Hi, Karen. It's great of you to share your time and expertise with my students. I appreciate it, and they certainly will, too. Our start-up questions:
Please describe your path to your current position; how you made decisions about career opportunities; and what, if anything, you might have done differently.
Tell us about a difficult situation that you encountered in the past year or two and tell us how you responded to it.
What would you suggest are the keys to success in student affairs work?
How is student affairs work at an institution like yours unique or different from other institutions?
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I began in the field the way many of us did - I fell into it! I had no idea what I wanted to do after college and the VP at my institution shared a flyer for an RD position at another college in the state. I applied (not really knowing what a Resident Director did because we didn't have any) and got the job. As they say, the rest is history.
ReplyDeleteI was an RD for 2 years at Gannon University in Erie, PA. An area Coordinator for 2 years at Ohio University, Associate Dean of Students/Director of Student Activities at the University of Scranton, Dir. of Activies, Dir. of Residence Life, Assoc. Dean and then Dean of Students at SUNY New Paltz, VP at SUNY Geneseo and then here.
I don't think I would have done anything differently professionally. I think the mix of small, large, public and private institutions served me well and provided great training for my present role. Personally, I may have mixed up the rural experience with a place that provided more social outlets earlier in my career.
One of the most difficult situations I had to address in the last 2 years was the anonymous threat of a shooter. This was a year after VA. Tech and a student scribbled a note on a desk in a classroom. The note said, "I am going to shoot up the campus on April 10, 2008."
Obviously, we had to take it seriously. After the police did extensive investigations for 2 weeks leading up to the 10th, there was no suspect in hand. The decision had to be made whether or not to keep the campus open or to close. The Chief of Police and I developed extensive preparation plans to keep the campus open. We presented them to the President and Cabinet and that was the decision we made. In all we had over 175 police officers from campus and the surrounding towns and counties stationed on campus. Cars were stopped at the front entrance and only University faculty, staff and students were permitted on campus. Some people stayed away, but most came. The result was that people felt safe, protected and that we handled the situation exceptionally well. Although we had no reason to believe the threat was real, there were some tense times in the morning as we all second guessed ourselves.
The police did I identify a suspect about a week later. It was a freshman student who confessed that he did it becasue he was bored in class. He is no longer a student at this university.
The keys to success that come to mind are:
Instinct
Insight
Intelligence
Tenacity
Willingness to take that extra step
Attention to detail
And above all else, a sense of humor
What is different here from many other instituions is that we move very fast. Our president abhors the glacial pace at which change happens in academia and has brought a different ethos to the campus. We are expected to take risks, to challenge the status quo, to explore and experiment with new ways and new techniques. That makes it a fun place to work, but also challenging because you rarely have time to slow down and think the way you would like. But I highly recommend this type of atmosphere for those who like to develop and manage new programs and ideas.
Hi Dr. Pennington,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Dyonne Butler. Thank you for sharing your professional history with us! I fell into Student Affairs as well.
I am currently a Ph.D. student in the Higher Ed. Administration Program. I was very involved (Pres/chair student orgs/RA) as an undergraduate at Louisiana State University (LSU). My professional work history includes: Interim Director of the African American Culture Center and Greek Advisor at LSU, Coordinator of Greek Life and Greek Housing at the University of South Florida and Director of Greek Life at the University of Georgia. I aspire to be a VP of Student Affairs (not sure public or private institution – definitely not in a rural area). After I earn my Ph.D., should I look for Dean positions, Assistant/Associate VP positions? Please advise.
Thank you,
Dyonne
Hello Dr. Pennington,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story about the possible campus crisis. I am becoming increasingly interested in crisis management because it's one of those areas that I often shy away from, including my selections of professional positions within my career path. As a new professional, I find myself wanting to tread in the safe zone but I am learning more and more that there are no safe zones in student affairs. I find that to be exciting and scary at the same time. You outlined the keys to success which I assume are also in relation to the campus crisis situation that you mentioned. I can see how each of them are applicable, but how do you maintain a sense of humor in such a serious situation?
