Careers in Student Affairs Month

In celebration of Careers in Student Affairs Month it is your chance to make a difference in someone else's life! As graduate students and new professionals our transition into the field is likely prominent in our minds. It is unlikely that any of us colored pictures in kindergarten of being a Student Affairs administrator. Most commonly, someone saw potential and reached out to guide each of us into the field. SCGSNP has some excellent ideas for ways that you can reach out to be that mentor for others. Together we can grow the future of our profession.

The first step is to identify students that may be interested in the field. Plant the seed during your next meeting with a promising student or during a one on one over coffee, "Have you ever thought of doing this as a career?" Begin engaging in that conversation with the students around you. Most students don't realize it is an option and will often respond with an extensive list of questions. Use your story and experiences while providing other resources as well.

Beyond one on one conversations with the students you already know here are some other ideas:

• Register for the free SCGSNP Careers in Student Affairs webinar. Advertise and invite students to participate.
• Host an interest session for students. Advertise around campus and invite other colleagues to help spread the word or facilitate. If you have any other campuses nearby consider inviting them as well--in addition to being a benefit for their students it could also help you to network with their professionals!
• Invite a senior Student Affairs officer to host a discussion group.
• Work with students to create a student organization for future Student Affairs professionals.
• Share with students about upcoming opportunities including attending ACPA's Next Gen conference to learn more about Student Affairs and graduate programs.

We each work with exceptional students each day and while not all of them will desire to be in Student Affairs, some may. Take the opportunity this month to serve as a resource to help build our future. If you or your institution are doing other programs or events please feel free to share with others in the comments.

This month is also a great chance to think about the individual(s) that helped to guide you into the field. In addition to building the future, I encourage you to take an extra moment to thank those that have helped or mentored you. You can also consider nominating them as the "Outstanding Mentor to Graduate Students" or the "Outstanding Mentor to New Professionals" awards. These are both great honors to show your appreciation for their commitment. Nominations can be submitted here: http://www2.myacpa.org/convention2/awards.

September Updates and Opportunities for Involvement

As I'm sure you've all noticed, the year is rolling by quickly! In addition to everything taking place on campuses around the world, the past few months have also been busy for SCGSNP! The committee has continued their work on some exceptional projects to better serve you and to meet your needs! We are particularly excited about the free webinar for Careers in Student Affairs Month and an upcoming free webinar and online case study competition being hosted in conjunction with SCLGBTA.

We would like to thank everyone that submitted programs and those that volunteered to review programs! We had 184 people volunteer to review the 20 programs that we received. This is absolutely outstanding! If you're looking for other ways to get involved please see this months list:

• Graduate students, renew your membership for a chance to win a convention package! ACPA will be drawing names of those that have renewed their membership before November 1. They will be giving away free registration packages and packages that include registration and travel funds!
• Call for award nominations is now open! Please take 5 minutes from your day to appreciate the hard work and dedication of those around you. To learn more about our awards or to nominate someone please go to http://www2.myacpa.org/convention2/awards.
• If you would like to help review award nominations please email our awards coordinator, Nicole Robbins, at n.robbins85@gmail.com.
• SCGSNP Structure and Elections Review- Over the past few years there have been many discussions about the current election procedure for the SCGSNP Directorate. We are currently evaluating this system to determine if there is another method that would allow for greater involvement. There will be a small committee working on this project. If you have any thoughts about this or would be interested in serving on this committee please email chair.scgsnp@gmail.com.

Thank you for your membership and involvement. If you have other suggestions or ways in which we can assist in enhancing your ACPA experience please let us know!

Better Know a Member--Cristina Miller!

Institution: Western Michigan University

Position: Alumni Relations Summer Initiative Ambassador (just for the summer—I’m job searching!).

What brings joy to your professional life? Working with students (and alumni). When I hear a past or current student express pride in their institution, it makes my job feel meaningful.

If you could be a candy bar, which would you be and why? Skittles because they are fun and colorful.

What did you want to grow up to be when you were 10 years old? A cook—turns out I’m not great at cooking.

