Reimagining Performance Reviews: Better Practices for Staff Evaluation and Development

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:46 — 34.9MB)

Subscribe to #SAnow RSS | Subscribe to #SAnow Podcast

In this episode, we delve into the realm of performance reviews in student affairs, exploring how these evaluations are conducted and how we might rethink this process. We discuss the influence of the recent Report on 21st Century Employment in Higher Education and other resources for shaping the approach to performance reviews, highlighting the specific recommendations implemented to foster a fair, supportive, and developmental processes.

Continue reading →

Unmasking

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:01 — 39.2MB)

Subscribe to #SAnow RSS | Subscribe to #SAnow Podcast

This episode features a conversation about a newly published book, Unmasking: Toward Authentic Masculinity, by Dr. Keith E. Edwards PHD. Unmasking is a process by which men first become conscious of the masks they wear to conform to external expectations and then practice exploring their identity as men and becoming intentional about aligning their actions with integrity. Written for men and those of us who have men in our lives, the book offers student affairs educators a unique research-based lens on the issues, strategies, and engagement strategies for men on college and university campuses.

Continue reading →

Connecting with the Campus Ombuds Office: Neutral & Impartial Conflict Resolution

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:02:34 — 43.0MB)

Subscribe to #SAnow RSS | Subscribe to #SAnow Podcast

By definition, an ombudsperson is a role whose focus is neutral and impartial conflict resolution. They typically operate independently from the university and has no official or formal decision-making capabilities. Ombudspersons have been referred to as the “conscience of the university” -- working within campus communities to resolve conflict through identifying systemic issues and trends while focusing on fair treatment of individuals. These campus offices are also important partners with divisions of student affairs and college student educators. In this episode, Dr. Heather Shea speaks with four folks who serve as campus ombuds to learn more.

Continue reading →

Commuter Students: Who they are and what they need to succeed

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:09:34 — 47.8MB)

Subscribe to #SAnow RSS | Subscribe to #SAnow Podcast

Meeting the needs of commuter students is much more complicated than simply directing services and programs towards those students who live off campus. On today’s episode, a large panel discusses the complexities of both identifying and helping commuter students succeed as well as innovative lessons for increasing commuter’s sense of belonging. Applying lessons from online learners and remote engagement during COVID, panelists provide resources for our listeners to better understand and support the commuter students on their campuses.

Continue reading →

100 Years of Hillel International: Supporting Jewish Identity & Community on Campus

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:00 — 41.2MB)

Subscribe to #SAnow RSS | Subscribe to #SAnow Podcast

Founded in 1923 at the University of Illinois, Hillel International is now the largest Jewish organization in the world. Hillel International exists on more than 650 college campuses across the world and is present on 4 continents.  Millions of Jewish students have passed through the doors of Hillel facilities and interacted with thousands of professionals who have dedicated their lives to supporting Jewish identity on college campuses for generations.  Now, as Hillel International celebrates 100 years since its inception, it is a time to celebrate as well as reflect on the impact of religion, spirituality, and Jewish identity in higher education. In an age when higher education believes itself to be “secular”, Hillel International and its on campus presence continually proves that religious and spiritual identities matter in several significant ways.  Hillel International is arguably the most comprehensive “campus ministry” organization in the United States and has the ability to serve as a model for other religious communities seeking to deepen their engagement on campus and as a case study for why institutions must take religion and religious life more seriously at the systems levels of the academy.

Continue reading →

Student Affairs Legends Then and Now: Paul Shang

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:53 — 38.4MB)

Subscribe to #SAnow RSS | Subscribe to #SAnow Podcast

Former ACPA President, senior administrator, and mentor to many across the field, Dr. Paul Shang joins us to share stories from his decades-long career at campuses across all corners of the U.S. working in student affairs. Paul talks about the ways the work has changed as well as officers advice for new professionals, and incoming ACPA President and episode host Heather Shea.

Continue reading →

Learning in the Aftermath of Tragedy: Lessons from Michigan State University

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:46 — 30.8MB)

Subscribe to #SAnow RSS | Subscribe to #SAnow Podcast

The Student Affairs Now host community comes together to discuss crisis response, supporting students, creating communities of love and healing, and helping the helpers. In this deeply personal conversation, Heather Shea shares her experiences as a staff member in the aftermath of the tragedy at Michigan State University. Hosts offer Heather support and discuss ways to support students, lead campus response, and support our colleagues and friends. We hope you will never need this episode. If you do, we hope it is helpful.

Continue reading →

Introduction to CAS in Anticipation of the 11th Version

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:33 — 68.1MB)

Subscribe to #SAnow RSS | Subscribe to #SAnow Podcast

In anticipation of the release of the 11th version, several members of the Council for the Advancement of Standards or CAS leadership join host Dr. Heather Shea to provide an introduction to this valuable resource in the field. Panelists share their perspectives on CAS through a broad overview as well as specific ways that the CAS standards might be useful in graduate preparation, student affairs assessment, and program development.

Continue reading →

New Host… Mamta Accapadi

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:57 — 20.6MB)

Subscribe to #SAnow RSS | Subscribe to #SAnow Podcast

We are thrilled to welcome our newest host joining the Student Affairs NOW team, Dr. Mamta Accapadi! On today’s episode, Drs. Heather Shea and Keith Edwards chat with Mamta about her excitement for joining the team and the conversation and guests she is looking forward to hosting. The conversation touches on groundedness, consciousness blooms, healing, and timelessness.

Continue reading →

Parents as Partners (Not Problems)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:36 — 30.7MB)

Subscribe to #SAnow RSS | Subscribe to #SAnow Podcast

Today’s episode directly challenges the media-created assumption that parents are “problems” to be managed by the institution and instead posits a model of parent and family engagement and connection. Particularly relevant as institutions seek to connect with parents and families of first generation college students during points of transition and orientation, seeking engagement and partnerships with parents is one core strategy for fostering student success. Today’s episode features a panel of administrators and scholars with deep appreciation for the contributions of first-generation students and their parents and families. The episode also includes several recommendations for campuses with established (or new) parent and family programs.

Continue reading →