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Higher Education 2013 Conference Season: Spring and Summer Conferences

Saturday, March 16th, 2013

It’s that time of year, conference season.  Here we provide a helpful list of the major higher education conferences taking place this Spring and Summer.

NASPA Annual 2013 Conference
Location: Orlando, FL
Dates: 3/16 to 3/20/2013
Description: NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession.
Website: http://www.naspa.org/conf/default.cfm
SJG will be exhibiting. Visit us in booth 806!

CUPA-HR Western Region Conference
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Dates: 3/17 to 3/19/2013
Description: As the association for HR professionals in higher education, CUPA-HR provides leadership on higher education workplace issues in the U.S. and abroad.
Website: http://www.cupahrregions.org/western/index.asp

ACA – American Counseling Association 2013 Conference
Location: Cincinatti, OH
Dates: 3/20 to 3/24/201
Description: The American Counseling Association 2013 Conference and Expo.
Website: http://www.counseling.org/conference

AAHHE – American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education, Inc
Location: San Antonio, TX
Dates: 3/28 to 3/30/2013
Description: AAHHE is a cross-disciplinary, higher education organization primarily focused on the need to develop Latino/a faculty and senior administrators as well as serving as a leading research and advocacy group for Hispanic higher education issues.
Website: http://www.aahhe.org/conference.aspx
SJG’s Ellen Heffernan will be presenting a session here.

AACSB – Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Location: Chicago, IL
Dates: 4/7 to 4/9/2013
Description: AACSB International advances quality management education worldwide through accreditation, thought leadership, and value-added services.
Website: http://www.aacsb.edu/ICAM2013/register.html

WACUHO – Western Association of College & University Housing Officers
Location: San Jose, CA
Dates: 4/7 to 4/10/2013
Description: WACUHO’s mission is to bring college and university staff members who have responsibility covering any of the various aspects of student residence, food service, developmental programming, administration, conference services, facilities, and related operations into meaningful association.
Website: http://wace2013.wordpress.com/

New England Transfer Association Conference
Location: Portsmouth, NH
Dates: 4/10 to 4/12/2013
Description: The New England Transfer Association Annual 2013 Conference.
Website: http://newenglandtransfer.org/content/annual-conference

CUPA-HR Eastern Region Conference
Location: New York, NY
Dates: 4/14 to 4/16/2013
Description: As the association for HR professionals in higher education, CUPA-HR provides leadership on higher education workplace issues in the U.S. and abroad.
Website: http://www.cupahr.org/eastern2013/index.aspx

AACRAO – American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
Location: San Francisco, CA
Dates: 4/14 to 4/17/2013
Description: The mission of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers is to serve and advance higher education by providing leadership in academic and enrollment services.
Website: http://www.aacrao.org/Professional-Development/2013AnnualMeeting.aspx#.UP2c_2fFlKF

NAER – National Association of Executive Recruiters Annual Conference
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Dates: 4/18 to 4/19/2013
Description: NAER’s 2013 Conference theme is:  Next Generation Recruiting Technology. The focus will be on the use of technology and social media in the recruiting process and how it is changing the way we work with clients and candidates.
Website: http://www.naer.org/annual-conference/

WASFAA – Western Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Dates: 4/19 to 4/21/2013
Description: The Western Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Conference 2013.
Website: http://www.wasfaa.org/docs/toc_conferences.html

AACC – American Association of Community Colleges
Location: San Francisco, CA
Dates: 4/20 to 4/23/2013
Description: The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges.
Website: http://www.aacc.nche.edu/newsevents/Events/convention2/Pages/default.aspx
SJG will be exhibiting. Visit us in booth 633!

SACAC – Southern Association for College Admission Counseling
Location: Memphis, TN
Dates: 4/20 to 4/23/2013
Description: SACAC works to promote high professional standards in the college admission process by exchanging ideas, sharing common goals and preparing counselors to serve students in the transition from high school to college.
Website: http://www.sacac.org/annual-conference

NAGAP – National Association of Graduate Admission Professionals
Location: Orlando, FL
Dates: 4/24 to 4/27/2013
Description: The Mission of NAGAP is to support, advance, and engage graduate enrollment professionals by promoting integrity, excellence, and collaboration through education and professional development.
Website: http://www.nagap.org/conferences/annual.asp

