during the sessions if that’s what works for you. However, we do suggest wearing a nicer outfit for the formal banquet on Tuesday evening.
Stop by the hospitality suite
Enjoy opportunities to network, relax, and eat free food.
Attend activities sponsored by the New Professionals Committee
This is a great way to meet new professionals in the region just like you. It is our goal that you will make connections that will last throughout the years. The New Professional's Committee has identified a "New Professional's Track" for programs. Most of those are identified as a New Professional target audience in your program booklet. We highly encourage you to attend those programs. In addition, the New Pro’s Committee has planned several activities, such as:
New dates coming soon!