Welcome to the early autumn edition of Communique, the newsletter for ACUI Region 8. We know this is a busy time of year for anyone involved with College Unions and Student Activities. As such, we hope this edition will provide you with concise, valuable information you need to excel in your work promoting community and serving students.

Inside this edition, you’ll find an exciting preview and call for Ed Sessions for this Fall’s Regional Conference hosted by the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater on November 13-15, 2009. Once again our Region is fortunate to be able to offer a number of scholarship opportunities to support member’s involvement in the conference. We will also share important information to begin planning your Spring Semester, including updates on the Associations new Academic Challenge partner and the tentative date and location for our Spring Rec Tournament.

ACUI Region 8 Newsletter • Fall 2009

From the Director Additionally, just as the start of each new academic year brings new opportunities for growth and renewal, so too does this fall in Region 8, as we welcome a newly selected Regional Leadership Team and Regional Director. James McHaley, of Northwestern University, will assume the role of Regional Director at the regional conference in Whitewater. James has served for the past two years as Communications Coordinator. James has done a fantastic job of recruiting and selecting a new RLT, who I know he will introduce in this issue.

As I prepare to transition out of my role as RD, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the members of the RLT with whom I have had the pleasure to serve. All of the members of the RLT have worked tirelessly, frequently behind the scenes, to strengthen the Region and to provide programs and opportunities to help you. I have been consistently impressed by their creativity, dedication and sacrifice. It has been a true pleasure to work

2009 Earl Whitfield Regional Newsletter Award Winner

UW-Whitewater invites you to reserve your spot now for the ACUI Region 8 Conference, November 13-15, 2009.

We have so many exciting opportunities for students and staff to experience and we look forward to sharing our new University Center with our college union friends. See the conference flyer insert for some of the scheduled activities. Our third pod-cast has also been uploaded. Click on the link on the website to see (and hear!) about the latest updates.

We’re less than three months away, so please start reserving your hotel rooms, sending in your conference registrations and submitting your Educational Sessions. See the submittal form on the website. The early bird deadline for registration and for ed. sessions is September 25th!

Regional Conference Preview EditionNov 13-15 • UW-Whitewater

A Welcome to UW-Whitewater

with, and learn from, all the members of the RLT. Thank you!

Ian Crone, Region 8 Director

With your participation, it will be easy to see how and why “Great Unions Build…!”

Kim Adams &Vickie SteinkeCo-Staff Coordinators

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I-LEAD (Institute for Leadership Education and Development) is a week-long leadership institute full of active learning, self exploration, and team building. Three students from three different schools were awarded I-LEAD scholarships from Region 8. Here are their reflections about I-LEAD.

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My I-Lead experience was simply in-credible! Not only was I able to meet and interact with a great group of people, but I also was taught ideas and skills on how to be a great leader. It is a great honor to hear others say-ing that I have made a difference in their lives but they sometimes forget that everything they do changes some-one else’s view as well! I would never have expected one week in Boulder, Colorado would have such an im-pact on me and my life! I learned many valuable things that I am able to take back to my school and that I will be able to keep with me for all of my future endeavors. I learned so much from my I-LEAD experience it is unbelievable. From working hard as a team, communicating without words or movements, and expanding my views to see how others see things re-ally was an eye opening experience!- Stacy Hehn, UW Green Bay

I was introduced to I-LEAD by my su-pervisor, Susan Crotteau, who encour-aged me to be a participant of the program. It was being held in Boul-der, Colorado, so the prospect of get-ting away for a while was incredibly appealing. I-LEAD was not at all a va-cation though. From stepping off the plane, I knew it was going to be an in-tense week of leadership development and soul searching. You are put into a situation that forces you to adapt to your surroundings and become close to people in a short amount of time. I created some lasting friendships at I-LEAD that I will be forever grateful for. Everyday felt like three days of information, and every moment was impactful. Because of the rigorous schedule, I am able to bring back a ton of ideas to improve my campus and transform people’s ideas on how diversity positively impacts groups of people. If I could choose one word for my overall I-LEAD experience it would be “enlightening.”

