Region VII - ACUI

Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Quebec

About Region VII

Communication

Establish and maintain communication pathways and a timetable for regional needs
Create and increase awareness of products and services available from corporate partners
Engage regional members in participation of regional communication and strategies
Demonstrate the value of regional experiences

Connections

Strive to have the most inclusive and diverse experiences and membership within ACUI
Provide excellent scholarship and award opportunities within the region
Maximize the opportunities for members, leaders, and corporate partners to connect
Orient, connect, and continue the engagement of student members at regional and/or international programs, activities, etc.
Celebrate our member institutions, their unions, and our volunteers
Attract former and new institutions to the region and Association

General

Plan thoughtfully and fiscally for the long-term success of the region, its programs, and scholarship longevity
Maximize participation in all recruited opportunities (volunteers, scholarships, awards)

Education

Provide educational programs for professionals and students that create meaningful and valuable takeaways to bring back to their own campus
Deliver a comprehensive calendar of educational events that spans the year, reaches the many different types of members, and crosses all core competencies of the Association in a purposeful and intentional way
Utilize different learning styles and formats in delivering educational offerings
Identify regional experts and experienced members for future and upcoming educational offerings

Transition/History

Ensure that we foster and embrace an ACUI family feel at all regional events
Transition all members into Region VII and identify meaningful experiences that will harbor a regional identity and connection to VII
Engage all regional members in the development of the Region VII story
Capture regional history and records for archival purposes with the intent to honor our past, present, and future

2024: West Chester, Pennsylvania
November 7-9, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, “__ Together”

2023: New Brunswick, New Jersey
November 9–11, Rutgers University–New Brunswick, “Charting Your Course”

2022: Binghamton, New York
Held November 3-5 at Binghamton University, “Ignite Your Why”

2021: Virtual and Washington, D.C.
November 18–19 and December 2–4, University of Maryland, College Park, and Georgetown University, “Advancing Campus Community”

2020: Virtual
November 11–13, “Leading Forward”

2019: Glassboro, New Jersey
November 14–16, Rowan University, “Expanding Our Limits”

2018: State College, Pennsylvania
November 1–3, Pennsylvania State University, “Pride in Our Roots”

2017: Baltimore
November 2-4, University of Maryland–Baltimore County, “Discover Your Anthem”

2016: Pittsburgh
November 11–13, University of Pittsburgh, “Navigating the Current”

2015: Philadelphia
November 12–15, Temple University, “Inspiration Everywhere”

2014: Buffalo, New York
November 6–8, University at Buffalo, “Ground Breaking: Our Journey Begins”

2024–Present
Chrissie Taylor, Rutgers University – Camden

2020-24
Anthony Otero, Rutgers University – New Brunswick

2018–20
Vincent Jackson, University of Delaware

2016–18
Neela Patel, Rutgers University – New Brunswick

2013–16
Michael Patterson, SUNY–New Paltz

Business Meeting

Regional Conference

The 2025 Regional Conference at Montclair State University has concluded, and we thank everyone who found their fit together with us! The 2026 Conference Planning Team will begin assembling soon to ensure our next Regional Conference is a success and will provide updates with more information as it becomes available.

Learn More

Awards and Scholarships

Congratulations to all of our deserving award winners and scholarship recipients from our 2025 Regional Conference. Learn more about our award winners or the scholarship process for the Annual Conference.

Learn MOre

Region VII Events

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Volunteer

Volunteer positions on the Regional Leadership Team and Conference Planning Team are currently open, please view the position descriptions below and click the apply now button to submit your application! The following positions are open through January 9.

Apply Now

Regional Conference Planning Team Member

Other Opportunities

The Episodic Volunteer Teams will compose of students, both undergraduate and graduate, as well as professionals. Led by the Regional Leadership Team coordinators, this is a regional volunteer position that has expectations but no official requirements regarding time or attendance. To join one of the teams below, please apply online. The corresponding Regional Leadership Team coordinator will review your application and be in contact regarding this volunteer opportunity.

