Acpa

ACPA, the American College Personnel Association, is a professional association for higher education practitioners and scholars with a focus on student affairs and college student development. It supports professionals who work in colleges and universities in helping students learn, develop, and participate in campus life. The organization emphasizes the application of theory to practice and the advancement of inclusive, equitable educational environments.

ACPA conducts a range of activities to support members, including an annual convention, professional development programs, research grants, and networking opportunities. It sponsors publications and online resources that address topics such as student learning, inclusion, leadership development, and assessment. The association also maintains standards and ethics guidelines and houses special interest groups or communities of practice to connect members around common concerns.

Governance is typically based on elected volunteer leaders, with regional chapters and international membership. ACPA promotes professional development through credentials, awards, and mentorship programs and engages in advocacy on higher education issues that affect student affairs work.

The acronym ACPA may also refer to other organizations in different contexts, but this article describes the American College Personnel Association and its role in higher education. See also NASPA and related higher education associations.