When I came home, all I wanted to do was take a day or two to process the information I retained from the pro-gram. However, I found myself speak-ing with anyone who wanted to listen about all the ideas I had about what I wanted to do now. I plan on going into student affairs one day after grad-uate school, and after my I-LEAD expe-rience I feel that much more confident that I chose the correct career path for my life. I would like to say thank you to Region 8 of ACUI for providing me with a wonderful opportunity that I will encourage others to attend as well. - Abby Tollefson, UW Stevens Point

Halfway through the summer, in the midst of an internship, I left my busy life and boarded a plane to Colorado, to spend six days at I-LEAD. Among the list of items to bring was an open mind, and on the list of what not to bring was a laptop. Facilitators also discouraged cell phone use. Without these media to communicate, I felt somewhat disconnected from my life in Chicago. At the same time, elimi-nating these distractions liberated and allowed me to immerse myself in the experience in order to learn about my-self and leadership.

Facilitators at the institute continuously told us to trust the process. I under-stand this idea better now, as I found that I learned the most about myself at the institute through other people. We had traveled from all over the country, as student leaders representing our communities to be a part of I-LEAD. We became a community of leaders among ourselves and each of us had potential to grow and learn from one another. I found people’s stories fas-cinating because they differed from my own. For example, a student at a community college started a commu-nity garden to use for the culinary part of the school, whereas my union sent me as a student staff manager. Some people played similar roles at their student unions, which provided an ex-cellent opportunity to compare experi-ences. Most of all, I had a fun time at I-LEAD. The experience allowed me to learn about myself and meet cool peo-ple. Now, it is time to bring the learn-ing back to campus and integrate them into my busy life in Chicago. - Jackie Grinvalds,Northwestern University

Reflections from I-LEAD ‘09

3John MartinovichMorraine Valley

Shari CuiUniversity of Illinois at Chicago

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Region 8 Members Place High at Nine Ball National Tournament

Recognition: Regional Awards make it an easy process!

New ACUI Region 8 Members

Region 8 makes it easy for you to recognize outstanding students and staff in the College Union and Student Activities field! Each year we are honored to recognize three individuals that have shown commitment and significant contributions to their institutions and the region.

Annually we offer the following awards, given out at the Fall Regional Confer-ence:

• Richard L. Christie Staff Leadership Award• Michael H. Poe Leadership Award• Gary E. Bartlett New Professional Leadership Award

These awards honor three outstanding professionals who have made an im-pact on the region and many professionals within. Please take a moment to reflect on individuals you feel have made a difference on your campus, in your life and within the region. You are encouraged to nominate those individuals for this regional honor. Advance nominations are due by Novem-ber 12 at Noon though nominations will be accepted through Noon at the Regional Conference.

Full descriptions and nomination forms are available online: region8.acui.org/Region/08/recognition.html

Please direct questions to the Recognition Coordinator, Sara Ann Suwalski (suwalsks@uwosh.edu / 920-424-3446).

Region 8’s woman billiards champion, Shari Cui from UIC placed 1st in the Women’s National Billiards Tournament.

Region 8’s man billiards champion, John Martinovich from Morraine Valley placed 7th out of the 37 in the Men’s National Billiards Tournament.

New Members of the Regional Leadership Team

Region 8 is happy to welcome the fol-lowing schools to ACUI:

Robert Morris University Chicago, IL

Joliet Junior CollegeJoliet, IL

Student Regional Director Paul Davidsaver UW-Madison

Recognition CoordinatorAndy Williams UW-Stevens Point

Education Coordinator Rich Dillon Northwestern University

Communications & Web Coordinator Mel Floyd UW-Whitewater

Recreation Coordinator Ruby Vega University of Illinois at Chicago

Please welcome the newest members of your Region 8 Leadership Team:

You will have the opportunity to learn more about the new members of the Regional Leadership Team in the next edition of the Region 8 newsletter.

