What is ACPA (myacpa.org)?

Updated

ACPA–College Student Educators International is a values-centered leadership association for student affairs and higher education professionals. Based at myacpa.org, it describes itself as "the premier organization for student affairs professionals" and says it has worked to boldly transform higher education since 1924. If you work in student affairs, teach in higher education, or are studying to enter the field, ACPA is a membership association you can join for professional development, research access, and advocacy connection.

Who ACPA serves

The organization names three groups that trust it to deliver its programs and scholarship:

  • Student affairs and higher education professionals
  • Faculty
  • Students

Its stated purpose is to deliver high-quality educational programs, provide access to modern research and scholarship, and promote leadership at all levels "through a racial justice and decolonization lens."

What ACPA actually does

ACPA describes its work across four areas:

Area What it involves
Involvement Continuously connecting with the people it serves to help them transform higher education
Research Conducting research to understand pain points and critical needs so its work is well-informed
Advocacy Advocating for equity and fairness, with attention to government policies affecting college students
Professional Development Conferences, webinars, and other resources for higher education professionals

It also frames its overall approach as creating and sharing influential scholarship, shaping critically reflective practice, and advocating for equitable and inclusive learning environments.

Events as a way in

If you want to see what ACPA offers before committing to membership, its public event listings are a practical starting point. Upcoming virtual events shown on the site include:

  • Fall 2026 Supervisor Strengths Institute — Sep 22 to Nov 17, 2026, online; described as building skills to become a more effective supervisor and show up authentically in a leadership role.
  • Fall 2026 Strengths Accelerator Academy — Sep 22 to Nov 17, 2026, online; run in partnership with Strengths University.
  • ACPA2GO: Anchored in Love: A PBS Approach to Academic Advising — Oct 7, 2026, online.
  • ACPA2GO: A Socio-Ecological Framework for College Student Belonging — Oct 8, 2026, online.
  • Master's Student Conference — three Fridays, Oct 9, 16, and 23, 2026.

The ACPA2GO sessions are described as virtual learning opportunities for student affairs and higher education professionals.

Deciding whether it fits you

ACPA is likely relevant if you want a professional home focused on student affairs and higher education, with programming delivered online and an explicit equity and racial justice orientation. The site's membership and event pages are the places to check current details, since pricing, eligibility, and registration terms are not stated in the material summarized here.