LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 2013-2015

ACTIVITY REFLECTIVE SUMMARY

ACTIVITY: J
ACTIVITY TOPIC:

Student Affairs Shadowing

PARTICIPANTS NAME: Chris Hainsworth

1. What were the significant learning points in this activity?

Since I teach at the college I took the opportunity to spend time observing and
assisting the various areas in Student Affairs in order to learn about the operations in
each area and the student success initiatives that have been implemented at the
college. In August 2014, I spent a day in the Registrar and Business Office. In April
2015 I spent a day between Admissions and Financial Aid and part of another day
with the Academic Counselors and Career Services. The significant learning points
of this activity for me were:

Understanding the role of Admissions at the College, including the application

process, testing placement, and residency requirements.
Understanding the role of Career Services at the College, including careerrelated training sessions, resume and cover letter writing, and job placement
assistance. We use Career Services for our Surgical Technology students to help
them prepare resumes before they graduate.
Understanding the role of Financial Aid at the College, including the resources
available for students (such as grants, loans, work study, SEED, and
scholarships), the financial aid application process, eligibility requirements, and
other resources to assist students obtain needed financial aid.
Understanding the role of Registrar and Academic Counselors at the College,
including the transcript review and approval process, advisement and registration
process, and the available services for veterans and students with disabilities.

I enjoyed this activity. It gave me a perspective of the other operations in the college
that help get the students into the classroom and it helped me to understand some
of the issues that students face early in the process when the college is attempting
to make a connection with them. I went through the entry process to the College on
April 15 shadowing my daughter who was getting advised and registered as an
incoming student. It was beneficial to get a sense of the operations from on the other

side of the counter. This experience gave me an appreciation of some of the

challenges that we face as a college.

2. Which leadership characteristics was were enhanced or learned through this

activity?
(Leadership Characteristics 6, 8, 14, 18)
I think that the two characteristics that were enhanced by this activity was being able
to see the big picture and seeking ways to be more effective. Student Affairs is
critical to making a positive connection with the students, helping get them in the
right program that will meet their needs, with the financial resources that will enable
them to reach their degree and then help them with the tools that will allow them to
transition from the classroom into the work force.