Focus group on the Future of WACUHO Affiliation with ACUHO-IDEB SCHMIDT-ROGERS, ACUHO-I REPRESENTATIVE

STEPHEN FLEISCHER, WACUHO PRESIDENT

WITH THANKS TO SANDI SCOTT-DEUX FOR HER INITIAL PRESENTATION AND PPT

What is the current relationship between WACUHO and ACUHO-I?

Goals

Share emerging conversation of future affiliation model among ACUHO-I and regional associations (WACUHO).

To begin questioning and discussion among WACUHO members regarding affiliation models as a means to focus and direct the WACUHO/ACUHO-I affiliation model.

ACE 2015

In his speech at ACE 2015, President Tom Ellett raised the following question: “What if our regional affiliates were part of ACUHO-I in a more formal

way? What would that look like? We are the only national student affairs professional association that does not have a formal relationship with our regions.

Ten minute chats with Tom Ellett have indicated that more than half of the individuals he has talked with believe that a formal relationship already exists and that ACUHO-I is the “parent” association and the regions are the “children” of ACUHO-I

WACUHO Current Model

All regions are “stand alone” associations. WACUHO independent 5013c

All regions have affiliation agreement with ACUHO-I $1000 each “Best of” and “New Pro” reimbursement for ACE attendance

Regional Presidents meet with ACUHO-I quarterly to discuss “universal issues”

Pre Ace regional meeting (one night lodging for president)

Connection with all publications

Appoint representative to ACUHO I Foundation board

WACUHO financially independent Control of operating budget, membership, policy and reserves

Strong connection within organization

Varied level of membership with ACUHO-I

Rising costs of supporting association (insurance, technology)

ASSOCIATION MODELS

NASPA13,000 members, 50 states, 25 countries, 8 U.S. territories, 8 regions

Institutional and Individual Memberships (If institution is a member, reduced rate for individual members at that institution)

If member of NASPA, automatically member of the NASPA regional

Each region has a representative on the NASPA Board of Directors

AHEAD2800 members, 10 countries, 30 Regional Affiliates and formal partnerships with other professional organizations

Regions, states, professional organizations can become Affiliates by filing for formal affiliation and paying a $50 membership fee. BOD approve application.

Affiliates must appoint a member of their governing board, who is also an active member of AHEAD, as a liaison rep to AHEAD. Designate one individual to attend the national conference and represent at an Affiliate meeting.

Affiliates receive formal recognition and promotion of the Affiliate with a world wide web presence, assistance and consultation on tax reporting, finances, event management, etc; promotion of events, opportunity to apply for financial resources, reasonable level of legal review of official written documents

NODAU.S. and Canada, Individual Memberships, 9 regions

Member of NODA, automatic member of the region

One Regional Coordinator, application process, appointed to the Board for a period of two years; full voting rights

ASSOCIATION MODELS

ACU-IInstitutional and individual memberships; institutional membership allows for discounts on professional development events, etc. Faculty and students receive free membership

Recently went through a restructuring of their regional structure to answer the following question, “What is the most effective and efficient way to deliver regional programs and services to the Association’s members?”

Regions have always been a part of ACU-I.

Restructuring reduced the number of regions from 15 to 9, including a complete redo of all financial accounts for the regions.

ACPA7500 members; 1200 institutions

State Divisions – currently in state of transition

Previously chapter application and affiliation agreement

IRS audits in New York indicated concern with use of ACPA tax exempt status for New York CPA

States that do not have 501(c)(3) status impacted

ACPA required to revisit state relationships

ASSOCIATION CURRENTLY CONSIDERING CHANGE

ACU-IRegional Audit Task Force

Recommendations to Executive Board

Regional Restructuring Task Force

Authority to implement changes

Assessment and Feedback Opportunities

Takeaways from process

Important to appoint individuals to chair the process who do not have preconceived notions about outcome

Important to appoint members with varying perspectives

ACPAThree options

Internal Chapter – not separately incorporate, Chapter members be full members of ACPA who receive special discount for dual-membership; ACPA maintain web presence for each Internal Chapter, discounted rates for conference. Two percent serve charge on gross income for their operational year and requirement to operate on a calendar fiscal year.

External Chapter – Separately incorporate and Chapter members must be full ACPA members who receive special discount for dual-membership. ACPA to reimburse up to $400 for each Chapter that elects External Chapter and all membership fees will be paid to ACPA. External chapters will be encouraged, but not required to use a calendar fiscal year.

Unaffiliated – States that do not elect to be internal or external

CSPAInternal Chapter – January 2015

Low financial assets, small leadership team (no 5013c)No CSPA individual memberships, must be ACPA and receive 25% discount on qualifying rateCSPA pay 2% of gross income to ACPA, manage membership, financesACPA absorb credit card fees associated with duesPromote eachothers activities, CSPA use ACPA trademarkACPA provide web presence.

Slide added by Fleischer, March 2015

Considerations for ACUHO-I

Major transition period for the Association and the home office Executive Director transition

Adoption of a new strategic plan

Perception that formalized relationship already exists

Varying regional models including organizational structures, membership rates and structures, program array, etc.

Potential legal questions raised from the ACPA affiliation IRS review and audit and concerns about implications for regions with 501(c)(3)status

Where to go from here?

“Big” discussion with long-term implications

Emerge as primary goal in the Association strategic plan

Structure question, charge, task and process in such a way that key stakeholders are represented (regions, central office, executive board, ACUHO-I members, comparable professional association)

Consider use of external consultant to facilitate and guide the exploration process

Take time to thoroughly offer opportunities for engagement by stakeholders in key milestones in the discussion process

Recommendation: Regional Affiliates Director should not chair this process, but should serve in an ex-officio role.

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