THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO

Careers in Student Affairs

Conference

Friday, September 28th, 2012

Elliot University Center

11am—5pm

Welcome from the Graduate Student Association

September 28, 2012 Dear Participant of the Careers in Student Affairs Confer-ence, I would like to welcome you on behalf of UNCG’s Graduate Student Association to the Careers in Student Affairs Con-ference! We are thrilled you have chosen to spend your day with us. Student Affairs is an incredibly challenging and rewarding field that I am extremely passionate about. I am thrilled to meet each of you and see what you gain from today’s expe-rience. The Careers in Student Affairs Conference is de-signed to promote and prepare future professionals in this wonderful field. Use your experiences today to explore your interest and fit within the profession of Student Af-fairs. So please, listen carefully, ask questions, make new friends, and have fun!

Fondly, Joshua Moll Vice President of Programming Graduate Student Association The University of North Carolina at Greensboro gsavppgm@uncg.edu

Event Schedule

10:30AM-11:30AM

Event Registration

Elliot University Center—Cone Ballroom

11:00AM-12:00PM

Student Affairs Career Expo

Cone Ballroom A

12:15PM-1:45PM

Lunch with Keynote Speaker: Aaron Fetrow

Cone Ballroom B

2:00PM-2:50PM

Breakout Session 1*

3:00PM-3:50PM

Breakout Session 2*

4:00PM-4:50PM

Breakout Session 3*

* Breakout session locations listed in program

Welcome from the Department of Teacher Education and Higher Education

Dear Careers in Student Affairs Conference Participant:

On behalf of the Higher Education program in the Depart-ment of Teacher Education and Higher Education at UNCG, welcome to the Careers in Student Affairs confer-ence!

Many of you already have some experience in student af-fairs – as RAs, orientation leaders, campus tour guides, peer educators, and student organization leaders. If you enjoyed these experiences of working with college students to help them get the most out of their college experiences, a career in student affairs may be right for you!

At today’s conference, you will learn about the variety of opportunities in student affairs, how to begin your student affairs journey, and available resources. You will have the opportunity to network with student affairs professionals about careers and with current graduate students about their experiences.

Student affairs is an exciting and fulfilling field in which you have opportunities every day to make a difference in the lives of college students. I hope you enjoy this oppor-tunity to learn more about careers in student affairs and why student affairs might be the right path for you!

Sincerely,

Deborah J. Taub

Professor of Higher Education

Keynote Speaker: Aaron Fetrow Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Guilford College

Aaron Fetrow is vice president and dean of students at Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C, a liberal arts college founded by Quakers in 1837 that em- phasizes principled problem solving in its academic and co-curricular pro- grams.

As vice president and dean, Fetrow has oversight for the divi-sion of student affairs and supervises two associate deans and directors of public safety, counseling, and student health. Campus life also encompasses residence life, first year pro-grams, judicial affairs, student leadership and engagement, orientation and intramurals.

Fetrow has presented at numerous conferences and work-shops in the past year on topics such as crisis management, media relations, FERPA and other legal issues in Higher Edu-cation. Fetrow joined Guilford as associate dean in the fall of 2004, was promoted to dean in the spring of 2005, and vice president for student affairs and dean of students in 2009. Previously, he was an employment law attorney with the Indi-ana-based law firm Baker & Daniels. He earned his J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2003, a mas-ter’s degree in history from Truman State University in 1997 and a bachelor’s degree history from Manchester College (Ind.) in 1994.

Fetrow’s wife, Jodi, and their sons, Jadon and Zach, are inte-gral parts of the Guilford community. When he left his legal practice to return to higher education, he did so intending that his family would be involved in the daily life of the col-lege.

Expo Guide

The Expo portion of the Conference is designed to give you the opportunity to speak to several Student Affairs profes-sionals in a variety of functional areas. Below are some tips to help you get the most out of the Expo experience.

No flybys: Take the time to stop and speak with the repre-sentative at the table. Do not just grab a handout or free pen-cil and run away.

Have an open mind: You may have certain representatives on your target list to speak with, but you should also take ad-vantage of the opportunity to chat with representatives from offices that you are unfamiliar with. You might learn some-thing to your advantage to your surprise. At the least, you'll be practicing initiating a conversation in a less formal busi-ness environment — and this is an essential skill in any work environment.

Ask lots of questions: Our Student Affairs representa-tives are eager to talk to you. The best way to get the most information is to ask questions. Below we have listed a cou-ple of questions you can use to guide your conversation.

How did you become interested in working in this func-tional area?

On a typical day in your position, what do you do?

What are the skills and competencies necessary to be effective in your position?

How are different groups of students served by this functional area at this institution?

What are the biggest joys and the biggest frustrations of working in this functional area?

What would you recommend that I read and what web sites would you recommend I visit to gain a greater un-derstanding of your functional area?

What suggestions, if any, do you have for individuals wanting to work in this area? For instance, is there any specific training you would recommend?

Get business cards: Ask the representatives for their business cards. You may want to get in contact with them again if you have further questions.

Take notes: Bring a pen and a notebook or a smartphone/tablet. Don't expect to remember everything they say with-out recording the information.

Have fun: Remember that this is an opportunity for growth, development, and exploration. Take advantage of the learning opportunity and make a few new friends too!

