September is an exciting month as we dive into the fall semester, and lend our services to students in need. It's also the time of year we reflect on the accomplishments of our colleagues, and prepare to celebrate them at our annual conference in St. Simon's Island, GA. Please consider nominating your colleagues and friends in one of our Award and Recognition categories. Click here to learn more about award categories, and how to submit your nomination.

We're also excited to open our 2017 President's Grant Application. All graduate students are encouraged to apply. If selected, the recipient will receive a $700 cash grant, free registration at our 2017 conference (meals included in registration), and lodging at the King & Price Resort.

ALL of the above nominations and application forms are due SEPTEMBER 30, 2016.

What a summer!!  So many national events have impacted people spiritually and emotionally, and often, we are called to be the voice of non-violence and peace amidst a troubled world.  So, if your summer has been anything like ours, then you have been hard at work, planning, seeing clients, attempted to spread some peace and love, and preparing for a Fall that will be busier than ever! It is my hope that you are taking some time to refresh and renew to be ready for the Fall. 

If you are new, I hope you will join GCCA and consider preparing a presentation for our annual conference in January. Did you know that students can join GCCA for FREE??  This is such a great opportunity for us to network, meet other counselors, present at a regional conference, and get plugged into our State Association.  I hope that you will reach out to graduate counseling students on your campus and ask them to join us in January. We also want to encourage them to be apply for our President's Grant, a highly competitive and coveted award that allows a student to attend our Conference for FREE, stay at the King and Prince for FREE, and even earn a generous stipend! An official announcement will be made once the application is open for submissions.

Our Council just met and we are excited about our upcoming conference at the King and Prince Resort!!  We are also updating our by-laws, taking care of some mundane business, and planning all sorts of Continuing Education to be hosted by various regions. This is a great way to refresh without having to stray far from your own home-base.  Be sure to check our CE Events tab to see the latest events.

Finally, this is your Council working with you, so I hope you will stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, send your ideas to your regional representative and begin preparing your program submission for our upcoming conference!

Thank you for all the work you do in your offices to help our students transform their lives, to keep our students emotionally stable and to be a peacemaker on your campus. To our campus partners, thank you for supporting us, for being a part of our GCCA family and for helping us maintain perspective. Best to all of you as you begin a new year, and be sure to reach out if you need any support or assistance!!

Terri Ducker, M.A., L.P.C., A.C.S.

President of GCCA

University of West Georgia