Thanks for your insight,
Edna
Hi Karen
ReplyDeleteYes, I am finally trying to get that degree (well almost since I now HAVE to take the GRE) -hope all is well and that you have a great 4th.
One of the important factors for a student affairs professional is "giving back" to the profession - would love for you to share your words of wisdom to the class as a former NASPA President on "professional activity and involvement" - thanks - Ken
Dyonne - There are three things I suggest you think about in making that decision:
ReplyDeleteThe first is, "What is the breath of experience I need to be a VP?" When you are a VP, you need to know a little bit about a lot of things. You need to have a fair sense about all of the departments in your division. So think about what other experiences you can get in the next position and how they will help you get where you want to go.
The second is, "What is the end result I want to reach." Do you want to end up a Dean, VP, President? Think about what experiences you will need in that final career role and start gathering them now. Do you need to get some teaching and research credentials in your portfolio? What is it that will help you achieve that ultimate goal?
The third is, "Plan not for the next job, but for the one after that." So if 2 jobs from now you want to be an Associate VP, apply for Dean or Ass't. positions. If you only want to be at a large university, would getting experiences at a small college make any sense? Conversely, how might a small college round out the experiences you currently have? The title will also depend on the type of institution it is. Don't necessarily look for the title as much as what you will do in that title.
The bottom line for me is that experience will be your best bet to help you reach your goal. KP
Edna - Great question!! There is something about gallows humor that seems to naturally come out of those situations. It's hard to explain, but part of it is while you take the situation seriously, don't take YOURSELF too seriously. Remember that the crisis is only part of your world. Continue to read that novel, watch TV or a movie, laugh with your colleagues while you work... all of those things will help keep you from being consumed by the situation. And make sure you eat and get rest!
ReplyDeleteKen - There is nothing more rewarding than the chance to give back to colleagues and the profession. While our work with students is our Raison d'être, sharing new ideas, learning from each other, and helping to build a stronger foundation for others is the flame that keeps glowing brighter and brighter. I think another part of it has to do with how our roles change as we "move up the ladder." With each promotion, we get further and further away from the people we got into the business to be with in the first place! Being involved in a professional association is that next step of involvement. It's the next phase of student advocacy. It's the next phase of student leadership. It allows us to take what we do and add it to what we know, so that others may learn and develop it even further. It clearly informs who we are and what we do as professionals in the most tangible and dynamic ways.
ReplyDeleteThere was no happier year in my professional life than the year I served as NASPA president. The chance to meet and interact with so many different colleagues, to learn about their institutions and their students was a truly powerful experience. Just as we say to our students, get involved - just do something! I can not encourage enough the same thing for young professionals. Join a committee, task force, be a volunteer - they call it giving back, but you will really be giving to yourself.
Dr. Pennington,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your suggestions! I have listed areas in student affairs where I need more experience. I have also mapped out a viable plan to gain experience in those areas.
One more question...
What types of challenges have you encountered as a woman in the profession? What strategies did you use to overcome those challenges?
Dr. Pennington,
ReplyDeleteThank you for participating in this experience. Being able to ask questions of prominent professionals in the field has proven to be a highlight of our course this summer.
In your inital post you identified a series of "keys to success" and you went on to describe a comfort in taking risks. You also commented (in response to Ken's post) about the correlation between promotions and appreciable distance from the student population. How do you maintain an open communication channel between your office and the students at your institution? Aren't there risks associated with soliciting feedback from those with a limited perspective of the institution? I would imagine that there are teachable moments associated with this type of interface, but how do you handle the "suggestion box", especially in light of framing reasonable expectations?
