TABLE OF CONTENTS
from the
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome to the ACUI Region VII Newsletter, where I hope you’ll find everything you need to stay up to date on the happenings of Region VII. If you’re a seasoned ACUI Veteran, I hope you continue to find the community, connections, and development you’ve known for years. If you’re new to ACUI, I hope you, like me, realize how great of a family ACUI and Region VII can be in supporting your personal and professional development.
Inside this issue you’ll learn more about the upcoming Regional Conference, hearfrom our Regional Director, and learn about what one of our graduate members got up to over the summer!
In Campus Community, Zac Lomas
Updates From the Regional Director
Chris Taylo
Regional D Rutgers Un
Hey Party
I hope this message finds y October!!! The most import you right now is this: Your this is the perfect moment to jump in
First, if you haven’t already, make sure to register for our upcoming Regional Conference! This is the cornerstone event for our region where ideas are exchanged, connections are built, and the spirit of ACUI shines Whether you're a first-time attendee, a student, or a conference veteran, we promise an experience full of inspiration, learning, and fun.
We need you to be the connecting piece, because as a region Together We Fit!
Regional Leadership Team (RLT). These open roles are critical to the success of our region, and this is your opportunity to lead, grow, and give back. Serving on the RLT is not only professionally rewarding it’s how we ensure our programs, events, and support systems continue to thrive If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to get more involved” this is your sign
Together, through both our conference and our volunteer leadership, we create the vibrant, supportive community that defines ACUI. I encourage you to take the next step show up, speak up, and help shape what’s next
Chrissie Taylor Region VII Director
2025RegionalConference SneakPeaks&Info
November 13th is less than a month away and so we want to make sure all of our members know what to expect from this year’s Regional Conference, hosted at Montclair State University’s Student Center from November 13th - 15th Between a basic schedule, keynote speaker reveal, and education session highlights, there’s plenty of information below to get you excited and prepared for this year’s conference!
Thursday, Nov. 13
Montclair Student Center
9 a m –5 p m – PreConference
Schedule
6–10 p.m. – Registration Open, Silent Auction DropOff
6:30–8 p m – Student Leader Pathway Program Welcome
6–10 p m – Conference Welcome & Social
Schedule Highlights
Highlights
Friday, Nov. 14
Montclair Student Center
7–8:30 a.m. – Breakfast (on your own)
8–10:30 a.m. – Registration Open
8 a m –2 p m – Silent Auction Drop-Off, Late Arrival Check-In
9–10:15 a m – Conference Opening
10–11:30 a m – Educational Session Block 1
10:30 a m –12:15 p m – Educational Session Block 2
Noon–6:00 p m – Silent Auction Opens
12:30–2 p m – Lunch, Community of Practice & Vendor Expo
2–3 p m – Building Bridges
3:15–4:15 p m – Educational Session Block 3
4:30–5:30 p.m. – Wellness Hour, Building Tour
6–8 p m – Dinner & Heads or Tails
8–9 p m – Evening Entertainment
Friday, Nov. 15
Montclair Student Center
7–8:30 a m – Breakfast 9–10:15 a m – Day 2 Opening 10:30–11:30 a m – Educational Session Block 4
11:45 a m –12:45 p m – Lunch
1–2:00 p.m. Community Service, Grad Fair
2:15–3:15 p m – Educational Session Block 5
3:30–4:30 p m – Educational Session Block 6
4:30–6:30 p m – Break 6:30–8 p.m. – Closing Banquet
Education Session Highlights Education Session Highlights
To build excitement for the multitude of informative sessions being presented at this year’s conference, Conference Planning Team members and Education Coordinators Emily Inserra & Bobby Demarco selected 3 confirmed sessions to highlight as we approach the conference.
Make sure to check these out when you’re at Montclair!
Making Connections in Student Leader Training by Alex Ullman (Associate Director for the Student Union at Pratt Institute)
The Pratt Institute is an elite college of art and design and our students are often short on time. This meant a strain on group process interviews Residential Life and Student Involvement developed a five week leadership course to take the place of group interviews and in the process created a unified language for leadership across multiple roles on campus.
Education Session Highlights Education Session Highlights
Do You Want To Build A Game Room?
by Christopher Howard (Assistant Director of Operations and Events at Stony Brook University)
Join me to take a look at some of the highs and lows of building and maintaining a game room in your Union/Student Center! We'll discuss inventory types, useful software/hardware, potential funding sources/revenue streams, and hidden costs associated with running a space.
