It’s Finally 2021
By Mark Zeno, OCPA President/Assistant Dean of Students at Heidelberg University
It’s finally 2021. Though many institutions are waiting to hear what is happening with COVID-19 protocols and other measures to keep students safe, we made it through one full semester learning to adapt to changes quickly to provide our students a valuable educational experience. The spring semester also brings many new challenges to our campuses, including new students possibly returning to in-person classes (or not) and the hopes that all athletics will start/continue this academic year. Such challenges define us in our professional roles, as we continue to serve our students and identify ways to live out our missions.
The OCPA annual conference is on January 30th to the 31st and I am looking forward to virtually seeing so many colleagues that I haven’t seen since last year. The committee has been working diligently to test the virtual environment to make this event successful. If you didn’t know, this year’s conference is free as long as you are a paid member of OCPA. Thanks to our sponsors and vendors, we are able to offer this benefit to our membership. So, if you haven’t been able to participate in professional development opportunities this academic year, this would be one opportunity that is financially viable.
Also look for some additional professional development opportunities being offered through OCPA’s PDI committee. We welcome your ideas on best practices, new research and processes, and other learning opportunities to keep us viable in this unstable environment. Please feel free to share your ideas with us.
I hope your winter break was relaxing and rejuvenating. I again look forward to seeing so many of you at the annual conference and other OCPA initiatives spring.
Sincerely,
Mark ZenoÔÇ»
OCPAÔÇ»President 2020-2021ÔÇ»