Hi Dr. Pennington! I am happy to hear that you spent some time in PA and NY. I am from the Scranton area and also worked at Binghamton University. YAY!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the current posts, I must comment that I enjoyed the keys to success and I realize I need more professional involvement. Reading the notes you've posted in response to Ken, has me questioning my "career experience". Maybe I am not sure what the end goal for me truly is. You talk about shooting for the job after the next job. Uhhh, I honestly don't know what that is for me. I currently work in student conduct. I started out in housing, left and became a police officer, and now into conduct. But what is next? Hummmm. Advice on how to chart a career might be helpful... I seem to be at a turning point, not sure of the end result. Any help would be greatful.
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ReplyDeleteJuly 3, 2009 5:40 PM
ReplyDeleteHi Dr. Pennington,
Like Maria Z, your comments about professional service (along with those of several other colleagues recently) have got me thinking about how I can more strategically involve myself in the professional organizations that are related to our work in student affairs. I continue to hear how extremely rewarding leadership in these organizations has been for those of my colleagues who have been involved at senior levels of leadership. In fact, like you, many of those colleagues have described their experiences in these organizations as the “best,” “most valuable,” or “greatest” experience of their professional lives. I have been a member of several different professional associations (NASPA, ACPA, NCORE, SACAC-Southern Association for College Admission Counselors) but have not gotten involved beyond presenting conference sessions and reviewing program submissions. In light of your comments, I have begun to consider in what ways association involvement can enhance (and diversify) my portfolio of professional experience, especially because all of my degrees will be from USF, as is the vast majority of my work experiences. If I were a candidate for a position on your staff, which type of involvement experiences would be most impressive in light of my somewhat narrow professional experiences to date? Are there any specific roles that you recommend I pursue? Thank you for sharing your insight!
Nicole
Dyonne - The challenges that I have faced as a woman in the field are things that I hope are no longer issues. Early in my career there were many people (men and women) who thought that a woman couldn't do the job (whatever it was). But that was 30 years ago and things have changed tremendously since then.
ReplyDeleteI believe the way to handle that kind of prejudice as well as other kinds is to go out and be the best professional you can be. Learn all that you can, volunteer for the hard jobs, take responsibility for your actions, and let the chips fall where they may. Whatever difficulties they have is their problem - not yours! People may not like what you are, but they can't argue with competence.
Rob - I believe that you constantly have to teach and learn. While the opinion of students (or their parents!!) may not be fully informed, it teaches us something nonetheless. If we are doing the right thing and they don't "get it," they we have missed teaching them why that is the right thing. Even if it is what we think is right, the students may have another idea that would make things better. We are truly remiss if we fail to take their opinions into account. We have to remember that we don't have all the answers! Our job is to teach what is possible and necessary in order to create those reasonable expectations. They can't have them without our efforts.
ReplyDeleteDr. Pennington,
ReplyDeleteYou ROCK! Please forgive me if my comment was inappropriate :-) I appreciate your positive, insightful, and helpful comments that you have provided for me as well as my classmates. I have noted the "keys to success" in my professional journal.
Dyonne
Rob - One more thought - just because they suggest it doesn't mean you have to do it! Sometimes there will be nonesense in the "suggestion box" but it makes people feel good to have put their 2 cents in!
ReplyDeleteMaria - Let's here it for NEPA!! That next step can be difficult. But first, are you ready for it? Or are you okay where you are for a while? Sometimes we get pushed into things because we feel to have to do them; when we would be perfectly happy staying where we are.
ReplyDeleteBut I would suggest thinking about what makes you happy. Life is too short to spend it doing things you don't want to do. Your path is a great one for an administrator. You know the importance of regulations and policy. You already "get" the need for high level thinking and action.
I am currently a student in the NASPA/Stetson Law and Policy certification program. There are a number of folks in the program with similar backgrounds, one even former law enforcement. The types of things we are working with would be a natural fit for you.
So - do you think you want to be in charge some day? If so, at what level? Do you want to be a dean at a small school (CSAO) or VP at a larger school? Do you think being a Dean of Students will make you happy and fulfilled for a while? I would start by breaking it down. What do I like to do? What would make me crazy if I had to do it year in and year out? Where are your rewards? After you are clear about that, the rest is easy.
