Kelly McDowell Florida State UniversityAlyssa Zewe Florida State University
Are We Constructing Student Affairs Robots?
Programmed Framework
Social Media
Student Affairs Taboos?
Please share any “unwritten” rules to being a successful student affairs
professional
Glitches in the Robot Matrix
• Career move norms trumping relationships
• Social Media personal versus professional presence
• Selection of Graduate Programs• Tattoos and personal appearance• Job searches with similar applicants• Mentees stress level
Does this speak to your experience?
How Do We De-program?
AUTHENTICITY
MEN
TORIN
GSU
PERVI
SIN
G
Authenticity
• Role modeling is important• Reflect in our cover letters/resumes• How can we bring ourselves into our
work more fully– SAC Band– Student ACTIVEities
Examples
Examples
Can we be too Authentic?
Where is balance?
Supervising
• Intentional conversations with grads and new staff about authenticity and what personally they can bring to the office
• As we move up, open up! Higher ups can seem difficult to connect with
• Counter peer pressure and checklist mentality for graduate assistants
Mentoring
• Share multiple paths into the field (not just our own)
• Push them to share their story
• Help broaden their view of the field
Questions/Thoughts?
Conclusion
There is room for life, love, authenticity, and passion
in our careers—our profession is in need of unique individuals, not
robots