Happy 127th birthday to WSU!

From the Chair

Estimados Coleagas,

Where has the time gone? It does not look like that long ago when I was stepping into this role. Just when I was getting the hang of being chair, in less than a month we will be selecting new APAC leadership. The beauty of working on a team like APAC is that the organization will be we have opportunity to infuse itself with new ideas and a vibrant new council membership. Anyway, enough of getting nostalgic. More musings about my experiences being chair for later. Today, I just want to remind you of some key involvement opportunities you cannot let pass away:

  • We are still taking applications for new APAC council members. If you are considering becoming involved, this is an excellent way to do it. I applied 6 years ago and never in my life imagined I would become chair. A little leap of faith brought where I am today. Don’t let this opportunity pass!
  • The AP Contribution Award is a great way to recognize the job of your fellow APs. Day in and day out, APs throughout the system give it their best to push the organization to new heights. New this year, we are offering a $1,000 cash price thanks to President Schulz. Don’t let this opportunity to make someone’s work pass unnoticed!
  • As result of the APAC forums we conducted this year throughout WSU, we will be hosting a professional development opportunity open to all WSU employees. On Wednesday, April 19th, Kevin Parker, former House Representative from Spokane, will present on “Leading Effective Teams.” The seminar will be at the CUB Junior Ballroom from 8:30am-10:30am.

This is all I have for today’s message. I promise I will write a much more entertaining next time! Keep up the good work!

Vamos Cougs,
Ray Acuña-Luna, Chair

Monthly APAC Meetings

Thank you to all who attended the March APAC meeting. The featured speaker for the meeting was Lynn Valenter, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations at WSU Vancouver. Lynn presented on how to run effective meetings and gave everyone great insight on the dos and don’ts when having a meeting.

The AP council encourages other AP employees to attend the monthly meetings either in person in Lighty 405 or by video conference at other campus locations. Our next meeting is April 13, and the presentation is “Digital Measures Update” by Craig Parks, Vice Provost.

Regular APAC meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Meetings are broadcast via AMS. Can’t attend the meeting in person? Call in on the phone bridge at 509-335-9445, meeting ID is 02722. All meetings will be held in Lighty 405.

Administrative Professional Contribution Award

Nominations are open for the 2017 Administrative Professional Contribution Award until April 7. Each year, APAC recognizes an Administrative Professional employee’s exceptional contribution to WSU and their area or unit with this award. New this year, a $1,000 award will be presented to each winner, sponsored by President Schulz.

To nominate an outstanding AP, visit https://apac.wsu.edu/awards-and-grants/

Professional Development Mini-Grants

Professional development is highly valued by Washington State University and is supported by the President and Provost’s offices. Each year a maximum of $3,000 in professional development grants is awarded by APAC to WSU Administrative Professionals, up to $250 per grant. Applications are being accepted now until April 30th. Please visit https://apac.wsu.edu/awards-and-grants/ for more information.

Meet and Greet with WSU’s Newest Vice Presidents

President Kirk Schulz invites the WSU community to meet our newest vice presidents:

Mary Jo Gonzales, Vice President, Student Affairs
Stacy Pearson, Vice President, Finance and Administration
Phil Weiler, Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Monday, April 10, 2017 from 5:30-7:00pm in the CUB Junior Ballroom, Room 212.

Beverages and light refreshments will be served.

Professional Development Seminar

APAC is pleased to sponsor Kevin Parker, former Washington State Representative and adjunct faculty with Whitworth and Gonzaga University MBA Programs to speak to all WSU faculty and staff on “Leading Effective Teams.”

Wednesday, April 19, 2017 from 8:30 – 10:30am in the CUB Junior ballroom.

To register for this free seminar please RSVP to APAC by April 12th.

AMS Sites Scheduled: Everett, Puyallup, Spokane, Tri-Cities and Vancouver.

For WSU staff outside of Pullman, APAC will provide a partial travel award for staff who would like to participate in person. Travel awards will be given to the first 20 people who apply and capped at $100 per person. You must send your RSVP and indicate your desire for the travel award by April 7th.