Education and Research Fund
Show pride in the profession and support campus community builders to continue to receive professional development and access valuable membership resources into our future.
Request Funding to Continue Your Engagement
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, funding is available to support those whose institutional funds have been lessened due to the impact of the pandemic to continue to access important resources and professional development through the Financial Assistance Fund and the new Conference Lodging Assistance program. To date, the Financial Assistance Fund has allowed 17 campuses to renew their institutional membership and 43 individuals to participate in professional development programs.
Financial Assistance Fund
Submit funding requests to support membership renewals and registration fees to regional conferences, virtual seminars, ACUI courses, and the 2022 Annual Conference. Requests are reviewed on a monthly basis.
Conference Lodging Assistance
To support access to the educational experiences at the 2022 Annual Conference, the Education and Research Fund is pleased to provide funding for lodging expenses at the Sheraton Grand Chicago.
2022 Annual Conference
Innovative plans are being developed for campus community builders to exchange resources, find inspiration, and learn valuable information to improve practice. Stay tuned as conference details are announced.
Help Sustain Campus Community
ACUI announced any gifts made through 2021 will go to the new Financial Assistance Fund,
supporting students and professionals affected by the pandemic and helping to sustain campus community for the next 100 years.
Given the financial pressures higher education is facing, we are committed to ensuring campus community builders can continue
to receive professional development and network with leaders to advance student success.
Link your personal and/or department Amazon accounts to ACUI through AmazonSmile—online and through the mobile app—and a portion of all of your purchases will benefit the Association.
Jennifer Keegin,
Binghamton University
"If a colleague hadn't reached out to me as a new professional in a new role and encouraged me to apply for a Regional Leadership Team position—my professional life would have been very different. I donate and give back to ACUI because the organization and its members have enriched and enhanced my life in so many ways. Over the years I have gained invaluable skills through volunteering—many of which I did not have a chance to learn through my roles on campus. From conference planning to leading communities of practice to serving on the Board of Trustees, I have learned about myself and have gained lifelong friends. Giving back to the organization that has given me so much is a no-brainer. "
Amy Livchak,
Ohio State University–Lima
"My ACUI journey started with the 2019 Annual Conference. Within the year of attending the conference, I displayed confidence and developed new programming initiatives noticed by others. When 2020 rolled around, sadly, the administration halted spending on our campus. I quickly submitted my request for assistance and received funds to continue membership. I feel ACUI members and staff give that extra touch to make new members feel welcomed and encouraged to make connections. As an office of one who wears many hats and is underfunded, this membership is not something that I take for granted. I cannot imagine navigating 2020 without ACUI."
Eddie Seavers,
Ramapo College
"With an indication that there would be no funds for professional development at Ramapo College, we knew that the dues for ACUI would be out of reach for us—until ACUI announced the Financial Assistance Fund. Since applying and receiving funds to cover most of our yearly dues, we have benefitted from the daily community emails, multiple webinars, and ACUI together. We have student and staff interest in the regional conference and were thrilled to discover how affordable the Annual Conference would be this year and how many of our colleagues would be able to benefit. In a year of challenges, the ACUI Financial Assistance Fund helped solve one in a big way."
Thank You!
Thanks to the generosity of nearly 400 donors, a total of $71,960 was raised in 2020 to support positive change in the lives of the college union profession through research, education, and scholarships. In 2020, the Education and Research Fund:
- Launched the new Legacy Leader Award initiative to celebrate those recognized by their colleagues for their extraordinary service to the field.
- Presented over $10,000 in awards, scholarships, and grants to support professional development and research.
- Engaged the highest number of individuals ever during the 2020 Day of Giving, with 192 unique contributors.
- Created the Financial Assistance Fund to enable those whose institutional funds are lessened due to the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to access needed resources, which to date has allowed 17 campuses to renew their institutional membership and 43 individuals to participate in professional development programs.
The Education and Research Fund giving levels are established to represent lifetime cumulative giving. With nearly 700 giving society members, congratulations to the 141 of those who were inducted to a new giving level in 2020.
Impact of Gifts
Given the financial pressures higher education is facing as a result of the pandemic, ACUI is committed to ensuring donations in 2021 enable campus community builders to receive professional development and access needed resources.
Education
Financial support from the variety of scholarships available to attend ACUI programs helps another generation of leaders further their learning and commitment to the profession.
Research
Little
research exists about college unions, and we want to change that. The
Education and Research Fund has helped finance research on student
learning through the built environment, involvement, and campus
employment. This is done through offerings such as the Research and Education Grant and the Daniel M. Maxwell Dissertation of the Year Award.
Giving Opportunities
Make a Gift
Reoccurring or one-time gifts can be made in any amount via check or credit card to help advance campus community any time of year. Every dollar counts!
Knot Club
I-LEAD® alumni are encouraged to donate in honor of the year attended to support the Meg Sutton I-LEAD® Scholarship, allowing future generations of student leaders to experience this life-changing program.
Conference Events
Engage supporters through the FUNd
Run/Walk/Roll, bid on auction items during the Annual Conference, or participate in a signature event at the Annual Conference.
Matching Gifts
Employer matching programs can double or triple your gift. If your or your spouse/partner’s company has a matching program, email Fundraising Manager Justin Rudisille to learn how to best navigate options.
Named Giving
Continue the legacy of a deserving individual by making a gift in their honor or giving to a named award endowment. For information about naming opportunities, please contact ACUI CEO John Taylor.
Estate Giving
Plan your philanthropic legacy through a bequest or list the Education and Research Fund as a retirement or insurance beneficiary. Learn more by contacting ACUI Director of Finance and Administration Dave Teske.