CUPA-HR Southern Region Conference
Location: Charlotte, NC
Dates: 4/28 to 4/30/2013
Description: The Southern Region of the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources is a professional association that serves member institutions and human resource professionals with developmental opportunities and technical assistance for the effective management of human resources.
Website: http://www.cupahrregions.org/southern/

NACAS South – National Association of College Auxiliary Services
Location: Hilton Head, SC
Dates: 5/4 to 5/8/2013
Description: The 2013 NACAS South Annual Conference.
Website: http://www.cvent.com/events/nacas-south-2013-annual-conference/event-summary-950728187bba45a297e6c36fba3e6172.aspx

EASFAA – Eastern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
Location: Boston, MA
Dates: 5/7 to 5/10/2013
Description: The 47th Annual EASFAA 2013 Conference.
Website: http://www.easfaa.org/docs/conference/2013/index.html

AFC – Association of Florida Colleges
Location: New Port Richey, FL
Dates: 5/14 to 5/16/2013
Description: AFC’s 46th Annual Student Development Commission Conference.
Website: http://www.afcsdc.org/
SJG’s Mark A. Hall will be presenting a session.

ACE NY Regional Women’s Leadership Forum
Location: New York, NY
Dates: 5/22/2013
Description: The American Council on Education Regional Women’s Leadership Forum – New York.
Website: http://www.acenet.edu/events/Pages/RWLF-NY.aspx

NAFSA 2013 Annual Conference and Expo
Location: St. Louis, MO
Dates: 5/26 to 5/31/2013
Description: The 65th Annual National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA) 2013 Conference and Expo.
Website: http://www.nafsa.org/Attend_Events/Annual_Conference/

NCORE – National Conference on Race & Ethnicity
Location: New Orleans, LA
Dates: 5/28 to 6/1/2013
Description: The NCORE conference series constitutes the leading and most comprehensive national forum on issues of race and ethnicity in American higher education. The conference focuses on the complex task of creating and sustaining comprehensive institutional change designed to improve racial and ethnic relations on campus and to expand opportunities for educational access and success by culturally diverse, traditionally underrepresented populations.
Website: https://ncore.ou.edu/
SJG’s Ellen Heffernan and Heather J. Larabee will be presenting a session.

EACE – Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers
Location: Atlantic City, NJ
Dates: 5/29 to 5/31/2013
Description: EACE 2013 Annual Conference.
Website: http://eace.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=428

NEACAC – New England Association for College Admission Counseling
Location: Beverly, MA
Dates: 5/29 to 5/31/2013
Description: The NEACAC 2013 Annual Meeting and Conference.
Website: http://www.neacac.org/am.cfm

NACE – National Association of College and Employers
Location: Orlando, FL
Dates: 6/4 to 6/7/2013
Description: The NACE 2013 Conference & Expo is a premier learning and networking event for college recruiting.
Website: http://www.naceweb.org/2013-NACE-conference/?referal=events&menuID=485&nodetype=4

The James C. Grimm National Housing Training Institute (NHTI)
Location: Athens, GA
Dates: 6/4 to 6/8/2013
Description: The James C. Grimm National Housing Training Institute provides a thorough professional development experience for less-experienced professionals looking to further their career in housing.
Website: http://www.acuho-i.org/EventsbrPrograms/JamesCGrimmNHTI/tabid/749/Default.aspx
SJG’s Ellen Heffernan will be presenting a session.

NASPA Region I Mid-Level Institute
Location: Newport, RI
Date: 6/6/2013
Description: Region I is pleased to offer mid-level managers the opportunity to engage in conversation with colleagues and senior student affairs officers around the mid-level experience.  “Making the Most of the Middle” is scheduled for four days, one day in each of the months of March through June.  The institute strives to create an environment where mid-level managers explore the challenges and rewards of leading from the middle.
Website: http://www.naspa.org/regions/regioni/midlevel.cfm

NASPA Region II Conference
Location: New York, NY
Dates: 6/9 to 6/11/2013
Description: The 2013 conference will be hosted by John Jay College of Criminal Justice. The conference theme, Building Communities, Transforming Lives, calls out for a sustained effort to bring together the wealth of our collective experiences and collaborate as a profession in our goal to bring change to the lives of those we serve. This year’s conference will focus on the impact we have on our communities, the responsibility we have to bridge communities and the ability we have to transform the lives within those communities.
Website: http://www.naspa.org/regions/regionii/regconference2013.cfm