Personal story - I was an Acting Director of Residence Life while also serving as Director of Activities. I was out recruiting for the Res Life replacement so I could go back to my activities role. My VP said to me, "What are you doing? That is your job. You know that is where you belong." I was blown away. I hadn't considered going back to Res Life. But after thinking about for a few days I decided he was right - that was where I was happiest. The rest became easier as my path became clearer.
Good luck with thinking out what makes you happy.
nglenn - In some ways it would depend on the position. For example, if you are in Res Life or Housing, I would want to see some regional work, especially with ACHUO-I, leading to some national work. For many people it is important to see that you have made presentations at conferences. If you haven't done so yet, a regional or state wide conference is a great place to start. But the main thing is to just do something!
ReplyDeleteAny volunteer/committee work is good too. Look for things that will show your ability to work in groups, to create, to organize and direct. Look at areas different from job - things were you have an interest. They will not only show your flexibility and willingness to be open to new ideas, they will also develop new skills and talents that will help round out your resume.
The other important part is the networking that happens by volunteering with a professional association. As we all know, this is a very small field. There are about 3 degrees of separation for all of us! Getting known in a positive way will help immensely. I would be willing to take a chance on someone with less experience if for example, my friend and colleague, Tom Miller, feels that they have a lot to bring to the table.
So like the Nike slogan, Just do it!
Dyonne - Thank you! Hot at all inappropriate! I'm honored!
ReplyDeleteOOPA! That was supposed to be NOT at all
ReplyDeleteThanks for your insights into career and challenges of student affairs work, especially from the leadership/decision making perspective.
ReplyDeleteAs as result of being in this class this summer, more a more the question nags me about the role of student affairs at the graduate level? I currently work for the graduate school here at USF and have done so for 20 years. I'm anxious to move on but not sure where I would fit on the undergraduate level. I've come to realize that I really like graduate work but would like to do something different but not too far away from working with students, especially in student retention and programming.
I'm wondering if you're hearning much in the field about the role of student affairs at the gradaute level. Since I'm new to student affairs as an area of study, I haven't participated in national conferences so I don't know what people are saying about student affairs and graduate school. I do know, however, that the attrition rate of graduate students is high and theres a real concern to solve this problem (I'm thinking about writing about this in my dissertation). I'm interested in your ideas on this.
Thanks for participating -- this really helps!
Rod
Rod - Time to get involved! I know that for a number of years NASPA has had a very active group of SA professionals who work in graduate and professional schools. The Knowledge Community is http://www.naspa.org/kc/agapss/default.cfm
ReplyDeleteI believe we will all begin to hear more and more about the needs of graduate students as this generation attends graduate and professional schools. Several articles that I have read over the past few years speak to the fact that people think you aren't an adult until age 26 or 28. There may be a tendency for the continued prolonged adolescence that we see at the undergraduate level, as more adults go home and live with parents and don't make a transition from the family "pod." We have all had a few cases like call I had earlier this year. It was from the mother of a 32 year old grad student. The mom was asking how to change her daughter's roommate because they wouldn't get along. Can you imagine????
I suspect we will see more rather than less need for our assistance in the immediate future.
Dr. Pennington,
ReplyDeleteWhat advice would you give a new student affairs professional who is contemplating earning a Ph.D. vs. Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration? Do you think one is better than the other? Please share.
Thank you,
Dyonne
Wow -- never thought about it in terms of "prolonged adolescence" but I have only to look at my 32-year-old to know that its a phenomena that's not going to go away soon!
ReplyDeleteRight now we're creating workshops for grad students adressing retention, and I'm looking at this as a possible dissertation focus. Especially retention as it relates to non-tradtionals such as women in math and physics, combat vets returning to grad school after service, 1st generation minorities. I think the reason that not a lot of national headway has been made to increase retention is because we don't treat graduate student retention as a Student Affairs issue, but rather as something seperate and apart. The assumption is that "student development" may not be relevant for this population of students. In my mind a "career development" or "leadership" approach may be a link between undergrad student affairs and graduate student student affairs but I'm just getting into my lit review so it's very speculative right now.
