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