Newsletter sue: s I s i In Th
nal o i g e R the m o fr tes a d p U ctor ecap YPE Dire & Grow Rference HII Grad onal Con egion V Regi light on R Spot more! ...and
JOIN THE FUN ONLINE @ACUIREGIONVII
OCTOBER 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Updates from the Regional Director
03 - 04
Grad & Grow Recap
05-06
Regional Conference - Get Hype!
07
First Time Regional Conference Webinar
08
Spotlight on Region VII
09
ACUI Glossary
10
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Updates From the Regional Director Hey Party People! Hey Party People! I can’t believe I’m writing one of my last newsletter letters as your Regional Director! Can you believe how quickly the past two years have gone? It feels completely surreal to be sharing this final letter with you as my term comes to an end. When I first aspired to become your Regional Director, I knew it would be one of the highlights of my career, but I truly underestimated just how impactful this experience would be. Yes, I have had the incredible opportunity to lead Region VII and continue the great work of those who came before me, but even more importantly, I have spent the past two years getting to know more of you. I’ve strengthened relationships, made new ones, worked alongside incredible colleagues across the Association, and watched our region continue to grow, evolve, and serve as a model for others. And through all of it, I have been reminded repeatedly that what makes Region VII so special isn’t a program, conference, or initiative, it’s our people!!!
Chrissie Taylor Regional Director
Rutgers University - Camden
I want to thank each one of you, those I have had the opportunity to meet and those I haven’t met yet. I especially want to thank every member of the Regional Leadership Team who has served during my two years as Regional Director. Not only were you adjusting to a new Regional Director, but together we were also navigating a brand-new volunteer structure. We learned as we went, identified opportunities for growth, figured out new ways to get people involved, and, most importantly, kept moving forward together. It has been an honor to serve alongside all of you. Thank you for sharing your stories with me, giving me grace as a leader, trusting me, and always showing up for our region. To our Conference Planning Teams, program hosts, presenters, volunteers, and everyone who has raised their hand and said, “I’ll help”…… THANK YOU. Region VII simply could not do what we do without you. Each of you is an essential building block in the success of our region, and you have also become a building block in my own journey.
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Updates From the Regional Director
*Continued* What makes me most proud of Region VII is that no matter how much we all have on our plates, we show up for each other. We are a quick phone call away or a post in our GroupMe when someone needs an answer, an idea, a resource, or sometimes just another person who understands. We show up to present, host, lead, volunteer, support, and help however we can. I am incredibly thankful to be part of a community like that. This role has not always been an easy road. My own professional life has changed significantly over these two years, and where I was when this journey began looks very different from where I am today. Through those changes, your willingness to support me, learn alongside me, give me grace, and maybe most importantly, laugh with me has made all the difference. Did we accomplish absolutely everything I dreamed about when I started? Not quite. I’m still a little disappointed that I didn’t manage to conquer Quebec and bring home a whole bunch of new Region VII members! But when I look back at what we did accomplish together, there is so much to celebrate. We continued to grow Grad & Grow, now in its fifth year; connected through our Region VII Book Club; came together for our regional conferences and other programs; and continued finding new ways to connect, learn, and support one another.
Chrissie Taylor Regional Director
Rutgers University - Camden
As I prepare to pass the gavel to Antonio Talamo, and watch Region VII begin its next chapter, I do so with an incredible amount of pride and gratitude. Leadership was never about one person, and Region VII’s success has never belonged to one Regional Director. It belongs to all of us. While this may be my last newsletter letter as your Regional Director, please know that this is certainly not goodbye. A title may have an end date, but the relationships built along the way do not. I will always make myself available to ACUI and, especially, to my Region VII family. Thank you, Region VII, for trusting me, challenging me, supporting me, laughing with me, growing with me, and giving me the incredible privilege of serving as your Regional Director. It has truly been an honor. And no matter where my ACUI journey takes me next, I will always be proud to call Region VII home. Chrissie Taylor Regional Director
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Growing Together:
A Look Back at the 2026 Region VII Grad & Grow Institute
On August 5, graduate students and student affairs professionals from across ACUI Region VII came together at Rutgers University–New Brunswick for the 2026 Grad & Grow Institute. It was a day dedicated to learning, connection, and professional growth. Designed to support graduate students at different stages of their journey, as well as the professionals who supervise them, the Institute offered a full day of educational sessions, networking opportunities, career conversations, and opportunities to build connections across the region.
