Report from CACUSS 2011

The Canadian Association of College & University Student Services (CACUSS) held its Annual Conference in Toronto June 19 to 22. Hosted by Ryerson University, "CACUSS 2011 At the Heart of Diversity" was a phenomenal success from the choice locale to the selection of workshops as well as the variety of events and receptions. It proved to be a wonderful opportunity for student service professionals to reconnect, reflect, learn and celebrate in their role as the heart of the institution.
 
More than 740 attendees were treated to keynote speakers Roberta Jamieson and Grant McCracken, who applied their extensive experience and wisdom to the field of student affairs. Ryerson University's own award-winning Rona Abramovitch -- Senior Advisor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion -- provided closing remarks in keeping with the conference theme.
 
Session topics spanned the six divisions of CACUSS, including student affairs and services, disability services, health, counselling, Aboriginal services, as well as academic integrity and judicial affairs. Participants were privy to how other institutions were grappling with emerging trends in mental health, diversity and First Generation learner persistence while simultaneously celebrating with colleagues who have combated matters such as assessment, risk management and student conduct. Sessions on orientation, transition and co-curricular records were attended by many looking to revisit and refine their current practices. The lunch period was complemented by poster sessions on topics such as religious diversity, learning commons and Aboriginal outreach.
 
Written with a mission to stimulate a conversation, to cure complacency, and to place our work as integral to the success of hundreds of thousands of post-secondary students in Canada today, the CACUSS Identity Project poster session and working breakfast proved to be an innovative way of providing delegates with the opportunity to respond to the paper, Leaders In Learning, authored by Deanne Fisher. This well-researched document will undoubtedly play a pivotal role as CACUSS shapes its future strategic vision.
 
Congratulations must be extended to the chair of the organizing committee, Heather Lane Vetere, and the incredible (in both size and spirit) team of volunteers. Those in attendance were greeted and escorted everywhere by volunteers sporting their school pride, waving gold and blue balloons at every turn. While it takes a village to raise a child it takes an entire campus to host CACUSS -- Ryerson University should revel in a job well done.
 
Save the Date! The next CACUSS Annual Conference, co-hosted by Brock University and Niagara College, is taking place from June 10 to 13, 2012. While this event has always attracted numerous university attendees and presenters, the appointment of Chris McGrath from Seneca College as CACUSS President and a college co-sponsor may provide many more colleges with the impetus to join forces with their university colleagues and make 2012 a truly memorable conference for all.

Kathy Kimpton,
Director of Recruitment & Student Services
Confederation College