NACAS East 2013 Regional Conference
Location: Gettysburg, PA
Dates: 6/9 to 6/12/2013
Description: The NACAS East 2013 Regional Conference
Website: http://www.nacas.org/regions/east-region/east-regional-conference.aspx

NASPA Region III 2013 Summer Symposium
Location: Austin, TX
Dates: 6/9 to 6/12/2013
Description: The NASPA Region III 2013 Summer Symposium.
Website: http://www.naspa.org/regions/regioniii/ssym.cfm

ACUHO-I Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Dates: 6/15 to 6/18/2013
Description: The 2013 conference will continue to offer many of the traditions that make it one of ACUHO-I’s most popular professional development events. In addition, we will be introducing some new and exciting session formats and programming for this year’s conference.
Website: http://www.acuho-i.org/EventsbrPrograms/2013ACUHOIAnnualbrConferenceExposition/tabid/1088/Default.aspx
SJG will be exhibiting.

MBA Career Services Council Global Conference
Location: Washington, DC
Dates: 6/25 to 6/28/2013
Description: Join us for the largest gathering of MBA career professionals and employers to discuss relevant topics in the global MBA job market. Strengthen your professional development skills with interactive breakout sessions. Learn from the best in the industry with superb keynote speakers. Network with colleagues from across the globe, all in one convenient time and place!
Website: https://www.mbacsc.org/?s=event&id=d24e5e04254d85d95343374d5dddb1a4&mode=form

IACLEA – The International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators
Location: Louisville, KY
Dates: 6/28 to 7/2/2013
Description: IACLEA’s Annual Conference & Exposition is the premier meeting for campus public safety leaders. The Conference features a variety of educational workshops, General Sessions, an Exhibit area with products and services for the campus public safety community, awards and recognition, and special events. The Conference also provides unparalleled opportunities for campus public safety leaders to network and share best practices and ideas with their colleagues.
Website: http://www.iaclea.org/visitors/events/Conference/2013confindex.cfm

NCDA – National Career Development Association
Location: Boston, MA
Dates: 7/8 to 7/10/2013
Description: The NCDA Global Career Development Conference – “Celebrating 100 Years of Career Development: Creating Hope, Social Justice, and Legacy”. The conference will highlight a series of memorable anniversary events, comprehensive professional development institutes, special tours, featured speakers, and rich learning experiences. Career counselors and specialists will share best practices and ideas, examine new programs and products, and have the opportunity to network with the leaders in the career development field.
Website: http://ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/conference_home

AHEAD – Association of Higher Education and Disability
Location: Baltimore, MD
Dates: 7/8 to 7/13/2013
Description: The 2013 AHEAD Conference theme Challenging and Changing Disability Perspectives is designed to challenge you to think outside the box! Explore how the disability climate is changing and how these changes are influencing practices and outcomes in the higher education disability environment. The work we do is constantly changing. The AHEAD conference is your opportunity to seize the moment, learn what is new, and find ways to improve.
Website: http://www.ahead.org/conferences/2013

NACUFS – National Association of College and University Food Services
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Dates: 7/10 to 7/13/2013
Description: Northern Experience: 2013 NACUFS National Conference.
Website: http://www.nacufs.org/professional-development-national-conference

NACUBO 2013 Annual Meeting
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Dates: 7/13 to 7/16/2013
Description: Register for the NACUBO (National Association of College and University Business Officers) 2013 Annual Meeting to enhance your skills and knowledge, learn new ideas, explore solutions and share best practices in a town that knows a thing or two about driving innovation.
Website: http://www.nacuboannualmeeting.org/
SJG’s Mark A. Hall will be presenting a session.

NASFAA National Conference
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Dates: 7/14 to 7/17/2013
Description: The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) National Conference.
Website: http://www.nasfaa.org/events/national/2013_NASFAA_National_Conference.aspx

AABHE Leadership and Mentoring Institute
Location: Birmingham, AL
Dates: 7/14 to 7/21/2013
Description: Presented by The American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (AABHE). The purpose of the Leadership and Mentoring Institute (LMI) is to support African-Americans who want to acquire information and skills to prepare them for senior administrative and faculty ranks. As in the past, the Institute will have distinct, parallel tracks to accommodate the needs of professionals interested in administration and teaching/research.
Website: http://www.lmiexperience.org/
SJG’s Ellen Heffernan will be presenting a session.

