SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Arrival and Check-In for Conference Attendees

Welcome to ASACCU 2024 at Villanova University! All conference attendees staying on campus will need to check-in with a Villanova staff member to receive necessary room information.
Hovnanian Hall
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

 

Pre-Conference Session on Sustainability

Join colleagues from student affairs in a dynamic conversation regarding sustainability facilitated by the Office of Sustainability at Villanova University. 
Radnor and St. David's Rooms, Connelly Center
9 a.m.-2 p.m.  

 

Introduction to ASACCU

Presented by Lisa Kirkpatrick, Fr. John Donato, CSC, Michelle Evans and Mary Geller.
Meet the ASACCU board chair and board members who will discuss what our organization offers members. Learn tips for how to make the most of the summer conference and receive an introduction to the Principles of Good Practice at Catholic Colleges and Universities and other resources available through our partner organization, Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU).
Dobbin Hall, Room 135
3-4 p.m.

 

Tour of Campus

Explore the campus of Villanova University on a guided tour. This is a walking tour, so please prepare by wearing comfortable shoes as we walk around campus. The tour will begin and end in the Hovnanian Courtyard. 
Meet at Hovnanian Hall Courtyard
3:30-4:45 p.m.

 

Meet and Greet with VU Health Services

Join ASACCU Colleagues at the Villanova Health Services Building, which encompasses Health Promotion, the University Counseling Center and the Student Health Center. 
Meet at Hovnanian Hall Courtyard
4-5 p.m.

 

ASACCU 2024 Liturgy  

Commemorate the opening of ASACCU 2024 with the Vice President for Mission and Ministry, the Rev. Kevin DePrinzio, OSA, PhD.
St. Thomas of Villanova Church
5:15-6:15 p.m.

 

Opening Reception and Dinner

Taking place in the Finneran Pavilion, home to the Villanova women's and men's basketball teams, ASACCU attendees will enjoy an opening reception followed by dinner.
Finneran Pavilion
6:30-9:30 p.m.

 

Late Night Hospitality

An ASACCU tradition! Enjoy evening hospitality with snacks, beer, wine and fellowship with colleagues! 
Hovnanian Hall Courtyard
9:30-11 p.m.

Morning Prayer

For those interested in attending, begin the day with morning prayer and reflection.
Corr Chapel
8-8:30 a.m.

 

Breakfast

A buffet breakfast with refreshments will be served prior to the opening Panel Discussion.
Villanova Room, Connelly Center
8:15-9:15 a.m.

 

Panel Discussion  

"Mission at Heart, Diversity in Practice: Cultivating Inclusive Communities at Catholic Colleges and Universities," a panel discussion. 

Meet the Panelists

Villanova Room, Connelly Center
9:15-10:30 a.m.

 

Breakout Session 1

Bartley Hall
10:45 a.m.-noon

Choose one of the following: 