Name somebody who has /have made a difference to you in your professional life? How so? Linda Varvel. She was my RA and later my roommate, and she encouraged me to consider student affairs as a profession.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? I would love to work on raising money and awareness to renovate the original buildings on WMU’s campus. There is so much tradition and history there and they are just crumbling—I’m scared that we will lose an important aspect of our campus’ culture without their preservation.

What is your favorite food? Pizza, French fries, and portabella mushrooms. Not together.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Cook! :)

How are you involved in ACPA or the SCGSNP? I am the incoming Sponsored Programs Coordinator.

What is your favorite color? Purple.

What is a personal motto that you live by? "Do what you like, like what you do."

Nine Ways to Live the Lifestyle of a Champion

Most people recognize a champion only when he steps up the podium, but he actually has become a champion far before it. In fact, he has become a champion years before that glorious moment. Why? Because to reach that moment, first and foremost he has to become a champion in his daily life. He has to train hard for years, control his diet, and deny a lot of pleasures to prepare for the contests. While other people can live whatever way they want, he must live a disciplined life. Most people only see him in the glorious moment, but it is this lifestyle that actually brings him to the podium.

Our life is similar. Do you want to be a champion in life? Then there is no other way:

Live the lifestyle of a champion.

The way you live daily determines what you can achieve in life. Do not hope to achieve great things if you don’t want to pay the price in the first place. Live the lifestyle of a champion, and years from now people will recognize you as a champion when you step up the podium.

Here are nine ways to live the lifestyle of a champion:

1. Have a clear goal

First of all, you should know what you are aiming for. An athlete who clearly aims for Olympic gold medal will live differently from those who do not have any clear goal. Your goal will inspire and motivate you throughout all the hard work you need to go through.

2. Aim high

Having a clear goal is important but not enough. Your goal should also be challenging to inspire you to do your best. It should be both realistic and difficult enough to get you out of the comfort zone and push your limits.

3. Make a plan and do it

Besides having a clear goal, a good athlete has a clear plan for his training and contests. He knows what kind of training he will go through to prepare for the contests. Similarly, you should have a clear plan on how to achieve your goal. What kind of skills and knowledge do you need? When and how do you want to acquire them?

4. Cultivate your motivation

The journey to mastery is long and difficult. You need sustained motivation to walk it. Otherwise, there is no way you can go through the years of hard effort needed. You can’t depend on others to motivate yourself, you should be able to motivate yourself. Your goal (point #1) is a powerful source of motivation.

5. Train hard for long time

You need to have superior skills and knowledge to achieve your goal. There is no other way to have it but by training hard for long time. Study shows that people typically need 10 years of effortful study to become an expert on something. It is this kind of training that you need to go through.

6. Go beyond your comfort zone

Not all kinds of training will give you the improvements you need. The study I quote above says that you need to do effortful study to become an expert. Effortful study is the kind of study which entails continually tackling challenges that lie just beyond your competence. It takes you out of your comfort zone to increase your capacity.

7. Go one mile further

A champion won’t just do things like anybody else. Instead, he tries to add a little more to what is expected. He walks the extra mile to give superior value. This certainly is not easy, but developing this attitude will put you ahead of the game.

8. Have competitors to motivate you

A healthy dose of competition is important to make you move forward at full speed. Without competition, it’s very likely that you will do less than your actual capability. Competition keeps you alert to continuously improve yourself.

9. Put your skills to the test

Training is not enough, you must join real contests.Test your skills and knowledge with real challenges by jumping in and actually doing what you intend to do. Do your dream job, start your dream business. Put yourself out there to really hone your competence over time.

Donald Latumahina is an avid learner who blogs about personal growth and effectiveness at Life Optimizer. Read his articles on 30 Practical Tips to Make Yourself Indispensable to Others and The Art of Arbitrage: The Key to Living Smart.

Better Know a Member--Dale O'Neill

Institution: The University of New Orleans

Position: Coordinator of Leadership Programs

What brings joy to your professional life? Within my position as the Coordinator of Leadership Programs, I am able to work with an array of students in various steps of their identity development. I love being able to meet students during their first year of school and see how through Student Affairs programs, their holistic development is fostered.

