Region VI: Regional Director Address

Dear Region VI Members:

Hello!  I am hoping that your fall term is going well.  For our members in Arizona, California, Hawai'i, the Pacific Islands, and Pacific Rim countries, we are all busy and engaged in supporting student success on our various campuses.  It has been my honor to serve as your Regional Director for the last 1.5 years and through this position I have learned so much about the talent and dedication of the Student Affairs Professionals in Region VI.

Our in person gatherings are some of the most impactful experiences that we facilitate.  Our Western Regional Conference (WRC) is coming up this week, November 2-5.  There is still time to join us!  Check out the NASPA WRC2019 website. The WRC is a time to learn so much about equity initiatives, student success best practices, and professional health and wellness.  We will have several Region VI networking events so make sure to check your conference program app.

The NASPA Annual Conference will be held in Austin, Texas this year from March 27 to April 1.  For those that can attend, we will have several Region VI networking, social, and business gatherings.  Make sure to connect with other Region VI folks!  

For our California public institution colleagues, California law prohibits state-funded travel to a state that has passed a law that (1) authorizes discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, or (2) voids or repeals existing state or local protections against such discrimination (University of California, Office of the President, Central Travel Management website, 2019). Because of this law, many of our California colleagues will not be joining us in Texas.  To meet the professional development needs of these members, NASPA has created the 2020 NASPA Connected Conference, to be held simultaneously with the in-person conference.  The Connected Conference will be held in San Jose, California and will feature both in-person and virtual workshops, keynotes, and networking opportunities.  Please visit the website for more information.

In addition to our regional and national conferences, we have several drive-in opportunities coming up in the next 6 months.  Watch your email or the Region VI website for more information.  If you would like to become involved as a volunteer leader with NASPA Region VI, please contact me or our Region VI Volunteer Coordinator, Leslie Opulauoho at [email protected].  I am hoping to see you soon at a NASPA gathering!

 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Kandy Mink-Salas, Region VI Regional Director