• Principles 101: A Primer of the Principles of Good Practice for Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities, presented by Michelle Evans, ASACCU. This session invites folks who are new to Catholic higher education institutions or folks who may be learning about the newest edition of the Principles of Good Practice for the first time. In this lecture-style session, attendees will be introduced to the newest edition, exploring all the principles, available resources, and determining next steps for implementation on their campuses within their respective roles. Bartley Hall, Room 2044. 
• MISSION INTEGRATION AWARD WINNER: Restorative Culture-Building Partnership, presented by Julia M. Wade, Jennifer Abe and Lisha Maddox, Loyola Marymount University. This session will explore the Restorative Culture-Building Partnership being implemented on Loyola Marymount University’s (LMU) campus. The Partnership brings faculty and staff together to enhance students’ connection to Jesuit values through the following: (1) Whole person education, in strengthening the unity of heart, mind and soul when engaging in dialogue with others; (2) Ignatian discernment, in developing sensitivity to inner experience when reflecting on social actions and behaviors, and; (3) Becoming persons for and with others, with capacity in restorative practices to serve as agents of change in the LMU community. Participants will leave understanding the principles of restorative practices, what the partnership entails, and engage in a structured reflection activity to explore implementation on their own campus. Bartley Hall, Room 2045. 
• Affirming Catholic Social Teaching Values through Campus Purchasing Practices, presented by Christopher Kerr, Ignatian Solidarity Network. Catholic colleges and universities place their logo on thousands of pieces of apparel each year. How do we ensure that Catholic Social Teaching (CST) values are present in how the apparel is created? How do we know that the inherent dignity of the workers who produce these products and the sanctity of the Earth are upheld?  This presentation will explore how the Catholic Ethical Purchasing Alliance (CEPA) assists Catholic institutions in answering these questions. Bartley Hall, Room 1010. 
• Student Affairs: Mercy, Chaos, Data, Research and Appreciative Inclusion for Increased Retention and Engagement, presented by Jackie Smith and Bridget Ponte, Carlow University. This lecture-style presentation is centered on the Mercy Mission of Carlow University, their core values, and the nexus between Higher Education's data reliance and the Catholic Educational tradition, which leads to positive, purposeful outcomes for students. Discussion will include needs and solutions for collaboration, funding, culture shifts and outcomes. Attendees will be given time and a tool to reflect on their institutional planning, resources, and programming, and what areas of the Carlow Approach they are affirming or can institute in their spaces. Bartley Hall, Room 2072. 
• Supporting Students’ Basic Needs, presented by Marlon Blake, University of St. Thomas. This lecture-style presentation will discuss the ways in which the University of St. Thomas, aligned with the Catholic mission, supports students' basic needs through strategic partnerships, grant-funded programs, and campus resources. Discussion will open up the floor for participants to highlight ways in which their campus has addressed basic needs and how we all can support these efforts through our mission. Bartley Hall, Room 1001. 
• Creating an Equitable Program Model Including Diverse Identities/Catholic Mission, presented by Tavala Luciow (Luxon) and Dr. Ashley Joseph, Mount St. Mary’s University, Los Angeles. This round table session will introduce the Unstoppable Series model of Mount Saint Mary's University and discuss how institutions can intertwine a Catholic identity while equitably programming toward minority-identified students. Presenters will be discussing identities and circumstances such as LGBTQIA+, low-income, cultural backgrounds, and racial identities. Presenters will provide opportunities for round table talks, activities, and discussions for collaboration. Bartley Hall, Room 2046.

 

Lunch

Curley Exchange, Bartley Hall
Noon-1 p.m.
(Optional: 12:05 p.m. daily Mass will be celebrated in Corr Chapel, with the Rev. Bernie Scianna, OSA, presiding. All are welcome. The Mass will last approximately 30 minutes.)

 

Breakout Session 2

Bartley Hall
1:15-2:30 p.m.

Choose one of the following: 

