Areas for Growth

(Learning Outcomes #1, #7, #9, #10; Artifacts C1, G, J, H)

When I look at the ways in which I have grown the most during my time in the
program I have seen my growth in hard skills or the tools of the profession. This is a
theme for all the areas where I have grown and can continue to grow more. These hard
skills include research, understanding the context of higher education, as well as the
utilization of technology. I think these are all areas that can greatly aid student affairs
professionals if they understand how to effectively implement and use these resources
available to us. I have had to utilize these skills in almost every class and have become
more informed and prepared in my professional work as a result.
Research and Policy Learning Outcome #7 & #9, Artifact G, J
An area that I knew practically nothing about had been policies in higher
education. I did not understand all of the external forces impacting institutions of higher
education and student affairs professionals. As an RA in my undergrad I loosely
understood such policies as Title IX and FERPA but lacked a formal understanding or
even how these affected students and staff. Learning Outcome 9 Understanding issues
surrounding law, policy, finance and governance, was going to be an area that
challenged me in the program but that I worked to grow in. My journey through the
program often required that I access knowledge from this area, but I never felt overly
confident in them. Classes such as Higher Education Finance SDAD 5850 and Higher
Education Law SDAD 5800, were some of the most content heavy, but they have really
made me aware of my duty as a professional.

I participated in the Graduate Case Study Competition at 2015 NASPA National

Conference on a whim. It sounded interesting and I was not job searching, so I knew I
would have time to devote to this. In working with two of my fellow students in the
program, I have Artifact J to show for my hard work and as additional demonstration of
my competency in this area of LO 9. There were many aspects to consider in the process
of analyzing and presenting our findings on the case study. My coursework thoroughly
prepared me to back up and formulate an appropriate response to issues that arise in the
field. In the future I will continue to believe in my abilities and work to stay informed of
policy and law in the field. This is something I cannot afford to neglect in my
professional practice.
Another aspect of research and policy involves the knowledge we gain from
theory in the field. I was completely overwhelmed by the idea of research and knew little
of student development theory. I studied English Literature so I could avoid the world of
hard fast data. I much preferred my realm of stories and fiction. I knew that research was
valuable and I knew that it would be a valuable way to contribute to the field. Once I
started the program it quickly became apparent that Learning Outcome 7, Utilizing
assessment, evaluation, technology, and research to improve practice, was extremely
important in the field. Right off at the start of the program, I took SDAD 578 Student
Development Theory, Research, and Practice and was out of my comfort zone but was
gaining knowledge that I utilized throughout the entire program and into my professional
role. While in that class I created Artifact G, my research/programming development,
while working with three other students in my program. We created this program for
student leaders to understand the experiences of students of color on campus, to aid them

in their interactions. The project highlighted for me how research could be effectively
utilized to develop students in their competence of identities other than their own.
The Context of Higher Education Learning Outcome #1 Artifact C1
I had never even heard of student affairs prior to starting college. I did not know
that there was a whole field devoted to serving students and I especially had not
considered the issues that students and institutions face within the field of higher
education. Since starting the program I have gained a better awareness for some of the
many issues that can face an institution of higher education. Classes such as SDAD 5300
Foundations of the Student Affairs Profession were vital to my growth in Learning
Outcome 1 Understanding the foundation and emerging nature of the Student
Affairs profession and higher education. In Artifact C1, my Campus Crisis paper
from SDAD 576, Leadership and Governance in Higher Education, I demonstrate how I
have learned to utilize the knowledge and understanding I have of the field. Campuses
will inevitably face crisis at some point, but as professionals I have learned that the way
we respond can have a drastic impact for how the institution recovers and moves forward.
I think back to working at my previous institution when we faced a crisis where our
residence hall building had been shot at. I remember having to act in the moment to
ensure the safety of our students and then follow up and create a community response
after the event. While I crisis is never something we want to encounter as professionals I
do feel better prepared through my coursework and experience to handle such adversity
as it comes up.

Utilization of Technology Learning Outcome #7 Artifact D, J

I have always considered myself something of a Luddite when it comes to
technology. In the past I avoided it when possible, and struggled through it when it was
required. Through the program I have had to utilize technology many times and
remaining stagnant in this area was not an option. LO7 applies to this area as I have
demonstrated my growth and skills with technology. With almost every class I have had
to incorporate technology into my coursework. Classes such as EDUC 5130 Adult
Learning required that we utilize multiple forms of technology including the use of
PowerPoint and recordings. This is shown in Artifact D, my presentation created for that
class in which I presented my presentation through audio recording. It was not
something I had done previously, but was a good tool to learn especially with the increase
of distance learners and students who may never set forth on a campus. Presentations
such as this would be most beneficial for those types of learners and for distributing
materials to other professionals.
Another representation of my growth with technology came from Artifact J,
which comes from the NASPA Case Study Competition. Much of the information came
from utilization of databases as well as knowing how to navigate credible sources to use
in our presentation to the judges. The creation of the PowerPoint and the handout were
other examples of our use of technology. I would like to continue growing in this area,
especially in my skills with creating aesthetically pleasing programming and
development materials for my students. I believe that I could also better utilize social
media as a way to improve my technology skills. I have seen many best practices coming

from other professionals who effectively utilize social media in their work and would like
to grow in this area because of the prevalence it has in society.
Conclusion
The program has been a challenge to my skill and ability, especially learning how
to effectively manage my time as a full time professional. I know that I will only
continue in my growth of these areas and become more comfortable with accessing such
tools. As I continue to utilize these tools available to me, I will become more proficient
to the point of being able to contribute tools of my own. I look forward to being in a field
where learning is always taking place and people can thrive in their individual
development.