ACPA is “the leading comprehensive student affairs association that advances student affairs and engages students for a lifetime of learning and discovery.” It “supports and fosters college student learning through the generation and dissemination of knowledge, which informs policies, practices, and programs for student affairs professionals and the higher education community.” As one of its core values states, “advancement and dissemination of knowledge relevant to college students and their learning, and to the effectiveness of student affairs professionals and their institutions,” it is dedicated to the use of research and assessment as the basis for providing professional development for their members.
Membership is available individually or institution-wide depending on campus needs. Publications, conventions, Standing Committees, Commissions, and State and International Divisions are just a few of the ways that ACPA members can receive valuable information for the student affairs field.
Standing Committees represent various groups common among campuses, and act as educators and advocates for the interest of the specific group. All members of ACPA can join a Standing Committee of their choosing.
Commissions are also available for ACPA members to join and focus on specific job/functional areas on campus. They offer electronic updates and newsletters, provide opportunities for educational programs and networking, and offer programs and services to members.
State and International Divisions are another vehicle for members to receive information specific to their needs. In this instance, the focus is on geographic information, specifically state or country, and offering members a wide variety of ways to network and exchange information pertinent to other campuses in their area.
Assessment
ACPA has built a substantial
assessment program that has its foundation in its assessment booklet. ASK Standards Booklet, which functions as a resource for student affairs professionals, outlines the assessment skills and knowledge (ASK) needed to be successful in assessing programs and services on campus. ACPA also has developed the Assessment Planning Tool, a two-CD set that outlines best assessment methods, data collection plans, analysis of data, and suggestions for policy and practice. In addition, it often conducts studies to assess the needs of their members, as well as programs and services of their member campuses. Every year it also holds an assessment conference that is geared toward the professional development of their members, specifically in assessment. ACPA hopes to provide instruction and guidance on assessment skills and knowledge needed for student affairs professionals not only at their annual assessment conference but throughout the year.
Footnote:
http://www.myacpa.org/