University of Northern Iowa LEAVING THEIR PAWPRINTS BEHIND May 2010 brought with it the graduation of a strong cohort of students in the Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs program. As you can see from the profiles in this newsletter, we have some very capable (and nice!) people going out into the world of professional student affairs. The job market is challenging, but one by one, these graduates are finding their places at colleges and universities within Iowa, the region, and nationally. Of course, as they get settled in, the first years are transitioning to their second and final year and we welcome a new cohort—one of the largest and most diverse in recent memory. You’ll be hearing more about them later in this semester. To those who have graduated, keep in touch with what is new in your world. Enjoy the upcoming fall weather and best wishes as you kick off this new academic year! Warm regards, Mike Waggoner Dr. Mike Waggoner is the Coordinator and a Professor for the Graduate Program in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs The PSE: MAE graduates made their way across the stage on May 8th, 2010. Inside this issue: MINDY CHRISMAN 2 KEISHA SCHMIDT 2 BETH GOSKESEN 2 JAKE ABBOTT 3 SARAH KOCH 3 HEATHER BIRK 4 MARYNE TAUTE 4 SARAH GOBLIRSH 5 VALERIE MORRISON 5 LISA JICINSKY 6 AMY MILLER 6 ALYSSA SLABY 7 ANGELA WEEKLEY 7 KATE VON TERSCH 7 KEN NESBETT 8 Volume 1, Issue 1 MINDY CHRISMAN “I chose the field of Student Affairs because it is a profession in which we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students, our institutions, and our communities,‖ Mindy eloquently reflects of her choice to pursue her Master’s of Arts in Education. She is currently the Coordinator of Leadership Programs at Mount Mercy College and she notes, ―I really enjoy working in Leadership programming and in service. It is exciting to work with students on understanding the importance of serving others through their strengths and abilities.‖ Mindy has had practicum experiences at the Student Health Clinic at UNI, and with the Academic Achievement Program at Coe College. During her time at UNI, she KEISHA SCHMIDT As she is already an Alum of UNI, Keisha notes, ―I was so happy at UNI and loved the Cedar Falls area. I had just finished my experience as an Orientation Staff leader and loved it; I knew I still had a lot more to learn about student affairs, and what better place to do it than at UNI where I know I could continue my hands on work with great professionals who helped shape my undergraduate experience. I figured why fix a good thing?‖ Keisha has had assistantships in both Academic Advising and in the Dean of Students office. She has also had practicums with Academic Advising, Student Support Services, Orientation, and Admissions. This busy student says, ―I have enjoyed the opportunity to gain more hands-on experience in the area of student affairs while also learning the theory and background of says, ―I have learned a lot about myself through coursework and interaction with my cohort. I think that one of the best experiences that I have had in this program has been the annual conference for the Iowa Student Personnel Association (ISPA).‖ She also states, ―The PSE program is a fantastic advocate for encouraging students (and graduates) to continually seek out opportunities for professional development, as well as networking opportunities with other professionals. The ISPA conference allows attendees to interact with colleagues in the field so that ideas, experiences, and programs can be shared.‖ Additionally, Mindy notes, ―The PSE program at UNI has prepared me to be a professional in the field of Student Affairs. I have been given an excellent foundation of knowledge that will guide me throughout my professional career. I am confident that as a student affairs professional, I have the the profession and how to effectively apply it in real life situations. I have also appreciated the opportunity to learn from my colleagues and their experiences as student affairs professionals; I have learned a lot from my cohort and I value our work and discussions together in class.‖ Keisha also reflects, ―The PSE program has given me the knowledge, understanding, and experience I need to be a successful student affairs professional. I have learned the importance of our work and how to demonstrate and articulate that to others by means of discussion, reflection, and assessment. I have also gained a better understanding of student development theory and how we as student affairs professionals can best work with and support students; success according to their current stage of development. The PSE program has also personally benefited me by providing the opportunity to further my student affairs experience by means of practicums and internships. Through these ex- knowledge, the values, and the motivation to impact the lives of students so that they in turn can be a positive force in the lives of others.