HESA 102

As I've gone through my first few months of grad school, I've picked up on a few new acronyms (seriously, the HESA world loves acronyms) that I've noticed myself throwing around both on my blog and vlog, and sometimes I forget that not everyone knows what the hell I'm talking about most of the time. I figured it was time for another edition of the HESA Dictionary, so maybe all of you lovely readers & viewers won't be so confused!

Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) 102

Programming Board: This is a student-run organization that plans and executes on- and off-campus events for students and university community members.

PC: Program Committee. This is the programming board I help advise at BSU. It's a major part of my GA!

SGA: Student Government Association. This is the student-run organization which represents the student body of a college or university. They're essentially the voice of the students that is linked to the administration of the institution.

FSL: Fraternity and Sorority Life. This is also run out of the office that I work at for my GA.

Orientation: This is a program that happens several times a year (usually June, August, and January) that welcomes new students (both first year and transfers) to campus. They get the opportunity to meet with faculty, take a tour of campus, register for classes, and be familiarized with on-campus resources.

OL: Orientation Leader. These are the current students that are in charge of getting new students familiar with campus. An OL position is an advanced leadership role on campus. I was an OL during the summer of 2010, and it was my first real glimpse into the student affairs world!

NACA: National Association for Campus Activities. This is the national organization for those in the field of Campus Activities. I went to the Regional Conference back in November, and I attended the National Convention this past weekend! I'm also looking into taking an internship with this organization at some point this year.

ACPA: College Student Educators International (Previously known as American College Personnel Association. Confusing, I know, but I guess they just never changed their acronym). This is an association for student affairs professionals in every branch of the field. I will be attending their National Convention in Indianapolis at the end of March!

NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (Previously known as National Associations for Student Affairs Personnel. Same situation as ACPA). This is also a national organization for student affairs professionals. There's no real distinct difference between ACPA and NASPA.

I hope this new addition of the HESA Dictionary cleared up a few of the things I yammer on about on this blog & in my vlogs. Make sure you check out HESA 101 for some more HigherEd definitions!