From: Division of Student Affairs
Date: April 13
Subject: DOSA Developments - Week of April 13


DOSA Developments over a picture of the quad

In this Issue:  

Table Of Contents

  1. DOSA Dates - Mark Your Calendars
  2. Staff Updates
  3. THRIVE - DOSA Professional Development
  4. DIVISION NEWS & REQUESTS
  5. Recognition - KUDOS, RJ Award
  6. Campus Partners Corner

DOSA DATES - MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

STAFF UPDATES
 

cute rammy birthdayHappy birthday to Cara Jenkins (4/14), Barrett McGee (4/14), Khadijiah Greene (4/15), & Sandi Pachuta (4/19)!

                  Let us know your birthday here. 

jillian vinciguerra headshot

Assistant Director of Student Experience Announcement: Jillian Vinciguerra

We are thrilled to share that Jillian Vinciguerra will be joining us as our new Assistant Director of Student Experience. Over the past two years, Jillian has been an integral part of our team as a Graduate Assistant, making a lasting impact through her leadership and deep commitment to our students. She founded the Kappa Alpha Commuter Honor Society, supervised our team of Commuter Assistants, and advised the Off-Campus Renters Collective, consistently demonstrating professionalism, care, and a strong commitment to student well-being. As she completes the HEPSA program this May and begins her new role on May 18th, we are excited to see Jillian continue to shape the student experience in meaningful ways. Jillian brings intentionality, compassion, and vision to her work, and her dedication to thoughtful supervision and purposeful programming makes her an excellent fit for this role. Please join me in congratulating Jillian! I would also like to thank our search committee, Chantel Detreville, Bridget Looby, and Kelsey Frank, for their time and partnership throughout the process.
Join us to celebrate the retirement of Ann Callaghan on Tuesday, April 21 (11:00 am - 1:30 pm) in the Sykes Union - Room 115. Light refreshments will be served RSVP for Ann's retirement party by April 14. Ann with members of her team.

Celebrate the Retirement of Ann Callaghan

Join us to celebrate the retirement of Ann Callaghan on Tuesday, April 21 (11:00 am - 1:30 pm) in the Sykes Union - Room 115. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP for Ann's retirement party by April 14. 

After many years of dedicated service, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Ann Callaghan as she begins her well-deserved retirement from West Chester University. Ann has worked at WCU for 22 years, starting in the Financial Aid Department, then the Payroll Department before landing her dream job at Sykes 20 years ago. Throughout her time at the university, Ann has been a trusted colleague and a steady presence in Sykes, supporting efforts in that building, as well as in Off-Campus and Commuter Services. Known for her reliability, kindness, and willingness to help wherever needed, Ann made a lasting impact through the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a department running smoothly. Her attention to detail, professionalism, and warm spirit have made her not only an invaluable team member but also a friend to many. As Ann begins this new chapter, we thank her for the many ways she contributed to our campus community and wish her all the best in the years ahead. May her retirement be filled with relaxation, new adventures, and time spent doing the things she loves. Congratulations, Ann — and thank you for everything you’ve given to our community!

Thrive Professional Development Newsletter
the three banana bread competition winners holding their certificates

MAY THE BEST LOAF WIN!

Thanks to all who stopped into the Banana Bread Baking Competition to gear up for Banana Day!  Congrats to the winners!  

1st Top Banana - Khadijah Green, Student Conduct
2nd Top Banana - Kelly Facenda, Student Health Services
3rd Top Banana - Sandi Pachuta, Sykes Union & Student Activities

DOSA STEP CHALLENGE

list of winnersCONGRATS TO THE
WEEK 1 WINNER:

Stacy Houck! 


 

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE GROUP

 

ACPA College Student Educators International logo. Announcement of free ACPA memberships for Master's and undergraduate students.

Free ACPA Memberships

Beginning July 1, ACPA- College Student Educators International will be offering FREE memberships for all degree-seeking master's and undergraduate students. According to the ACPA leadership, "By opening our doors wider, we strengthen our professional and scholarly community, expand our conversations, and ensure that the stewardship of higher education is shared across generations." As the leading comprehensive student affairs association that advances student affairs and engages students for a lifetime of learning and discovery, you are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable resource!

