Frequently Asked Questions

Convention Registration:

What are acceptable forms of registration payment?
Payment must be made by check, money order, or credit card (MasterCard, VISA, American Express or Discover). A service/processing fee of $50 per registration will be assessed for returned checks. No purchase orders are accepted. Payment must accompany the registration form. Postmark date of payment will determine the registration rate if payment is sent after the registration form is submitted.

How do I qualify for member rates when I register?
In order to qualify for member rates, your individual membership must be current through March 25, 2010. You must have your own individual member number. You will not get a member rate by using your institution’s member number

How do I know if I qualify for student member rates when I register?
Student rates are for full-time student members only. A graduate student is defined as a currently enrolled student who is not working full time in a professional position in higher education. Individuals employed full-time and taking courses are not eligible for these rates.

Can I use alternate forms of payment for registration and membership so that payments can be made separately? (eg. institutional credit card and personal credit card or any combination of credit card and personal check)
It is best to submit the membership and registration together. If you must submit the membership and convention registration separately, first complete and submit the member application. This process is expedited by going to: www.myacpa.org and click on "join now". Attach the completed membership form, or your receipt of online payment for membership to your convention registration and membership form.

Who is eligible for a one-day registration?
One-day registration rates are available only to active ACPA members and full-time student members. Registrant must pre-designate the one day they plan to attend. One-day registrations on Saturday and Sunday do not include pre-convention workshops.

How do I know if my registration has been received?
If your registration has been processed online, you will receive two e-mail messages. The first e-mail ("The following order is being processed") is a notification that ACPA has registration and it will be reviewed within 1-2 business days. A second e-mail ("The following registration order is completed and processed") is sent when the registration has been processed. Faxed and mailed registrations will receive only one e-mail to confirm payment has been processed.

Who is eligible for a guest pass?
Guest passes are for the personal guests of registered convention attendees. The Guest pass is for participation in the opening reception, convention showcase and evening socials only. There will be no one day guest passes and the guest pass is not offered to members.

Do program presenters need to register for the convention?
Yes. Options are available for either a full convention registration or one day pass. Program presenters with an active ACPA membership who are presenting a program or programs and participating in the convention on only one day may register for a one day pass. Presenters who will be participating in the convention for more than one day, or non-members must register with a full convention registration.

Can I transfer my convention registration to someone else, if I can no longer plan to attend?
Registrations are not transferable except for identical membership types. Contact the ACPA International Office at 202.835.2272 to request a registration transfer form from the membership services staff.

What are the registration cancellation policies?
To cancel a registration and request a refund, a written request (e-mail is acceptable) must be sent to info@acpa.nche.edu. Please include the phrase "Convention Refund" in the subject line. Telephoned requests will not be honored. Refund checks and/or credits are processed every four weeks. Exceptions to the policy will not be given consideration until four to six weeks after the convention.

• Refund requests received or postmarked by January 28, 2010 will receive a full refund less a $50 service and processing fee;
• Refund requests received or postmarked between January 29 and February 25, 2010 will receive a refund equal to 50 percent of the appropriate registration fees;
• Refund requests received or postmarked after February 25, 2010 will not be honored;
• Awards Luncheon and Pre-Convention Workshop fees will be refunded in full if written request is received or postmarked by February 25, 2010. After February 25, 2010, no refund will be available.

If I am having technical problems registering online, what can I do?
Complete a downloadable convention registration form and submit the information via fax at 202.296.3286. You can also send the completed form in the mail before the postmark date to ensure that you meet the registration deadline.

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ACPA Membership:

How can I make changes to my address, e-mail, demographics, or renew my membership?
Changes to your membership profile can be made by you online via the member homepage under "myRecord". In order to provide proper security, when making name and position changes please contact the ACPA International Office at 202.835.2272, or e-mail info@acpa.nche.edu.
To access myRecord: a) visit myacpa.org, b) click on Member login (upper right corner), c) enter your ACPA username and password (do not cut and paste, as system is case sensitive).

How can I get my user name and password?
If you need your username and password, click on "Forgot your Logon Information? Click Here" at the bottom of the member login screen and enter your first name, last name, zip code and e-mail address. Login information will be sent directly to the e-mail address on record, if all the information entered is correct. If you are still experiencing difficulty, call 202.835.2272 during normal business hours and/or e-mail info@acpa.nche.edu for assistance and a staff member will assist you with the information you need.

How can I verify if my college, university, or organization is an institutional member?
Current or prospective members can verify if an institution is a member by going to the Membership section on the ACPA website (myacpa.org), select Institutional/Organizational membership directory from the pull down menu, and enter the name of the institution.

