Dear Colleagues:

On behalf of the Executive Board, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of our current and new members to the 2003 Student Development Commission. 

We have a great deal of work ahead of us this year, but with your energy and enthusiasm, we can meet the challenges and opportunities that await us. We continue to be a commission that promotes communication among its members, and provides opportunities to network and share ideas through professional development. We strive to be a commission “on the move.”

Last year the commission board established our two-year goals for 2002-2003 and I am proud to say that we have made progress in all areas. Some of the goals that were established are as follows:

• To increase membership in the Commission by fostering involvement with FACC, local Chapters, and Regions.
   
• To mobilize members to increase their involvement in initiatives that impact student development.
   
• To provide professional development activities relevant to the responsibilities of each Commission member.
   
• To seek expansion of educational opportunities for the professional development of each Commission member.
   
• To provide and publicize Commission awards.
   
• To develop ties and professional relationships with all key policy makers.
   
• To increase participation in the annual FACC meetings, Region Workshops, and Commission meetings.

The theme for this year’s Spring Conference is “Student Development: Discover a Treasure of Opportunities.” We have so much to offer our own commission members, the students we serve, and other FACC members statewide. We continue to be a commission that others strive to emulate. Through the dedication and hard work of my fellow student development practitioners, we are a step closer to achieving all of our goals and ensuring that our commission continues to be a strong one! 

Please join me in continuing the tradition of the Student Development Commission to provide the foundation for professional and personal development, actively involve members in carrying out the purposes of the Student Personnel philosophy of enhancing student development, and helping establish a stronger voice for FACC in Tallahassee. I look forward to seeing all of you at this year’s Spring Conference in Tampa!

Laurie Ragsdale
Chair, 2003 FACC Student Development Commission