‖ Undergraduate Degree: Social Work, Psychology Minor from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, IA periences I not only read about the history and theories of working with college students; I was also able to then apply what I learned in the class-room to real-life situations in my assistantship, practicums and internships.‖ Undergraduate Degree: Psychology from UNI in Cedar Falls, IA “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.‖ - Martin Luther King, Jr. Page 2 BETH GOSKESEN Beth is a full-time Residence Hall Director at Wartburg, and as she says, ―I am a residence life geek.‖ She has also done a practicum with the Center for Community Engagement at Wartburg as well as traveling to Manhattan to do an internship at Barnard College in 2009. Beth reflects, ―The time in which students attend college is such a vital part of their development. The thought of impacting them even the slightest bit is why I love student affairs and why I am in this profession.‖ Beth has had positive experiences at UNI, and she notes, ―Spending time learning from my cohort has been one of the most benefi- JAKE ABBOTT Jake decided to pursue his MAE in Student Affairs because as he simply states, ―I like helping people and solving problems.‖ Jake has had practicum experiences in Career Services and also works full-time in Residence Life at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids. Career Services, Residence Life, and Academic Advising are also the areas of Student Affairs he is most passionate about. SARAH KOCH Sarah teaches in a K-12 classroom and decided to pursue her Master’s in PSE: Student Affairs because she says, ―I was seeking an opportunity to expand my knowledge and experience working with students. This program delivered! It allowed me a new breadth of experiences and knowledge about postsecondary students and institutions.‖ Sarah has had practicum experiences in Residence Life at UNI and the Office of Greek Life in the SIAC at UNI, and if she were to work and Higher Education, do it somewhere that guaranteed student interaction. In reference to the program, she notes, ―The best perk of the program has been meeting so cial parts of my Student Affairs journey in the classroom. The knowledge that they have and were willing to share and the stories from which I could learn were wonderful and made such a great an impact.‖ that those times are few and far between but when something like that does happen it is wonderful to have people to put you and your community back together.‖ Undergraduate Degree: Finally, Beth reflects on a specific memorable event that impacted her decision to pursue this career, ―During my senior year at Luther we had three students pass away for various reasons. It was such a hard time on campus but it was that time that solidified my calling in student affairs. Seeing how the student affairs professionals worked with our community to support us through a time of such great trial was amazing. You hope and pray Some of Jake’s best experiences include, as he notes, ―Staying in a hotel room with Ken and Lisa at NASPA. It was a great time to build our friendship but also to discuss higher education and life.‖ He also reflects that, ―The highlight of my experience at UNI was class with Jan Hanish. Jan exudes confidence in her abilities and provides rational and timely feedback. Jan isn't afraid to abandon the syllabus to talk about pressing higher education issues that pertain to our class discussions. Jan truly is a treasure for the PSE program at UNI.‖ many new people with varied experiences in learning about student affairs. I have made several new friendships and memories I know will endure.‖ She also reflects on one of her great mentors, ―Lyn Redington, the Director of Residence Life at UNI, was probably one of the most influential people to work with over the course of my time in the program. I was grateful she recognized my individual needs, worked with me to set goals, and was an exceptional listener as supervisor of my practicum experience. Though she has endless responsibilities, she was more than dedicated to spending time with me discussing my progress. Lyn Redington’s expertise in the field, ability to educate, and authentic concern for students are what make her an asset to UNI.‖ Communications and English from Luther College in Decorah, IA Undergraduate Degree: History from Ausgustana College in Rock Island, IL Undergraduate Degree: English/ Teaching from UNI in Cedar Falls, IA Page 3 HEATHER BIRK ―I love interacting with college students and helping them learn, grow, and experience new environments,‖ is what Heather says when asked why she chose to pursue a profession in Student Affairs. Heather has had a number of experiences in which she has been able to interact with students and help them grow. She has had practicums with the Honor’s Program and Academic Advising as well as having an assistantship with Academic Advising and working in Financial Aid. She notes that she is passionate about all of those areas. Heather has had a numerous amount of positive experiences, and she says, ―The best experiences have been with my cohort. It doesn’t matter if we are in class, volun- MARYNE EMMA TAUTE Maryne says, ―I decided to go into Student Affairs because I truly felt and continue to feel that I can help students develop, grow, explore, succeed, hold themselves accountable, and discover who they are. Deciding to pursue Student Affairs was as natural as breathing – I think I have found my vocation because I serve others in a variety of ways that is ultimately focused on providing access to higher education and personal success.