If you could be a candy bar, which would you be and why? Either a Snickers because I am always smiling and laughing or a Butterfinger because I am sooo clumsy. :)

What did you want to grow up to be when you were 10 years old? Oh I totally wanted to be a children’s book writer… I even attempted to write one when I was 8!

Name somebody who has /have made a difference to you in your professional life? How so? My present supervisor, the Interim Dean of Student Affairs, has greatly influenced my professional life. She has shown me that through both challenging and supporting students, student affairs professionals can foster students’ physical, social, intellectual and emotional growth.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? In my present position, I also oversee service programs. I would love to spend the next year focusing on creating a Leadership Through Service Certificate Program. For me, leadership and service goes hand and hand.

What is your favorite food? Meatloaf and macaroni and cheese. :)

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I would love to learn sign language. It is definitely one of my five year goals.

How are you involved in ACPA or the SCGSNP? I am the co-chair for communications for SCGSNP as well as serve as the Newsletter Co-Chair for the Standing Committee on Disability.

What is your favorite color? Pink!

What is a personal motto that you live by? "Live simply so that others may simply live." Mohandas Gandhi

An Update from Our Chair

I recently returned from the awesome experience of participating in the ACPA Summer Leadership Meeting. As the new chair for SCGSNP I was not certain what to expect. I was slightly apprehensive as I thought about all of the leaders in the field that would be present. When I arrived in Louisville I instantly felt at home with my ACPA family. I was greeted by colleagues that I knew and introduced to others from throughout the association.

The meetings, discussions, and conversations were wonderful! It was an incredible opportunity and experience to be at the table engaging in conversations about the future of myACPA! Here are just a few of the highlights:

ACPA Globalization- We helped give direction for the development of the globalization initiative. I also gained a new perspective on the concept and a better understanding of the ways that globalization can better inform the work that we do on a daily basis.

Financial Management- The transparency of the leadership allowed for discussion about the budgeting, spending, and income for the association. As a new professional it was wonderful to see financial management for such a large association. If you’d like to learn more please feel free to email me at amollet@radford.edu and I’d love to discuss it with you!

Convention 2012- Wow! ACPA has done an absolutely incredible job in taking our feedback and creating a convention to meet the needs for graduate students and new professionals! Specifically:

Lodging- The Galt House is offering huge suites with two beds and a pull-out sofa! There is room for 6 at a rate that is less than we typically pay for a standard room!

Parking- The parking rate has been reduced from $21-24 to only $8/night!

Internet- All convention hotels will be providing free internet to attendees!

Dining- There are tons of affordable (both fast food and sit down) restaurants within close walking distance to the convention center!

ACPA Foundation- The Foundation has been working diligently to raise funds to provide additional services and resources to the association! They now offer funding for research initiatives as well as programs/events!

Career Central- ACPA is currently soliciting feedback from graduate students and new professionals about ways to improve placement. They have some excellent ideas and I anticipate a revised and outstanding placement experience in Louisville!

Summer Leadership was a truly valuable experience for me to provide better leadership to SCGSNP and also to expand upon my own professional development. I am looking forward to expanding on some of the connections and opportunities to work with other ACPA groups to better meet the needs of graduate students and new professionals! If you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to discuss any association topics further please let me know!


Amanda L. Mollet
Muse Quad Area Director
Office of Housing and Residential Life
Radford University
Chair, ACPA Standing Committee for Graduate Students and New Professionals
Phone: (540) 831-6077
Fax: (540) 831-6654

Better Know a Member--Brian Hopkins!

Institution: Syracuse University

Position: Residence Director

What brings joy to your professional life? The thing that I love most about my job is the interactions that I have with students on a daily basis. I have formed a number of great relationships with students who I advise and supervise in which the students know that I am there for them and will do my best to help them through anything that I can. Knowing that I have helped some of my students through very challenging situations and that they have grown because of it energizes me on a daily basis to continue doing all the things that I do.

