NOTE: This e-mail was sent to commission members on January 12, 2007.

Dear LGBTA Concerns Commission Members:

The deadline for proposals for the 2007 NACADA Annual Conference in Baltimore is February 10!   Click here for a link to the web page for the annual Conference.

I also want to point out that Regions 3, 8, and 10 have a January 15 deadline for proposals and that my own Region 6 has a February 15 deadline for its Regional Conference. It's not too late to try out a presentation at the Regional level!  Check out this web site for links to the regional conference web sites.

Below are some ideas for programs just to get the creativity flowing. The ideas below are not to be anything more than brainstorming — please ignore if you have already submitted a proposal on a different LGBTQQA topic. (For the purposes of this e-mail I'm using LGBTQQA as an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Allied to encompass a community that cannot be encompassed, but I'll do my best!).  And, don't forget the conference theme — >Advisors as Navigators: From Orientation to Graduation and Beyond!

Brainstorming ideas:

• GLBTQQA 101 — There is always a need for a program that offers a solid primer on issues faced by LGBTQQA students today. It can include definitions, important issues, terms, and good advising strategies.
• Training and Development — Discuss how your office or campus create and maintain educational programming on diversity issues that includes LGBTQQA issues. Find two or three colleagues at other campuses and create a panel to discuss the importance of ongoing programming and the best practices at each institution.
• Best Practices & Exemplary Programs — Do you have an outstanding program on your campus that does terrific work on behalf of LGBTQQA students? Consider doing a presentation on that program and nominating it for a NACADA program award (nominations are due March 5)!
• Navigating multiple identities (note clever use of conference theme!) — Many LGBTQQA students navigate multiple identities and communities in their collegiate journey (students of color, first generation students, working class students, students with disabilities -- to name just a few multicultural connections). What do advisors and administrators need to know to serve these students well? What are best practices at your institution? How do advisors become aware of resources?
• Involvement in NACADA at the local, state, regional and national level — How have you negotiated your NACADA journey? What's in your advisor portfolio that might be of use to a new NACADA member? Advising LGBTQQA students about career development issues — we had a wide range of presentations in Indianapolis that drew good responses from members. What do advisors need to know to serve students?
• Advising first-year LGBTQQA students — What are the critical issues facing first-year LGBTQQA students? How do they navigate campus culture, politics, classes, and climate to emerge "ship shape" into their sophomore year? (Again, the theme!)
• Safe Zone training — "Oh Captain! My Captain!" (The theme AND an LGBTQQA reference!) Are you a Safe Zone trainer? Consider submitting a pre-conference proposal for a two or three hour Safe Zone training. This training was well-received in Indianapolis -- all participants wanted to see similar training at all levels of NACADA.

Don't forget to look at NACADA's advice for successful proposals on the conference web site!

I look forward to seeing you in Baltimore !

Best,

Jennifer Joslin
2006-2008 LGBTA Commission Chair

Senior Associate Director for Training and Advisor Development
Academic Advising Center
C210 Pomerantz Center
The University of Iowa
Iowa City , IA  52242
(319) 353-5700 (phone); (319) 353-5744 (fax)
jennifer-joslin@uiowa.edu