8Graphics CompetitionIf you check out the rules for the graphics competition, there’s a lot that’s differ-ent this year. We have a few new categories, such as website/digital media, 3-D, and promotional packaging, just to name a few. The guidelines will be available very soon. Check out the Region 8 website for updates.

Poetry SlamYou may have heard about the regional poetry slam that happens every year in the spring, but we’d like to bring you one directly at our conference! The poetry slam will take place on Saturday, November 14th, straight in the heart of our conference. Now is the time for your lyrical self to come out and shine on our stage! Start preparing now, and check the Region 8 website soon for more information.

Silent AuctionRemember to bring your money—which will benefit the student scholarship fund! (We wish that the Packers were playing the Minnesota Vikings AFTER our conference so we could have those tickets for auction now that Brett Favre is un-retired for the 3rd time, but alas, we will have 2 tickets to a different Packer game for you to bid on.)

We will also have several food gift cards, GNC vitamins, hotel stays, two tickets to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, a stamping basket, creativity basket, and much more. There are so many items up for auction it would just take too long to list, not to mention what goodies we will get from other regional schools (feel free to go to region8.acui.org, click on the conference tab, fill out a silent auction form and send it to us, so we know what you’ll be bringing!).

“Can-struction” ContestNew this year, we are coordinating a non-perishable food-building contest on Sunday morning. The food collected will benefit local food pantries. See the attached flyer and entry form for more exciting details.

The planning team for the 2009 Regional Conference has been working very hard to plan an amazing conference this fall. Check out all of the activities that will be offered this November on the conference page on the Region 8 web site - region8.acui.org

Registration & Hotel UpdatesThe Region 8 website displays an enormous amount of conference infor-mation. Registrations are now being accepted, with a September 25th deadline for early registration.

Pay $130 for Undergraduate Student and/or Staff registrations and save $15 per person by signing up early!

Two hotels have a block of rooms set aside for our conference. Please note that one hotel is very close to campus and the second one is in Fort Atkin-son, which is about 12 miles from campus. The room rate is $70, and please remember to mention the ACUI Region 8 block, as well as to bring your campus tax exempt card.

Baymont Inn & SuitesWhitewater, WIPhone: 262-472-9400Remaining rooms will be released after October 13.

Holiday Inn ExpressFort Atkinson, WIPhone: 920-563-3600Remaining rooms will be released after October 23.

Regional Conference Preview EditionNov 13-15 • UW-Whitewater

More on the Region 8 Conference Web page: region8.acui.org

New Conference Podcast Now on the Region 8 Web site

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I’m very pleased to have had the chance to become involved with such a great event – the ACUI Region 8 Conference at UW- Whitewater! This experience has allowed me the oppor-tunity to see what a dedicated group of folks can accomplish when they strive for excellence!

Challenges have been encountered along the way, but more importantly were the personal bonds I’ve made, the knowledge I’ve gained, and the overall successes achieved here-- all in the honor of a great organization, ACUI. My advice to you is to take full advantage of all the resources we have available to you at the con-ference…and be sure to HAVE FUN while you’re at it!- Tish WintersteenConference Student Coordinator

Hey guys! I’ve been in the background all year helping to plan the regional conference at UW-Whitewater that’s taking place November 13th through the 15th! I’ve been making the pro-motional podcasts with the help of our graphic artists, getting loads of items for you to bid on in the silent auction (you’ll want to bring money because I promise you’ll want some of the items we have for auction).

The planning part has me so amped up that I’m frolicking around waiting for it to start! Are you registered yet? You should be because it’s coming up quickly and the early bird registration deadline is fast approaching! I can’t wait to see all of your smiling faces with lots of entries for our graphics competition under your arm, poetry slam script in your back pocket, “Can-struction” food items in hand, and of course, your knowledge to share with us!- Liz “Jr” RickabyConference Student Coordinator

Feeling a crunch in the budget? Apply for a $cholarship!Region 8 believes deeply that great value is found in our membership. Know-ing that economic times are difficult for individuals and departments, we are offering student and staff scholarships to attend the Region 8 ACUI Conference. The conference will take place November 13 – 15, 2009 at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. Want to learn more? The scholarships cover the cost of registration and appli-cation materials (due October 2) and information can be found online: region8.acui.org/Region/08/scholarship.html

Questions can be directed to Recognition Coordinator, Sara Ann Suwalski (suwalsks@uwosh.edu / 920-424-3446).

