About the Committee
Committee Charge
The Professional Development Committee (PDC) provides opportunities for staff within the Division of Student Affairs to grow and develop in their professions. The PDC includes three subcommittees: Professional Learning & Development, Staff Appreciation & Service, and Awards & Recognition.
Subcommittees
The Professional Learning & Development Subcommittee provides staff with opportunities to learn about the student affairs profession, to develop new skills and to expand their professional network. The subcommittee also assists Student Affairs staff who would like to share original presentations or workshops with colleagues.
Staff may submit a presentation interest form for PDC consideration. Presentations must be one to two hours. Learning outcomes must be clearly stated, and the presentation topic must connect to the mission and vision of the division.
The Staff Appreciation & Service Subcommittee provides opportunities for staff to make connections across units in a fun and supportive environment. These opportunities include staff appreciation events and programs, along with on- and off-campus service projects that support the campus and community.
The Awards & Recognition Subcommittee honors outstanding staff, formally and informally, throughout the year. The group acknowledges everyday excellence as part of its Out of this World recognition program. It also manages the annual STAR Award program and assists in the review process for the Student Affairs Staff Member of the Year Award.
Membership
The PDC comprises 15 staff members from the Division of Student Affairs. Any benefits-eligible staff member who has been employed in the division for at least six months may apply for committee membership.
- Members shall serve one-year terms, Sept. 1 to Aug. 30.
- The committee chair shall be selected by a majority of the committee and shall serve a one-year term, Sept. 1 to Aug. 30.
- Each subcommittee consists of five members, one of whom shall serve as subcommittee chair for the year. The chair shall be selected by a majority of the subcommittee.
- The PDC chair and subcommittee chairs may serve multiple and consecutive terms.
- There is no limit to the number of terms committee members may serve.
Expectations
Members should anticipate committing approximately five hours each month in service to the PDC. This includes participating in the monthly committee meeting and a monthly meeting of their assigned subcommittee. Other duties may vary based on subcommittee assignment. Members are expected to attend and support all PDC events and programs.
Members may be removed for failure to perform their duties or for deficient attendance at committee and subcommittee meetings. Members will be removed following two consecutive unexcused absences or four absences in a single year. Only the PDC chair may excuse an absence.
Officers
The PDC chair shall facilitate monthly committee meetings and prepare an agenda in consultation with administrative staff. The chair shall serve as a liaison to the senior associate vice president while supporting subcommittee chairs to ensure the successful delivery of PDC activities and programs.
Subcommittee chairs shall facilitate a monthly meeting of their subcommittee and provide monthly updates to the PDC. In collaboration with members, subcommittee chairs shall plan, schedule and facilitate activities and programs that correspond with their subcommittee charge.
Senior Associate Vice President’s Office
The senior associate vice president for student affairs (Sr. AVP) is designated as the ex-officio responsible university official for the PDC. The office of the Sr. AVP shall exercise budgetary oversight, maintain records of committee activities and minutes, and assume responsibility for ensuring consistency of all associated PDC messaging and marketing efforts.
Committee Members
| Name | Position Title | Department | Subcommittee Assignment | Term Expires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Carrillo Johnson | Housing Administration Coordinator | Residential Life | Professional Learning & Development | 5/26/2024 |
| Tina Gasnarez | Administrative Assistant II | Student Affairs Office | Awards & Recognition Subcommittee, Chair | 12/24/2024 |
| Andrew Helgeson | Assistant Director | Student Union | Staff Appreciation & Service | 12/24/2024 |
| Julia Juarez | Administrative Assistant I | Student Union | Staff Appreciation & Service Subcommittee, Chair | 12/24/2024 |
| Lisa Koontz | Assistant Director | Residential Life | Awards & Recognition | 12/24/2024 |
| Daniel Long | Associate Dean of Student Success and Transition Initiatives | Dean of Students | Professional Learning & Development Subcommittee, Chair | 12/24/2024 |
| Victoria Nord | Residential Life Coordinator | University Housing | Professional Learning & Development | 5/26/2024 |
| McKensie Piar | Administrative Assistant II | Military and Veteran Center | Staff Appreciation & Service | 12/24/2024 |
| Anthony Powe | Residential Life Coordinator | Residential Life | Awards & Recognition | 12/24/2024 |
| Carolina Reyes | Administrative Assistant II | Dean of Students | Awards & Recognition | 12/24/2024 |
| Christina Schwiderski | Associate Director | Residential Life | Professional Learning & Development | 5/26/2024 |
| Lorna Sylvestre | Conduct Specialist | Office of Community Standards and Conduct | Staff Appreciation & Service | 5/26/2024 |
| Chad Thomas | Senior Associate VP of Student Affairs | Student Affairs Office | Ex-Officio Responsible University Official for the PDC | 5/26/2024 |
| Allison Wuensch | Assistant Director, Recreational Sports | University Recreation | Awards & Recognition | 12/24/2024 |