Student Affairs

Professional Development

The mission of the Student Affairs Staff Development Committee is to provide opportunities for the Student Affairs staff to facilitate the development of professional and personal growth. These opportunities integrate staff into the division, strengthen sense of community, encourage cross-departmental collaboration, and recognize exemplary work while enhancing the division and the University.

Events and projects to be developed and implemented by the committee include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversee the development and implementation of the Student Affairs kick-off, holiday celebration, and end of the year celebration
• Oversee the development and implementation of the new awards process
• Develop and implement the new mentorship program
• Provide professional development opportunities for staff
• Develop a professional development day for the entire division

Mini-Conference Materials

Each summer the Profession Development Committee plans a mini-conference for staff to learn about new topics. For 2020, this conference is being held virtually and open to anyone in the division.

2020 Virtual Student Affairs Mini-Conference Tentative Schedule

8:30-8:50 am Opening Session:

From Lukewarm Acceptance to Unapologetic Anti-Racism

• Dr. Jessica Harris, Interim Assistant Provost for Academic Equity and Inclusive Excellence and Associate Professor in the Department of History
  
  • The work of anti-racism is complex and will require much fortitude and patience. As SIUE works to establish anti-racism as a core value and institutional norm, it is imperative that ALL members of the campus community identify and understand their unique role in advancing this work. This keynote address is a call for collective action, boldness, courage and accountability.
• Presentation Link
• Session Recording

9:00-9:50 am Sessions:

Gender Inclusive Language

• Nick Niemerg, Assistant Director of Constituent Relations and Dr. Jennifer Hernandez, Assistant Professor of Education
  • The chairs of the SIUE Safe Zone Committee will be presenting information about using and respecting gender inclusive language. Safe Zone is a committee working to provide resources for LGBTQAI+ students and the faculty, students, and families that support them. This presentation will include resources for creating inclusive environments for all students.
• Presentation Link
• Session Recording

Serving International Students: Insights from the 6 cultural dimensions of Geert Hofstede

• Gaby Renteria-Poepsel, International Student Programming Advisor and Amy Nusser, Lead Immigration Specialist
  • In this session, participants will get an overview of the international students who come to SIUE and gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and concerns these students may face. In addition, presenters will discuss common cultural differences based on the 6 cultural dimensions of Geert Hofstede, which can help participants develop strategies for working effectively with students from a range of cultural backgrounds.
• Presentation Link
• Session Recording

Equity & Inclusion 101: Understanding Key Concepts

• Lindy Wagner, Director, Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
  • Often when equity and inclusion are discussed a variety of words are tossed around; diversity, social justice, microaggressions and so many more. This session provides an overview of words and concepts associated with equity and inclusion to make further conversations much easier. This overview should also lay the foundation for more purposeful interactions with students and colleagues.
• Presentation Link
• Session Recording

10:00-10:50 am

COVID-19 and emergency funding for SIUE students

• Dr. Scott Belobrajdic, Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Kara Shustrin, Dean of Students
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our students dramatically. The transition to online learning and reduced campus operations during the Spring 2020 semester served to remind us that a significant portion of our SIUE community relies on the University to meet basic needs for shelter, food, healthcare, technology access, employment, and more.  In late spring, the U.S. Department of Education made funding available through the CARES Act to support college students and cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.  The SIUE Foundation and Student Affairs also worked together to support students who aren’t eligible for CARES Act funding through grants from the Student Emergency Assistance Fund. Please join us to learn how SIUE is supporting students financially during this challenging time.
• Presentation Link
• Session Recording

Where do I fit? Exploring your Anti-Racism Journey

• Lindy Wagner, Director, Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion and Tarsha Moore, Assistant Director, Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
  
  • This session will be for participants to explore the language of anti-racism and identify preliminary action steps to engage in anti-racism work. This language and action step reflection will aid participants in dismantling racist systems. Participants will gain knowledge and empowerment to position themselves in the fight for anti-racism and cultural awareness.
• Presentation Link
• Session Recording

11:00-11:50 am

What is my role in the SIUE wellness ecosystem in the age of COVID-19?

• Courtney R. Boddie, Ph.D., Director, Counseling Services
  • Our campus can only be well if (1) oppressive structures are dismantled, (2) personnel understand and operationalize their role in supporting student well-being, and (3) personnel have the capacity to care for themselves. This session will illuminate pathways to clarify how to centralize well-being in everyday life at SIUE. Implications for navigating these concerns in digital spaces will be discussed.
• Presentation Link
• Session Recording

 Accessibility In The Time Of Coronavirus

• Jim Boyle, ACCESS Assistant Director and Andy Koch, ACCESS Coordinator for Instructional Accessibility
  • In the midst of social distancing, providing accessible spaces and content is more important than ever. ACCESS staff will help you proactively ensure your office is considering and including all current and prospective students and their needs, whether you are Zooming, meeting in-person, planning campus activities, or even just updating your office materials/website.
• Presentation Link
• Session Recording

 Esports - The Fastest Growing Sport In The World And You May Have Never Heard Of It

• • Philipp Leyerer, Campus Recreation Coordinator for Club Sports and Keith Becherer, Director of Campus Recreation
    • An introductory into the phenomena of competitive video gaming. Esports doesn’t fit neatly into any of the existing definitions of a sport, but that’s only the beginning of the esports debate. It is estimated that esports will outpace traditional sports by the year 2022. Scholarships, academic majors, studios, arenas, competitions, and broadcast opportunities are appearing on an increasing number of college campuses. Join us for an introductory presentation on what esports are and learn more about this phenomena that is taking over college campuses, as well as some insight on what SIUE is doing in regards to competitive video gaming.
  • Presentation Link
  • Session Recording