‖ Maryne had an assistantship with the Department of Residence, and has also been the Campbell Hall Graduate Residence Education Coordinator. She participated in a practicum with the Vice President of Student Affairs Office where she worked on Key Performance Indicators, as well as having an internship with University Housing, at Clemson University in South Carolina. Following the ―residence‖ theme, Maryne notes, ―I am passionate about Residence Life because of the learning teering, working, or socializing we have the best time together. We learn so much from each other. Each one of them makes every experience more diverse, more worthwhile, and they have each made me a better person. I wish each of them the greatest success and will miss them all.‖ Heather also notes, ―The benefit of this program is that our professors are also practicing student affairs professionals. The knowledge and experience they bring to the classroom has been valuable and helped me gain confidence in my own career aspirations.‖ work on my presentation skills. I recommend everyone at least attend a conference, [and] present if you are able.‖ Undergraduate Degree: English and Professional Writing from UNI in Cedar Falls, IA Heather has also been very active throughout the program; she even presented at the ISPA Conference this past Fall in the Case Study Competition. She reflects, ―I was able to network with other institutions, gain valuable knowledge, and opportunities that happen for our students, as well as the professional development I receive. I love being engaged in developing student leaders within the residence halls and residence hall based student organizations.‖ Maryne has found her experiences within the program very useful, ―I have enjoyed my practicum and internship because I had the opportunity to use my classroom material to contribute to a program/ department/division or to provide resources to students. It validates the importance of the academic piece while developing my professional identity.‖ Within the program, Maryne has also been able to work with inspiring individuals, ―Mel Iverson, an Academic Advisor at UNI, was also my supervisor when I was an RA at the University of Wisconsin -La Crosse. She has been my mentor for approximately five years and I am blessed to have her as continued role model. Without Mel, I may not have had the courage to pursue Student Affairs, and with her continued support I began my journey as a professional. Mel believes in me unconditionally and has always offered me an opportunity to try again whenever I make mitakes. Mel is my mentor and friend who never fails to hold a mirror up to me and say, ―take a look‖ and encourages me to take ownership of my experience and my choices. She has been the catalyst for my love of Student Affairs and I would not be the professional I am today without her guidance and support.‖ Undergraduate Degree: English, Sociology Minor from the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse, WI ―In college, you learn how to learn. Four years is not too much time to spend at that.‖ - Mary Oliver Page 4 SARAH GOBLIRSCH Since she was an undergraduate, Sarah has been enthusiastic about Student Affairs. ―I worked and volunteered in student service departments as an undergraduate student and realized that I could actually do this as a career! I loved working with students and being a part of their lives during such major life events and transitions. I was very fortunate to be around many great professionals in the field that served as my mentors, I continually strive to be the type of role models for current students as those individuals were for me,‖ she states. Sarah works full-time in Career Services as a Career Advisor. She also teaches a Career Decision Making course, as well as having had a practicum in Academic Advising for Summer Orientation. Sarah continues to be most passionate about Career Services as she says, ―I love VALERIE MORRISON “I chose to study Student Affairs, because I want to help students along their life-long journey and be a guide to them during their years at a college or university. After attending college myself, I decided that I wanted to continue being a part of an institution and working with students in an educational environment,‖ Valerie wisely states of choosing Student Affairs for her profession. Val has done practicums in Athletic Advising and Student Disability Services at UNI Her assistantship has been in Academic Advising where she has worked on creating an Academic Advising Handbook for Faculty and Staff online handbook. She feels this experience in particular has benefited her as future Student Affairs profession; she notes, ―Working on the advising handbook for faculty and staff advisors to use when working with students has been working within Career Services and being able to help students find their own passions and career paths after they graduate. It is a great area because not only do I get to work with students but I also have many connections in the community with employers so it is great mix. However I also enjoyed working with orientation and being a part of students coming to UNI rather than just helping them when they leave.