Many of the TACAC members reside in Texas as regional representatives; I do not. I am proud (especially as a native Texan) to have the entire state of Texas as one of my territories, though there are a few quirks that come with not living in or close to your own admissions backyard.

Map Apps are Bae
Even though I spent 18 years of my life living in the Dallas area, I’ve been residing in New York City for my entire adult life, and man, Texas has changed since I left. There are new highways and freeways (how did we ever live without the LBJ TEXpress?!), In-N-Out has infected the Lone Star State, and new secondary schools are opening everywhere!

You may have heard that we have a new Executive Assistant at TACAC. We wanted to take a minute to introduce Mosadi Porter and let the membership get to know her. 

Mosadi is no stranger to higher education having worked for Sam Houston State University, Ohio University, and Texas A&M University and Lone Star College. She has worked within Student Activities, Multicultural Services, Retention, Honors & Scholarships, Financial Aid and Admissions. 

In the admissions world, it’s all about who you know—some may be a future boss, a friend, a mentor, or even the future president elect of TACAC. But this week, some of our very own TACAC members are headed to the NACAC Conference in Boston to meet so many of our colleagues across the nation and discuss some important issues facing our field. So, who’s going to NACAC? Let’s find out!

First time attender April Marroqiun, Regional Admissions Counselor for Lamar University says that “I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn new information and resources that will allow me to be a better admissions counselor for my institution, my admissions team, and most importantly: the students that I serve.” Marroquin, who covers Southeast Houston and Central Texas for Lamar, was awarded the Imagine Grant, which has allowed for her to attend the conference this year, but that she will definitely be busy! “Tony Sarda, Assistant Director of Recruitment at Lamar University, and I have planned to cover as much territory as humanly possible during the conference. Considering drastic changes being made in the current White House administration, I am personally hoping to learn more about working with undocumented students. I also hope to bring back a renewed energy and motivation to hit the ground running for another successful year—that, and a LOT of business cards.”

Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Trump Administration will end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.  TACAC supports the NACAC response:  https://www.nacacnet.org/news--publications/newsroom/nacac-statement-on-termination-of-daca-program/

The Administration decided to wait 6 months before completely ending the program to allow Congress to pass legislation addressing DACA recipients and other undocumented individuals.  TACAC encourages members to submit the action alert NACAC has created urging Congress to pass legislation to protect DACA students as soon as possible.  The alert can be found here:  http://cqrcengage.com/nacac/app/write-a-letter?4&engagementId=379893.

 We are so moved by the love and support show towards all those affected by Hurricane Harvey. We know many people are still in great danger, while others are safely evacuated with little to no belongings. While we may feel helpless, today we ask you to help in a financial way. We have an anonymous donor, who has agreed to match up to $500 of donation made to the Harvey Relieve/Anne Naman Fund by midnight tonight! Any amount will help, and all funds donated to Harvey Relief Fund –http://www.tacac.org/contribute-to-the-tacac-anne-naman-fund

 If you are not able to give at this time, the funds collected until the end of September will all be donated to the high schools and colleges that have been affected. We want to join together as a community to support those who may have lost part, if not everything.