[ Introduction ] | [ Staff Development Initiatives ] | [ Upcoming Events ] | [ Employee Resources ] | [ Professional Development Resources ] | [ Professional Associations ]
Staff Development Initiatives
The Staff Development Committee offers the following programs for employees in the Division of Student Affairs:
Professional Competency Model
The Division of Student Affairs recently adopted a new professional competency model, for use with all graduate students and professional staff in the Division. The purpose of the model is to provide a framework of core competencies that individual staff members can use as a basis to assess their own development and establish goals for continued growth. Similar models are used at many other institutions, and in many graduate preparation programs. National Student Affairs professional associations, ACPA and NASPA, have also endorsed such models for professionals working in Student Affairs. The Staff Development Committee spent time this past year researching other models and developing one for use at FIU. Dr. Jones charged the Staff Development Committee with introducing this new model to all A&P staff and graduate assistants in the Division. The goal is that the use of this model will help individual staff and their supervisors focus on professional development in such a way that individuals have opportunities to strengthen their core competencies as Student Affairs professionals, and that collectively as a Division, we continue to advance in the skills and knowledge necessary to best serve our students.
A number of training sessions were held during the fall semester, and additional evaluation and follow-up is anticipated during the next couple of months. The forms can be accessed here: Comp Model and Assessment 09 | Comp Model Development Plan 09
Graduate Assistant Supervisor Roundtable
One of the fantastic opportunities that many staff within the Division will have is to supervise a Graduate Assistant or Practicum Student pursuing their Master’s in Student Affairs Administration. Our Committee strives to support these supervisors in a variety of ways. First, we offer annual training on utilizing the "Supervised Practice" model when working with Graduate Assistants/Practicum Students. We also provide Supervisor Roundtables twice a semester to discuss commons issues or concerns and provide necessary updates and information that would be helpful to supervisors. Finally, our Committee strives to enhance the communication between the Master’s program, SAGA, and the supervisors by regularly keeping them in the loop with what is taking place. Click here for upcoming roundtable dates.
Panther Placement
The Panther Placement Exchange is organized to help prepare our graduate students for their job search processes. This annual event, held jointly with Nova Southeastern University at the Biscayne Bay Campus, is designed to provide them with the information they need to successfully navigate the national conferences, job placement exchanges and other interview processes. Mock interviews are conducted, resumes are critiqued, and there are panel discussions providing important advice. Student Affairs staff from across the Division are asked to serve in these roles to share their experiences and help prepare participants. This event typically takes place in early January.
New Professionals Group
The Committee launched the first New Professionals Group in October 2009. The purpose of the group is to provide ongoing development and networking opportunities to those who are new to working in Student Affairs. Through monthly meetings, a "common reading" and intentional use of the Student Affairs Professional Competency Model, members of the cohort will develop their skills and become more connected to others in Student Affairs
New Employee Welcome
A New Employee Welcome program is held at the start of each Fall and Spring semester, to welcome and orient staff members who have joined the Division in the last six months. The program introduces new employees to the Division, its mission, departments, leadership, history and philosophy.
Article Discussions
These brown bag lunch meetings are intended to stimulate discussion and interaction among division staff, with a focus on a selected article. The monthly meetings are an informal way for staff to learn about current issues in higher education.
Graduate Student Development
The Division employs a number of Graduate Assistants, many of whom are studying in the Higher Education program and plan to pursue careers in Student Affairs. The unique needs and interests of this group are addressed through the planning of a series of programs targeting such areas as job search and interview skills, navigating transitions, conference preparation, obtaining internships, and more. Many of these programs are offered in conjunction with the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA).
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