ProfessionalismImportance of

professional image and perception as a

student leader

Today’s Agenda Introductions and Icebreakers Defining professionalism Attire Professionalism on Campus Break Social Media Presence Goal Setting Conclusion w/ Q&A Evaluations

IntroductionsPRESENTERS: Gissel Lopez Kelly DeSisto Jennifer Smolinski

PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: To educate student leaders on how to

enhance their understanding and identification with the notion of professionalism and its importance both on and off campus.

Icebreaker Activities

Take what you need

M&Ms Game

What is Professionalism? Encompasses an individual’s behavior, appearance,

and workplace ethics Focus on the workplace before their personal

problems and agendas Able to focus on their work and avoid unnecessary

distractions Often perceived to be more competent and valuable Usually referred to as leaders

Where Should We Show Professionalism?

Interviews Work environment Conferences Classroom Organization meetings/events On campus

Levels of Professional Dress

Formal Business: Just one step down from tuxedos, such as dark tailored suits for men and women. • Men: white shirts (French cuff styles), cuff links, silk ties, and pocket squares (silk or

linen). • Women: Skirted suits, hosiery, and closed-toe/closed heel pumps. • Often requested for Award dinners, political events, and a variety of dressy evening

business occasions. Traditional Business: Always includes a jacket

• Men: Slacks, long sleeve dress shirt with sport jacket or blazer; tie can be optional. Sport jacket/blazer.

• Women: Pantsuits are acceptable, skirts or slacks with blouse and jacket Business Casual- Usually has a collar for both men and women. A

twin set is acceptable for women at this level. An appropriate fit is essential. • Men: Slacks and long sleeve shirts, slacks with company issued polo shirt. No tee

shirts allowed. • Women: Skirts or slacks with sweaters sets or blouses that have sleeves.

Sleeveless tops can lower your credibility.

What’s Not Appropriate? T-shirts Sneakers Flip Flops Wrinkled and/or unkempt shirt Active Attire Leggings

What NOT to Wear: Women

Short Skirts Tight fitting clothes Showing cleavage Too much makeup Heavy perfumes Untraditional hair styles

What NOT to Wear: Men

Scuffed shoes Un-tidy facial hair Baggy clothing Heavy Colognes Untraditional Hair Styles

Beyond the Dress Code Confidence Responsibility Dependability Knowledgeable Attentiveness Honesty Cooperation Respect Ambition

Professionalism on Campus

Tips on how to translate professionalism into your leadership role on-campus

What is your role on campus?

Which roles you are affiliated with on-campus?

What skills and qualities are necessary in your position?• What qualities are similar between these

leadership roles?

The Many Roles of a Student Leader

Students wear many hats:

Mediator Tutor Event planner Enforcer Role model Community builder Student Friend Employee

Representative of the Institution

Representing the college is a large responsibility

Face of the college• Students may know you even when you do not

know them• Could be the presence that makes or breaks an

individual’s perception of the college experience What qualities and traits do you desire in an

institution?• How do you emulate those traits in your work?

Examples: appropriateness, inclusivity, being supportive of students and co-workers

Awareness of Community Who is your student body? A student leader represents:

• LGBTQA• Race• Gender• Ethnicity• Religion• Socioeconomic status• Ability/Barriers

Opportunities on Campus Should still maintain a sense of

professionalism on campus Be prepared for any new encounters that may

lead to beneficial opportunities Important for those who are interested in being

involved on campus and/or creating strong connections in or outside of campus

Communication EMAIL ETIQUETTE

• Create a meaningful and relevant message for the subject line

• Always start your email with a greeting such as Dear Mr. Smith or Mr. Smith. Addressing an individual by first name is only encouraged if you have already know the individual well or he/she has addressed his/her emails with their first name.

• Use appropriate and standard spelling and punctuation Ex. Unwarranted use of CAPS Lock

• Be clear, concise, direct, and straight to the point with your e-mail message

• Be friendly and amiable, but refrain from informal and joking language unless your relationship with the recipient deems it appropriate

Communication Cont. PHONE ETIQUETTE

• Try to answer the phone on the second ring Too soon – can catch the caller off-guard Too late – inconveniences the caller and shows that they are not your

priority to help• Don’t answer the phone by only saying “hello”

Answer in a friendly manner that introduces your designated office and your name Example: “Thank you for calling the Office of Residence Life, this is <insert your

name>, how may I help you?”

• Smile — it shows over the phone• Make sure to ask for the caller’s name and write down any

information that is imperative• Speak clearly, slowly, and at a medium volume

Never talk with anything in your mouth (such as gum)• Ask the caller if there is anything else you can help him/her with• Thank them for their phone call

Communication Cont. How does your tone differ with:

• Faculty• Staff• Outside contacts• Students• Prospective students

Should there be a difference in tone between these groups of people?

Accessibility What expectations of accessibility

must student leaders uphold?• Do these expectations change depending

on the position? Activity: Get into groups of three and

discuss one time that you or someone you knew ran into trouble with accessibility to on-campus resources• How did these experiences impact your

goals?

Accessibility Expectations should be indicated at the

beginning of a position • If not already established, connect with your

supervisor and see if this can be done during a staff meeting

Means of access• Email• Phone• Office HoursWhere else are you required to be accessible in your positions?

Professionalism: Social Media Image

How your presence on social mediums can enhance or hinder your professional image

The Impact of Social Media What is Social Media? What social mediums do you use? http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQjYhv8• What did you think of the video? • What surprised you? • How could social media’s influence on the

world be relevant to your image as a student leader?

Privacy Settings 101 Do you know how to use privacy

settings on your favorite social mediums?

Facebook Privacy Settings Tutorial• Facebook Privacy Setting updates

Can interfere with original settings

Student vs. Employee Identity crisis

• How does the pressure of the student leader image impact your college experience?

How can you best balance being a student and a representative of the institution?• Do you have examples in which this has

been difficult to balance?• How have YOU balanced these roles

effectively?

GOAL SETTING#1 Rule of Professionalism – DO YOUR JOB.

“Believing passionately in what you do, Never compromising your standards and values, Caring about your clients, your people and your own career”

“Not being satisfied with simply completing the task–professionals desire to deliver the highest quality possible.”

“Understanding the importance of communication, appearance, and mannerisms: Professionals realize that the way they look, act, speak, and write impacts the way others perceive them.”

Professionalism is…

How Do Other Students Perceive Professionalism?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3L-_Nbki0Q

Video Discussion What stood out to you? What did you agree with? What did you disagree with? Do you think that this institution’s

idea of professionalism is different from ours?

Conclusion Recap of major points Professionalism – a dynamic

definition What areas of professionalism could

be debated? How can enhancing professionalism

help you in your leadership roles?

Are there any QUESTIONS?