From FOMO to Full House: Social Media Strategies for Campus Events by Luannee Hernandes (Undergraduate Student at Ramapo College of New Jersey)
Let’s be real: if it’s not on the feed, did it even happen? Social media isn’t just a flyer replacement it’s how Gen Z discovers what’s happening, decides what’s worth their time, and connects with campus life This session will show how student affairs professionals and student leaders can move beyond the flyer and turn digital platforms into powerful tools for event success.
Keynote Speakers Keynote Speakers
Aarsenio Perry
In today’s campus climate, building meaningful connections feels more complex than ever Students are redefining how and where they gather, sometimes turning game rooms into study lounges or creating living rooms that exist on their phones. At the same time, they still crave what has always been true: spaces of trust, belonging, and connection.
Drawing on his background in student affairs and his work at Great Place to Work® as a Principal Strategic Advisor, Aarsenio Perry will explore how timeless principles of trust, pride, and connection can guide us in reimagining student spaces and experiences. Through stories, reflection, and interactive moments, this session will challenge us to move beyond silos, embrace how students are reshaping engagement, and co-create communities that meet them where they are
Participants will leave feeling inspired, hopeful, and equipped with practical ways to strengthen trust and belonging in campus communities and to support students as they redefine how they engage.
Keynote Speakers Keynote Speakers
Corey Samuels
Corey Samuels makes up one half of the Lego building, sibling duo known as the “Brothers Who Brick,” with his younger brother, Travis
Corey & Travis started their journey back in the 90s. Corey recalls asking his mother for a Birthday gift, specifically “a little brother”. Corey got his gift 2 months later in the form of Travis. Corey and Travis were raised in Irvington, NJ where both were attracted to Art at a young age Their creativity and artistic expression was sparked in grade school while enrolled in the National Art Magnet program.
Years pass, Corey and Travis rediscovered their love for LEGO with an opportunity to be on Fox’s Hit New TV Show, LEGO MASTERS as the brother team of “Brothers Who Brick” Since the show, Corey and Travis has focused their attention on education both in virtual LEGO classes and Early Childhood development.
Corey will touch his experience with LEGO design, his life in the spotlight, and his passion to bring LEGOs into the STEM educational sphere. Corey will bring insight into how he engaged with students through the art of Lego design, and it can be applied to the work our ACUI members do with our students
Registration & Lodging Registration & Lodging
Registration is now live for the 2025 Region VII Conference! Late registration goes into effect 3 weeks before the conference.
Regular Registration: Monday, June 2 –Wednesday, October 22
Late Registration: Thursday, October 23 – Thursday, November 13
One Day Registration Cost: $200
Mental Health First Aid Pre-Con- $100
Members
Professional: $300
Student (Undergrad and Grad): $210
Late
Professional: $350
Student (Undergrad and Grad): $250
Scan the QR code to register or find more information about lodging
Non-Member
Professional: $375
Student (Undergrad and Grad): $310
Late
Professional: $425
Student (Undergrad and Grad): $350
One Day: $200
Retiree: $175
To accomodate each institution’s preferences, the Region VII CPT has compiled a list of hotels in the area, so you can choose which lodging works for you, your institution, your needs, and your budget. Make sure to register for the conference and book lodging as soon as possible so we can see you at Montclair State University in November!
Wyndham
Garden Totowa (Closest) One Route 46 West Totowa, NJ 07512 (973) 785-9000
Hampton Inn and Suites 118 US Highway 46 Fairfield, NJ 07004 973-575-5777
Best WesternFairfield Executive Inn 216 US Highway 46 Fairfield, NJ 07004 973-575-7700
LaQuinta Inn & Suites 265 Route 3 East Clifton, NJ 07014 973-778-6500
Courtyard
Wayne Fairfield 263 US-46
Wayne, NJ 07470 973-646-3377
Transportation Transportation
By Train
Take NJ Transit to Montclair Heights
Station After exiting, turn right on Normal Avenue, then left on College Avenue, which leads directly into campus. From there, the Student Center is about a 13-minute walk.
