Three reasons to bring technology into the laundry room (and one reason to keep it simple). Technology continues to change nearly every aspect of being a student, and the routine task of using on-campus laundry rooms is no exception. New machines have been engineered to make doing laundry more pleasant and less time-consuming for both students and facility managers. Here are three benefits of bringing the latest laundry technologies to campus – and one reason to not overdo it. Learn more
Annual conference breaking news. NACAS is pleased to announce that Eric Monday, executive vice president for finance and administration, University of Kentucky, and Tim Moore, director of student involvement and the Student Activity Center, University of Louisville, will be featured speakers during the Emerging Professionals Program at the 2015 NACAS Annual Conference. Learn more
Register for the 2015 NACAS Annual Conference. We are the business of higher education: bookstores, dining halls, campus card systems, housing, and more. This is the conference where our professional peers gather from around the world, where over 180 companies share tomorrow's solutions, and where new inspiration and ideas are discovered in over 100 educational sessions. Register today

Make sure you exhibit in San Antonio.
The NACAS Annual Conference is where institutions and business partners work together to find solutions. It's not just an exhibit hall, it's a Business Solutions Center. Whether you are showcasing a product and service, or you are looking for new ideas for your campus, this is where the higher education industry moves forward. So join the more than 700 institutions and 200 business partners who are gathered to make our industry a better place. Network with key decision-makers, attend cutting-edge educational sessions, and enjoy the rich San Antonio culture! Reserve your booth

 

2015 NACAS Central Regional Conference
June 14 – 17, Indianapolis, IN
Come early, stay late! There is never a lack of things to do in Indy. Hit the stores or clubs, play sports or watch the pros do it, admire art, or take a walk in the wild. Experience a 250-acre urban park that includes a scenic canal with gondola rides, or dine at one of the over 200 restaurants conveniently located within walking distance of most of the downtown hotels. Learn more

Webinar: Lifting NACAS presentations to new heights
June 30, 3:00 p.m. ET
Ever wondered how to hold your audience's attention while delivering on key outcomes that you promised? This webinar is designed to show you how a few small changes to the way you prepare for a presentation can make a huge difference in what your audience learns and how they engage with you. Learn more

Webinar: Elevating campus dining: Growth and transformation
July 7, 3:00 p.m. ET
This session includes an overview of the comprehensive research and systematic study involved in developing a master plan for dining that complements the mission and vision of the university, campus partner coordination to execute rapid growth, and finally a virtual tour of the newly renovated and constructed facilities. Learn more

Webinar: Fee-based course material implementation challenges
July 14, 3:00 p.m. ET
Fee-based course material programs allow faculty to teach on day one and can improve commissions through auxiliary services. However, the implementation process requires administrative will and a commitment to success. This session includes an overview of two fee-based course material programs with time allocated for questions from the audience. Learn more

Webinar: Community crisis! Are you prepared?
July 23, 2:00 p.m. ET
Baltimore recently experienced civil unrest that altered service schedules in food service, bookstore, and transportation. Colleges were also responsible for student, employee safety, and compliance with curfew law. Are you prepared? Presenters were key personnel in responding to issues for their campuses. They will discuss the impact and lessons learned. Learn more

Senior Executive Institute
July 29 - 31, Chicago, IL
The NACAS Senior Executive Institute (SEI) is designed for highly experienced auxiliary leaders who seek to optimize their performance and the performance of their team. SEI is an intensive learning experience incorporating small group seminars and group presentations. During this time, executives will be networking with colleagues who are experiencing similar challenges and opportunities in the auxiliary services field. Learn more

Webinar: Acquiring & managing actionable customer feedback
August 11, 3:00 p.m. ET
This session will provide examples of successful feedback strategies and technologies used by top schools. Participants will learn how auxiliary services can increase the amount of actionable student feedback. We will share insights that we collected from interviewing over 200 students, food service directors, and auxiliary professionals. Learn more

On The Road: Virginia Commonwealth University
Oct. 16, Richmond, VA
VCU Business Services invites you to NACAS East’s On the Road presentation "We serve Rams!: A glimpse into VCU’s award-winning services." The visit will highlight VCU’s facilities and the critical success factors that keep business services relevant at an urban university. While on campus, the VCU Business Services team will provide an overview of marketing and promotions, business operations, outreach/advocacy, and value-added services for its dining and technology store, RamTech. Your visit to VCU will include a presentation, a driving and walking tour of the Business Services locations, and lunch at Shafer Court Dining Center. Learn more

 

Welcome to our new members!
Barry University
Carl Sandburg College
Centenary College of Louisiana
Colgate University
College of Lake County
Dartmouth College
Dominican College
Framingham State University
Gonzaga University
Interdenominational Theological Center
Oklahoma City University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Seattle Central College
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Texas Wesleyan University
The College of New Jersey
University of Missouri - St. Louis
University of Rhode Island
University of South Alabama
Western Illinois University
York University

Take the Past President Challenge!
Regional and national past presidents are the backbone of our Association. Their commitment of service and dedication to our Association have been a critical part of our success. In order to encourage their further participation and financial support, the NACAS Education Foundation is proud to announce the Past President Challenge!