‖ As a part-time student, Sarah has had a number of positive experiences. She notes, ―The best part about being in the graduate program is truly the people. I have learned so much from the faculty and staff but most importantly from the other students. It is great to be around so many people that are passionate about helping students and it is a great learning environment. I enjoy every opportunity to learn about what areas the other students going into and what led them down that path. As a part-time student I have had the opportunity to be a part of several cohorts and I have learned so much the most beneficial experience I have had during my two years at UNI. To develop the handbook as a website, I used the computer knowledge I was taught by my mother as my computer teacher in high school. The information and teaching elements are designed to be an educational tool for advisors to enhance their knowledge of advising as well as broadening their horizons about advising at UNI. Some of the information I learned and used during my practicum with Academic Advising/Orientation helped me to think about the important information that is necessary to know when helping students as well as a useful, navigational website.‖ Val isn’t just passionate about one special area of Student Affairs, but as she says, ―I like having experience in various departments.‖ She goes on to say, ―All of the experiences I have had during graduate school will benefit me in my future career. I was able to apply the knowledge I gained in the classroom to practical set- from each one,‖ and goes on to say, ―The PSE program has given me the tools that I need to advance in my career. Through the courses in administration, assessment, and research I feel that I can be a proactive member of any office and that I now have the knowledge to make meaningful contributions. I feel that it is also helped me to look at the university structure differently and allowed me to analyze institutions with a more critical eye.‖ Undergraduate Degree: Communication Studies from UNI in Cedar Falls, IA tings and will carry everything I learned with me. My time in the PSE program will always remind me to continue on my life-long learning journey and to help students along their own journey while they are in college.‖ Undergraduate Degree: Communication Studies from Iowa State University in Ames, IA Page 5 Volume 1, Issue 1 LISA JICINSKY Lisa on why she chose to pursue a career in Student Affairs, ―During my undergrad, I found myself wanting to spend significantly more time on my involvements instead of class work. I was encouraged to pursue Student Affairs by many people, but still hesitated. I decided to try being a full-time Hall Director to see if it was what I wanted to do. After two years of being a Hall Director at St. Norbert College in DePere, WI, I realized that not once did I wake up not wanting to go to work that day. I felt blessed to be in a career that I loved. I started looking at Graduate Programs and haven’t looked back!‖ Lisa has done practicums in Career Services and the Department of Residence/ University Apartments, as well spending the last two years as a Graduate Residence Life Coordinator. She notes, ―I bleed housing. I have realized that I approach every situation, hypothetical or AMY MILLER Amy passionately notes, ―I chose the field of Student Affairs because there is never a ―typical‖ day at work. I never know who I will talk with, what I will be doing, or how my work will impact students until that particular day happens. I love that!‖ Amy has worked both as a Graduate Residence Education Coordinator and Graduate Residence Life Coordinator for the Department of Residence in her assistantship. Outside of Res Life, Amy has done practicums in Athletic Advising at UNI and Student Services at Allen College in Waterloo. When asked what area of Student Affairs she is most passionate about, Amy reflects, ―As I venture into the ―real world,‖ I feel like I’m more of a general- real, from a housing standpoint. I love what being part of a community can do for college student. And I love that many students realize the impact of living on campus long after they have earned that diploma.‖ So why did she choose UNI? Lisa says, ―I chose UNI for two reasons: The Graduate Assistantship I was offered in housing and the program. I love….love that this is a practitioner’s degree. When I have been in interviews, I am able to discuss how I have actually applied things learned in class instead of guessing how I might use class information in the future. We expect that each of our peers are gaining experience outside of the classroom as much (if not more) than inside the classroom.