The start of the fall semester brings a familiar kind of hustle with it, welcoming new students, staffing events, answering parent questions, prepping annual trainings, responding to emails (so many emails), and supporting students through one of the busiest times of the year. This season asks a lot of us as professionals.
Whether you’re gearing up for your busy season of welcoming students back to campus or coming off your third straight week of travel from conventions and summer leadership experiences, I want to remind you: your growth matters, too.
As you’re pouring into your community, I hope you’ll also carve out space to invest in yourself. That might look like reviewing the AFA Core Competencies with your staff team, identifying a new skill to develop, connecting with peers who do similar work, connecting with a community, volunteering with or simply refueling your sense of purpose. Professional development isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity!
There are opportunities within AFA that I hope you’ll take advantage of, as a member, :
- First 90 Days: We’re thrilled to welcome a new cohort of early-career professionals navigating their first semester in the field. Their energy is a reminder of why ongoing learning and mentorship matter.
- Live Webinars: AFA offers a wide range of live professional development courses, such as our Supporting LGBTQ+ Fraternity and Sorority Community series, which offer strategies and conversations centered on inclusive, identity-conscious advising practices.
- AFA Learning: Your new or renewed membership unlocks access to a robust library of on-demand resources—from financial management to advising tools—all built to support your work when and how you need it.
As we move into this busy season, I hope you’ll not only show up for your students and your community, but also show up for yourself. Growth doesn’t happen by accident, it requires intention, curiosity, and the willingness to make time for it, even when your calendar is packed. So consider this both a challenge and an invitation: lean into your own development this fall. AFA is here to grow alongside you, offering resources, connection, and a community that understands the unique demands of our work. If there’s something you think is missing, reach out and let us know, our goal is for your membership to be an investment in you.
