President’s Corner

Greetings Fellow OrACRAOans!

It is with great honor and excitement that I take on the role as President of our association. OrACRAO continues to be a terrific group of people that genuinely cares for, and learns from, each other. As we enter a period of unprecedented change and uncertainty, I am confident we need each other now more than ever. Over the years, OrACRAO has provided knowledge, support, and friendships that I value tremendously.

OrACRAO is an organization whose members demonstrate significant initiative by being actively involved in local, national and worldwide concerns. Around the state, members on our ad hoc public policy committee are reviewing how changes to state laws affect our jobs, the lives of those we serve, and how we can best respond to a changing civic environment. The OrACRAO Executive Committee continues to identify areas of change needed for our organization. Our members recently approved expanding the Executive Committee to ensure continued support for Oregon Transfer Days. Additionally, each year our members are actively involved in PACRAO, AACRAO and other regional and national professional organizations.

We also exist to support our members in their professional development. We do so by joining together to shape the organization’s direction and activities. If you are new to the organization, here are several ways to get to know us:

• The listserv – Instantly connect with your colleagues around the state. Ask questions, share expertise or experiences with others, or sit back and soak up the wisdom. Post job openings or poll members of our organization for quick feedback. Join the OrACRAO listserv right away!
• The website –Find contact information for your colleagues, link quickly to other institution’s information about curricular matters, yearly updates, or general education requirements. Learn about upcoming professional development opportunities such as the annual meeting and workshops. The website is updated as developments occur. Be sure to bookmark this website right away!
• Get involved! There are many opportunities for professional development. You can do this by volunteering to serve in a formal role on one of our planning groups; present a session at the annual meeting; answering questions posted to the listserv; or simply attending summer workshops and the annual meeting.

Whatever level of involvement you choose, I know you will find this association as welcoming and valuable as I have and will benefit personally and professionally from your interaction with others. I am also sure will have fun! For more information about OrACRAO or to learn how you can get involved, fee free to contact me at 503-657-6958 ext. 2742 or taras@clackamas.edu

I can’t wait to see you at our next gathering, May 2-4 at the Oregon Garden!

Tara Sprehe
Registrar
Clackamas Community College
OrACRAO President