AACUSS Book Reviewers Initiative
Goal
The goal of this initiative is to support the sharing of knowledge and assist with further enhancing professional development amongst the AACUSS membership.
Approach
$100 per person (including taxes and delivery) for up to five people to read a Student Affairs and Services (SAAS) related book. The expectation is that these reviewers would provide a review using visual, multi-media, written or auditory means that will be shared in a future AACUSS talks. Equally the book reviewers will be invited to co-present with other book reviewers at the next AACUSS conference if they are in attendance. The total budget allocation $500.
Structure of a Book Review
The book review could look at the following components:
- Connectivity to the Student Affairs and Services profession
- Identify key themes of the book and implications on the SAAS practice
- Provide a personal assessment on specific items such as:
- Readability
- Organizational structure of the book,
- Strengths and weaknesses
- A final recommendation
Potential Questions
Does it matter if the purchased book is in paper, audio or e-version?
No, any type of book format will be considered.
If I have bought a book previously and have, or plan to, read the book soon, can I submit to be considered for reimbursement?
Although preference will be given to newly purchased books, we will also consider reimbursement if someone has already bought a book that meets the criteria. A copy of the receipt will be required for us to provide a reimbursement. If you do not have a receipt but would still like to do a review even though there is no reimbursement, we would welcome this as well.
How long will I have to read the book?
This may vary based on when the application is received and approved but ideally no later than the end of May of each year and it would be great if books were reviewed and submitted in a staggered manner to allow for staggered release of book reviews in AACUSS talks. E.g. it would be great if one review was done in December, January, February, March, April.
What is the criteria to be considered connected to the Student Affairs and Services profession?
As there are direct and indirect connections to Student Affairs and Services, we are going to intentionally leave this open and let you build a case as to why this would be a useful read for Student Affairs staff. It could be a direct connection such as, “First-generation Professionals in Higher Education: Strategies for the World of Work”. Or it could be more personal developmental and growth mindset in nature such as, “The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth”.
Who will be selecting the top five books?
A committee of three people from within the AACUSS Executive will be chosen to select the five book reviewers.