By Bus
NJ Transit buses stop at the College Avenue bus stop on the edge of campus. Once you get off, it’s about a 9-minute walk to the Student Center
Driving & Parking
The closest parking option is Car Parc Diem. There is a parking fee that must be paid through the PayByPhone app using code 4040. After parking, exit the garage, turn right, and head up the large staircase. Walk through Lot 17 and continue to the ramp that leads you directly to the Student Center. Handicap-accessible spaces are available in Lot 17 as well Additional parking can be found at the Red Hawk Deck, where you’ll take a ticket upon entry and pay on your way out From the 4th floor of the deck, you can exit onto a path next to the soccer field, make the first right into campus, then turn left up the path until you arrive at the Student Center. Parking rates and fees can be found here.
Rideshare Drop-Off
If you’re using Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service, set your drop-off location to Lot 17, Montclair State University This is the most direct access point From there, simply walk up the ramp to reach the Student Center
Eventsential Eventsential
Reminder! The Eventsential app is the best way to stay up to date for all things Regional Conference, especially while you’re at the conference Eventsential will have information about Education Session schedules, resources, silent auction links, and more! Visit your phone’s app store and download today The Region VII Conference Event goes live on October 24th!
Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer Opportunities
Looking to get involved with Region VII in a short-term capacity? Keep an eye posted for volunteer opportunities at the conference; a full list of opportunities will come out closer to the start of the conference via email and social media!
RLTVolunteerOpportunities
As ACUI transitions into a new Regional volunteer structure, Region VII is happy to encourage interested members to view all positions, which are listed on the Region VII website
Applications are due December 1st and if you have any questions, contact Regional Director Chrissie Taylor at chrissie.taylor@rutgers.edu with any questions.
SpotlightonVII
Samantha Jones currently serves as the Graduate Coordinator for Lead Up Academy and Experiential Learning at Rutgers - New Brunswick and the Student Member for Fundraising on this year’s Region VII.
In addition to these roles, this past summer, Sam had the incredible opportunity to complete a NODA Internship at The George Washington University with the Orientation and Class Year Programs team
During her time at GW, she helped develop the GWxDC Ambassadors program in support of the award-winning District Connections initiative. District Connections is a phenomenal program that introduces first-year students to the vibrant DC community they now call home, through student- and staff-led trips across the DMV area.
The GWxDC Ambassadors are dedicated volunteers who will be trained to lead these trips and intentionally foster a sense of belonging among first-year students Jones contributed to multiple aspects of the program’s development, including drafting the job description, designing the selection and acceptance process, creating a two-day training curriculum, and developing pre- and post-training assessments.
Jones also designed trip-specific volunteer evaluations to measure the impact of each experience on the firstyear journey Sam wants to wish a heartfelt thank you to the GW Orientation and Class Year Programs team for trusting me with this project and giving her the space to grow. In the words of Sam: “Raise High!”
We understand that sometimes folks in ACUI use acronyms or terms that not all members are familiar with. While we try our hardest to avoid this, you still may hear these terms and phrases and not be sure what they mean. To help everyone stay in-theknow, here is a glossary of commonly used ACUI acronyms or terms that you may hear in the future.
ACUI - The abbreviation for Association of College Unions International
Annual Conference - Association-wide meeting held each year
Board of Trustees - Volunteers that work on determining and advancing strategic directions, governing over long-term goals, representing the association to other members, and setting the tone for member experience
The Bulletin - ACUI’s online member magazine
CAS - Council for the Advancement of Standards
CO - Central Office
Community of Practice - A term referring to networks of members that share a common interest.
CPT - Conference Planning Team (team planning Regional conferences or could refer to Conference Program Team (team planning annual Conference)
CUPSI - The abbreviation for College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational
ERF - Education and Research Fund
ILEAD® - Institute for Leadership Education and Development, I-LEAD® is ACUI’s premier student program, designed to emphasize the key concept areas of leadership, community development, and change
IPDS - IPDS: New Professionals Orientation is an introduction to the profession that offers ample idea sharing, discussion of theory and skills, and opportunities to network
RD - Regional Director Regional directors serve as the chief administrator of their region, representing regional activities to other ACUI leaders and members.
Region VII - ACUI is broken down into eight separate regions that cover the globe. Region VII is made up of Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland , New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Quebec.
RLT - Regional Leadership Team
VDT - Volunteer Development Team
Wanttobefeaturedinthe NewsletteroronSocialMedia?
As communication coordinators, Dom Hannon and I, have a goal to consistently provide our Region VII members with content about our members, events, student unions, and more.
However, we can’t do that without you! Our members are the lifeblood of our Region and so we want to hear your stories, your successes, see your building, and more. To be featured just fill out our content form which can be found by scanning the QR code on this page.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
-Zac Lomas