Margaret Sarnicki discusses conduct policies with a student. Photo by Nick Lenz ’15
Margaret Sarnicki, director for student conduct and programs, earned the Student Conduct Professional of the Year award from the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA).
The award recognizes Sarnicki for her work with students, including crisis situations, which have been described by one faculty member as “lifesaving.”
“More than an individual award, it speaks to the great work many individuals, programs and offices are doing at St. Cloud State to provide a caring response to holistically address the needs of our students,” Sarnicki said.
Besides her colleagues writing recommendations for the award, Sarnicki received testimonials from students who had experienced conduct issues and their families.
“We recently received a call from a parent to thank her for holding their son accountable, but also for providing mentoring to be a better citizen with a focus on education and community,” said Jerry Bulisco, associate dean of students for student life and development.
In November, the awards committee notified Sarnicki she had been nominated, and her Student Life and Development colleagues shared they had secretly collected information and testimonials to submit.
“It was so touching that during a busy time of the semester so many people took the time to write about our work at St. Cloud State and the difference it is making in the students’ lives in support of the nomination,” Sarnicki said.
Sarnicki will accept the award at the annual national conference in February.
The ASCA has about 3,000 members and represents more than 1,500 colleges and universities across the United States and Canada.
