Greetings CCAPS,

It is with a deep sense of appreciation and excitement that I write my first letter to you as Chair of the Commission for Counseling and Psychological Services. I am grateful to Dr. Chanda Corbett, Past Chair, and the many other Chairs, Directorate members and other CCAPS members who have preceded me and established a strong foundation for our organization. We also have an amazing group of current CCAPS talent and energy which will strengthen our organization and our national contribution to the field of mental health.

What an exciting time to be involved in college mental health! In many ways, it seems our profession has never been in greater demand or in the campus spotlight in more ways---whether that be through innovative outreach, crisis management, policy formation, consultation or a host of other ways. This is even more reason for college mental health to continue to be strongly represented in a possible consolidation between ACPA and NASPA. So---here comes the part where the new Chair outlines some emerging goals and ideas for the next 2 years…. so, the following goals are based on a previous CCAPS task force report, others’ input and a sprinkling of yours truly’s ideas….

• Strengthen CCAPS membership. One of the biggest “draws” to CCAPS are the relationships—often lifetime—that develop here! We are simply the friendliest, most connecting, talented, inclusive, creative and fun group of mental health professionals. We need to get the word out better about that! Goals include: better articulating the various ways that people can get involved in CCAPS; increasing the numbers involved in CCAPS Directorate elections; increasing ways for committee chairs and committees to connect and communicate between conferences; and restructuring CCAPS conference meetings to better foster relationship building while also streamlining business agenda.
   
• Increase our “national voice”. Goals include: exploring the idea of position papers and/or other ACPA publications and utilizing our interface more intentionally with HEMHA.
   
• Celebrate our 50th anniversary! Goals include: involving the CCAPS 50th Anniversary Planning Committee & larger CCAPS community in developing a CCAPS written history and accompanying video, convention program panel and CCAPS convention social.
   
• Explore idea of CCAPS sponsoring a Diamond Honoree
   
• Maximizing the power of our CCAPS website. Goals include: keeping our website updated, revising and adding content, considering Facebook/blog
   

Throughout my tenure as Chair, please feel welcome to contact me anytime with questions, comments and/or input!

Jane M. Bost, Ph.D.
CCAPS Chair 2010-2012
 

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