Is your university thinking of applying for becoming a SAS host institution for 2019? Are you wondering about the benefits of hosting SAS? Our Executive Board members share their thoughts…. read on!
How has being a part of the SAS Executive Board benefitted you?
“Being on the SAS executive board has provided me with networking opportunities at conferences, as well as the ability to see the behind-the-scenes functioning of professional organizations. It has been a great experience to be involved in making changes to benefit graduate students within the counseling psychology field.” (Rebecca Hughes, Promotions Chair)
“It has allowed me to connect with other professionals in the field, specifically those who have the same research interests as myself, and helped me learned about potential career options that I did not initially think of.” (Rawan Atari, Programming Chair)
“As a board member, I’ve gained knowledge about a variety of professional development opportunities available within SAS, Division 17, and even the larger APA. Further, through my specific role I have built skill in group leadership, management, and creative problem solving. A final benefit I will note is having knowledge about what an organization looks like from the inside, which can be useful as I pursue leadership positions in the future.” (Samantha Hinnenkamp, Engagement and Collaboration Co-Chair )
“Being a member of the SAS exec board provided me with a plethora of opportunities to network with other students, faculty members, and professionals in the field. This is something I wouldn’t have been able to do if I didn’t join SAS!” (Leah Crabb, Membership Co-Chair)
What has been the best part of Ball State University hosting the SAS Executive Board?
“The best part about Ball State being the host institution for the SAS Executive Board, is that we have had a unique opportunity (I would say, even the privilege) of using our passion, knowledge, creativity, and collaboration for the good of not only our own community, but hopefully the impact is being felt throughout the nation as we endeavor to resource SAS chapters and members to be more informed, equipped, and empowered in the work they do.” (Sarah Meyer, Social Justice and Advocacy Co-Chair)
“I think having Ball State be the host institution has brought so many opportunities to me and to our program. We have all become more involved with APA, conferences, and other professional opportunities. It has created a culture at our university of professional involvement and encouraged us to network and build connections. Additionally, it has brought individuals within our program together. It’s often hard for us to all find time to spend together, but when we are all working on SAS together, we also get to do some community building!” (Betsy Varner, Scholarship, Engagement and Collaboration Co-Chair)
“I think it has helped me to feel more connected to Division 17 and APA as an organization. It has been exciting to plan programming for APA and to be able to represent the voice of students within Division 17.” (Corie Hess, Prevention and Promotion in Mental Health Pillar Co-Chair)
Why would you recommend being a SAS host institution?
“If you have ever wanted to see change made at an institutional level, being a host institution for SAS is a fantastic opportunity to that. The host institution gets to initiate new programs, coordinate events, and organize opportunities across different institutions. If you have ever thought, “I want things to be different,” this is the way to make it happen!” (Kristen Reser, Secretary)
“I recommend being a host institution for a couple of reasons. First, the networking is amazing. Second, you get to directly influence the experiences of student members of Division 17. The SAS board has two votes on the Division 17 board, and they vote based on SAS executive board meetings.” (Rebecca Hughes, Promotions Chair)
“I would recommend it because it’s an opportunity for professional development, getting to know your program members, and being part of something bigger than just your university.” (Paulina Wojtach, SAS Social Media Chair)
“Being a host institution allows students in your department to have leadership opportunities and get involved in APA in a way that benefits their development but also graduate students across the country!” (Steven Scally, Prevention and Promotion in Mental Health Pillar Co-Chair)
How is the SAS Executive Board able to make a difference for counseling psychology students across the nation?
“It creates opportunities and events tailored to the needs of students, while also constructing pathways connecting students with ECPs and later-career professionals. This creates an environment that fosters the development of connections between counseling psych students and creates a supportive environment for students, while also providing opportunities for future development within the division, as well as development as a professional in general.” (Kevin Cannon, Treasurer)
“The SAS board has helped to distribute financial assistance, professional resources, and professional development opportunities to members outside of the executive board. SAS provided programming funds, travel funds, and monetary awards that assist student in traveling to conferences and organizing events at their universities. Further, the executive board has developed informational presentations, organized webinars, and created other resources for students. Our SAS board has ensured that other leadership opportunities (e.g., regional coordinator, committee positions) went to those outside of the Ball State department to ensure that power and representation with SCP is distributed across departments.” (Ashley Schoener, SAS Co-Chair)
“The SAS board provides opportunities to share resources and opportunities with students from all over. These resources can present as monetary awards, webinars, useful professional information and connections. SAS is also active at the APA conference and other professional conferences throughout the year. It provides the opportunity to bring students and professionals together, as well as to share ideas within the professional community and to reach a broad audience.” (Lauren Wruble, Membership Co-Chair)
“I think SAS board allows Division 17 to hear the students’ voices and concerns related to the field of counseling psychology. I would also argue being on the SAS board allows the incoming generation of counseling psychologists to shape the future of counseling psychology.” (Scott Barrera, Multiculturalism Pillar Co-Chair)
Other thoughts…
“Hosting the SAS executive board, in my opinion, provides students with a sense of accountability to constantly think about the ways in which they would like to be involved as well as what they would like to see change in the professional field of psychology (and the training to enter this field). It not only ensures that you are bringing social justice issues to the forefront of your mind, it encourages that you get involved in a way that makes a difference related to the issues you are passionate about. Finally, it provides a platform for advocating your own interests and passions to like others who may want to be an agent of change, but are unsure how to do so.” (Chelsey Parker, Webmaster)
“We are in a unique position to advocate on behalf of graduate students needs to the SCP executive board as the co-chairs have voting rights on the board. If you are interested in systemic change, apply for this position!” (Sam Colbert, SAS Co-Chair)
You can download the PDF version of this article here: Benefits of hosting SAS!
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