NASPA Stevens Institute
Location: Newport Beach, CA
Dates: 7/17 to 7/21/2013
Description: The Richard F. Stevens Institute for chief student affairs officers (CSAOs) is the premier executive training program for a small and select group of student affairs leaders. The Institute is a retreat with a mission – to enhance and develop articulated CSAO competencies at an advanced level. This Institute is sponsored by the James E. Scott Academy and is for the most senior student affairs officer on a campus, specifically, individuals who report directly to the president or provost who are in charge of the entire student affairs division/department. The 2013 Institute will focus on preparing CSAOs to lead through change and with entrepreneurial skill.
Website: http://www.naspa.org/programs/stevens/default.cfm
SJG’s Ellen Heffernan will be presenting a session.

APPA Annual Conference and Exhibition
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Dates: 8/2 to 8/4/2013
Description: The 2013 APPA Annual Conference and Exhibition. Formerly known as the Association of Physical Plant Administrators, APPA – Leadership in Educational Facilities is now the largest international association of educational institutions and their facilities and physical plant departments.
Website: http://www.appa.org

For regular higher ed #career tips and advice, follow us on Twitter @sjgsearch!

Posted in Career Development, Higher Education | No Comments »

Using Social Media in the Higher Education Job Search

Thursday, November 15th, 2012

Fortunately, for higher education professionals, there are many great career resources and active communities available via social media.  So, when looking for career advice or opportunities, it makes little sense not to take advantage of them.  When used purposefully, social media can be a great tool in your higher education job search toolbox, yielding professional development and friends along the way.

Here we offer some tips on using social media as part of your higher education job search and professional development.

Develop Your Online Presence

When using social media as a job search and professional development tool, it’s important to create a professional online presence that demonstrates your personal brand and expertise.

-Choose the appropriate platforms:  Higher education professionals can be found on all of the popular social media platforms.  For a job search, focus on developing your LinkedIn page, as this is the social media platform which recruiters will be most interested in.  Use Twitter and Google+ to meet and build relationships with contacts in your field.  Use Facebook to strengthen personal relationships that may yield professional resources or development.

-Develop Your Personal Brand:  Think about what professional qualities you want to portray through your social media profiles, as well as what images and content will help convey those qualities.  Develop your social media bio and avatar/photo in line with your brand, and when curating content – make sure that the content you share builds and is consistent with your brand.

-Complete Your Social Media Profiles:  While building your social media profiles, consider the way they will look to potential employers.  Make sure to fill in the details of your profiles completely.  Include all the relevant information that is requested, and don’t neglect to include an avatar/photo.  Partially completed profiles can suggest poor presentation skills or a lack of seriousness or attention to detail.  Customize your profile, where possible, so that it more fully reflects your brand – such as creating a memorable, brand-compliant background image for your Twitter page.

Assess Your Goals and Develop a Strategy

Before jumping into social media, take some time to identify your goals and to lay out a plan for achieving those goals.  If you’re just starting out in social media, you may also want to take some time to get to know the different social media platforms and how they work.

-Outline Your Goals:  This can be something as simple as becoming active in a professional discussion group or committing to make one new professional relationship a month.

-Develop a Strategy:  After assessing your goals, it’s important to outline the objectives toward meeting those goals.  If your goal is to make one new professional relationship a month, consider the steps and timelines that you need to meet that goal.  Strategy points and objectives to consider are:

  • What are some channels and communities where I can meet professional contacts?
  • Where and what are some relevant discussion groups and conversations that can I participate in?
  • How many new contacts should I try to meet per week?
  • How will I follow up with those contacts?
  • How will I maintain the relationships I make via social media?

-Schedule It In:  Once you’ve decided on your goals and objectives, don’t forget to schedule them in.  Social media engagement only works when it’s active and consistent.  Consider scheduling in a half hour every day (or every other day) for social media engagement, to ensure you are maintaining an active presence and nurturing the relationships you’ve made.  For especially promising relationships, it’s always a great idea to follow up by email.

Tips

-Treat your social media profiles like your resume, and keep them up to date with any new skills or experience.

-Demonstrate your skills and expertise through your social media content and engagement.  Help others where possible, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice yourself.  Be selective about the content you share, making sure that it’s useful to your network and consistent with your brand.

