Well my posting is complete for a few weeks.  I am off to the lake for a great summer vacation with my girls.  I have enjoyed these readings and this class and look forward to learning more about student affairs through first-hand experience.  Have a great summer!

This quote bothered me however, I know many people who would agree with it L: “Evidence of a lack of confidence in higher education’s ability and willingness to prepare effective and productive citizens is long-standing and plentiful” (p. 483).  Perhaps I am biased toward higher ed. given my education background and the trends I have saw in the small town I grew up in.  People who are educated are happy and successful with a positive world view.  People who are uneducated are basically the opposite.  Again, take these observations as a grain of salt.  I am a huge advocate of higher education.  I think partnerships are a great way to foster better learning environments as well as increase job motivation.  If student affairs professionals can build positive partnerships with colleagues in the institution I think the benefits will extend to the students and communities as a whole.  I will now get off my soap box.

            And now the big T…technology!  I think when it comes to technology this is a perfect area to let the students lead the discussion.  I honestly feel that a fairly “tech – savvy” adult knows about as much about technology as a 14 year old, if that.  I think student affairs professionals should strive to stay up to date about technology advancements and be able to give students the tools they need to function in the work place.  I think things above this level are best learned through co-operative learning opportunities between students and professionals.  It is a great way to allow students to be the “expert”.  I think this leads to a great mutual respect and better institution culture all around.  Maybe that is me being an old man again but after interaction with my kids on a daily basis this is the conclusion I have come to accept.

Conflict is a normal part of life.  It is my belief that it is something that helps individuals grow and develop emotionally and socially if handled correctly.  I tend to be a very critical thinker when it comes to conflict resolution.  I try separate emotions and rather analyze facts to ensure the best decision is made.  I think this leads to fairness for everyone involved.  It was great to read about other approaches and I do think that as long as consistency is maintained conflicts can be resolve through many approaches.

            I briefly discussed community development in my post on student fees.  Little did I know a whole chapter was going to address this SUPER important topic!  I must admit it is one of my favorites.  I think that when people work together with a common goal it is possible to accomplish more than we ever imagined.  This mindset is something that must be taught not only through words but also through actions.  In this case, actions really do speak louder than words.  This can be achieved through various means such as the discussed living-learning communities or participating in a good-will club such as “Operation Christmas Box”. 

After reading this chapter I am almost starting to think that what student affairs professionals teach students is more important than a professor’s lessons.  I know that students are enrolled in higher education to earn a degree that can be used in future professions yet the lessons they learn outside the classroom walls could be deemed more important in development.  This development I believe is what helps an individual be successful in their chosen career.  Thus these lessons must go hand in hand.

Reading chapters 23 and 24 took a weight off my shoulders (metaphorically speaking!) and have created a new respect for student affairs professionals.  It was a relief to read about how much emphasis is put on counseling and helping skills in student affairs.  I would not expect these professionals to take full responsibility for these areas because I think it is still the student’s family and friends to be part of this area however, it is good to know that there are professionals able to assist students.   Page 404 outlined a three stage helping model that I think is great!  It shows that student affairs professionals care about the student and want to create a good relationship with their students before trying to guide them.  This is a good skill I have learned as a parent.  If I simply try to approach my daughters in a way that suggests “I am an adult and I will tell you how to fix your problem” I am usually unsuccessful.  Rather I need to approach my kids in a way that shows I care about them and want to help them through the problem one step at a time.  The same is true when dealing with university students so I am glad this was discussed in the text.  Advising follows a similar model.

In Ava’s social studies class they just learned about paradigm shifts.  It was interesting when I saw that term in this week’s reading.  In the future I can see students entering college with better cultural awareness than generations before.  I think this is being implemented all throughout the education system and the increased amount of cultural sensitive lessons students learn during their lifetime will continue to develop their multicultural competence.  Because of this I think my girls could graduate university with a competence that I could possibly never achieve.  Hopefully this will create a waterfall effect down through generations in the future so that eventually it will be a basic common knowledge skill rather than a specific area of focus of student affairs professionals.

            Next came the topic of leadership.  I see both of my girls as leaders in their social groups but in different ways.  Ava leads by example.  People are drawn to her because of her great attitude, solid work ethic, and good communication skills.  After reading about the behavioral theory regarding leadership this sounded like Ava to a tee.  Bella’s leadership position falls more into the trait theory…she is smart, quick on her feet regarding decision making, and definitely not afraid to take charge.  I am not sure if these theories are still widely accepted however it was ironic how perfectly they described my kids.  I am hoping they both adopt servant leadership because I try to get my girls to help others whenever the opportunity arises.  Hopefully they keep this lesson in mind as they move through life!

