We Have Been a Part of the Region Longer than You Would Think

LICSPA’s long history began in 1955 when the Vice Presidents from Adelphi University, Hofstra University, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy met on occasion at informal “rap sessions.” Circa 1970, the group formalized, developed a Constitution, and called itself the “Long Island Council of Student Personnel Administrators.”

Founding members included Adelphi University, Hofstra University, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, C.W. Post Long Island University, Webb Institute, Nassau Community College, and Stony Brook University.

Other institutions joined through the encouragement of NASPA and by the activities provided by LICSPA. During this period, LICSPA was recognized by NASPA as a sub-regional group and received minutes and other communications from NASPA.

In 1980, LICSPA initiated its first annual conference and has since sponsored over 40 annual conferences. In 1986, the conference planning committee included an Annual Creative Program of the Year Award designed to offer member institutions an opportunity to showcase proposals on the cutting edge of educational program development. LICSPA presents this award, as well as its New Professional and Graduate Student awards, at its annual conference.

Our Mission

LICSPA is a non-profit organization committed to the growth of higher education professionals in Long Island and New York City. LICSPA members strongly believe in the success of the students they serve; therefore, LICSPA is passionately dedicated to the lifelong learning and advancement of its members to foster success on their campuses. LICSPA engages higher education professionals in scholarly reflection and provides opportunities for cross-institutional collaboration and community building throughout the region. LICSPA promotes leadership, inclusion, community, student success, professional development, and achievement within the field of higher education and among its members.

Our Values

Leadership | Our members are agents of change within higher education and throughout the region. We strongly support the advancement of our members and seek to provide them with opportunities for personal and professional growth. LICSPA challenges its members to think critically, create innovative solutions, and conquer the uncertainty of tomorrow.

Inclusion | LICSPA values the voices of all our members, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, creed, class, geography, education, or experience. We strive to ensure that the voices of underrepresented colleagues are heard and that the experiences of our underrepresented students are shared within LICSPA to create safer spaces across our campuses.

Community | We are committed to breaking down the silos that exist within the different facets of higher education. LICSPA brings all higher education professionals together through common themes and discussions to bridge the gaps that divide. Our members come together to share experiences, hardships, and triumphs - and, rely on one another to solve communal challenges.

Student Success | We are an organization of professionals who vehemently believe in and advocate for the success of our students. LICSPA is student-centered. We believe that the successes of our students are the successes of our members. This is our ethos and driving principle of all our other values and the reason we exist as an organization.

Professional Development | We believe in lifelong learning. LICSPA provides opportunities for new, mid, and senior-level professionals to share best practices, educate one another, take on leadership roles, and elevate the prestige associated with higher education professionals of our region. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, low-cost experiences to keep both LICSPA and professional development accessible for all.

Achievement | Our goal is to recognize our members for their amazing dedication and contributions to the field of higher education. We understand that as an extension of the members we serve, LICSPA is expected to always reach for new heights and add to the prestige and tradition of our community. To meet these expectations, LICSPA welcomes new ideas and new voices, promotes the sharing of information among our members, and empowers them to be forward thinkers.

Non-Discrimination Policy

LICSPA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, election and removal of officers, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our officers, volunteers, members, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.