‖ She also notes, ―How I have really benefited is from our faculty. I enjoy the fact that each of our teachers is working in the field right now. They can bring stories and examples from their current experience into our classroom. That has been so valuable.‖ Lisa has had many positive experiences throughout the program, ―Without question, the best experiences have been getting to ist than a specialist. I am passionate about many different fields including Admissions, Residence, Retention, Advising to name a few.‖ The PSE program is full of experiences, and Amy looks back at a few of her own: ―I have enjoyed our Potluck nights in Schmiddy’s classes along with my recent trip to NASPA and staying with Fred and Steffoni, who are first year PSE students. I really enjoyed immersing myself in the profession at a national conference and learning more on where our field is heading in the near future. I also loved Administration with Jan Hanish as I really felt I was being seen as a true professional rather than only a student. I appreciated that Jan talked through things she was working on in her role at UNI and brought in key stakeholders to talk with our class as though we were full -time professional staff.‖ know the other grad students in the program. I love hearing from them about what is going on in other offices, how they apply ideas/ theories/practical advice to their own Student Affairs work. We are a diverse group with experiences from many types of institutions and many different functional areas. This allows us to really support each other and learn about many perspectives while sitting in the same classroom.‖ Undergraduate Degree: Secondary Education/ Broad Field Social Studies from University of Wisconsin in La Crosse, WI Overall Amy says, ―Without the PSE program, I would not be able to use the language to describe why I do the things I do. I find myself being able to analyze institutional culture, assess current issues, and apply student development theory in my day-to-day work. I love that about this program!‖ Undergraduate Degree: English, Sociology Minor from the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse, WI ―A college education should equip one to entertain three things: a friend, an idea and oneself.‖ - Thomas Ehrlich Page 6 ALYSSA SLABY Reflecting on her choice to pursue her Master’s in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs, Alyssa says, ―I chose to go into the profession because of my undergraduate experiences working in Residence Life as an RA. I enjoyed the role and responsibilities of being an RA; as a result, I looked into pursuing student affairs as a career option.‖ During her time at UNI, Alyssa has done practicums in Advising and Orientation, Cooperative Education and Internship Program as well as internships in Career Services and the Office of the Registrar. ANGELA WEEKLEY Angela is the full-time Diversity Recruit- ment Coordinator at Wartburg College. She says, ―I have passion assisting student in accessing higher education.‖ Angie has done a practicum at Wartburg in Campus Programming as well as at UNI in Upward Bound/Iowa Math & Science Academy. She notes that she is interested in all programming including pre-college programming as well as Diversity Admissions. One of Angie’s best experiences came when she took Organization and Governance this past Fall with Robert Frederick, Director of Advising and Career Services, KATE VON TERSCH “I am very passionate about helping peo- ple,‖ says Kate of her decision to enter the Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs program. Kate, who graduated this past December, had an assistantship with the Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Postsecondary Education department where she worked on the Religion & Education journal as Managing Editor. Kate has had practicum experiences in several areas of Higher Education including She has also had an assistantship with the Educational Leadership office. Alyssa notes, ―I feel that my practicum and internship experiences have been the best learning experiences in the program. I got the opportunity, through these experiences, to utilize classroom concepts in a practical way. It helped solidify my knowledge of student affairs and higher education.‖ Through these experiences she has also found where her enthusiasm lies: ―I am most passionate about the functional areas of Academic Advising and Career Services.‖ ences that will be beneficial in my future career as a student affairs professional. From this program, I gained more aptitude in the field.‖ In reflection of the program and her overall experience, Alyssa also says, ―I believe that the PSE program has provided me with a basis of knowledge and experi―I really loved Bob’s class and learning about campus cultures and visiting different types of institutions.‖ She also reflects on other experiences, ―I was able to research and present a lot on topics that I am passionate about; the DREAM Act, multiracial identity, access barriers students face.