The ASCO Student Affairs Officers (SAOs) met at the University of Missouri at St. Louis (UMSL) College of Optometry on June 17-18. They discussed a variety of issues, including ASCO’s new public awareness campaign, "Optometry Gives Me Life"; OptomCAS; and the use of the GRE in the admissions process. Additional discussions consisted of topics surrounding diversity in the admissions process, faculty and student mentorship programs, strategies to get alumni involved in promoting optometry and methods for addressing the mental health of students. Two sessions were facilitated by Rita Frumento Damari, who is a wellness coach at the Emotional Literacy Lab. Her sessions focused on cultivating a mindfulness practice and the art of communication. The SAOs also enjoyed an evening reception at Three-Sixty in downtown St. Louis.
For more information about the Student Affairs Officers or the meeting, please contact Paige Pence, ASCO Director of Student and Residency Affairs, at ppence@opted.org.