If you could be a candy bar, which would you be and why? I would be a Twix because they are just that good!

What did you want to grow up to be when you were 10 years old? Teacher

Name somebody who has /have made a difference to you in your professional life? How so? Dr. Tony Cawthon is one of the faculty members at Clemson University, which is where I graduated from with my Master’s degree. Tony has always been a great role model and supported me a great deal both professionally and personally.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? I am going to be working on piloting a residential college for students in science, technology, engineering, and math. It is going to be the first one that Syracuse University has and I’m very excited about the new challenge that it is going to bring and developing this program throughout the year.

What is your favorite food? I love Italian food!

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I think it would be fun to learn how to fly a plane.

How are you involved in ACPA or the SCGSNP? I am the Co-Coordinator of the Case Study competition.

What is your favorite color? Blue

What is a personal motto that you live by? "It's never too late to be what you might have been." --George Eliot

Better Know a Member--Jessica Prodoehl!

Institution: Rutgers University

Position: Hall Director

What brings joy to your professional life? Watching the light bulb go off in students’ heads as they come to realizations about what I’ve been saying & the students who say thank you

If you could be a candy bar, which would you be and why? Pretzel M&Ms – they’re bright, colorful, and a perfect mixture of salty and sweet.

What did you want to grow up to be when you were 10 years old? A teacher

Name somebody who has /have made a difference to you in your professional life? How so? Well, I got where I am because of Ashley Ganoe, my supervisor as an undergraduate student. She introduced me to the concept of Student Affairs as a career, and is the person who forwarded me information about the program I’m currently in!

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? Developing/ Implementing a residential curriculum program

What is your favorite food? Fettucine Alfredo

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Figure skate!

How are you involved in ACPA or the SCGSNP? General Member of each!

What is your favorite color? Hot Pink

What is a personal motto that you live by? A classic: Treat others as you wish to be treated!

Leadership Lessons Or, Everything I Learned in 42 Years in Student Affairs

by Art Sandeen

1. The education of students should drive everything we do. That's why we're here.



2. Presidents make our jobs possible. We have to support them, but we must also educate them. If we can't support them, we should leave.



3. Always be honest, all of the time, with everyone. Period.



4. Follow the money.



5. Good ideas are great, but any idea only succeeds because of a good leader.



6. Take your time in hiring staff. Trust your own judgment, not a committee's.



7. Spend lots of time with students. You'll never regret it. Paper work can wait.



8. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Practice, practice, practice. Sell, sell, sell.



9. Acts of kindness are not only the right thing; they are always returned.



10. Always give credit and praise to others. Thank them often. Encourage them.
    Don't ever say, "I did that." No one leads alone.



11. Prepare yourself to leave your position and make sure you are marketable.



12. Know your strengths. Contribute where you can. Otherwise, be quiet.



13. Listen more than you talk.



14. Fight hard and clean. But, no end runs, and above all, no pouting.



15. Take some risks and be willing to accept the criticism and the consequences. Stand for something and show some courage.



16. Don't fall for the latest fad or gimmick.



17. Treat presidents and custodians in exactly the same manner.



18. Work hard, but never, ever brag or complain about your long hours.



19. Do not become your job. Forge a strong and healthy identity unrelated to any job.

Better Know a Member--Jordan Edelman!

Institution: University of Toledo

Position: Hall Director

What brings joy to your professional life? Seeing students, especially the challenging ones grow over time.

If you could be a candy bar, which would you be and why? Twix because you get 2 candy bars for the price of one.

What did you want to grow up to be when you were 10 years old? Teacher

Name somebody who has /have made a difference to you in your professional life? How so? I’m all about getting a chance and the opportunity to do something. Due to that, there are two women who are mentors to me and have given me the opportunity to do something I didn’t think I could do. They are Amy Halter and Kirsten Kennedy. Amy made a difference for me when I was a student and first thinking about getting into the field of student affairs. Kirsten made a difference for me professionally when I was in graduate school and we taught a class together.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? Teambuilding; I’m a huge fan of teambuilding so if I could work on this and only this I would love my life.

