Department or Office Announcements:
Submit announcements to be shared at Student Affairs Forums! Announcements should be submitted the Thursday before an upcoming forum to be included.
2026 – 20267 Academic Year
As Student Affairs professionals, we each play a vital role in the student experience. Everyone has a seat at our table – a place to share ideas, voice concerns, or just be. These forums are designed around a pillar of belonging to help create a divisional sense of belonging. Have an idea or want to talk to someone about the Student Affairs Forum? Email us at SAforum@tcu.edu.
Join us to connect with your colleagues, learn more about Student Affairs events, and grow in your development. A light breakfast is provided, and forums are from 8:30-10:00 am. The location can vary and will be sent in each meeting request.
Make sure to RSVP for each forum by selecting “accept or decline” and “send response” on each meeting request. This allows us to plan accordingly for food and seating.
- September 8, 2026 – Kelly Center
- October 13, 2026 – Tucker Family Ballroom
- November 10, 2026 – Tucker Family Ballroom
- February 9, 2027 – Tucker Family Ballroom
- March 9, 2027 – Tucker Family Ballroom
- April 13, 2027 – Tucker Family Ballroom
We would love ideas and input regarding Student Affairs Forums. Please email us at SAforum@tcu.edu.
We strive to strengthen connections across the division and will have several opportunities throughout the year. Join us as your schedule allows for fun and informal opportunities.
Be on the lookout here for more information and email invitations for upcoming connection opportunities.
We strive to strengthen connections across the division and will have several opportunities throughout the year. Join us as your schedule allows for fun and informal opportunities. Be on the lookout for an email invitation for the following opportunities this year.
Watch this space for Fall Updates
Eric Duran, Assistant Director, LGBTQ+ Resources, Student Identity & Engagement
An app on your phone that would surprise people?
Tumblr
Single best piece of professional advice you ever received was?
“Just make it make sense”
Something you are happy you did but would never do again?
Hike the Manitou Incline (2768 steps in Colorado)
Carly Smith, Coordinator of Student Activities
An app on your phone that would surprise people?
Salsa Limon app! With notifications ON!!
Single best piece of professional advice you ever received was?
If your work has impacted just one student, then it was still a success!
Something you are happy you did but would never do again?
Own a bunny…I know that’s so random, but I will never own one of those again. ESPECIALLY in an apartment, no! His name was Boink, and he taught me patience…and how to repair floorboards. I miss him sometimes, but I will NOT be doing that again any time soon!!
Alex Thompson, Assistant Director for Employer Relations, Center for Career & Professional Development
An app on your phone that would surprise people?
Digital Cookie App – Girl Scouts Cookie Selling App, during cookie selling season!
Single best piece of professional advice you ever received was?
Assume positive intent and if it takes more than 1-2 emails, pick up the phone to have a conversation.
Something you are happy you did but would never do again?
I ran a ½ marathon with no training or prep.
The Student Affairs Professional Development Committee is a collaborative group of colleagues from various departments across the division who design and implement professional development opportunities for TCU Student Affairs staff members. If you would like to learn more about this committee or if you are interested in learning about ways to be involved, please reach out to markel.harris@tcu.edu.
2025-2026 Student Affairs Professional Development Committee
Leadership:
- Markel Harris, Chair
- Allison Combs, Past Chair
- Sue McClellan, Executive Assistant for the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs
• Student Affairs Forums Subcommittee:
- Estee Hernández
- Jayla Hill
- Dylan Kimery
• Social Connections Subcommittee:
- Rylea Dunlap
- Rosa Sandoval
• New Staff Onboard Subcommittee:
- Lauren Carrizal
- Emmanuel Garcia
The Student Affairs Professional Development Committee is excited to launch Division Awards during the 2025-2026 academic year to celebrate the excellence and dedication within the Division of Student Affairs at Texas Christian University.
The year’s award recognition will take place during the April 2026 Student Affairs Forum during which three awards will be presented: Outstanding New Student Affairs Staff Member, Outstanding Student Affairs Staff Member, and Outstanding Student Affairs Graduate Assistant.
Outstanding New Student Affairs Staff Member
This award honors a new staff member who has made a meaningful and positive impact within their first years in Student Affairs at TCU. The recipient demonstrates strong commitment to TCU’s mission and values and contributes to both the success of the Division of Student Affairs and TCU. The review committee will be looking for nominees who exhibit professionalism, dedication to their work and job-related responsibilities, integrity, ethical conduct, and commitment to continuous improvement.
The recipient must be employed by TCU Student Affairs for at least one semester and up to three years at the time of award presentation. Eligibility is based on the recipient’s Student Affairs employment date, not their TCU employment date if the recipient happens to have worked in another area of TCU before joining Student Affairs.
The recipient of this award will also receive a $1,000 stipend.
Winner
Maria Acosta, Care Coordinator in the Dean of Students Office
Outstanding Student Affairs Staff Member
This award recognizes a seasoned staff member who has consistently made a meaningful and positive impact during their tenure in Student Affairs at TCU. The recipient demonstrates strong commitment to TCU’s mission and values and contributes to both the success of the Division of Student Affairs and TCU. The review committee will be looking for nominees who exhibit professionalism, dedication to their work and job-related responsibilities, integrity, ethical conduct, and commitment to continuous improvement.
The recipient must be employed by TCU Student Affairs for at least three years at the time of award presentation. Eligibility is based on the recipient’s Student Affairs employment date, not their TCU employment date if the recipient happens to have worked in another area of TCU before joining Student Affairs.
The recipient of this award will also receive a $1,000 stipend.
Winner
Meg Mosiniak, Assistant Director, Student Affairs Business & Operations
Outstanding Student Affairs Graduate Assistant
This award celebrates a graduate assistant who has significantly contributed to the work of the Division of Student Affairs by supporting institutional initiatives and reflecting the values of TCU through their daily interactions. The review committee will be looking for nominees who exhibit professionalism, dedication to their work and job-related responsibilities, integrity, ethical conduct, and commitment to continuous improvement.
The recipient must have worked in TCU Student Affairs for at least one full semester at the time of award presentation. The recipient can be a student of any academic program at TCU, and this award is open to both Masters and Doctoral graduate assistants in Student Affairs.
The recipient of this award will also receive a $500 stipend.
Additional Eligibility Details
- All recipients must be in good standing with TCU.
- Members of the Student Affairs Leadership Team (SALT) are not eligible to receive a Division Award while serving in that capacity.
- Members of the Student Affairs Professional Development Committee are not eligible to receive a Division Award while serving on the committee and for one calendar year after their service concludes.
- Past recipients are not eligible for a Division Award for three calendar years after receiving an award.
2025-2026 Division Award Timeline
- Tuesday, February 10: Nomination form for all three awards opens
- Wednesday, March 11: Nomination form for all three awards closes
- Tuesday, April 14: Awards presented during April Student Affairs Forum
Winner
Jacob Vanderford, Graduate Assistant in Leadership & Student Involvement
Please direct questions to Allison Combs via email: allison.combs@tcu.edu