Do I have a membership, if my college, university or organization is a member?
Not necessarily. The individual membership is separate from an institutional membership. If your institution is a member, you may join ACPA as a General Member- College/University for $75, which is a discount of 40% off of the regular membership rate of $125.

Where can I find my username and password on my membership receipt?
Look for your username and password at the end of the membership e-mail receipt.

What is the membership refund policy?
ACPA membership is non refundable. Any extenuating circumstances that require special consideration should be sent in writing to the ACPA International Office. Attn: Membership or via e-mail to Membership Coordinator at sgatson@acpa.nche.edu

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Convention Program:

What are the Professional Competencies and how do I use them to plan my convention experience in an intentional way?
Central to the substance and structure of the ACPA 2010 Convention program are the ACPA Professional Competencies. As such, the competencies will be used in the program proposal, evaluation and selection processes. ACPA members who are developing sessions and preparing proposals are urged to become familiar with the professional competencies to ensure that their sessions substantially address and incorporate one or two of them in their program proposals. Accompanying the professional competencies is a set of critical issues identified by the 2010 Convention Program Planning Team. These timely and relevant issues may also be addressed in a program proposal, either in combination with any of the professional competencies or as a stand alone topical area.

Can I obtain continuing education credits at the Convention?
Yes.The Commission for Counseling and Psychological Services (CCAPS) has a Continuing Education Committee which maintains American Psychological Association (APA) National Association of Social Workers (NASW) accreditations as a Continuing Education Sponsor. The Continuing Education Committee organizes and implements the procedures for selection of CE sponsored programs for the annual ACPA Convention. The committee also facilitates the process through which members who are licensed attain continuing education credits for attending convention programs.

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Convention Special Events:

When will the doors open for the Opening Session?
The doors will open 5:30pm on Sunday, March 21, 2010 in the Ballroom, Hynes Center.

Will there be food at the Opening Reception?
Yes! Hors d'oeuvres will be served. The reception will feature cuisine samples from the various neighborhoods of Boston.

When will the Opening Reception begin?
The opening reception will immediately follow the conclusion of the opening session, in the Corporate Partner and Exhibit Area, Hynes Center at approximately 8pm.

Why should I attend the Opening Session?
The Opening Session is a great opportunity to jump start your convention experience. It connects us as a professional community, introduces the convention theme, and inspires thoughtful consideration of our work through a keynote speaker and entertainment. The session reminds us we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

How do I volunteer to assist with the Opening Session and Opening Reception?
If you are interested in volunteering you can go to www.mysignup.com/acpa2010 and select Opening Session and Opening Reception or sign up on-site at the Volunteer Table.

What is the Showcase?
The Convention Showcase serves to provide an opportunity for association entities like Standing Committees, State/International Divisions, Commissions, and Task Forces to highlight their contributions to the association and the field, while also highlights opportunities for member involvement.

Does the Showcase have a theme?
Yes - the theme is Welcome to ACPA. Your Journey Starts Here. It reflects the desire to create a welcoming and festive environment for our members (new and old) that allows them to explore the myriad opportunities for involvement across our association. Similar to an Orientation Welcome Week, convention participants should gain an understanding of the different ways to become involved in the association.

What happens at the Showcase?
Each ACPA entity (Commission, Task Force, State/International Division, or Standing Committee) will host a table at the Convention Showcase. Fun activities are planned at each table to introduce convention attendees to each of the organizations. Often groups offer literature about the purpose of that organization. Groups are encouraged to offer some way for attendees to indicate interest in their organization – consider a sign-up sheet or a business card drop-off. Groups offering prizes or give-aways are asked to follow the sustainability guidelines available online.

There will be live entertainment throughout the Showcase, including music. Additionally, light snacks will be served around a "Ballpark Theme" – including Italian Sausage, Fenway Franks, pretzels and much more.

What sort of activities should we be planning?
Many groups use the Showcase theme to plan their activities. Seek the advice of colleagues – get creative! Groups will plan games or trivia contests and offer prizes. Some groups have organized raffles. Activities should be brief and fun – the intent is to engage attendees in conversation about what your organization does and how they may get involved. A note about give-aways and raffles: If you plan to facilitate a raffle, please collect attendees’ information so that you may follow-up with them post-Showcase. We will not be able to make announcements at the Showcase. All give-aways should meet the sustainability guidelines available online.

Due to the live entertainment, groups are asked not to plan "loud" activities.

Can we request more than one table?
Due to space restrictions in the Marriott Ballroom, only one table will be available for each group.

What are the display guidelines?