From the Student Coordinators...

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November 13-15, 2009

University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterJames R. Connor University Center

great unions build...

Early Bird RegistrationDeadline: September 25, 2009

For more information, contact Kim Adams at adamsk@uww.edu or 262.472.1477

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Recreational Events: Bowling and Billiards and 3 on 3 wheelchair basketball tournament. Prizes awarded!

Poetry Slam: Compete individually or with up to 3 friends. Prizes awarded!

Great Meals, Receptions and Awards Banquet: Save room for “Build Your Own Sundae!”

Entertainment: Comedian/Slam Poet- Gabriela Garcia Medina; Hypnotist-Frederick Winters; Pre-Release Movie

Academic Challenge: Trivia contest similar to the College Bowl

Hotels: Two hotel options: Baymont in Whitewater; Holiday Inn Express in Fort Atkinson

Tie-Dye T-shirts: Tie Dye your very own ACUI Conference shirt

Swap Shop: Share your favorite momentos and printed items from your school

Silent/Live Auction: Packer tickets,Milwaukee Symphony tickets, restaurant gift cards, free hotel stay at a Holiday Inn Express and Hilton, clothing and more

Vendor Fair: Featuring vendors, massages, caricatures, prize drawings, 50-50 raffle tickets, hanggliding simulator and more!

Food on the Move: Stay on Sunday for the “Can-struction” contest and win a free conference registration for 2010!

Keynote Speakers: UW-Whitewater Wheelchair Athletics on “Hoop Dreams on Wheels” and Barbie Tootle on “Creativity Counts”

Over 30 Informative & Invigorating Ed Sessions

Pre-Conference Workshop:Dining and Social Etiquette Luncheon

Graphics Competition: Submit your strongest design/promotional items. Awards will be presented!

Etiquette Dinner

National Champs

Tie Dye Shirts

Barbie Tootle

Rec Center Bowling

UNIONS BUILD...

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“Can-struction”

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Fredrick Winters

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The Region 8 Spotlight

REGION SPOTLIGHT:University of Wisconsin – SuperiorBy Valerie WetzelMembership Coordinator

The spotlight is on UW Superior. Gail Archambault, is the Director of the Student Center, but very soon several things are chang-ing. The Student Center is going to be renamed the Yellowjacket Union. UW Superior is build-ing a new student center, but everything on campus is called a center. After much discussion, the decision was made to make this new building special and put the focus back on more than just students, which a student center implies.

The Union will be a very special place for students, faculty, staff and targeting alumni to feel spe-cial when they come to campus and can explore the new building when it opens in January 2010. If you are interested in seeing pic-tures you can go to www.uwsu-per.edu/facilities/construction/ to see the pictures of the new Yel-lowjacket Union. You can see the architects concept drawings and designs, there is a web cam and pictures.

Gail indicated there are some new visions for the Union includ-ing the Activities Board changing their name to the Yellowjacket Activities Crew and their role will be to serve as a Union Program Board with a primary focus on providing programs for the new facility. They will still offer some campus events, but the desire is to bring in people to the Union for events. UW Superior was able to achieve a new feature with their SUFAC (fee funding board) a three year access level for the fee funding process. The Yellowjackets Activity Crew will present a base level budget and then for the next three years a set percent increase will be estab-lished. Gail indicated this would provide more continuity in the budgeting process.

Gail shared she valued her ACUI membership especially the ACUI Bulletin and ACUI Procure. If there was the right webinar, she would jump at participating.

Gail is celebrating her 29th year at UW Superior. Thanks for shar-ing.

