ACPA and NASPA: Exploring a Common Voice

Communication and Timeline (as of July 28, 2010)

AUGUST 2009: ACPA and NASPA both developed Web pages with information regarding the exploration of unification and soliciting member feedback and questions. The numerous comments received to date have been overwhelmingly in favor of unification, with cautions that it be done carefully and with respect for the culture, history, and traditions of both associations. Tom Jackson has maintained a blog responding to comments and questions of ACPA members, while NASPA’s discussion has taken place within the members-only section of its Web site. The NASPA Executive Committee contacted all NASPA past presidents to seek their advice and questions.

SEPTEMBER 2009: The executive committees committed to identify critical questions for the unification decision on which member feedback is needed, and to communicate to the membership tasks and next steps in the process. This document with the attached list of guiding values is one outcome from that meeting. Additionally, the presidents of both associations met with their respective foundations to discuss plans and answer questions.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009: Member feedback continues to be sought through various channels, including e-mails, Web sites, discussion boards, blogs, and regional meetings, in advance of December board meetings.

NOVEMBER 2009: Legal and financial due diligence will be conducted, and both associations agreed to undergo a consolidated audit and due diligence review to include both associations’ assets, liabilities legal status, past fiscal audits, human resources and benefits, contracts, etc. to understand both associations’ true financial position and risks should a unification vote be conducted. The findings of this review shall be made available to the executive committees of both associations.

DECEMBER 2009: Both boards review member feedback and make the decision whether to refer the matter of unification to the respective voting memberships of ACPA and NASPA. If this decision is made, the vote would take place in April 2010 or during the Fall 2010 semester, allowing for discussions through the spring and at both national conferences.

MAY/JUNE 2010: Consolidation Steering Team reviews and reconciles subcommittee reports.
Executive directors, with oversight from executive committees, create a financial pro forma for further consideration of the financial implications of the possible consolidation. This work is being guided by separate attorneys for both associations who have experience in non-profit consolidations and mergers and by a nationally recognized consultant in non-profit consolidations and mergers.

JULY 2010: Joint meeting of the ACPA and NASPA governing boards in Las Vegas (Nevada) will determine whether to forward the proposal for a consolidated association on to the membership for a vote, and if so, the Boards will determine the time frame for that vote. We will communicate the outcome of the Board deliberations with the membership immediately following the meeting.