Canadian Association of College and University Student Services

Communiqué is a journal that is published bi-annually by the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services which includes material relevant to college and university student services in Canada.[4] The journal provides an opportunity for student affairs professionals and senior leadership to keep up to date on current issues and trends, best-practices, new developments, and initiatives.[5] Anyone is able to contribute content to the publication, not just members of CACUSS.[6]

As an information sharing courtesy to its members, CACUSS posts health data from the National College Health Assessment (NCHA).[7]  This nationally recognized research survey is administered in Canada every three years by the American College Health Association. The NCHA is a comprehensive assessment of college student health and it examines:

• Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use
• Sexual health
• Weight, nutrition, and exercise
• Mental health
• Personal safety and violence[8]

In 2019, there were about 55,000 student respondents, an increase from the 44,000 respondents in 2016.[9] Student affairs professionals can utilize the data to learn about their students’ health and behaviours, to design programs and initiatives applicable to their student populations, and inform resource allocation.  Data can also be used by student affairs professionals, as well as faculty and students, to inform presentations, classes, marketing campaigns, and promotional material.[10]  

The CACUSS website posts current job opportunities available in Canada in the student affairs field.  Jobs are submitted by Canadian post-secondary institutions.[11]

For new student affairs professionals, or for professionals looking to advance their career, the CACUSS website provides a comprehensive listing of graduate degree and certificate programs offered in Canada.  Each listing includes information on the institution, type of program, style of delivery, area of focus, and contact information for additional information.[12]

In 2014, CACUSS developed the Student Affairs and Services Competency Model with three goals in mind:  to grow CACUSS as a professional organization, to advance the professionalization of student affairs in Canada, and to support the development of student affairs professionals in Canada.[13] Building on the ACPA/NASPA Professional Competencies Rubric,[14] the model was developed through a consultation process with student affairs professionals across Canada, which also included gathering and articulating the shared values that informed student affairs practice specific to Canada.  Student affairs research from around the world also informed the development of the competency model.[13]

The competency model details the values of Canadian student affairs practice:  that student affairs professionals are educators; that student affairs is student-centered and holistic in practice; and that student affairs is a professional and ethical practice. Each competency is divided into three levels which include core, intermediate, and advanced.  The levels represent increasing skills and knowledge student affairs professionals attain as they advance in their practice. Student affairs professionals can develop their competencies by utilizing this model to inform and guide their professional development as they advance through each of the levels.[13]

The competencies included in the model are:

1. Communication
2. Emotional and interpersonal Intelligence
3. Intercultural
4. Indigenous cultural awareness
5. Post-secondary acumen
6. Equity, diversity and inclusion
7. Leadership, management and administration
8. Strategic planning, research and assessment
9. Student advising, support and advocacy
10. Student learning and development
11. Technology and digital engagement[13]

CACUSS members, as well as non-members, can access free webinars on the CACUSS YouTube Channel.  Members have access to additional webinars on the members' webpage.[15]  

CACUSS hosts an annual conference in alternating locations across Canada. Members are encouraged to build presentations and panels, and special guest speakers are asked to attend. The conference is attended by a wide range of professionals (Senior leaders, student life professionals, emerging student affairs professionals, registrarial staff, etc) both as members and non-members of the association[16] The conference provides an opportunity for attendees to network, discuss current issues, share resources and ideas to support students on their campuses.

Similar to a conference, Institutes are offered over a period of several days, however they focus on a single theme or topic. They may be hosted by external or partnering affiliations. CACUSS provides detailed information on their upcoming events page. Institutes are an opportunity to develop skills or knowledge in a specific area related to student support and student affairs.