The Hallmark of Professionalism
For Aspiring Auxiliary/Ancillary Service Professionals
Introduction. Higher education is changing and auxiliary/ancillary services are more important to colleges and universities than ever. Auxiliary/Ancillary professionals are leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators, but they often go unrecognized because they work behind the scenes. NACAS, is working to provide a mechanism to demonstrate, measure and recognize your knowledge and achievement as a higher education professional.
Auxiliary/Ancillary Services professionals enter the field from diverse educational and experiential backgrounds. There is no single professional degree or program that prepares individuals to become auxiliary/ancillary services managers. Succession planning has and will be a challenge in higher education as individuals aspire to positions and institutions want to know that their needs may be met by qualified individuals. A certification in Auxiliary/Ancillary Services would provide a needed industry standard to document the experience and knowledge appropriate for an aspiring professional desiring to or presently filling the position of Auxiliary/Ancillary Services Director.
The primary target audience includes those aspiring to the key auxiliary/ancillary services position of their organizations’ leadership teams. The secondary target audience includes those auxiliary/ancillary services professionals already positioned there. Another important audience includes those to whom these professionals report at the institution.
This certification program will provide colleges and universities a way to better understand the knowledge, experience and level of competency of those who possess the credential. This program will also provide career development guidance to individuals preparing for more senior responsibilities.
The proposed NACAS Certification program will work to define criteria and attest that individuals have met a standard for auxiliary/ancillary services professionals and that these individuals are viewed as meeting those competencies which, in the eyes of their peers, are necessary to perform the functions normally accomplished by a Director of Auxiliary/Ancillary Services.
NACAS provides connections with many related groups to compile and continually update the core competencies upon which the program is built. Certification program content, updates, and assessment will be administered by the NACAS Certification Group, but will incorporate the work of sister auxiliary/ancillary associations and higher education. Core competencies will be reviewed regularly and reviews will involve representatives connected to NACAS from the most appropriate sister associations.
A Certified Auxiliary/Ancillary Services Professional is defined as an individual who possesses knowledge, skills, abilities, background and experience to effectively manage a comprehensive auxiliary/ancillary services program in higher education institutions of various sizes and complexities as evidenced through demonstrated capabilities in core competencies.
This designation will be awarded upon successful completion of the certification requirements and will be assessed through a rigorous and independent peer review process, including an exam. Development of this program is funded through the NACAS Education Foundation and its donors.
We all hope that you ask questions, comment or provide suggestions. We will ask your opinion at every step of the way.
Agree or disagree to bob@nacas.org
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