• You will be provided with one folding table measuring approximately six feet (6').
• Two (2) chairs will be provided for each table.
• Display items must be free standings - no items may be taped or stapled to walls.
• Helium-filled balloons are not permitted.
• You will not have access to electricity.

Will there be access to a wireless signal?
There is no internet access in the Marriott Ballroom.

Can I ship Showcase items ahead of time?
Groups wishing to send items ahead of time must send packages directly to the hotel where the group's representative is staying. Please contact your hotel for details.

What are the expectations for sustainability?
Sustainability tips are available here.

What is Convention Colleagues?
This program is targeted at first-time Convention attendees and serves as a welcome to ACPA and to the Annual Convention. Participants will hear from and meet the professionals who comprise the leadership of ACPA. Additionally, participants will learn more information about the organization and how to effectively navigate the Annual Convention. First time convention attendees will be paired with seasoned professionals for a discussion on their involvement with ACPA and professional interests. This event is sponsored by the Standing Committee for Graduate Students and New Professionals.

Who can participate in Convention Colleagues?
First time convention attendees are encouraged to participate. We also encourage seasoned professionals to participate by serving as mentors to help answer questions about attending ACPA's Annual Convention.

Where can I learn more information about degree programs in Higher Education?

• Consult ACPA Commission for Professional Preparation Web site
• Attend the Graduate Preparation Fair prior to the Opening Session! This year the Graduate Preparation Fair will be held on Sunday March 21, 2010 from 3-5pm

Are there any special anniversaries being celebrated at ACPA 2010?

• Standing Committee for Disabilities 10 Year Anniversary
• SCLGBTA 25 Year Anniversary

What about give-aways and food?
Give-aways are discouraged, though if groups choose to offer a give-away, we ask that that items are practical. All give-aways should meet the suggested Sustainability Guidelines (see below). Groups are asked not to give-away food, candy, beverages or gum. Stickers should also be avoided , however, name-badge stickers are permissable.

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Hotel, Travel and Boston Information

What are the best sources ongoing sources of information about the 2010 Convention?
This Web site is the primary source of communication about ACPA Boston 2010. It will be regularly updated, so check it periodically to review new and more detailed information. Also:

• Subscribe to the ACPA 2010 RSS feed. RSS is a syndication feed which allows the user to take control of the information they want to receive, and allows near-real-time updates of the information important to them. There are several different formats of RSS available. ACPA uses RSS 2.0 specifications.
• Join ACPA 2010 on Facebook
• Follow the ACPA 2010 Convention on Twitter: @ACPAConvention
• Members of the ACPA Boston 2010 Convention Planning Team may be of assistance.

How do I make hotel reservations?
Hotel reservations can be made as soon as you register for the convention. Information on how to reserve a hotel room, and the required code, will be sent with your registration e-mail confirmation. We highly encourage you to use www.myacpa.org/travel to make reservations for this convention. In turn, a small portion of your airline ticket becomes an in-kind donation to ACPA. Hotel information can be found on the Hotel section of this Web site.

Where can I find airport transportation information?
You will likely arrive in Logan International Airport, Boston (Massachusetts). The signage will lead you to ground transportation were you can access a local cab/taxi for about $25-$30 (pending on time of arrival) or if you wish to be sustainable, you may opt to use Boston Shuttle services for a group discount price of $12. Also, there is access to the city subway or other local shuttle services. If you are traveling via train or bus, you will likely arrive in South Station. You can take the subway (T) to Copley Square stop or Hynes Convention Center/Mass. Ave. stop to access the convention center and hotels.

How can I find a convention roommate to share the cost of hotel expenses?
The Standing Committee for Graduate Students and New Professionals facilitates the roommate program at the convention. Please note that this service is open to all members and attendees of ACPA. Find out more.

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Volunteers

What volunteer opportunities are available?
Areas that we need your assistance at convention: Career Services, Headquarters, Hospitality, Programs, Registration, Special Events

How do I sign-up to volunteer?
Go to www.mysignup.com/ACPA2010 to sign up for Volunteer opportunities! If you have any specific questions you can contact conventionvolunteers@acpa.nche.edu

Convention Services

What services are available for participants with disabilities?
In order to best support individual needs and for planning purposes, we ask that accommodation requests are submitted by March 3, 2010. If you have questions regarding special accommodations, we ask that you contact the Convention Access Chair, Deborah A. Casey at access@acpa.nche.edu. In the event you have an unexpected injury that requires services, please contact the International Office immediately at 1.202.835.2272.

What services are available for attendees with children?
There will be a resource guide of local attractions in the Boston area at Hospitality. For the most up to date information, visit the Convention Web site.

Can't find what you're looking for? Check the site map.
Suggested general Boston resource for varied services: Yelp!

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