Area

Why is it important?

How will I develop this area?

Law, Policy, and

Governance

At any level (institutional, state, national), this

competency area affects every stakeholder in
higher education. I would like to increase my
understanding of policies at various levels and
how they affect students, staff, and faculty.
Additionally, I would like to gain knowledge and
skills necessary to advocate for positive policy
change.

Year One: Participate in a webinar sponsored by the Center for Excellence in

Higher Education Law and Policy at Stetson University
(http://www.stetson.edu/law/academics/highered/home/).

Assessment,
Research, and
Evaluation

Equity,
Diversity, and
Inclusion

In order to ensure that students are growing,

developing, and engaging in meaningful work, it
is important for us to know the extent to which
our programs are effective. I hope to continue
learning and refining my skills in assessment.

I am passionate about social justice work and

recognize it as an area in which one can
continually learn and grow. Working to effect
socially just change is an ongoing process that
requires long term dedication.

Year Two: Educate myself on the state system of higher education in my state
(TBD) and where elected officials stand on relevant issues and support for public
higher education.
Year Three: Participate in the NASPA Certificate Program in Student Affairs Law
and Policy (https://www.naspa.org/events/2015-naspa-certificate-program-instudent-affairs-law-and-policy).
Year One: Read Fitzpatrick, Sanders, and Worthen (2010).
Year Two: Read Astin and Antonio (2012).
Year Three: By this time, I am hopeful that I will be using assessment practices for
any and all programs for which I am responsible. Depending on where I end up,
these assessment practices may already be in place. If this is the case I will make
sure to continue their use and make updates as necessary.
Year One: Learn about and cultivate relationships with the multicultural office
staff members on my new campus. Attend their programs and look for
collaboration opportunities.
Year Two: Continue to engage with communities different than my own through
service. Specifically, I would like to participate in another international trip. If an
international service trip does not exist on my future campus, I would certainly
love the opportunity to explore the possibility. As a starting point, I will chat with
Jeremy Doughty due to his connections with service-learning in South Africa.
Year Three: Present at a national conference (ACPA, NASPA, or other) on the
effectiveness of using service-learning to increase the multicultural competence
of students.

Personal
Foundations

As I make the transition from a graduate

student to a full-time professional, I am very
much looking forward to taking more time to
focus on my personal life. This is essential to
create a healthy work-life balance.

Year One: I am excited to take time to spend with my family. With limited means
during graduate school, I have missed out on some major familial events. I look
forward to spending time with my parents in their new homes and getting to
know my brothers partner and her children.
Year Two: In addition to spending time with family, I am also excited to
participate in new adventures. One of my bucket list items is travel alone in order
to personally reflect on my experiences and place in the world. In particular, I
would like to visit one or more national parks on the western side of the country.
Year Three: A long-time bucket list item of mine has been to backpack through
Europe. Within the next three years, I hope to take time (length dependent on
available vacation time) to cross this item. I already own a few guidebooks, so I
would love to recruit a friend or two (I already have a pretty good idea of who
they would be), save enough money for plane travel, and cross this item off the
list! I will be sure to document the trip with pictures and create a scrapbook
journal once I return home to chronicle the trip and all that I learned.

References
Fitzpatrick, J. L., Sanders, J. R., & Worthen, B. R. (2010). Program evaluation: Alternative approaches and practical guidelines (4th ed.). New York:
Pearson.
Astin, A. W., & antonio, a. l. (2012). Assessment for excellence: The philosophy and practice of assessment and evaluation in higher education
(2nd ed.). New York: Rowman & Littlefield/ American Council on Education.