‖ Though Angie is no stranger to Student Affairs, she notes, ―I have worked in Student Affairs for 12 years, yet in my time in the program I have learned so much about other departments and collaboration opportunities. I have learned how to better serve my students.‖ She goes on to say, ―I have enjoyed working with each of the instructors in the program, I feel Undergraduate Degree: Communication Studies from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, WI blessed to learn from their actual experiences working in the field.‖ Undergraduate Degree: Elementary Education from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA Career Services and Advising, as well as an off-campus practicum at Hawkeye Community College in Financial Aid. Kate has also held positions in both the Financial Aid and Career Services offices here at UNI, and she notes, ―I like Career Services and Financial Aid, but I am open to new areas as well.‖ Kate says that The PSE program has been a ―good foundation for continuing in the field,‖ and she has also enjoyed many of her experiences, ―Practicum and internship experiences are a great way to network,‖ and she also reflects that through this journey she has ―met some good friends.‖ Undergraduate Degree: English, Spanish Minor from UNI, in Cedar Falls, IA Page 7 University of Northern Iowa KEN NESBETT ―For the students!‖ Though simple, this motto of Ken’s is crucial to being successful in Student Affairs. Ken has been able to work with students in a variety of areas as he has done practicums at UNI in Residence Life and International Admissions, as well as an off-campus practicum at Wartburg in College Admissions. He notes that he most enjoys the areas of Study Abroad, International Programs, and Admissions. Throughout this program, Ken has enjoyed the closeness of his cohort, ―Without a doubt, the camaraderie in the cohorts is something really special. I have made lifelong friends from attending graduate Faculty Follow-ups: ―This cohort is such an amazing blend of personalities that will all achieve great success in the future. Best wishes to all of you!‖ - Professor David ―Schmiddy‖ Schmid ―I really enjoyed working with the students in the assessment class this spring. They were curious, willing to explore and experiment with new ideas, and committed to helping college students grow and develop-everything I would want from student affairs professionals and colleagues in the field. Their passion and preparation should make them welcome additions to the profession and help them make a positive impact wherever they work. I wish them all the best!‖ - Professor Donna Vinton school at UNI.‖ As for the program itself, Ken reflects, ―I hope it makes me more marketable for the rest of my (hopefully long) career in student affairs. ― Ken takes a look back at the instructors he has had throughout the program, ―Since they are all adjuncts I think each one of the instructors have brought a unique perspective from where they work into the classroom. I want to thank them all for taking the time out of their busy schedules to instruct the next generation of student affairs leaders.‖ As for other great experiences, Ken notes, ―Attending the NASPA conference in Chicago (Spring 2010) was a terrific experience. My favorite part was when 5 of my peers and I were treated to dinner with Vice President of Student Affairs Terry Hogan and Dean of Student Jon Buse. We had our very ―I have the privilege of teaching one class in the program each fall semester, in the second year of the program. This particular group of students was great to work with. They were challenging (lots of questions!), bright and very much engaged in the profession. It is clear that they truly care about students and will be excellent ambassadors of UNI as they move on in their careers. Each class has sort of a "collective personality" and this is one that I'll remember as smart, dedicated, and a lot of fun to work with!‖ -Professor Jan Hanish ―As you graduate from UNI please remember that, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." (John Quincy Adams) Now go and lead!‖ own capstone class over a delicious Italian meal. Bravo!‖ Undergraduate Degree: Secondary Education/History from the University of Toledo, OH ―It has been exciting to witness the personal development and maturation of this cohort from our first days together in the Intro class to the final semester of year two in the Current Issues Class. It has been a pleasure to keep them company on this leg of their journey, and I wish all of them much success as each person defines success. One characteristic that stands out in my mind about this graduating PSE class is the spirit of cooperation and support they have shown for one another throughout this program. It is a cohort that has worked effectively together, supported one another in learning, shared their ideas willingly, created a positive learning environment in the classroom, and has not been encumbered by interpersonal competitiveness.‖ - Professor Lex Smith - Professor Bob Frederick ―Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one." - Malcolm Forbes