The Awards and Scholarship Team is a committee of people who will be called upon in mid-October and May to review nominations and submissions for various regional award and scholarship opportunities. If selected, committee members review and provide feedback on submissions/nominations while avoiding personal conflicts of interest. This may be conducted via email and/or conference call.

Members of the Communications Team will:

Be given opportunities to help generate content for regional communication, including but not limited to newsletters, visual communication, and video production.
Volunteer to take on delegated tasks from the communications coordinator and/or web & social media coordinator.
Be asked to commit minimal time throughout the year based on their own availability and interest in graphic design, writing, photography, and editing.

Members of the Educational Program Team will:

participate in educational and online education programs that the region hosts.
volunteer to take on delegated tasks necessary to the successful execution of Region VII educational programming.
have opportunities to work with the inclusivity and online learning coordinators if they require assistance in their education programming.
participate in a monthly conference call led by the educational program coordinator to check in on progress and plans for upcoming programs, and to reflect on past programs.

Members of the Regional Conference Educational Session Review Committee will be called upon some time between late-July and September to review educational sessions submitted for Region VII’s regional conference. This committee should keep in mind ACUI Core Competencies, professional and student interests, and offer a variety of topics to our regional delegates.

Currently, Region VII is starting a new mentorship program for graduate students to help support them in their journey and looking for professionals to volunteer as mentors through a program we are calling OWLS: Opportunity for Wisdom, Learning, & Support. Weare still recruiting mentees and mentors and will begin matching folks toward the end of August. Our hope is that a relationship is formed leading up to the regional conference and we can have an official meet up there! Even if you are not able to make the conference our goal is for graduate students to feel connected to ACUI, learn information that they may not be privy to (such as scholarships, committees, and such), and ultimately feel supported along the way. If you are interested in serving as a mentor or participating as a mentee, please complete the respective forms below.

Mentors – Apply Here

Mentees – Apply Here

Educational Programs

he Grad & Grow Institute provides first and second-year graduate students with the chance to connect with peers and professionals while attending sessions designed to enhance their skills and effectiveness in their roles. We are currently confirming the location of our 2026 location so stay tuned for future updates!

Are you thinking about what’s next in your career? ACUI Region VII is proud to present The Next Steps Conference to help you take the next step in your professional journey. Designed specifically for mid-level higher education administrators and seasoned entry-level professionals with at least five years of experience, this one-day event will equip you with the tools to advance your career and enhance your leadership skills. Throughout the day, you’ll hear from a series of experts in senior leadership positions who will share their insights and experiences as guest speakers. Through engaging sessions and thought-provoking discussions, you’ll explore strategies for moving from mid-level to senior leadership roles, gain insights into fostering inclusive workplaces and equitable practices, and develop approaches for navigating institutional politics. You’ll also tackle ethical challenges unique to higher education, build your networking and mentorship skills, and create a personalized action plan for long-term professional and personal growth. Don’t miss this chance to connect with peers, learn from experienced leaders, and prepare for the next step in your career! We are currently confirming the location of our 2026 location so stay tuned for future updates!

Regional Leadership Team

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Chrissie Taylor
Rutgers University–Camden
chrissie.taylor@rutgers.edu

2025 REGIONAL CONFERENCE COORDINATOR

Serafina Genise
Rutgers University–New Brunswick
serafina.genise@rutgers.edu

2026 REGIONAL CONFERENCE COORDINATOR

Mustafa Sabuur
Rutgers University–Camden
mabdussa@monmouth.edu

BUSINESS MANAGER

Adam Burgman
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
adam.burgman@downstate.edu

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Zac Lomas
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
zl432@rutgers.edu

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Dominic Hannon
Daemen University
dhannon@daemen.edu

