Rimi Marwah, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 11 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

• 2005 National Conference Co-Chair, Las Vegas, NV — formed a conference planning committee, selected a theme and speakers, worked with the national office to ensure all aspects of the conference were finalized.

Regional Activities/Offices Held, including accomplishments achieved while in office:

• Member, Region 9 Steering Committee - current
• 1998 Region 9 Conference Planning Committee member and Program Chair

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member, National Membership Committee, 2005-present

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current member — Advising Administration Commission, Undecided & Exploratory Students Commission, Advising Transfer Students Commission
• Past member — Advising Student Athletes Commission, Multicultural Concerns Commission, Advising as a Profession Interest Group

Other:

•  1999 National Conference Presenter (Denver, CO) — focus on helping undeclared students declare a major

Platform Statement:

• Highlight your previous involvement within this unit that will help you in leading this unit. What roles have you played within this particular unit as a member thus far?  

In 1995 I volunteered to assist with the national conference in Las Vegas, NV. From that day forward, I have been an active member of NACADA, attending regional and national conferences, as well as being on commissions and planning committees. In 1998 I was part of the Region 9 - Conference Planning Committee. As Program Chair, I was responsible for finalizing the conference program. I presented at the 1999 National Conference, focusing on career development for undeclared students. The highlight of my career with NACADA came in 2005 when I co-chaired the national conference in Las Vegas, NV. With the help of a wonderful conference planning committee, we successfully welcomed, educated, and entertained over 3000 NACADA members.

• What do you believe are the most important goals and initiatives for this unit in meeting the strategic plan for both the unit and the Association?

I believe that an important goal for our region is to continue supporting our profession through strong regional conferences, open communication with the national office, and recognition for our accomplishments on a regional/national level. I believe that collaboration with other regions or professional organizations can only enhance our knowledge and strengthen our field.

Creating a diverse steering committee of knowledgeable NACADA members will be my first goal. It is very important to have representatives from all types of institutions and positions in education, as well as new and seasoned advisors involved in strategic planning. Advising is a profession where we are responsible to so many entities, from the students to the administration, to the community we serve. However, we have to remember to serve ourselves through good professional development opportunities.

• Why are you interested in serving in this leadership position or what influenced you to run for this leadership position? 

Co-Chairing the 2005 National Conference was an amazing experience, daunting at first, but overwhelmingly rewarding. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the NACADA National Office and my colleagues across the region. This was an empowering experience that left me feeling like there was nothing I could not do, so I decided to channel all that energy into continuing my involvement in NACADA on a regional level.

• Provide any additional comments or information (either personal or leadership-related) that you want potential voters to know about you that is not covered elsewhere in your platform information. 

My affiliation with NACADA began in 1995 as a graduate student. Since then, my role in the organization and the field of advising has grown, and now I hope to be the next Region 9 representative. I work best in an environment that encourages open communication, so I would encourage open lines of communication with the national office and within the region. I would also bring a lot of positive energy, enthusiasm, and ideas for strengthening our region through possible research, professional development, and acknowledgement for accomplishments.

There are so many amazing practices and success stories that affirm our role in the educational community, and I feel that it is importance for us to come together to share and support one other. I would also work hard to find those resources that best compliment our profession, and bring us more recognition within the educational community.