Share your words, voice and tal-ent with other performance poets from Wisconsin, Michigan’s Up-per Peninsula, and the Chicago Metropolitan area!

Planning for the 2010 Associa-tion of College Unions Interna-tional Region 8 Poetry Slam has begun! This year’s slam will be held in conjunction with the ACUI Region 8 Recreation Tournament, location and date TBA. Start planning your own campus poet-ry slam for this Fall and prepare to send a team representing your campus to Regionals!

For those new to Poetry Slams…Poetry Slams are more social/performance/arts events than competitions; an opportunity for individuals from different back-grounds to share their wit and tal-ent. Teams of up to four perform solo and group pieces of up to three minutes in length scored by panel of judges randomly select-ed from the audience…no props, no costumes, no music – just the poets performing their original spoken word art for the audi-ence. Many Region 8 institutions have never hosted a campus po-etry slam before; if you are in the same boat, assistance and resources are available to help guide you through the process. As stated on ACUI’s Poetry Slam website, “…everyone is enriched by sharing poetry, embracing the value of inclusivity, and support-ing a program in which “Every-

Calling All Student Performance Poets

(Cont. on next page)

region8.acui.org

Look for more inforamtion in the near future regarding:

• Recreation Tournamnet• ACUI Academic Challenge Update• Region 8 Operating Procedures Approval

To read a description of how to host a poetry slam go to the “Student Pro-grams” section of the ACUI website (www.acui.org) and look under “Po-etry Slam” at the resource list. With headings such as ‘How do I organize a Poetry Slam on my Campus?’ and ‘Poetry Slam Rules and Regulations’ this site provides a great planning overview and very helpful informa-tion.

Want to get a taste of what po-etry slams are like? Check out the video “Slamnation”! It may be available through your local video store or library, and trailers can be viewed at www.slamnation.com. Also, be sure to watch clips from past College Unions Poetry Slam Invitation-al (CUPSI) participants on YouTube (search CUPSI 2009 to see recordings from last year).

In order to participate in the 2010 Region 8 Poetry Slam, your institution must:

• Purchase your Poetry Slam Certification:Visit the ACUI website (www.acui.org), click “Shop ACUI,” do a product search for “Poetry Slam Certification,” and purchase your certification online. You will then be sent a resource CD and be certified to host your campus slam; this will also make your campus eligible to participate in the 2010 ACUI Region 8 Poetry Slam and CUP-SI 2010. Through ACUI’s educational partnership with Poetry Slam, Inc., reduced certification fees have been created: $60 for ACUI member institu-tions, and $85 for non-members. Do this as soon as possible so you can begin planning your campus poetry slam now!

• Contact the Region 8 Poetry Slam Coordinator:Sign up to be included on the list of participating institutions for the Region 8 Poetry Slam and receive further in-formation as planning for the Region 8 Poetry Slam continues. Interested in-stitutions should contact ACUI Region 8 Poetry Slam Coordinator Vickie Ei-den (608-890-1313, vleiden@wisc.edu) for further information.

• Host a campus poetry slam at your institution in Fall 2009:At your campus slam determine who will represent your institution on your campus team at the Region 8 Poetry Slam. The registration deadline (cam-pus team member names due) for the Region 8 Poetry Slam will be in Janu-ary, and the registration deadline for CUPSI will be shortly thereafter. Once registration is open, you can register for both events on the ACUI website under “Shop ACUI” at www.acui.org.

• Watch for more information on registration, travel and ac-commodations for the 2010 ACUI Region 8 Poetry Slam:More information will be forthcom-ing in emails from the Region 8 Po-etry Slam Coordinator (be sure to contact Vickie Eiden so you will re-ceive them), the next ACUI Region 8 Newsletter and on the ACUI Region 8 Website at http://region8.acui.org/Region/08/.

Questions? Contact Vickie Eiden (UW-Madison) at vleiden@wisc.edu or (608) 890-1313.

Coming soon...

Poets (Cont. from previous page)