Student Affiliates of Seventeen (SAS) 2021 Report

Abstract

The University of Missouri–Columbia’s (MU) counseling psychology program was selected to host the Student Affiliates of Seventeen (SAS) Executive Board from 2019–2022 and is currently in the second year of its tenure. The purpose of this report is to review and evaluate the work of the SAS Executive Board at MU in 2020–2021. The report details the rationale for and initial transition to a hybrid national model for an executive board for the remainder of the tenure. This report also reviews the purpose of SAS, discusses the selection of a theme for 2020–2021, and shares highlights and programming updates related to the four pillars: (a) Excellence and Innovation, (b) Growth and Sustainability, (c) Justice and Equity, and (d) Wellness and Positive Development. The SAS tri-chairs close the report with a brief reflection on their service amidst the pandemics of COVID-19, anti-Black racism and police brutality, and a multitude of other injustices targeted at minoritized groups who hold non-White ethnic and racial identities.

2023 Report: Student Affiliates of Seventeen

“…However, in 2020, SAS adopted a hybrid-national model, opening up noncabinet (i.e., not chairs, secretary, or treasurer) leadership positions on the executive board to individuals outside the host institution (Onwong’a et al, 2021). Following the findings from the SAS Restructuring Task Group (see Onwong’a et al, 2021), the SAS and SCP executive boards determined that the organization should move to a fully national leadership model. Thus, beginning in the fall of 2022, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville began its 2-year tenure as the 16th and final host-institution to retire the host institution leadership model.…”

“…Since its inception in 1977, the SAS Executive Board has been organized and led by host institutions. However, in 2020, SAS adopted a hybrid-national model, opening up noncabinet (i.e., not chairs, secretary, or treasurer) leadership positions on the executive board to individuals outside the host institution (Onwong'a et al, 2021). Following the findings from the SAS Restructuring Task Group (see Onwong'a et al, 2021), the SAS and SCP executive boards determined that the organization should move to a fully national leadership model.…”

2022 Report: Student Affiliates of Seventeen (SAS)

“…Healing Circle Series. At the end of the 2020 to 2021 academic year, Justice and Equity pillar co-chairs, Saumya Arora and Natalie Malone, disseminated a needs assessment to counseling psychology students at APA-accredited doctoral programs to gain a better understanding of the factors students view as integral to healing (Onwong'a et al, 2021). The findings from this assessment demonstrated a need for identity-and community-based groups where students could process feelings, build community, and seek support.…”

“…One of the most significant contributions during the University of Missouri’s tenure was an emphasis on making structural changes that provide more equitable opportunities for leadership and engagement for students. Most notably, this was done through the implementation of a hybrid national executive board model (Onwong’a et al, 2021). Traditionally, the SAS executive board has drawn members from one APA-accredited doctoral program for a 3-year period.…”