Any donation to the NACAS Education Foundation from a national or regional past president will be counted toward that individual's region's participation number.

The NACAS Education Foundation provides financial support in many ways to ensure the continuity of NACAS. The Foundation has funded the work of the Certification Commission, the Certified Auxiliary Service Professional (CASP) certification, as well as annual support of other programs, awards, and scholarships.

Your donations are an investment—not just in the success of the Foundation, but the success of the auxiliary services industry as well! Learn more

Support your Association. Volunteer!
As a volunteer association, NACAS relies heavily on individuals like you to serve in key leadership positions. Your expertise ensures that NACAS provides its members with the support they need to be successful. Find the volunteer opportunity that best suits your schedule and provides the professional growth you are seeking! Learn more and volunteer

• Join a standing Committee
• Serve on a Regional or National Board
• Volunteer at the Annual Conference
• Volunteer at your Regional Conference
• Submit an article for publication in College Services

Honor the best and brightest.
On your campus, you and your colleagues work hard to break new ground, implement innovation, and achieve success. Now it is time to honor these achievements by nominating yourself or someone you know for a NACAS award. Your nominations make our community a better place and ensure excellence is promoted. Submit your nominations by the awards deadline of July 1, 2015. Learn more and nominate

 

How Biometrics is Revolutionizing Security
David Stallsmith, director of product management for ColorID, discusses the security benefits to using biometrics on campus in contrast to card services and other traditional methods of identity verification. Watch the video

Have you used NACAS tv?
Take advantage of our new video platform, NACAS tv. Accessible from any device, NACAS tv is your latest source for webcasts of NACAS events, features on industry best practices, and other programming related to professional development. Accelerate your professional and personal development today, and stay at the forefront of the college auxiliary services industry with NACAS tv. It’s just a click away with NACAS tv!

 

Book your hotel room. Set along the spectacular River Walk, Grand Hyatt San Antonio is steps from the convention center, trendy downtown bars, hot clubs, Zagat-rated restaurants, and all the sites and attractions that make San Antonio one of the most culturally rich cities in the country. Have an unforgettable conference experience enhanced by the exceptional touches and personalized services that define Grand Hyatt San Antonio. Book your room today! Learn more
An award-winning golf course. Don't miss the Robert "Bob" DeMoss Golf Tournament! Tee off at the La Cantera Golf Course, an award-winning course nestled between Six Flags Fiesta Texas and premier shopping at The Shops at La Cantera. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Hill Country and downtown San Antonio from one of the highest points in the area. Don't miss this opportunity to have fun, network, and support the NACAS Education Foundation. Learn more
Pre-conference events. This year NACAS is expanding its Saturday, October 31, pre-conference events to include something for everyone. We encourage you to arrive early in San Antonio! Events include the CASP Prep Course, the Emerging Professionals Program, and the Senior Management Program. Pre-registration is required for all pre-conference events. Learn more

 

In October 2014, Georgia College opened the doors to Innovation Station, a campus technology store. The retail location represented a brave new venture for auxiliary services and the Department of Information Technology at Georgia College.

The 2,415-square-foot store sells PC and Mac computers, tablets, gaming devices, and assorted tech accessories such as cables, headphones, and even drone cameras. In addition to the technology sales, Innovation Station hosts a high-tech demonstration room and houses Serve, the school’s IT support office for students, faculty, and staff.

Innovation Station brings a long-held dream into reality for multiple parties at Georgia College. Previous technology store efforts had been made individually by auxiliary services and the Department of Information Technology, but the retail demand of the campus didn’t sufficiently support the store. By developing a partnership between IT and auxiliary services, Georgia College was able to develop a solid business plan for the venture. A key point of this business plan is funneling institutional sales through Innovation Station; allowing the store to meet sales quotas and keep the store profitable.

Key stakeholders including the president, provost, CIO, and assistant vice president for auxiliary services and SGA president started the research process by visiting the headquarters of Dell in Round Rock, Texas, and Apple in Curpertino, California. Both Dell and Apple partners were able to collaborate with university representatives to design the framework for a successful retail location.

Store manager Charles Cruey was charged with the task of opening the store and operating the venue from day one. Cruey sat for a Q&A session to share the challenges and successes of this process.

 

A certification designed for you.
Did you know that CASP is the only certification designed for all areas of auxiliary services? Here are just a few of the areas where the more than 140 CASPs currently work: Art galleries, bookstores, bowling and billiards operations, card services, dining services, events and conferences, housing, information services, marketing and communications, mail centers, parking, physical security, ticket services, transportation, and many more. What do all of these individuals have in common? They've demonstrated that they have aptitude and expertise as auxiliary services professionals and a desire to achieve greater things in their career. Learn more

Sit for CASP at the annual conference.
Are you coming to the 2015 NACAS Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas? Make sure that you can sit for the CASP exam while there! Apply by Oct. 5, 2015, to secure your place. Learn more

Start preparing for recertification!
After you take and pass the certification exam, you are a CASP for four years. To renew your CASP status, you must meet the CASP recertification requirements. Recertification requires four actions: submit your professional development plan, obtain activity credits, submit recertification application, and pay the recertification application fee. Learn more