• Sexuality, Inclusion and Catholic Higher Education: Organizational Change Research and Practice, presented by Mark Levand, Widener University/Villanova University. The Catholic nature of an institution of higher education is a unique context for institutional change around matters of human sexuality. In this session, the author of the book Inclusivity and Sexuality in Catholic Higher Education: Possibilities for Institutional Change will offer an overview of the research project that acts as a foundation for the book. Attendees will then engage in process-oriented learning activities pertaining to varied change scenarios. Bartley Hall, Room 2073. 
• Cultivating College Student Protagonism through Synodality, presented by Anna Ryan-Bender (Chestnut Hill College), Duncan Fischley (Rosemont College), Maureen O'Connell (LaSalle University) and Jeff Wallace (Gwynedd Mercy University). SCHEAP (Synodality in Catholic Higher Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia) is a cross-institutional collaboration of Catholic colleges, universities, and Newman Centers that helps foster the spiritual skills and dispositions of synodality for students and educators. This session will introduce people to the Conversation in the Spirit method for communal discernment for use in cultivating student agency on our campuses. Attendees will be trained through the experience to facilitate synodal discernments in their own contexts. Bartley Hall, Room 2074. 
• Mission Matters: Seton Hill's Blueprint for Student Engagement, presented by Matthew Zielinski and Austin Veiga, Seton Hill University. This session will present the process of student learning about, and engagement with, the Mission and 4 Pillars at Seton Hill University. Presenters will discuss the ways that Mission is introduced to new students from summer orientation, through move-in weekend, and into the first-year seminar. This exposure continues during keys trainings of Orientation Leaders and Resident Assistants to provide greater purpose and connection to the campus community. Bartley Hall, Room 2010. 
• Senior Student Affairs Officer Round Table, moderated by Josh Clary, Matt Goodwin and Mary Geller of the ASACCU Board. This round table session is an opportunity for Senior Student Affairs Officers to network, discuss issues on their campus, and share best practices. Similar to the annual offering from ASACCU, this session will allow Senior Student Affairs Officers the chance to gather, share and learn from one another. Bartley Hall, Room 2044. 
• Identity and Social Justice Dialogue Across Difference—A Program Embedded in Mission, presented by Sherry Bowen, Celina Alexander and Alexandra Delboy Zenteno, Villanova University. The Center for Dialogue teaches skills and creates opportunities for meaningful interaction and community building through a strategically facilitated and sustained group process.  Participants explore their identities and lived experiences with others across lines of difference with the goal of increasing understanding of self, others, systemic (in)equity, (in)justice, and one’s own agency to enact change on campus and beyond. In this session, we will introduce our program and engage participants in an interactive dialogic exercise. Bartley Hall, Room 2045. 
• From Discipline to Development: Exploring Villanova's Conduct Resolution Process, presented by Syd Scheiner and John Delaney, Villanova University. This program will explore the evolution of Villanova's conduct resolution process over the last several years. Presenters will inform participants about the University's own process, how education and developmental opportunities for students are infused throughout, and how we use assessment to learn if students really are engaging in self-growth and developing as community members. Bartley Hall, Room 1011. 

 

Iced Coffee Break!

Rooted In Mission. Growing With Purpose. Recharging with an ASACCU coffee and snack break! 

Nydick Family Commons, Bartley Hall
2:30-2:45 p.m.

 

Breakout Session 3

Bartley Hall
2:45-4 p.m.

Choose one of the following: 

