Webinar: State of the College Union – The Student Union as a Space for Activism and Protest

Join ACUI CEO John Taylor as he welcomes ACUI Bulletin authors and union professionals Rob Bean, University of California–Berkeley; Erin Dewese, University of Colorado–Boulder; and Nick Smith, University of Michigan, as they discuss the student union as a space for activism and protest in the current environment of higher education.  You are encouraged to read the Bulletin article by the presenters that will guide this discussion.

About the Presenters

• Rob Bean brings over 25 years of experience in venue and events management, notably at the University of California–Berkeley. He led major events and managed key venues including the Hearst Greek Theatre, Zellerbach Auditorium, and California Memorial Stadium for a combined 14 years. He holds certifications in mass assemblage safety from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, and has consulted for industry leaders such as Live Nation, AEG, Another Planet Entertainment, NFL, NBA, and Cirque du Soleil.  
• Erin Dewese is the director for the Center for Student Involvement at the University of Colorado–Boulder and has been at the university for 13 years. She is passionate about student engagement and helping students find their community and voice during their time on campus. She went to Humboldt State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in communication and leadership studies and a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy from the University of Utah. Erin is the co-chair of the campus Student Engagement Response Team.   
• Nick Smith (he/him/his) serves as director of the Center for Campus Involvement and associate director of University Unions at the University of Michigan. With a Ph.D. from Colorado State University and degrees from Penn State and Ohio University, Nick’s passion for fostering student belonging through college unions shines through. He’s been an active ACUI volunteer for 15 years, presently serving on the Education Council.   

ACUI Core Competencies

• Event Management 
• Planning 
• Social Justice 

Learning Outcomes

As a result of attending this program, participants will:

• Develop strategies for staff and students to safely manage events and activities that may be controversial.  
• Understand how to develop collaborative team strategies that provide effective procedures for fostering safe environments.  
• Better understand the rich history of the student union as a place for developing student agency.  

Registration Details

• Individual at Premium or Full Tier Member Campus: Free
• Individual at Digital Tier Member Campus – $20
• Individual at Nonmember Campus – $50

Each person who wants access to event or resources following event should register individually. Members must be associated with the correct campus account to receive the $0 rate, where applicable; please contact acui@acui.org with questions or issues.