Task force activities and recommendations often resulted in convention programs and published articles. More recently, Commission III has revised the task force model to one that consists of discussion groups, study groups and production teams that progress with a particular topic or idea from one being discussed to a tangible product useful to professionals in the residence life field. Some examples include areas such as staff performance appraisal, minority programming, and safety and security issues. The Commission has considered this one of its important missions since the late 1970s when it became apparent that new professionals were not becoming as involved in ACPA as they had in the past. Commission III uses directorate body members to lead a membership drive throughout the year.
Special emphasis is placed on getting others involved at the national convention.
Specific attention to recruitment is given at the Commission Carnival, which has become a vital tool in the recruitment process. All directorate body members, as well as those actively involved in other ways with Commission III, work diligently to recruit new members, especially from graduate student and new professional ranks. At the 1977 ACPA Convention in Denver, Colorado, Commission III decided to become active in recognizing outstanding achievements in residence life work. In a field where praise is often minimal, this activity has met an important need. Since that time, the Commission has presented awards to recognize excellence and outstanding contributions in the field of student housing and residence life.