Ray Sepeta
	University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN
	Platform Statement: Highlight your previous involvement within this unit that will help you in leading this unit.  What roles have you played within this particular unit as a member thus far?

I have been advising first year students at Notre Dame who plan to major in engineering or science for over ten years. I am an active participant in the Engineering & Science Advising (EG&SC) Commission meetings at both the regional and national NACADA meetings. I frequently voice my opinions on how we can advise and support students who plan to major in engineering and science.

What do you believe are the most important goals and initiatives for this unit in meeting the strategic plan for both the unit and the Association? 

If elected Chair of the EG&SC Commission, I plan to:

a. Identify practices and strategies that will help students persist and succeed in engineering and science.

b. Mine and develop the rich resources of NACADA in order to assist advisors in their work with engineering and science students.

c. Actively disseminate our knowledge about good advising for engineering and science students to both faculty and professional advisors.

I am aware that large research universities often have the advantage of resources and funding to educate their science and engineering students. On the other hand small colleges have the benefit of small classes and the opportunity for frequent one-on-one meetings to nurture and encourage their science and engineering students. I hope we can use insights from such various kinds of institutions to cross-pollinate ideas for good advising of all students in science and engineering.

Why are you interested in serving in this leadership position or what influenced you to run for this leadership position? 

In opposite order, I was nominated for this position and friends and colleagues encouraged me to accept this nomination. They convinced me that I can make a difference as Chair of the EG&SC Commission. I believe I have the experience and training to steer the EG&SC Commission to effectively serve its constituency. The consequence of effective advising for engineering and science students is that more students will make good decisions about which fields to enter and that capable and serious students will enter the fields of engineering and science.

Provide any additional comments or information (either personal or leadership-related) that you want potential voters to know about you that is not covered elsewhere in your platform information. 

I grew up in a family with strong values for education. My father was a high school science and math teacher. I did my undergraduate degree at an institution known for providing a balanced education in engineering, science, and the liberal arts — West Point. As a consequence of my upbringing, I believe in the power of the human spirit to accomplish great things especially with the support of good educational practices in engineering and science.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 6 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

Regional Activities/Offices Held, including accomplishments achieved while in office:

• Presenter, 2007 NACADA Region 5 Conference: "Advising First Year Science Majors According to Socrates"
• Attended Region 5 conferences, 2007, 2001, 2000

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Participant, 2007 NACADA Assessment Institute

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current member — Engineering & Science Advising Commission, Advising High Achieving Students Interest Group, Advising First-Year Students Potential Interest Group

Other:

• Faculty Advisor, University of Notre Dame, ACM Chapter (Association of Computing Machinery)
• Faculty Advisor, University of Notre Dame, Computer Programming Teams
• Presenter, 2007 NACADA Conference: "Advising First Year Science Majors According to Socrates"
• Attended NACADA annual conferences in 2007, 2006, 2005