I'll keep an eye on what's coming out at NASPA and maybe even look at NASPA as a forum for presenting/exploring these issues -- it seems timely and relevant to me.
Thanks for your response -- its a real pleasure reading some of your responses to our questions!
Rod
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ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your time this week! As a Student Affairs neophyte, I've been jotting down many of your ideas and recommendations. We recognize and appreciate the time you've sacrificed to hang out with us!
ReplyDeleteJennifer Schneider
Dr. Pennington,
ReplyDeleteYou note that your ‘president abhors the glacial pace at which change happens in academia and has brought a different ethos to the campus.’ I’m assuming this a change for you, given that much in academia moves at a far slower pace than most would like. Most people have adjusted to this slow pace. I assume, however, that there was a learning curve for you in moving to a faster pace. What can you share, beyond your initial post, about your adjustment to this fast-paced change enviroment. It seems you work in an environment that most would envy. In the hopes that we one day find ourselves in a similar situation, what advice can you impart form successes and challenged?
Dyonne - Well,I must admit to having been a
ReplyDeletebit of snob for many years. I "grew up" in education to believe that getting a Ph.D. was preferable to an Ed.D. But now I have to say that I think it really doesn't matter; particularly depending on where you are and what you do. I happen to be at an instituiton with its foundations in Education. Many of the faculty and staff have Ed.D.s and it is obviously not a problem or concern.
I suppose the bottom line is just getting the degree. No one is going to be able to take that education away from you and you will still be part of a very, very select group. So when the time is right, get the degree that works for you - financially, emotionally and logistically. People still you "doctor" no matter what!
Rod - I think you are right. Obviously, many of us have held a traditional view of students - presuming that graduate students had sprung forth fully formed and ready for the world - the student development is done. But it is time for us to change those views and accept the changes in our society and that our work is not done at commencement.
ReplyDeleteI think you have the makings not only of a dissertation, but an article or two! Good luck!!
Thanks, Jennifer! It certainly has been my pleasure!
ReplyDeletemstewar5:
ReplyDeleteActually, for me it wasn't a problem to adapt to a swiftly moving president, but a God send! I admit to being a lot like my president so I am thrilled to be able to work with her and to have the opportunity to get thing done. If there was any adjustment, it was in believing that she meant it when she said, go, go go!
But it has been a tremendous shift for many people and some have had a hard time with it. Some could not adapt and they either left of their own will, or because it was in the institution's best interest. Perhaps the hardest part for many people was developing trust - trust that talking a risk was okay; that making a mistake was not going to get your hands slapped (or worst).
It truly is an enviable position. I remember saying to colleagues about 10 years ago that when all is said and done, we would be able to say we were part of something very special. Our campus looks nothing like it did even 5 years ago and I am proud of having played a part in the change and development of programs, creation of a more student focused campus.
However, it can be tough for some. One thing that I have worked with my staff on is to not get frustrated when others don't respond. They buy into the idea of change and it can sometimes be a struggle when others continue to try to hold onto the status quo. I encourage them to stay focus, and to remember why we are doing what we do - that serving students and helping them grow is our ultimate goal.
The best advice that I can give is to embrace change wherever you can. The world is changing so rapidly and we need to be able to adapt and feel comfortable with it. As I said above, while things are serious, don't take yourself too seriously. Being able to "go with the flow" can provide tremendous rewards! If at all possible - take your foot off of the brake and enjoy the ride!!
Dr. Pennington,
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating!
Dyonne
Thanks Karen -- your ideas and encouragment is helpful
ReplyDeleteMy week is up, but I wanted to say thank you for the opportunity to spend some virtual time with the class this past week. I enjoyed it! If you wish to contact me at a later date, my email address is karen.pennington@montclair.edu. I look forward to meeting you at a conference or other professional activity in the future.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Karen