PA college personnel association logo

PCPA Calls for Leadership Nominations

 

The Pennsylvania College Personnel Association is actively seeking nominations (including self-nominations!) for the following leadership roles:
President
Serve as the chief elected officer of the Association, preside over State Meetings and Executive Board meetings, appoint committees, and represent PCPA in coordination with ACPA.
President-Elect
Support the President and step into the role when needed, while also leading the orientation and preparation of future board members and chairs.
Treasurer
Oversee the financial health of the Association, including budgeting, reporting, and ensuring responsible stewardship of funds.
In addition, they are seeking nominations for:
  • Senior Student Affairs Officers Community of Practice (CoP) Chair
  • Membership Chair
These roles are vital to advancing our shared work and strengthening our professional community.
How the Process Works
  • The Nominating Committee will review and confirm nominees, aiming to present a strong and diverse slate of candidates.
  • Candidates will submit short statements outlining their qualifications, interests, and vision.
  • These materials will be shared with the full membership prior to voting.
Key Dates
  • Nominations Due: April 20
  • Elections: Early May
  • Terms Begin: June
Elections are decided by a simple majority of votes cast. If needed, a runoff election will be conducted between the top candidates.
This is a great opportunity to contribute to the future of PCPA—whether by stepping forward yourself or encouraging a colleague whose leadership would benefit our community.
To submit a nomination or recieve more information, email pennsylvania@acpa.nche.edu. Please submit nominations by April 20.

Professional Development Opportunities:

  1. Save the Date - 2026 RECAP Conference May 14th @ WCU. Click here for more information on the 2026 RECAP Conference.
  2. Division of Student Affairs spark and lantern mentoring program logo with lantern.Be a Mentor! Spark and Lantern Program Information


ProDev News:

Tell us about your Professional Development!  Click here to complete the Professional Development form  to tell us about your professional development so we have a record of all the conferences that staff have engaged in throughout the academic year!

Digital Accessibility Quick Tip: Alt Text

Alternative text, also known as alt text, is descriptive text that conveys the meaning of an image in digital content. It is designed to make visual content accessible to people with vision disabilities. All digital images must include alternative text. Best practices for creating effective alt text include: 

  • Be descriptive and concise (under 125-150 characters). 
  • Focus on context and purpose (describe why the image is there, not just what it looks like). 
  • Avoid “image of” or “picture of.” 
  • Add a period at the end of the text. 
  • Use proper punctuation but avoid complex formatting. 
  • Functional images: If an image is a link or button, describe its function, not its appearance. 
  • Images with text: If an image contains text, transcribe the text word for word in the alt text. 
  • Logos: Describe the logo and include any text. 

Learn more about writing strong alternative text here.  

Click here for a full list of website and digital accessibility resources. 

Questions? Email the digital and web accessibility task force at watf@wcupa.edu. 

Yellowface book cover. yellow with two eyes. The fox wife book cover. a woman walking in the snow.

Summer Book Club Reads

The book club anounces its summer reads! For May/June we will be reading Yellowface by R. F. Kuang and discussing it via zoom on Monday, June 8 at noon. For July/August we will be reading The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo and discussing it via zoom on Monday, July 27 at noon. The book club is open to all both within and outside the Division of Students Affairs. People can engage each month as their schedule allows. To be added to the teams site and recieve the meeting invitations, please contact Sara Hinkle.

DIVISION NEWS & REQUESTS

lists no-cost ways to show appreciation to student employees

Celebrate National Student Employment Week (April 13-17)!

This week is dedicated to celebrating the meaningful contributions of our student employees.

Ways to recognize your student employees: 

  • Check out the flyer for other no-cost ways that you can show appreciation within your team.  

Your recognition plays a key role in shaping a positive and supportive student employment experience that benefits both our students and the University!

;The Golden Gala; celebrating 50 years of Sykes Student Union on April 25, 2026, at 6 PM. Includes a QR code for reservations. Cost $50.