Featured Topics Supervision & Leadership Staff Accountability Staff Training & Onboarding Staff Development & Team Building Professional Identity & Confidence Imposter Syndrome Career Development & Life After Graduation Communication & Delegation Difficult Conversations Graduate Student Wellness & Boundaries Managing Up Supervising Graduate Students
Throughout the day, participants explored topics including supervising undergraduate student employees, staff accountability, professional identity, navigating imposter syndrome, difficult conversations, professional boundaries, onboarding and training, and supporting graduate student success. A dedicated supervisor track provided additional space for professionals to share strategies and explore how they can more effectively support and develop graduate student employees. The Institute also emphasized something at the heart of the Region VII experience: connection. Graduate students had opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, supervisors exchanged ideas with colleagues from other institutions, and attendees built relationships that extended beyond their own campuses.
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Growing Together:
A Look Back at the 2026 Region VII Grad & Grow Institute
*Continued* That emphasis on community was reflected strongly in the program evaluation. Among respondents: 100% reported meeting someone new. 100% agreed or strongly agreed that they were able to network with individuals outside their own campus colleagues. 100% agreed or strongly agreed that the Institute enhanced their sense of community within ACUI. 100% agreed or strongly agreed that Grad & Grow was a valuable experience. Participants rated their likelihood of recommending Grad & Grow to others an average of 4.78 out of 5. The day also featured an afternoon keynote from Roseilyn Guzman, who encouraged participants to own their journey while considering the role each of us plays in creating inclusive environments and communities for graduate students. Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the day was that Grad & Grow is about more than professional development. It is about creating a community where emerging professionals can learn, ask questions, build confidence, find mentors and peers, and see a place for themselves within ACUI. Thank you to Rutgers University–New Brunswick for hosting, to our presenters and professional staff volunteers for sharing their time and expertise, and to every graduate student and supervisor who joined us and helped make the 2026 Grad & Grow Institute such a meaningful experience. We look forward to continuing to connect, learn, and grow together across Region VII! Nick Christy Educational programs Coordinator
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2026 Regional Conference Get HYPE
Mustafa Sabuur
2026 Conference Planning Chair
Can you believe it? We are officially less than 30 days away from the Region VII Conference!
I honestly cannot believe we are almost here. After months of planning, brainstorming, meetings, ideas, and a LOT of behind-the-scenes work, we are officially in the final stretch. I could not be more excited for everyone to experience what we have been putting together. As Conference Chair, it has been such a rewarding experience watching this team bring ideas to life, and I truly believe we have something special planned for you all. Over the next few weeks, keep an eye out for more content, announcements, speaker spotlights, and program highlights as we count down to the conference. The team has been working HARD, the excitement is building, and I genuinely cannot wait to see everyone at Morgan State University! Less than 30 days. We’re almost there. See you all soon, Region VII! Mustafa Sabuur 2026 Regional Conference Coordinator
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First Conference? Join us for a Pre-Conference Webinar!
Are you coming to the 2026 ACUI Region VII Regional Conference? Is it your first time? Join us at our Webinar where Regional conference attendees are invited to learn a bit more about what our Region is, what our conference entails, connect with others in the region, and learn how to get the most out of your conference experience. Webinar dates include October 14th at 12:00 PM and October 21st at 7:30 PM. Check your email for an official announcement with a link to both webinars We hope to see you then!
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Spotlight on Region VII Spotlight on VII is a feature in the Region VII newsletter highlighting facilities, students, staff, programs, initiatives, and overall Region VII accomplishments.
This issue of Spotlight on VII Features the new University Center at East Stroudsburg University (PASSHE)! Take a look with Bobby Demarco, ACUI member and their new director!
On August 21, 2026, East Stroudsburg University held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their brand-new University Center. After a decade of planning and four years of construction, the new University Center welcomed ESU students to a space in the center of their campus where they can come together in meaningful ways. The new facility houses many services and spaces. Some notable spaces include the Warriors Den Food Court, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, an art gallery, ballroom, President's Board Room, and various meeting spaces. Additionally, several departments and centers that support students' experiences on campus also call the University Center home. The previous University Center was demolished, and the footprint is being transformed into green space to complement the new building and adjacent main quad. Within this new planned green space, construction of an amphitheater is being considered. Once complete, this new area of campus will provide a centralized hub for campus life. The entire ESU community has provided overwhelming praise for the new addition and are excited for the potential it holds for the future of their campus. Thank you to Bobby Demarco, Director of the University Center at East Stroudsburg for this most recent submission to Spotlight on VII. Congratulations on the new position! Does your institution have a facility, program, initiative, student or staff member you want to be featured on the next Spotlight on VII? Then be sure to email Ryan Gillen, Region VII Membership Engagement Manager, at rpg77@echo.rutgers.edu and submit your nomination!
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ACUI Glossary
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)
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
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