Student Life Professional Development Conference: Identity, Wellness, & Work: Visioning Our Authentic & Well Selves View Other Sessions

Jay Smiley, Hall Director for Residence Education

With increased activism across college campuses, higher education professionals have been made more aware of marginalized identities feeling unsafe at their respective universities. To provide more welcoming and inclusive environments, student affairs professionals should be aware of their own biases as well as how to facilitate educational conversations among students. In this session participants will be able to: identify what microaggressions are, reflect on how microaggressions negatively affect the students we serve, and strategies to minimize the impact of microaggressions.

Carrie Landrum, Office of Student Conflict Resolution

It is estimated that we will spend about a third of our life at work. As human beings we have basic needs, which hold true in our professional as well as personal lives. Part of visioning our authentic and well selves is recognizing and honoring what those needs are, reflecting on emotions that surface when needs are met or unmet, and exploring and envisioning ways unmet needs could be met. This session introduces participants to a powerful tool – the NVC Method – to aid in reflection, communication, and connection. This will be a space to connect authentically with yourself and others.

Rachel Armstrong, Honors Academic Advisor, College of Engineering Honors Program and Megan Langille, Academic Advisor, Multidisciplinary Design Program

This program is for student affairs professionals supporting students in making intentional, authentic choices that enhance their own development and well-being. While our students explore internships, joining student organizations, and deciding among majors, they are constantly facing overwhelming demands on their time, attention, and energy. While many perceive that “more is better” when it comes to making complex choices, research has demonstrated that more options often leads to unrealistic expectations, diminished satisfaction, and stress for students. This session, drawing from relevant student affairs and advising theories, will explore several approaches to empowering students (and ourselves!) toward values-based choices.

Erin Byrnes, Ginsberg Center

Note: This session is open to students, faculty, and staff, and registration is not required. Though attending the conference as a whole has a small fee, this session will be offered free of charge to the University community.

The 2016 election has presented us with unique challenges, and emotions have run high throughout the campaign season. After the final vote is counted, how will we come together? This dialogue session will allow participants to share their feelings and perspectives as we envision moving forward post-election.