Sykes Student Union 50th Anniversary Gala

Join us for an elegant evening honoring five decades of community, connection, and campus impact at Sykes Student Union. This special celebration will feature a formal dinner, commemorative awards, and reflections on 50 years of student life and leadership at the heart of campus. In celebration of the 50th Anniversary, we will be honoring two individuals whose outstanding support, dedication, and engagement have profoundly influenced the Union’s legacy at West Chester University with the Sykes Union Impact Award. This honor recognizes those who have consistently embodied the mission of the Union as the “campus living room,” by fostering connection, leadership, and community for all students. Recipients of this award have left a lasting mark on the history of Sykes, ensuring its continued role as a vibrant center of student involvement and engagement. Our 2026 honorees are Diane DeVestern and Christina Brenner — we hope you can join us in celebrating their contributions! Attendee: $50 Limited seating available; plated dinner at 6:45 pm. Attire is semi-formal to formal (not black tie). All attendees will receive a commemorative gift! Register for the Sykes Student Union 50th Anniversary Gala here. 
Week 1: April 1 (Wed): WCU Wellness Weds - Name That Spice, The Commons, 11 AM - 2 PM; Trivia Night, Chickie's & Pete's, 7 PM - 9 PM April 2 (Thurs): Fan Favorites, The Commons, 11 AM - 2 PM April 3 (Fri): Sustainable Fish Friday, The Commons, 11 AM - 2 P

What's Cooking This April

Join us this month for a mix of fun, food, and wellness across campus dining!

RECOGNITION - KUDOS & RJ AWARD

little girl reading book

Future Student Affairs Professional!

Kudos to Libby Thomas, age 4, for getting a head start on her Foundations of Student Affairs Practice reading. Perhaps she will pursue assessment like her mama. Who knows? Start 'em young. Thanks for sharing, Amanda!

CAMPUS PARTNERS CORNER

Women's Commission Annual Faculty & Staff Award and Recognition Celebration

You're invited to the Annual Faculty & Staff Award and Recognition Celebration on Wednesday, April 29 from 12-1 in the Philip's Autograph Library. This award honors faculty and staff who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact, while also creating an inclusive, supportive, and empowering community. Nominate an exceptional individual who has made a significant difference within our campus environment and has shown commitment to the mission/purpose of the Recruitment and Retention of Women of Color. 

Recruitment and Retention of Women of Color Mission - The mission of the Recruitment and Retention of Women of Color Staff and Faculty Team’s mission during the academic year was to build community among women of color both staff and faculty at WCU.

Faculty, staff and students welcome. Lunch will be provided.

Register for the Annual Faculty & Staff Award and Recognition Celebration here. 

Save the Date: WCU Student Employee Appreciation Day, Thursday, April 16, 2026. Details to be sent to student employees.

Student Employee Appreciation Day

Current WCU student employees are invited to participate in the first-ever WCU Student Employee Appreciation Day. The event will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026. To celebrate, there will be free treats at food trucks, giveaways including a commemorative tote bag and sticker, and WCU Bookstore discount. Visit the Student Employee Appreciation website to learn more. Additional event details will be shared via email directly with student employees. For questions, contact: studentemployment@wcupa.edu

Provides details about the Campus Climate Research Symposium

Campus Climate Research Symposium

The Campus Climate Research Symposium explores race and social justice and its impact on campus climate through panel discussions, small/large group activities and discussions, artistic expressions, and research presentations. The Symposium takes place on April 14 from 9-5 in Sykes 115 and is open to students, faculty, and staff. Hosted by the Racial and Social Justice Research and Consultatory Council. For more information email rsjrcc@gmail.com. 
West Chester University's

Register now for the Healing-Centered Engagement & Trauma-Informed Education Conference!

Join us as we explore practical strategies, research-based insights, and interactive learning experiences that foster resilience, student/client agency, and holistic well-being in educational, social work and counseling settings. Register for the Healing-Centered Engagement and Trauma-Informed Education Conference here. For more information please contact HealingConference@wcupa.edu

 

DOSA End of Year Celebration on Friday, 08 May 2026 At 11:30 AM. No image description provided

EVENT

DOSA End of Year Celebration

clock Friday, May 8
11:30am - 1:30pm
Location pinPrivate Location (sign in to display)
CalendarAdd to Google Cal, Outlook, Yahoo, iCal

gathering for all DOSA employees and Friends of DOSA to celebrate the success of this past year
REGISTER