• Institutionalizing Accompaniment for Undocumented Students at Catholic Colleges and Universities, presented by Armando Guerrero Estrada, Yessenia Hernandez and Andrew J. Mercado, Dominican University. In this program, the presenters will offer best practices for accompanying undocumented and immigrant students.  In light of our commitment to inclusive and diverse communities, Catholic colleges and universities are enrolling an increasing number of undocumented and immigrant students. The ways in which Catholic colleges and universities engage in recruiting, welcoming, retaining, and graduating undocumented and immigrant students must take into consideration the holistic well-being and pastoral care of the scholar and the communities from which they come. Bartley Hall, Room 1001. 
• Listening as Restorative Practice, presented by Stacy Andes and Cristina Babyak, Villanova University. With roots in indigenous cultures around the world, the listening circle provides people an opportunity to speak and to listen in a structured, safe space. Listening circles emphasize the importance of storytelling for cultivating empathy and help participants to gain a shared sense of understanding and connection. This session will review the listening circle process, discuss the ways in which it has been employed at Villanova (around issues like substance-related harm, sexual violence, mental health and well-being, identity and belongingness), and identify areas for consideration in refining the listening circle process to best meet the needs of the community. Bartley Hall, Room 2046. 
• So You’re In This for the Long Run? Practical Career Strategies for Success in Student Affairs, presented by Matt Goodwin, St. Louis University. Higher education professionals at all levels benefit from consistent career preparation. From those just starting out in their jobs, to experienced professionals and everyone in between, this lecture-style session will give attendees practical career strategies to use at any level in student affairs leadership to advance and thrive, while also providing opportunities for independent journaling and a crowdsource. Bartley Hall, Room 1010. 
• People with Hope to Bring: Creating an Intentional Culture of Student Flourishing through Mission and Collaboration, presented by Christine Caron Gebhardt, University of Notre Dame. Colleges and universities must find and implement successful programs to address mental health so that students can flourish in their academic pursuits, personal lives, and future professional endeavors and contribute positively to their communities.  This interactive session will introduce participants to the University of Notre Dame’s initiative, “People with Hope to Bring” – a comprehensive mental health approach that is a collaboration between Student Health and Wellness, Campus Ministry and Residential Life. The initiative serves not only the students, but also their caregivers, by engaging in strategies focused on culture change, early identification, postvention and restoration. Bartley Hall, Room 2072. 
• MISSION INTEGRATION AWARD WINNER: The Learning Community (TLC@LMU), presented by Kandis Jernigan, Loyola Marymount University. This session will introduce participants to The Learning Community (TLC) at Loyola Marymount University, an anti-racist program grounded in LMU’s mission and intercultural values that is designed to explore students' ethnic and cultural identities while deepening their understanding of programs and resources present on campus to facilitate their academic success. Ultimately, it empowers students with the appropriate tools and strategies to prepare them for the challenges and rewards of living in a diverse society, while demonstrating that positive outcomes for an underrepresented community result in positive outcomes for the entire university. Bartley Hall, Room 2073. 
• Stories from the Heart: Supporting Queer Catholic Colleagues, presented by staff at Villanova University. Explore the complexities, beauty, and challenges experienced by queer Catholics working at Catholic universities. The intent of this session is to shed light on the intersection of Catholic identity and queerness through personal storytelling and group conversation in effort to encourage a greater commitment to fostering safe and inclusive professional environments for queer colleagues who work at Catholic universities. Bartley Hall, Room 2044. 

 

ASACCU 2024 Evening Out  

For those interested in exploring Philadelphia, the Main Line or historical Valley Forge National Park, select from a variety of evening excursions to explore the extended Villanova community. Additional costs apply and spaces are limited. Transportation is included with buses leaving directly from campus. Questions? Email asaccu2024@villanova.edu.
Transportation Departs on roadway behind Hovnanian Hall
4:30-10 p.m.

Prayers for Peace

For those interested in attending, begin the day with morning prayer and reflection.
Corr Chapel
8:30-8:45 a.m.

 

Charism Breakfast

A buffet breakfast with coffee and refreshments will be served prior to the opening Keynote Address. During breakfast, enjoy conversation with respective charism groups as a chance to build community among colleagues from fellow charism institutions. The charism discussion will begin at 8:45 a.m.; join the conversation at any point before the Keynote Address.
Villanova Room, Connelly Center
8:15-9:30 a.m.

 

Keynote Address:
"THE CATHOLIC CAMPUS: MULTIPLE LENSES, ONE PURPOSE"

Meet Our Keynote Speaker: 
Donna M. Carroll, EdD, Executive Director, Association for Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU)
Villanova Room, Connelly Center
9:30-11 a.m.

 

Breakout Session 4

Bartley Hall
11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Choose one of the following: 

• Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students at Catholic Colleges and Universities, presented by Carly Cohen and Isa Iboko, Villanova University. This caucus aims to provide a structured space for ASACCU attendees to reflect and share their experiences on how they have and hope to support LGBTQIA+ students on their campuses through the scope of the Principles of Good Practice. Bartley Hall, Room 2044. 
• Engaging and Empowering First Gen College Students, presented by Julie Carballo, North Central College. This session will share replicable initiatives to provide community and connection for first-generation college students and families at your institution. Strategic initiatives will include cohort programming for first-gen students, meaningful engagement of first-gen faculty and staff, connecting first-gen alumni to your current students, creating leadership opportunities for your first-gen students, collaborating across campus to move #firstgenforward, sharing the stories of your first-gen students, and celebrations to mark important milestones. Bartley Hall, Room 1001. 
• Restoring Grace and Perspective: How Taking a Retreat is Professional Development, presented by Fr. John Donato, University of Portland. Spent by serving students and our institutions, we can be exhausted and burdened by the emotional toll of what we are encountering. In this session, participants will explore the practice of retreat (a designated time and place away from family and work) to reconnect with your sense of purpose and discover grace in all moments of the journey. The presenter will share one such retreat for professionals, including a schedule and other details that may serve as a model to adapt for your work environment. Bartley Hall, Room 2045. 
• Improving Student Athlete Mental Wellbeing: Integration and Collaboration, presented by Knieba Jones-Johnson and Erica Ciarlo, St. Louis University. In this lecture-style presentation, presenters will describe the culture of wellbeing instituted at Saint Louis University's Counseling Center through their Athletics-embedded therapist, who serves as an advocate, a frontline for crises and a colleague who strengthens interdepartmental partnerships. This presentation will discuss a holistic approach to care, ultimately benefitting all members of the campus community, and in particular, student athletes, who are developing greater confidence in help-seeking behavior, while reducing the historical impact of stigmatization of mental health support.  Bartley Hall, Room 2001. 
• MISSION INTEGRATION AWARD WINNER: Bringing Social Justice Experiences to the Next LEVEL, presented by Greg Hannah, Villanova University. Since 2018, Villanova’s Office of Disability Services, their flagship able-ism awareness student group LEVEL and members of the Office of Mission and Ministry have traveled to North Carolina to participate in a fully accessible service break trip. Come hear about the power of partnership, inclusion, and how a weeklong trip erased assumptions about the limits of people with disability (including some that they had believed about themselves) …and along the way strengthened bonds that carried over into their undergraduate college experience and beyond. Bartley Hall, Room 2010. 

 

ASACCU Business Lunch

As we gather in community over lunch, conference attendees will hear updates from the Association of Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities organization and celebrate the Mission Integration Award Winners.
Villanova Room, Connelly Center
12:30-2:15 p.m.

 

Breakout Session 5: Roundtable Discussions: Sharing Strategies on Current Issues of 2024

For the final ASACCU 2024 breakout session, build community and create networks of support across roles that extend beyond the conference. During this culminating session, attendees will have the chance to reflect and apply knowledge gained during the conference to current issues we work with on our respective campuses. Please choose from one of the following: 

• Free Expression and Activism: Utilizing Demonstration Policies and Practices that Support Expression and Respect on Campus (Bartley 2001)
• Pathways on Catholic Campuses that Support Housing Needs of Non-Binary and Trans Students (Bartley 2044)
• Engaging with Multifaith/Interfaith Support and Safety of All Students on Campus (Bartley 2045)
• Navigating the “Savior Complex” in Service Programs (Bartley 2046)
• Existing and New Models for Resident Assistants: Revisiting the Evolving Role of Student Staff in Residence Life and Related Policies in Light of Well-Being Needs of Residential Communities (Bartley 2072)
• Supporting Graduate Students (Bartley 2073)
• Engaging with Mission in Programming and Student Support (Bartley 2074)

Bartley Hall
2:45-4 p.m.

 

ASACCU 2024 Liturgy  

Join us for the closing liturgy of ASACCU 2024 with the President of Villanova University, the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD.
St. Thomas of Villanova Church
4:30-5:30 p.m.

 

Shopping Trip to the University Shop

Hop on our shuttle for a 30-minute trip to the University Shop! You'll be returned to the Phestival to enjoy Philly's favorite food and fun! 
Pickup Outside St. Thomas of Villanova Church
5:30-6 p.m.

 

ASACCU 2024 Phestival

Celebrate ASACCU 2024 with our Villanova Phestival, featuring Philadelphia-themed food, drinks, music and Villanova favorites!
Rowen Campus Green (Rain Location: Villanova Room)
5:30-8 p.m.

 

Late Night Hospitality

An ASACCU tradition! Enjoy evening hospitality with snacks, beer, wine and fellowship with colleagues!
Hovnanian Hall Courtyard
8-11 p.m.