-Strike a balance between broadcasting and engagement – while it’s important to share knowledge and content, it’s also important to make connections.  Be proactive and reach out to those who share your professional interests and goals.

-Participate in conversations:  Twitter chats, Tweetups, and LinkedIn groups are great places to converse with other professionals in the higher education community.  They’re also a great resource for career advice and professional development.  Twitter chats are participated in via hashtags on Twitter, while Tweetups are physical meet-ups with Twitter friends in your area.  LinkedIn discussion groups allow group members to discuss timely topics and share advice via discussion threads, similar to other discussion boards online.   You can access a comprehensive list of higher education Twitter chats and tweetups at Inside Higher Ed. To find a discussion group on LinkedIn, simply do a search for a topic or professional association, in the LinkedIn Group directory

-Follow institutions and executive search firms on LinkedIn and Twitter to become aware of new job opportunities

-Approach social media with sincerity and an open mind.  While your ultimate objective may be one of career advancement, you will find that your social media engagement can lead to other opportunities as well – learning, professional development, or otherwise.

Follow us on Twitter @sjgsearch for higher education career news and tips!

Posted in Higher Education, Job Search, Technology | No Comments »

SJG Will Sponsor Four Women Leaders for the 2012 Women’s Leadership Institute

Thursday, October 25th, 2012

SJG – The Spelman and Johnson Group is delighted to be offering four scholarships to cover registration fees for the 2012 Women’s Leadership Institute—two scholarships for those women attending the Leadership Institute in Florida and two scholarships for women attending the Leadership Institute in Southern California. Scholarships are open to all those that wish to apply however, there will be a preference given to women professionals from community colleges, Tribal Colleges, Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs), or Hispanic serving institutions. Ideally applicants should possess at least seven years experience in higher education administration in a mid or senior level position. Awardees will be selected from applications received on or before November 7th.

For more information about applying for a scholarship please visit http://www.acui.org/content.aspx?menu_id=112&id=19265

The Women’s Leadership Institute is the premier program for women leaders across campus. The program is designed for women who aspire to new or advanced leadership positions on campus. The institute features a curriculum with an overall focus on building the next generation of leaders in higher education administration. This is a wonderful program for women of all ages to come together to learn and network with one another, forming bonds that will last a lifetime.

The Women’s Leadership Institute is co-produced by members of the Council for Higher Education Management Associations (CHEMA) – AASHE, ACCED-I, ACPA, ACRL, ACUHO-I, ACUI, APPA, ASCA, CSHEMA, NACA, NACUBO, NACUFS, NAEP, NASPA, NIRSA and NODA. The member registration fee will be extended to all members of these partnering associations.

There are two institutes offered this year– at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, California, November 27–30 or at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Florida, December 2-5. To register for the Institute please visit http://www.acui.org/wli/

Posted in Higher Education, SJG News | No Comments »

Key Findings from Pew’s 2012 Report on the Future of Higher Education

Thursday, October 11th, 2012

The Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project and Elon University’s Imagining the Internet Center surveyed 1,021 experts and stakeholders to weigh in on the future of higher education.  The survey asked experts to respond to two proposed scenarios for higher education in 2020 – one which outlined modest change, and the other proposing more substantial change:

1.      In 2020, higher education will not be much different from the way it is today. While people will be accessing more resources in classrooms through the use of large screens, teleconferencing, and personal wireless smart devices, most universities will mostly require in-person, on-campus attendance of students most of the time at courses featuring a lot of traditional lectures. Most universities’ assessment of learning and their requirements for graduation will be about the same as they are now.

2.      By 2020, higher education will be quite different from the way it is today. There will be mass adoption of teleconferencing and distance learning to leverage expert resources. Significant numbers of learning activities will move to individualized, just-in-time learning approaches. There will be a transition to “hybrid” classes that combine online learning components with less-frequent on-campus, in-person class meetings. Most universities’ assessment of learning will take into account more individually-oriented outcomes and capacities that are relevant to subject mastery. Requirements for graduation will be significantly shifted to customized outcomes.

While 39% of respondents agreed with scenario #1, proposing modest change by the end of the decade, 60% agreed with the more substantial change suggested in scenario #2 – although many of those respondents suggested the future would comprise portions of both scenarios. Just 1% of survey takers did not respond.