            Quick thought on co-curriculums – I feel that they are necessary and appropriate K – 12 institutions so that everyone can learn to their full potential.  Perhaps this is an “old school” way of thinking but…I struggle with the thought of modifying the higher education curriculums.  To me these curriculums should be rigorous and not necessarily for every individual.  Not everyone is cut out to be a university graduate. These are just my old man thoughts for the day.

This quote bothered me however, I know many people who would agree with it L: “Evidence of a lack of confidence in higher education’s ability and willingness to prepare effective and productive citizens is long-standing and plentiful” (p. 483).  Perhaps I am biased toward higher ed. given my education background and the trends I have saw in the small town I grew up in.  People who are educated are happy and successful with a positive world view.  People who are uneducated are basically the opposite.  Again, take these observations as a grain of salt.  I am a huge advocate of higher education.  I think partnerships are a great way to foster better learning environments as well as increase job motivation.  If student affairs professionals can build positive partnerships with colleagues in the institution I think the benefits will extend to the students and communities as a whole.  I will now get off my soap box.

            And now the big T…technology!  I think when it comes to technology this is a perfect area to let the students lead the discussion.  I honestly feel that a fairly “tech – savvy” adult knows about as much about technology as a 14 year old, if that.  I think student affairs professionals should strive to stay up to date about technology advancements and be able to give students the tools they need to function in the work place.  I think things above this level are best learned through co-operative learning opportunities between students and professionals.  It is a great way to allow students to be the “expert”.  I think this leads to a great mutual respect and better institution culture all around.  Maybe that is me being an old man again but after interaction with my kids on a daily basis this is the conclusion I have come to accept.

Before I even started reading chapter 16 the title caught my eye, “Strategy and Intentionally in Practice”.  This immediately reminded me of a conversation I had with a fellow single parent the other day.  We talked about how important it was to have a plan with good, solid intentions to be a successful single parent.  Traditional parenting situations at least have a back-up parent; if one gets busy the other can step in to help.  This is not the case for single parents so we need to be extra prepared and have a good strategy in place to ensure our children’s needs are still met in the best way possible!

            The seven principles of “good practice” (found on page 289) provided great insight.  The more I read in this class the more I start to understand how in many ways student affairs professionals become the “parents” of higher education.  Not in the way that they spoil kids or are overly protective, just in the way that they continue to provide guidance and structure to help the individual continue to grow as a holistic person.  The two that really stood out to me where “helping students develop coherent values and ethical standards” and “communicating high expectations”.

            The budgeting section was interesting to me as well.  It is good for me as a parent to see where the money is going because it makes it slightly easier to swallow the thought of the huge bill associated with higher education.  I know some individuals get worked up about student fees because they don’t want to pay fees for something they never use such as the fitness center or admission to athletic events for students.  I do not share this thought.  I think the fees are fairly nominal compared to the opportunities presented to students if they choose to take part in the activities supported by student fees.  Not only does their participation make the fees justifiable it also helps improve their college experience, adds to the campus environment, and aids to development of skills such as social and time management skills.  Two great skills that are not easy to learn in the classroom if all the student is focused on is academics.

            My girls love tactical feedback.  After they complete something they want feedback from an authority about to what degree they have completed it.  I do think they could adjust to more formal assessment but I think it would take time.  Perhaps they are a little too much like their dad in that regard.  They like facts, statistics, and graded feedback because it provides motivation for the activities.  It might be that competitive drive and receiving a grade allows they to push themselves to be the best.  Luckily for them they have the skills and natural abilities that allow them to be at the top of the class with a little hard work and determination.  I can see how students who do not have these natural gifts would struggle and perhaps feel discouraged.  I think it is important that every student sets goals however, that goal does not always need to be to achieve straight A’s.  The goal should be attainable for the student. 

As a father it is one of my personal goals to make sure my daughters have a well – rounded view of the world and the people in it.  I think this skill is acquired through role models and personal experience.  How I conduct myself contributes to the role model part, what opportunities I support my daughters through help with the experience part.  On page 209 I read this quote that solidified my efforts towards this goal: “Opportunities through which students learn to construct new frames of reference with these features make for a powerful educational experience.”  This is obviously in reference to a student’s experience in college however, I think it ties to my daughters’ current life experiences as well.  Some of the features included mindset and habits that lead to inclusive and open ways of thinking.  

