Saint Louis University’s School of Education encourages our faculty and students to become actively involved in professional organizations and to attend and present at professional conferences. Involvement in professional organizations can increase knowledge in areas of interest within the field and increase networking opportunities.
The following are just a few of the many education administration professional organizations that graduate students, faculty and administrators may join to learn more about their areas of interest and to network with other professionals in their field.
Higher Education: General Interest
American Association of University Administrators (AAUA): AAUA promotes excellence in higher education administration. This association is primarily geared toward middle- and upper-level administrators.
The Association for College and University Technology Advancement (ACUTA): ACUTA's core purpose is to support higher education institutions in achieving optimal use of communications technologies. ACUTA is an international nonprofit educational association serving colleges and universities.
American Educational Research Association (AERA): Founded in 1916, AERA is concerned with improving the educational process by encouraging scholarly inquiry related to education and evaluation and by promoting the dissemination and practical application of research results. It is the largest professional organization dedicated to educational research.
Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE): ASHE is a scholarly society headquartered at Michigan State University. It promotes collaboration among its members and others engaged in the study of higher education through research, conferences and publications, including its highly regarded journal, The Review of Higher Education.
Student Affairs/Development Organizations
American College Personnel Association (ACPA): ACPA, headquartered in Washington, D.C. at the National Center for Higher Education, is the leading comprehensive student affairs association that advances student affairs and engages students for a lifetime of learning and discovery. ACPA members include graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in student affairs/higher education administration programs, faculty and student affairs educators.
American Counseling Association (ACA): The American Counseling Association is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession through work in advocacy, research and professional standards. Founded in 1952, ACA is the world's largest association exclusively representing professional counselors in various practice settings.
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA): NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health and sustainability of the student affairs profession. It serves professionals who provide programs, experiences and services that cultivate student learning and success in concert with the mission of colleges and universities.
Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I): The ACUHO-I is a professional association that supports and promotes the collegiate residential experience. It provides innovative, value-driven programs, services, research and development as well as networking opportunities that help support and evolve the collegiate housing industry.
National Orientation Directors Association (NODA): NODA is an international association comprised of student orientation personnel, students and faculty members. It provides education, leadership and professional development in the fields of college student orientation, transition and retention.
National Academic Advising Association (NACADA): NACADA is an association of professional advisors, counselors, faculty, administrators and students working to enhance the educational development of students. It provides a forum for discussion, debate and the exchange of ideas pertaining to academic advising through numerous activities and publications.
National Association for Campus Activities (NACA): NACA is a recognized leader in higher education for providing members with innovative practices and access to programs that support campus engagement. It offers a wide variety of events, educational sessions and workshops, publications and face-to-face networking opportunities.
Association of College Unions International (ACUI): Founded in 1914, ACUI is a nonprofit educational organization that brings together college union and student activities professionals through education and advocacy. It offers conferences, seminars, on-demand and live programs, as well as volunteer opportunities, awards and scholarships.
Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE): CASE is a leading resource for knowledge, standards, advocacy and training in alumni relations, communications, fundraising, marketing and related activities.
International Organizations
Association of International Educators (NAFSA): NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the leading organization committed to international education and exchange, working to advance policies and practices that build global citizens with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today's interconnected world. It provides professional development programs, publications and networking opportunities.
Comparative and International Education Society (CIES): CIES is a scholarly association dedicated to increasing the understanding of educational issues, trends and policies through comparative, cross-cultural and international perspectives. Its members include researchers, analysts, practitioners and students.
Catholic and Jesuit Organizations
Jesuit Association for Student Personnel Administrators (JASPA): JASPA promotes the professional development, formation and collaboration of student affairs administrators working in Jesuit Catholic Higher Education. It offers annual conferences, summer workshops and institutes, and a variety of publications and newsletters. Members of JASPA represent the Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States and affiliate members from other institutions.
National Association of Women in Catholic Higher Education (NAWCHE): Founded in 1992, NAWCHE is an organization made up of faculty, administrators, staff and students from Catholic colleges and universities around the country.
Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU): AJCU is a national voluntary service organization whose mission is to serve its member institutions: the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. It serves as a facilitator for various cooperative initiatives such as fostering Jesuit, Catholic identity and institutional and international collaboration, educating for a faith that does justice, representing the interests of Jesuit higher education before Congress, and supporting leadership initiatives.
Jesuit Advancement Association (JAA): The Conference of Jesuit Advancement Administrators (JAA) is a professional organization of advancement staff serving Jesuit higher education in the United States and Canada. It serves advancement professionals engaged in development, alumni relations, public relations and publications, and government relations.