Talking Stick - May/June 2008 - 6

Vision Expand Your Comfort Zone A ribbon-cutting ceremony with the presidents of ACUHO-I, NASPA, NACA, ASJA, and NODA opened The Placement Exchange’s debut in Boston. As humans we naturally covet comfort and work to achieve a sense of safety and security. But in a wonderful human contradiction, there is also an innate desire to challenge oneself, push the outer layers of that comfort level, and strive to achieve more and greater things. The same is true for organizations like ACUHO-I. In recent years, at the direction and with the guidance of the association’s executive board, ACUHO-I has repeatedly pushed boundaries to bring new services and opportunities to members. Just like an individual, it would be easy for ACUHO-I to settle into a routine and be satisﬁed. But instead we continue to move on. As an example, last March in Boston The Placement Exchange made its debut. This was a massive undertaking that involved the cooperation of ﬁve associations, bold decisions by board members, and the work of an untold number of individuals. It grew directly out of suggestions from ACUHO-I members that a new and better job placement option should exist for a profession like collegiate housing that makes up such a large percentage of the new hires in student affairs. With the event securely in our rear window – and with thoughts already turning to the 2009 event in Seattle – we can say it was an unqualiﬁed success. More than 10,400 interviews were held over four days with almost 1,200 job candidates. Equally rewarding have been the number of e-mails and messages from ACUHO-I members who were at the event looking to hire new staff and wished to share the details of the success they enjoyed. ACUHO-I will continue to expand its comfort zone. The next great leap we will take is the Global Housing Summit, to be held in Hong Kong in January 2009. Why is this worth the effort? Simply because ACUHO-I members are dedicated to developing exceptional residential experiences around the world. And part of that mission is the ability to understand, respond, and react to the changing global landscape in which we live and work. It is also important to note that, regardless of what country a campus is located in, the role of college housing is evolving. For that reason, the thoughtful exchange of information, ideas, best practices, and evolving trends should not be restricted to geographical boundaries. Professionals worldwide all strive to develop students. Just as The 21st Century Project Summit (another boundary-pushing exercise) was an opportunity to consolidate the thoughts and trends concerning technology and student development, the ACUHO-I Global Housing Summit will be a remarkable opportunity to explore the cultures we serve. More information about the summit will be available in the coming weeks through announcements and the ACUHO-I Web site. In the meantime, know that ACUHO-I will continue to strive to ﬁnd new ways to continually strengthen both the association and our profession. Sallie Traxler ACUHO-I Executive Director 6 Talking Stick

Talking Stick - May/June 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Talking Stick - May/June 2008