What is your favorite food? French Fries. It’s an addiction.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Teleport because who wouldn’t want to be able to go anywhere instantly.

How are you involved in ACPA or the SCGSNP? Undergraduate Outreach Coordinator Elect

What is your favorite color? Orange

What is a personal motto that you live by? Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and do something you didn’t think you could do.

Better Know a Member--Jessica Colwell!

Institution: Boston University

Position: Residence Hall Director

What brings joy to your professional life? The first six weeks of when RAs come on campus! It is always a great experience to see how empowered they feel as they build their community and realize how important they are to their residents.

If you could be a candy bar, which would you be and why? Kit Kat bar!

What did you want to grow up to be when you were 10 years old? I wanted to be a flute player in an orchestra.

Name somebody who has /have made a difference to you in your professional life? How so? One of my best friends, Carrie Miller, is someone I met in graduate school and has been a friend and confidante to me in my struggles and success during my first job. She has always been someone I can turn to for both advice and laughter.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? Anything first year experience, those first year students always keep you on your toes!

What is your favorite food? Anything Italian!

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Build houses, I’ve always admired people who can build things from scratch!

How are you involved in ACPA or the SCGSNP? Undergraduate Outreach Coordinator and Next Generation Conference Planning Committee

What is your favorite color? Purple

What is a personal motto that you live by? 'Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.'

Better Know a Member--Ashley Weets!

Institution: Guilford College

Position: Hall Director/Student Success Mentor

What brings joy to your professional life? Just the amount of variety I experience every day! There is never a dull moment, and while it is tiring, it is also what keeps me coming back every day!

If you could be a candy bar, which would you be and why? Peanut butter M&Ms, because they are delicious and colorful!

What did you want to grow up to be when you were 10 years old? I wanted to be a veterinarian. Then I figured out that meant I’d have to put puppies and kitties to sleep and it was all over.

Name somebody who has /have made a difference to you in your professional life? How so? I have been very lucky to get to know and work with several remarkable individuals. If I had to pinpoint one at this moment, I’d say Tracy Davis, who is a professor in my grad program. I had the opportunity to be his teaching assistant one semester – I have never learned more about myself or the subject matter in such a short amount of time, and I am very thankful for that.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? A dream project (with a dream budget) would be to research different styles/methods of higher education around the world. I want to better understand how others are educated, so this would obviously involve lots of travel and lots of talking with people, two of my very favorite things!

What is your favorite food? Sushi – Philly Roll, but I pretty much like them all!

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I’d love to learn how to cook without stressing myself out about it!

How are you involved in ACPA or the SCGSNP? This is my third year on the Directorate of the SCGSNP, my first two years I was on the Scholarship Committee, and last year and through this upcoming year I am on the Special Projects Committee.

What is your favorite color? Oh, it changes all the time. Right now it’s green, I think.

What is a personal motto that you live by? "You know, if you don't want to run again, I respect that. But if you don't run 'cause you think it's gonna be too hard or you think you're gonna lose - well, God, Jed, I don't even want to know you." ~Mrs. Landingham, The West Wing

Message from the Chair!

Good Afternoon:

The Standing Committee for Graduate Students and New Professionals (SCGSNP) was founded in 1988 to provide graduate students and new professionals a voice and a home within ACPA. Involvement with the standing committee has been a foundation for many individual’s professional development as well as a starting point for leadership in ACPA. It is my hope that you will find SCGSNP to be your professional home in much the same way that it has been for so many before you.

Over the next year, we intend to continue the excellence that SCGSNP has exhibited and are eager to move forward with additional projects and initiatives. Here is a preview of some of the specific goals for this year:
• Engage membership in new and meaningful ways during the year through volunteer opportunities and the Institutional Liaison program.
• Utilize technology and social media to help you stay better connected with SCGSNP and ACPA.
• Provide professional development opportunities outside of convention by hosting a virtual case study competition during the fall semester.
• Collaborate with Career Central to provide resources for those that are job searching including potential mock interviews.
• Assist ACPA in the development of the new Phyllis Mabel Entry Level Institute.
• Develop new fundraising programs and initiatives to fund additional convention scholarshipopportunities for graduate students and new professionals.