Expo Guide

Breakout Session 1 2:00-2:50PM

Azalea Room

Pursuing a Ph.D. While Working Full-Time

Have you worried about pursuing your Ph.D. once you are in the workforce? Considered returning to school, but don't think you'll have time? Don't worry, we all have! In this session you will hear the stories of four current Ph.D. students and the variety of career paths, time lines, and schedules that come with working full time, and pursuing your Ph.D. Participants will be able to ask questions and receive real life responses from current students. The good, the bad, and some-times the ugly of trying to juggle work, family, school, and sanity will all be shared. We are doing it, and you can too!

Chris Gregory Assistant Director, Housing and Residence Life—UNCG

Jennifer Austin Clark Director for Student Services, School of Health and Human Sciences—UNCG

Allison Palmadessa Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Teacher Education and Higher Education—UNCG Sharpe Room

Preparing Your Graduate School Application

This presentation will provide advice on how to prepare the best possible applica-tion to graduate programs in student affairs. Points covered include the personal statement and letters of recommendation, as well as timing, transcripts, and standardized tests. Learn how to put your best foot forward in your application.

Dr. Deborah J. Taub Professor of Higher Education, Department of Teacher Education and Higher Education—UNCG

Aaron Wainman Program Coordinator, Housing and Residence Life—UNCG Willow Room

Successful Supervision

Often new graduate assistants in the field of student affairs find themselves su-pervising undergraduates in the workplace. Sometimes it can even be difficult to discern your role as a graduate assistant. In this presentation we will discuss tips for successful supervising, how to establish appropriate boundaries, etc.

Erin Knaul Graduate Assistant New Student and Spartan Family Programs—UNCG

Allison Schofield, Graduate Assistant, New Student and Spartan Family Programs—UNCG

Rachel Rodney Graduate Assistant, Undergraduate Student Excellence—UNCG

Breakout Session 2 3:00-3:50PM

Azalea Room

What's in a Name? Decoding Graduate Program Jargon

This presentation will cater toward students working to identify their best-fit graduate program. The primary purpose of this presentation will be to shed light on the different vocabulary used throughout the field such as higher education versus student affairs. A secondary goal will be to enable students to apply this knowledge when searching for graduate programs in order to find the programs that best suit their interests. Finally, resources for conducting the graduate pro-gram search will be shared including the ACPA program database and tips for choosing a graduate program.

Anna L. Patton Coordinator for Residence Life, Housing & Residence Life—UNCG Sharpe Room

From Student Leader to SA Professional: How to Build Your Personal Brand

What is your “personal brand” as a student leader? Do others’ perceptions of you as a student leader match your perception? How will your “brand” be perceived in the Student Affairs profession? Through this session, you will discover how the art of personal branding can influence your transition into Student Affairs. We will discuss simple strategies you can use to develop, manage and enhance your personal brand through leadership development, networking, mentorship and social media management.

Brandy S. Propst Coordinator of Academic Foundations & Mentoring, Undergraduate Studies—UNCG Willow Room

Don't Wait Until you Graduate: Rock the Internship this Summer

This interactive presentation addresses the increasing demand for new profes-sionals to gain hands on experience before obtaining an entry level position within student affairs. The presenters explore and discuss their journey and the challenges faced when strategically considering internships and experiences to best prepare them as young student affairs professionals. Participants of this program will 1) become familiar with internship and experiential opportunities available; 2) develop or refine plans for their own advancement; 3) explore the presenters’ personal experiences.

Jenna Ryan Graduate Assistant, Office of Leadership and Service-Learning—UNCG

Bianca Faison Graduate Intern, Special Support Services—UNCG

Breakout Session 3 4:00-4:50PM

Azalea Room

Peer To Professional: How to navigate the professional world of Student Affairs

Whether you’ve just been accepted to a master’s program or you’re ready to graduate and get your first full-time professional position…Now what? This workshop will take an in-depth look at the process of job searching in student affairs. The presenters will give tips on resumes, interview skills, the on-campus interview, accepting an offer, assessing fit, and finding your path into the wonderful world of student affairs.

Symphony Oxendine, Graduate Research Assistant Department of Teacher Education and Higher Education—UNCG

Mallory Bower, Assistant Director Career Services—UNC Pembroke Sharpe Room

All Under One Roof: Housing and Residence Life as a Starting Point in Student Affairs

Not sure which direction you want to go in student affairs? You'll get a taste of everything while working in Housing and Residence Life! Come learn how working in Housing and Residence Life can prepare you for virtually any ca-reer path within student affairs while offering excellent perks for young profes-sionals. Not sure if living in is for you? Take this opportunity to become knowledgeable and make an educated decision.

Eric Scott Coordinator for Residence Life, Housing and Residence Life—UNCG Willow Room

Advising, Programming, and Crisis Management, Oh My! Utilizing Student Development Theory to be a More Effective Student Affairs Professional

Student affairs professionals must advise and manage students who hold a different set of values, beliefs, and abilities than their own. Student develop-ment theory is therefore a vital tool for professionals as it promotes more ef-fective programming and meaningful interactions by shedding light on what and how students are thinking. You're not in Kansas anymore, so get a head start and follow the student development theory road to a more fulfilling expe-rience with your students!

Kevin Erixson Graduate Assistant, Dean of Students Office—UNCG Dana Hamdan Graduate Assistant, Dean of Students Office—UNCG

Conference Brought to You By:

UNCG Graduate Student Association

&

UNCG Department of Teacher Education

and Higher Education

Special Thanks to the Conference Committee:

Torry Reynolds

Kevin Erixson

Joshua Moll

Aaron Wainman

Symphony Oxendine

Sonia Haga

Brad Johnson

Deborah Taub

Eric Scott

Jalonda Thompson