Leadership Notes

Minneapolis family reunion

By Amy Jo Jenkins, University of Texas at Austin, National Student Representative

Greetings Student Members!

The countdown to the Annual Conference in Minneapolis has begun! Are you psyched? I am! Only two weeks until we journey to the land of 10,000 lakes. I have heard both professionals and students compare the Annual Conference to a huge family reunion. You meet up with old friends, make new connections, and discover the NIRSA two degrees of separation. There are numerous exciting opportunities for professional development, networking and volunteering.

One important event you will not want to miss is the Student Business Meeting on Friday, April 20 at 9:45 a.m. This is your opportunity to exercise your voting rights and elect the new National Student Representative and your Regional Student Representative. We will also celebrate the events and successes of the past 12 months and present select awards. If you are not able to make it to the Annual Conference this year, I strongly encourage you to voice your opinion through proxy voting (you can vote online from wherever you may be!).

Immediately after the Student Business Meeting, the Student Leadership Team and a group of Student Members will be delivering toys to two local children’s hospitals. At various conferences this year, we have raised more than $2,600 to purchase toys for NIRSA’s “Make a Child Smile” program. If you would like to participate in this, please contact your Regional Student Representative.

The Student Hospitality Area (SHA) is back again by popular demand! This year the SHA is located in the Exposition Hall and will be open similar hours. The Student Leadership Team is planning free snacks, massages, professional mentoring/networking opportunities and to be just a place to sit back and unwind. So come check us out between educational sessions or after an interview.

For those who will be interviewing this year, check out the March to Employment Success section of the website; it is filled with information on resumes, cover letters and interviewing tips. The Career Opportunities Center (COC) has moved everything online this year! Although you will be able to print a few items at the COC, be ahead of the game and bring printed copies of materials with you.

Safe travels, and hope to see you at the Minneapolis family reunion!

Amy Jo