Kelly McDowell Florida State University Alyssa Zewe Florida State University Are We Constructing Student Affairs Robots?
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