Here are some of the key insights drawn from the survey:

-Higher education will vigorously adopt new teaching approaches, propelled by opportunity and efficiency as well as student and parent demands.

Universities will adapt at different rates with changes in technology, regarding information access and content delivery.  Foreseeable economic conditions will make traditional classroom instruction less financially viable.

-Economic realities will drive technological innovation forward by 2020, creating less uniformity in higher education.

Respondents predict increasing corporate involvement, and more accessible education, although traditional face-to-face higher education may come at a higher premium.

- “Distance learning” is a divisive issue. It is viewed with disdain by many who don’t see it as effective; others anticipate great advances in knowledge-sharing tools by 2020.

Virtual environments will increasingly supplement physical classroom interaction.  Many respondents are hopeful for innovations in distance learning and online pedagogy, but not at the expense of classroom learning.

-‘Bricks’ replaced by ‘clicks’? Some say universities’ influence could be altered as new technology options emerge ; others say ‘locatedness’ is still vital for an optimal outcome.

While learning models will change, the social culture of higher education institutions will still rely on some aspect of ‘locatedness’.

-Frustration and doubt mark the prospect of change within the academy.

Resistance to institutional change is markedly observed among respondents.

-Change is happening incrementally, but these adjustments will not be universal in most institutions by 2020

Respondents recognize the economic challenges to quicker institutional change, as well as the necessity for transformation.

-Universities will adopt new pedagogical approaches while retaining the core of traditional methods.

Respondents predict hybrid models of instruction that incorporate both traditional, face to face instruction and virtual environments – the balance of which may depend on the institution, course of study, capabilities, and economic factors.

-Collaborative education with peer-to-peer learning will become a bigger reality and will challenge the lecture format and focus on “learning how to learn.”

Ideally, respondents predict more collaborative, peer-to-peer learning models (due to digital technologies) will foster more autonomous modes of learning (versus “just-in-time learning”), where students will “learn how to learn.”

-Competency credentialing and certification are likely, yet institutional barriers may prevent widespread degree customization.

A shift toward competency credentialing and away from degrees is seen as problematic, but likely.  However, degree customization seems less likely due to scalability issues, perceptions of bias, and a prevailing consensus about the importance of a well-rounded, core curriculum.

To read the full Pew Report, go here.

For regular higher ed #career tips, follow us on Twitter @sjgsearch!

Posted in Higher Education, Technology | No Comments »

Useful Social Media Resources for Higher Education Professionals

Thursday, June 7th, 2012

We discover and share an incredible amount of insightful articles and resources through our professional and social media networks.  Since the use of social media is still fairly new in the higher education community – from both a professional and pedagogical standpoint – we thought we’d round up some of the most useful articles we’ve come across regarding social media for higher education professionals.  We focus on social media as it applies to higher education institutions, careers and professional development.

Basics and Guidelines

1. “Creating Your Web Presence: a Primer for Academics” by Prof. Hacker

An basic introduction to social media tools for faculty and administrators, covering Google profiles, social networks, and RSS.

2. “Student Affairs Practitioners and Twitter” by Eric Stoller

A short and sweet overview of how and why student affairs professionals should use Twitter.

3. “Online Social Networking on Campus” by Scott Jaschik

A useful Q&A about social networking on campus as a student affairs professional.

4. “Social Media, Student Affairs and Influence” by Eric Stoller

Higher Ed social media expert Eric Stoller explains the top 4 tenets to building trust and gaining influence on social media.

5. “Social Media Guidelines – My Top Picks” by Eric Stoller

Looking for some basic guidelines to using social media?  Eric Stoller shares his top picks – many of which come from universities.

6. “Here, There and Everywhere” by T.J. Logan, Liz Gross, Rey Junco and Stacy Oliver

An excellent and comprehensive guide to using social media as a campus leader – from marketing and conferences, to professional development and collaborating with students.

Etiquette

1. “What did I do now: Email Etiquette in Higher Ed” by Rob Jenkins

Rob Jenkins shares a witty take on the basic principles of email etiquette.

2. “Social Media Policy Resource Guide for Higher Ed” by Mike Petroff

Many departments and institutions struggle with formulating an effective social media policy.  Here Mike Petrof shares some basic guidelines, plus examples from other institutions.

