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.