RECOGNITION COORDINATOR

Evan Weisberg
Fairleigh Dickinson University
e.weisberg@fdu.edu

Inclusivity Coordinator

Eddie Seavers
Ramapo College of New Jersey
eseavers@ramapo.edu

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

Antonio Talamo
Montclair State University
talamoa@montclair.edu

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

Sidra Habal
Montclair State University
habals@montclair.edu

MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR

Lawrence Owens
Rutgers University – New Brunswick
lo219@echo.rutgers.edu

MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR

Ryan Gillen
Rutgers University – New Brunswick
rpg77@echo.rutgers.edu

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT COORDINATOR

Vacant

STUDENT MEMBER

Allison Chacon-Perez
Montclair State University
chacona5@montclair.edu

STUDENT MEMBER

Sophia Parra
Rutgers University – New Brunswick
sp2700@echo.rutgers.edu

This position is accepting applications until January 9!

The Regional Conference Planning Team works to provide an inclusive, accessible, and affordable educational experience for members of the region. In this role, volunteers will strengthen their teamwork, communication, and innovation, all while setting the tone for members’ community experience at the event.

This regional planning position is ideal for those interested in collaborating to create experiences that engage members through events, research, fundraising, and other opportunities.

Reporting to the regional conference coordinator, for a one-year term, team members are expected to:

Ensure that the ACUI core competencies are seamlessly incorporated into all educational aspects of the conference.
Ensure that designated tracks and conference experiences are of the highest quality, and meet the needs, of all members of the ACUI regional community.
Seek educational programs that exhibit best practices in the profession, content experts who are forward thinking, and sessions that share new discoveries and create conversations on challenging issues in the field.
Enhance communication with ACUI communities of practice
Strengthen partnerships with ACUI corporate partners to increase sponsored program offerings and augment the exhibit hall experience.
Use technology to strengthen recruitment, communication, and the delivery of the conference program.
Attend and participate in all team planning meetings and conference calls as determined by the team throughout the year.
Register for and attend the regional conference.
Participate in regular conference calls with other regional counterparts as needed.
Act as a resource person for the region and campus organizations.
Inspire student involvement in the regional conference and other ACUI programs and services.
Provide information to help promote the activities, services, and events of the region through appropriate regional communications opportunities.
Adhere to the policies and procedures of the Association.

The makeup of the Regional Conference Planning Team will vary among regions, but note that all teams are expected to include: a team member to serve as the host coordinator, who is identified through site selection process; and a team member to lead the educational components of the conference, who is selected through the team application process.

All regions are seeking applications for this position.

The written application will ask you to:

Provide your name, institution, and contact information
Describe your relevant professional experience, ACUI volunteer experience, other professional/community volunteer experience, and/or educational background
Select which volunteer opportunities you are interested in
Upload a signed Institutional Support Form [pdf], as this position requires travel, financial support to register for event(s), and/or significant out-of-office time

Note: The application process is updated this year through our new membership platform—which means applications can autofill with your profile information, be saved as pending for edits until you officially submit, and be stored for your future access. In order to submit an application, you will need to create an account login, if you don’t already have one.

To discuss volunteering with your institution to ensure that they are supportive of your involvement, download these About Volunteer with ACUI talking points [pdf] to share additional information about what it means to be a volunteer.

A screening committee made up of the volunteer team leader, the regional membership experience coordinator, and other related volunteers will review applications, interview candidates, and make recommendations for selections.

At the time of application, individuals must have: employment at a higher education institution; institutional or individual membership; a signed institutional support form; and a commitment to fulfilling the duties of the position for the length of the term. Student applicants must be a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student who is not a full-time employee at the institution; involved in a college union/student activities department; not set to graduate the upcoming May or August; and committed to fulfilling the duties of the position for the length of the term.

Applicants must also demonstrate an understanding of ACUI’s vision, core values, and core competencies, as well as the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

Regional planning volunteer positions require a commitment of one year. While projects vary by season and role, over the course of the term, volunteers should anticipate approximately four hours of conference call and project work per month.