This is your committee and we are committed to making your involvement a meaningful part of your professional development. There are some excellent ways to get connected and involved starting right now!
• Check us out on facebook (ACPA SCGSNP). Feel free to comment on the articles, post questions for others, and engage with one another.
• Follow us on Twitter @SCGSNP.
• Submit an article for our newsletter, The Eighth Vector. Articles for the first issue are due June 30 to c.shaw09@gmail.com.
• Get excited for the upcoming opportunity to serve as an ACPA Ambassador! Applications will be available shortly to have the chance to connect your institution with ACPA while also gaining a valuable way to contribute to make this your ACPA!

It is my commitment to serve and represent you to the best of my ability. If you have comments, thoughts or suggestions please feel free to contact me at amollet@radford.edu. Together, with your continued involvement, support, and service to SCGSNP and ACPA we can make a difference for the future of our profession.

Thank you for your membership with SCGSNP and the opportunity to serve you!


Amanda L. Mollet
Chair, Standing Committee for Graduate Students and New Professionals

Better Know a Member--Ashley Nickelson

Institution: Rutgers University

Position: Graduate Residence Hall Director

What brings joy to your professional life? Seeing my students take on leadership roles within the university and within the community brings joy to my professional life. When my residents apply to become RAs or club presidents, I become instantly proud of their desire to achieve and enhance their experience.

If you could be a candy bar, which would you be and why? I would be a Hershey’s Bar with almonds, because I am very consistent and reliable, just like a milk chocolate Hershey Bar. However, I also have a spontaneous unique side, which makes me different, just like a Hershey’s Bar with almonds.

What did you want to grow up to be when you were 10 years old? When I was 10 years old, I wanted to be a teacher or an architect.

Name somebody who has /have made a difference to you in your professional life? How so? My father has made a significant difference in my professional life, because he has always taught me to make the most of my experience and to do the best that I possibly can at everything I put my mind to.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? It would probably be to work with assessing campus climate and working to develop learning outcomes and a curriculum to enhance the community and bridge the gap between student affairs and academics.

What is your favorite food? Mashed potatoes!

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I would learn how to become a professional chef; I would love to attend culinary school.

How are you involved in ACPA or the SCGSNP? I am the Special Projects Elect in the SCGSNP.

What is your favorite color? Purple!

What is a personal motto that you live by? “Throw yourself through every open door” - Adele

Better Know a Member--Steve Carriere!

Name: Steve Carriere

Institution: Emory University

Position: Residential Complex Director

What brings joy to your professional life? For me, it is all about the special connections that I am able to make with my students and colleagues.

If you could be a candy bar, which would you be and why? Something chocolate from outside the US because I value the perspective of being a global citizen and embrace a very international point of view.

What did you want to grow up to be when you were 10 years old? A National Geographic photographer! I love animals and thought the idea of traveling to “wild” places to take pictures sounded amazing. Actually…I still do!

Name somebody who has /have made a difference to you in your professional life. How so? Dr. Margaret Sallee. She was my masters program advisor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She not only successfully guided me through my program, but she served as an inspiration daily!

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? Planning and implementing a study abroad program.

What is your favorite food? Thai food hands down, although no one in the US makes it quite like my host mother in Thailand did!

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Sing! Although I don’t think that singing well is really learned as much as it is a gift given at birth!

How are you involved in ACPA or the SCGSNP? I have been an ACPA member for over 3 years, attended convention 3 times, and have served the SCGSNP in a couple of capacities with my most current involvement as one of the Membership Coordinators.

What is your favorite color? Do I really have to choose one? Life is a rainbow!

What is a personal motto that you live by? Love yourself, love others, and love your life.

Welcome!

Welcome to the blog for ACPA's Standing Committee for Graduate Students and New Professionals!