Are You In Your Student Union?

Introductions Raise your hand if…. – You are a new professional, just entering the field of student affairs – You are a mid-level professional, working in student affairs for at least 3 years – You are a “seasoned and experienced” professional, working in student affairs for over 8 years – You’re here just because you love the show “Lost”

Learning Objectives How are we going to help you “find yourself” while working in your student union/student affairs? Define Your “Island” Who are the “Losties” on your “Island” (and who are the “others”) Deciphering the Mysteries of the “Island” Learning through Enlightenment Understanding Your Transformation

Define Your “Island” What is the University Center at AU? A common question among colleagues and students… Young within the campus community – Oh… so you schedule meeting space? – Okay… then you’re the food court! – Doesn’t student activities do that? Increase visibility through branding, renovation, programming, and providing good service

Who are your “Losties”? Staffing Structure of the UC 1 Senior Director - University Center and Student Activities 2 Directors – (1) University Center Operations and (2) Student Activities In the UC, 2 Assistant Directors – (1) Operations and (2) Event Scheduling There are 3 Coordinators – 2 for event scheduling and 1 for facilities

Who are your “Losties”? Each person plays a specific role Jobs are different, yet intersect in many ways Experiences are different, yet overlap various ways Is it really fate that I’m here or is it through free will that I chose to be here?

Who are your “Losties”? If your University Center/Student Union is the island, and your staff are the “Losties”, then who are the “Others”?

Decipher the Mysteries Identify common themes that run between LOST and our jobs – Fate vs. Free Will – Science vs. Faith – Character Connections – Leadership – Rivalries – Deceptions and Cons – Parent Issues – Dreams and Visions

Fate vs. Free Will Is it predetermined that I am here? Can I determine my role for myself? Is it really my destiny that I work with students?

Science vs. Faith Are there scientific parts to our job and does faith really play into our daily lives? Science - See the plans or specifics before events or daily operations in order to drive each day Faith – Each day brings an unpredictable experience, but it tends to work itself out

Character Connections Everyone is connected Jobs within Operations, Scheduling, and Programming tend to intersect Events and Programs help shape/create policy within the Center Student Activity advisors provide insight from student groups about general practices

Leadership The ability to persuade others toward actions of one’s choosing Develop relations among staff to align the group toward a common goal If there are multiple strong personalities, management of staff is important

Rivalries Limited resources on-campus can create rivalries Groups fight for space – need to act as an intermediary Us versus them Good versus evil Can we be rescued?

Deceptions and Cons “losties” have also been known to be deceitful or a con We don’t deceive! Do our clients deceive us? How do we get to be on the same page?

Parent Issues Dealing with parents can be tricky, yet interesting and beneficial At the workplace, some senior staff can be seen as “parental” figures or “mentors” to the younger para-professional or student staff Separating personal life from professional life

Dreams and Visions “Losties” typically saw different people, different visions from their past on the island Staff have different goals, depending on their life status Goals can both be personal and professional

Enlightenment Mostly a question for mid-level and young professionals What is your “Ah, ha!” moment that made you choose this field? Is this really for me? Where does this job lead me? How long do I have before I get ahead? What options do I have?

Transformation Now that you know where you’re headed, what are the next steps to take? Use senior level, experienced professionals as guides Develop a plan to better yourself in the future while being able to mentor those that need your assistance/advice

Conclusions Knowing Your “Island” Understanding the different types of people that you work with and who else plays a role in shaping your career Finding the mysteries that will help you in your quest for knowledge Enlightenment – this really is for you Transformation – knowing your next steps

Contact Information Michael Elmore American University Senior Director, University Center and Student Activities Washington, DC Patrick Ledesma American University Assistant Director, Operations, University Center Washington, DC THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!