About AUCCCOTimeline Synopsis:
IntroductionOutreach, one of the fundamental hallmarks of counseling center work, has been evolving. Over the last several years, there has been even greater emphasis on outreach, education and prevention efforts due to national events as well as the changing nature of college student cohorts. However, there has been a gap in counseling center outreach—an organized event in which outreach professionals from across the United States could gather, network and learn from one another. Conference BeginningsThe idea to have a conference dedicated to counseling center outreach professionals was sparked in February of 2007 during the Big 10 Counseling Center Conference at Northwestern University. Drs. Todd Sevig and Christine Asidao were on the Evanston campus thinking about the needs of this profession and the seeds were sown for creating a conference that would bring together counseling center professionals passionate about, and dedicated to, outreach. So, in the fall of 2007, Dr. Christine Asidao, in her role as Assistant Director of Outreach & Education, led the University of Michigan Counseling & Psychological Services Outreach Committee to plan the 1st National Outreach Conference for Counseling Centers, titled, “Reaching in to Reach Out: The New Face of Outreach in the 21st Century.” From May 22-24, 2008, almost 100 counseling center representatives from over 20 states met at the Michigan League to focus on one of the fundamental hallmarks of counseling center work—outreach. This conference brought together professionals from across the country passionate about outreach and was so successful that the University of Michigan was asked to host the 2nd conference. In addition, an energetic group of conference attendees also wanted to know about “next steps” for the profession of outreach and discussion ensued about forming a national association for counseling center outreach. Formal organizations for counseling center directors, training directors and clinical directors were firmly in place, but no such organization existed for outreach. History of the Association for University and College Counseling Center Outreach (AUCCCO)On June 4, 2009, during a working luncheon at the 2nd National Outreach Conference for Counseling Centers titled “Inspired!” in the Vandenberg Room of the Michigan League at the University of Michigan, a national organization for counseling center outreach professionals was born. Those present included:
Formal AnnouncementOn June 5, 2009, in the Hussey Room of the Michigan League at the University of Michigan, Dr. Christine Asidao formally announced the establishment of an Association of College Counseling Center Outreach to all conference attendees and encouraged everyone to share the news with their colleagues and administrators. In addition, Dr. Kathie Staley from the University of Iowa and Dr. Tom Golightly from Brigham Young University announced that they would host the 3rd and 4th National Outreach Conference for Counseling Centers, respectively. Association SurveyOn June 10, 2009 a survey hosted by Survey Monkey was sent out to both 2008 and 2009 conference participants and the outreach list serve. This 5-item survey was intended to help build the foundation for the organization. Conference Call follow-upOn Tuesday, July 14, 2009, a conference call was held to discuss the results of the survey as well as work through the initial steps in establishing an association for outreach. Those participating included:
We focused on 3 specific survey question results: 1. Which organization name do you prefer?Majority of survey respondents voted for “Association for University and College Counseling Center Outreach (AUCCCO)”. Steering Committee approved the official name. 2. What type of governing structure would you prefer for our organization?Majority of respondents voted for “Steering Committee with a Chairperson.” Steering Committee approved and named Christine Asidao as Chairperson. 3. If our Association were to consist of a governing structure that included subcommittees, what specific committees would be important to include?We discussed the importance of infusing diversity and social justice throughout the essence of the Association and discussed focusing on 2 main areas during the initial formation of AUCCCO:
1st AUCCCO Steering CommitteeThe first steering committee was established in 2009. The original members included:
Conferences:2010: “New Beginnings,” hosted by Dr. Kathie Staley and the University of Iowa 2011: “iOutreach” hosted by Dr. Tom Golightly and Brigham Young University (Park City, Utah) 2012: “Reaching New Heights in Prevention, Awareness, and Education” hosted by Dr. Nic McCarley and the University of Illinois at Chicago 2013: “Outreach to the Millennial: Plugged In and Turned On” hosted by Dr. Shari Robinson and the University of Florida 2014: “Our Common Ground: Conversations on Creating a Sustainable Outreach Community” hosted by Dr. Kelly Thorne and the University of Vermont 2015: “Cross Reach: Mentoring and Shaping the Outreach Professional” hosted by Dr. Tom Golightly (BYU) and Dr. Torrence Wimbish (University of Utah) 2016: "Spice Of Life: Celebrating Diversity Through Outreach" hosted by Mr. Harry Warner and Ohio State University The AUCCCO continues to grow and establish its identity. During 2010-2011, an AUCCCO Mission Statement was formalized, a Treasurer was named, a tax payer identification number was secured and currently, two working committees focused on research and the web are meeting. We look forward to continued growth in the years ahead. You can help us grow by formally joining the AUCCCO through membership! |
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