NACAS West CX

This unique initiative unites academia, industry leaders, and governmental bodies to catalyze systemic climate action and transform food systems. Although there is consensus on the necessary actions, scalable, real-world models for this transformation are notably absent. Serving millions of meals daily across North American campuses, we see each meal as a pivotal chance to promote sustainability and shape future leaders. Explore the intersection of Food, Health, and Climate with us, presenting our Lab as a collective platform for meaningful change. Together, we can create scalable, innovative solutions that translate academic discourse into practical applications, leading to a sustainable future.

Speakers:

Sid Mehta, Senior Director Ancillary Services, Simon Fraser University
Jim Dwyer, Assistant Vice President, Auxiliary Business Services, Arizona State University
Neil Markley, Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance, Sonoma State University
Joseph Person, Executive Director Auxiliary Enterprises, Central Washington University

Discover how equitable access programs can transform your institution's educational landscape. Join business partners Vital Source, RedShelf and Barnes & Noble College, for an insightful session on the essential elements of implementing and managing successful equitable access initiatives. Gain firsthand insights into launching and managing these programs effectively, securing buy-in from stakeholders, and leveraging technology for seamless operations. Learn how to partner effectively with campus stakeholders and communicate strategically to drive student success and institutional growth. Explore trends and data on equitable access, including student preferences and improved affordability. Don't miss this opportunity to empower your institution and enhance student outcomes through equitable access solutions.

Speakers:

Colleges and universities are facing the dual challenges of attracting and retaining students and building a proficient workforce. To address these challenges, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality and the California State University at Sacramento are partnering on student learning and employment opportunities that deliver valuable hands-on work experience and leadership skill development for future career growth, while increasing student connection to the campus community.

In a panel discussion, presenters will share how the expertise of both the Aramark and the Sacramento State teams is being leveraged to create meaningful co-curricular opportunities that elevate the student educational and professional experience. Panelists will discuss initiatives such as:
- Student Leads Program, which affords high potential student employees - who excel in their jobs and demonstrate leadership qualities - with additional learning opportunities in hospitality operations and customer service.
- Recent collaboration with professors and the chairman in the Food Management, Sciences Nutrition and Dietetics department to enhance the Hospitality Management educational program.
- Aramark™s S2L (Step Up to Leadership) and A2L (Accelerate to Leadership) internship and college hire development programs that help students expand their competencies in operations, businesses, and leadership to create a career pipeline upon graduation. Attendees will hear a first-hand account of the value of these programs from Sean Stratton, graduate of the programs and current Aramark Resident District Manager at Sacramento State.

Speakers:

Angela Rader, Director of Marketing and Communications UEI, University of California Sacramento State
Sean Stratton, Resident District Manager, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality at University of California Sacramento State
Bryant Newman, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality
James Accardi, Regional Vice President, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality

Twenty three years ago, UCSF Campus Life Services underwent a deliberate brand make-over focused on reinventing its mission to "making life better here" at UCSF through a service/customer-focused approach to offerings and services. There was a concerted effort to feature our people doing their work;messaging had a voice that was friendly and fun;and visuals were colorful and eye-catching. It forced marketing and production teams to work together—and to step outside of their silos—to create and multiply this strategy. Ultimately, eleven units benefitted from the power of one voice and centralized efforts.

Because of the efforts to insert this focus into the ethos of Campus Life Services, the university has turned to CLS to undertake enterprise-wide communication and marketing (ex: campaigns: COVID, Sustainability, Shop Local and patient communications) and service as a branding expert (reproductions, digital displays, logo lockups) to ensure the university communication efforts are compelling and relevant.

Through the power of branding, and our expertise of supporting the UCSF enterprise in a novel way, Campus Life Services has positioned itself as THE go-to communicators at UCSF.

Speakers: 

Monica Mapa, Associate Director Strategic Marketing and Communications, University of California San Francisco
Mario Carmona, Associate Director Documents and Media, University of California San Francisco

Breakfast served in the General Session.

Join us for an enlightening session on the current trends in auxiliary services, featuring Jared Ceja & Neil Markley. Leaning on their combined expertise and significant contributions to the industry, this session will discuss innovative strategies for enhancing student life and financial sustainability through auxiliary services. Together, we will explore how these services are adapting to new challenges and opportunities, providing a critical source of revenue and support for institutions, especially in the face of changing educational environments. Don't miss this opportunity!

Speakers:

Neil Markley, Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance
Jared Ceja, CEO, Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises

In an era where climate change and sustainability are at the forefront of global discussions, the food choices we make are increasingly under scrutiny. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, livestock are responsible for approximately 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet animal-source foods remain a crucial component of our diets, offering essential nutrients that are challenging to obtain from plant-based sources alone.

This proposed session aims to bridge the gap between the often polarized views on animal agriculture and sustainable food systems, especially within the context of university campuses. By bringing together a diverse panel of experts from the animal agriculture sector and university services, we intend to foster a comprehensive discussion on how meat, milk, and eggs can fit into diets that are both healthful and sustainable.

Speakers:

Eric Mittenthal, Chief Strategy Officer, North American Meat Institute
Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Professor and Air Quality Specialist, UC Davis CLEAR Center
Meredith Ellis, Rancher at G Bar C Ranch, Texas
Sid Mehta, Sr. Director Ancillary Services, Simon Fraser University

We will delve into the strategic analysis of Arizona State University's (ASU) Auxiliary Services through the lens of Supply Chain Management. In this session, we'll explore the intricacies of our auxiliary operations, from procurement to logistics, and how the application of supply chain principles can elevate the efficiency and effectiveness of these vital university functions.
We'll uncover the strategic nuances of how ASU procures and collaborates with vendors. Demonstrating how a supply chain perspective can enhance the reliability, cost-effectiveness, and overall quality of services provided to our academic community.

Speakers:

Tim Maguire, Senior Program Director Auxiliary Supply Chain Strategy, Arizona State University
Jim Dwyer, Assistant Vice President, Auxiliary Business Services, Arizona State University

Today's colleges and universities face increasing financial challenges. However, there are opportunities campus leaders should consider in order to create a sustainable, financial future. Looking past tuition fees is a good place to start. There are potential revenue streams across campus, from auxiliary functions to student services, and everything in between. A key to finding these hidden revenue gems is a unified payment environment that manages payment acceptance across campus while easing reconciliation, back office processing, compliance and reporting. In addition, the ability to bring on third-party merchants and vendor TouchNet payment experts will walk you through practical examples from institutions that are driving new revenue streams while delivering a premium experience for all.

Speaker:

In today's multigenerational workforce, understanding and catering to the unique needs and preferences of each generation is crucial for successful recruitment and retention. This presentation delves into the nuances of generational diversity, providing insights into communication styles, values, and motivators to help organizations attract and engage a robust and diverse candidate pool.

Speaker:

Marcie Glenn, CEO and Chief Talent Strategist, Another Source

Come enjoy a beautiful and informative campus tour of Sonoma State University. During the tour visit the Student Center, University Bookstore, dining venues, Recreation Center, and campus housing. 

Sign up for tour.