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Division of Student Affairs New Professionals Group

The Student Affairs Staff Development Committee will launch the 2nd New Professionals Group in October 2010. The purpose of the group is to provide ongoing development and networking opportunities to those who are new to working in Student Affairs.

Program Format
A selected group of new professionals will meet monthly during the 10-11 academic year. The two-hour monthly sessions will be used to explore various topics relevant to the experience and development of Student Affairs professionals. Members of the Staff Development Committee will organize the monthly meetings, with different senior-level members of the Division serving as guest facilitators.

The program will incorporate the Student Affairs Professional Competency Model as its foundation. Participants will have the chance to assess their own development in critical competency areas, and work toward developing in areas that are a common focus for many new professionals. NASPA’s publication Beginning Your Journey: A Guide for New Professionals in Student Affairs will also be used as a common reading for the group.

To facilitate an appropriate learning environment, the group will be limited to 12-15 participants.

Program Dates
There will be monthly meetings of the New Professionals Group, which will be 2 hours each. The session times will be announced in September, and will alternate between MMC and BBC. Interested participants should hold these dates, as participation in all sessions is expected for those who are selected.

Eligibility
The program is designed for those who are “new professionals” in the Division. Generally, these individuals are in Coordinator, or possibly Assistant Director level positions, and have no more than three years of full-time professional experience.  Anyone who believes they are a “new professional”, though, is welcome to apply.

Application
Those who wish to apply are asked to submit their interest in writing (no more than ½ page), incorporating responses to the following questions:

1. Why are you interested in participating in this group and what do you hope to gain from the experience?
2. What specific topics could be addressed through the program that would assist you in meeting specific goals you have as a new professional? Please include the following information: Name, contact information, department, length of time in current role, name of supervisor and degree information.  Submit all items by Friday, September 3 to Cathy Akens at akensc@fiu.edu.