News from your Regional Director

Why did the robot go on summer vacation?  He needed to recharge his batteries!

Why DON’T mummies go on summer vacation? They are afraid to relax and unwind!

Happy August! For those on the semester system, Hall Director training has probably occurred, Resident Assistants will be showing up soon, and shortly after, classes will begin.  Where did the summer go?!

If you are lucky, you were able to spend some time this summer relaxing, recharging, and planning for the fall.  If you have not yet had a chance to reflect on your successes (personally, as a department, as a Division, as a University), take time to practice appreciation for what you were able to accomplish over the past year. Those accomplishments are the realization of past visioning and goals—celebrate! 

What else can the future hold on your campus, and in your own professional development? By creating a mental picture of the future through visioning, you create a sense of purpose that will encourage your desire to grow and improve. Where are you headed? What is possible on your campus?  Seeing that mile marker in the distance—even if it is currently a tiny speck on the horizon—helps to provide motivation and inspires us to keep going, no matter the obstacles we may face.

The NASPA Summer Board of Directors meeting was held in July, where we visited the site of our ’19 Annual Convention and focused on NASPA’s own strategic planning.  Los Angeles is going to be a phenomenal conference location!  During the National Board’s time together, we reviewed the Association members’ feedback to the “5 big questions” to begin the development of the Association’s strategic framework. The next step of plan development will occur in August, as well as at our fall regional conference.  At that time, members will be asked for their input to develop the objectives for the strategic goals.  Follow https://www.naspa.org/about for updates.

Visioning, strategy, and goals….it’s an exciting time on campuses and in the Association!

If summer flew by too fast and you’re still trying to catch your breath, you can look to fairy tales for some inspiration:  Why did Humpty Dumpty have a great fall?  To make up for his lackluster summer.

Until next time,

Shana Meyer

NASPA IV-W Regional Director