Student Affairs Philosophy
As a student affairs professional, my professional values serve as the ethical compass to my work with students. My values are grounded in empathy, growth, and equity. There are three primary components built within my values that guide my philosophy: focusing on an
Asset-Framed Approach, being a Lifelong Learner, and being Culturally Competent.
Asset-Framed Approach
An asset-framed approach has practitioners focus on a students strengths and aspirations, rather than their weaknesses. When working with students, it is important to highlight the strengths that they possess to help unlock their full potential. This approach requires me to foster and develop trusting relationships with students to better understand their goals. Once a relationship has been built, it is important to be inclusive, interactive, culturally informed, and reflective. The characteristics can highlight students’ sense of belonging, how they cultivate relationships, and their problem-solving skills. This can help close any gaps that may rise if the student struggles either inside or outside of academics. These characteristics provide the holistic support students need to succeed while showing that you care for the student.
Lifelong Learner
The higher education landscape constantly changes, and so do the students that we serve. It is important to stay up-to-date with current trends that will impact our work so we can be proactive instead of reactive. I do this by following The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside HigherEd, and legislative changes.
As student demographics may change, it is important to understand best practices to support them. As this field changes it is important to be adaptable, and lifelong learning not only helps master new skills, but allows me to be flexible with the changes that come.
Cultural Compentecy
Cultural competency is not just an awareness of others, but an understanding of my own biases and how they may be perceived by students from different backgrounds.
I believe that everyone has a walk of life that that is made by the experiences they have had. People then create their values, beliefs, and opinions based on their experiences and makes them who they are.
As someone who has worked with many students, it is important to know how my walk of life impacts how I handle interactions with others and how that will be perceived. Being able to understand how a students’ walk has impacted them can help me create an individualize approach to supporting them.