We’ve moved onto theories, what an interesting topic for a single dad of two!  Throughout these sections I am constantly evaluating my daughters and trying to understand what level of what theory they are currently in and how to ensure they move to the next level in a successfully in a timely manner.  Oh the joys of parenting!  Kohlberg’s theory was interesting…based on the explanations I think Ava has moved on to Stage 3 while Bella lingers between stage 2 and 3.  The kids are just getting home from school and we’re off to a weekend camping trip so this post is ending up short and sweet!  It will be interesting to observe my girls after reading about these theories!

I know I am currently taking a class about how to be a solid student affairs professional but I am having trouble staying on the professional’s side of the perspective rather than the student’s.  I keep looking at how the practices being discussed are going to affect.  I am sure it is in large part due to my position as a parent especially as my daughter’s continue to grow up and will soon be thinking seriously about “what they want to be when they grow up”! Crazy!

A quote on page 87 stood out to me: “A focus on student as the primary purpose of our work”.  That should be the slogan of every higher education institution across the country.  In my mind this is essentially what everything comes down to in education especially higher education.  As a parent it bothers me when people lose sight of this.  I feel for the professors who are too busy to help a student because they have research demands to meet or the admissions administrator who rushed through a future student’s application because she had a report to run for her boss before 4.  In this situation we have lost sight of our ultimate priority.  I want to distribute this book to everyone working at whatever institution my daughters chose.  I’m sure that would go over like a lead balloon but it would be nice if everyone in the education field had been formally exposed to what it means to be a good student affairs professional in any setting.

Just a little note about legal issues – my late wife was a lawyer and these are my second hand thoughts…if ever faced with a situation where a single doubt regarding the legality of an act or possible legal threats, always consult a lawyer or other legal professional.  For so many reasons this is a good practice, more often than not it will turn out to be a non-issue however the one time that something is actually illegal will make up for the thousand times that was not the case.

The section entitled “Student Development” on page 68 caught my eye.  Most of the references in this section are from the 1970’s…my glory years! J  It talked about the introduction of interventions to develop the student as a whole; I must have missed the interventions or they just thought I was a lost cause.  I have to admit that I am glad this is still a focus of higher education and that is now a mainstream practice.  This is a promising reassurance to parents of future college attendees.   It was also encouraging to see the emphasis put on the fact that student affairs professionals are expected to be at the forefront of student development.  Because of this expectation these professionals will continue to be educated to ensure they have the necessary skills to perform this task in an up to date manner.  That is a relief for parents!

So people say that time changes everything and after reading about the history of American Higher Education I am not completely sure that this is true!  It’s been 40 years since I last graduated from university and looking at today’s universities from the outside it appears everything has change.  However, after reading about the issues and challenges faced by the first universities, then comparing them to how similar they are to my experiences, I am starting to wonder if today’s universities are still facing the same issues.  If the trends hold true I am sure they are! 

            When I last attended university if there was one black kid in your class it was a big deal.  If there was someone from another country it felt like he must be the king of that country.  Apparently that is not the case these days.  By the sounds of it, by the time Bella gets to university she might be in the minority.  It’s crazy to think a Caucasian woman would be in that situation.  With the push for diversity and acceptance I think it could be a definite possibility though and it’s a trend I’m starting to see in her gymnastics class and junior high actives.  After reading Chapter 3 I can see the pressure put on student affairs professionals to create and maintain a high level of diversity in the student body.  This is supposed to integrate into the student culture and create a great environment.  This somewhat bothers me but perhaps that is only because I have daughters approaching typical undergraduate age.  I want them to receive the best higher education possible and I pray that the methods that are currently being pressured on to the student affairs profession are the best for ALL students.

Well I have successfully completed Day 1 of my grad program.  Only nine million four hundred thousand and thirty-two days left!!!  That may be a slight overreaction however; I have to admit I am slightly overwhelmed right now.  I need to take a deep breath and just take things one step at a time but that is going to be tough with all the things currently going on in my life.  My two girls are growing up too fast and I’m not sure why I took my mom’s advice that “Now is the perfect time to get your masters!”  I agree with her that it is a better financial decision to do it now before I am paying towards my daughters’ education but at the same time it seems crazy to be managing the responsibilities of being a single dad with the expectations of completing a master’s degree.  Glad my mom offered to help take care of the girls on Tuesday nights!  Ava has dance class and Bella likes to do her homework while watching her older sister so that should help Grandma out.  It’s days like this that I really miss Clara.  It’s been 10 years since we passed away but sometimes it feels like yesterday.  The girls were just 2 and 5 when she was taken from us so they have very few memories but hopefully I am raising them in a way their mother would be proud of.  Anyways, girls are finally in bed so it times to hit the books so I can get some reading done before I fall asleep at my desk!