3. Slideshow Primer on Social Media Etiquette by Radian6

A comprehensive slideshow on minding your manners on the social web.

Social Media Strategy

1. “Integrating Social Media into a Community College Marketing Strategy” by Kyle Schwarm

Well-written article on how community colleges can (and should) start using social media for branding purposes.

2. “A Student Affairs Social Media Plan” by Ed Cabellon

A great, step-by-step post on developing a solid social media plan.

3. “How to Use Blogging as a Marketing Tool” by Russell S. Powell

A helpful beginner’s guide to starting and maintaining a professional academic blog.

Institutional Trends

1. “College Presidents and their Use of Technology” from The Digital Revolution and Higher Education report by the Pew Internet and American Life Project

This section of Pew’s comprehensive report includes results from a survey of college presidents on how and how many of them use social media.

2. “The Tech Savvy Presidency” by Lucy Apthorp Leske

An insightful article about making technology a priority as an institutional leader.

3. “How Schools and Colleges are Using Social Media” (Infographic) by Justin Marquis

This infographic gives a quick overview of how universities are using social media, as well as the benefits and challenges.

More Higher Education Social Media Resources

-Student Affairs Technology Blog at Inside Higher Ed

Twitter: @ericstoller

-On the Go with Ed Cabellon

Twitter: @edcabellon

-The Student Affairs Collaborative

Twitter: @The_SA_Blog

-Inside Higher Ed Twitter Calendar

Twitter: @edutweetups

-Student Affairs Women Talk Tech

Twitter:  @SAwomenTech

-Liz Gross Blog

Twitter:  @lizgross144

-Joe Sabado Student Affairs Technology Leadership

Twitter: @JoeSabado

For regular higher ed #career and #leadership tips, follow us on Twitter @sjgsearch!

Posted in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Technology | No Comments »

Networking for Higher Education Professionals

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

Image by Anthony Reeves

Most higher education professionals understand the benefits of networking, such as professional development, advancement opportunities, and career guidance. However, many are unsure of how to go about it, and may be intimidated by the process. Here we offer some simple strategies for developing your professional network.

Make Networking a Professional Goal
Approach networking the way you would approach any other professional goal – and in fact, it will often go hand in hand with your professional goals. That means making it a priority, carving out time for it, setting objectives (i.e. I will meet 2 people this month to add to my professional network – one whom I can help, and one who can help me), and envisioning a roadmap toward developing your network.

Don’t Be Intimidated
It’s helpful to remember that, as with most professional communities, many professionals in the higher education community have gotten to where they are due in part to the help of someone else, and are therefore open and happy to give back by helping others achieve their professional goals. If you are intimidated by the process, start out small with people in your immediate circle and whom you feel comfortable reaching out to. The fact of the matter is, networking will come easier to some more than others – and that’s okay. As with all things, the more you do it, the easier it will become and the better you will be at it.

Start Early and Be Persistent
One of the keys to networking is to start early, and be persistent. Relationships take time to build, and ideally, you will have a solid relationship footing in place, before asking for favors or job opportunities from a contact. Keep in mind that not all meetings or connections will lead to immediate results, but many will lead to other connections, giving you an opportunity to continually expand your network. Keep careful records of all your contacts, and whenever possible, as your connections to suggest other people you might speak to.

Seek Out Relevant Networking Opportunities
Seek out social and professional groups, and participate in events that are relevant to your field and interests. Look for opportunities to become more involved in your extracurricular professional activities, whether it’s helping to organize an event or offering to be a speaker. Academic and professional conferences make excellent places to connect with others in your field.

Use Technology to Your Advantage
Whether it’s a simple phone call or email, or connecting to people through social media – use technology to strengthen your ties to your network. Social media in particular gives you the opportunity to keep up easily with those in your network, and to connect with them on a regular basis. LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook are all great platforms to meet and talk to others in your field. Be proactive and ask your social media contacts to make introductions for you, whether to other individuals in their social media network or to one of the many higher education, professional communities that are active and available on those platforms.

When Meeting People, Be Polite and Prepared
It’s very helpful to have a statement or “elevator speech” prepared for meeting new people at networking events or in group situations. Your statement should cover your interests and professional goals. Treat networking the way you would treat any other type of first meeting – be polite, listen attentively to the other person, ask good questions, and show interest in them beyond what they have to offer you.

Invest Time in Building Real Relationships
In many ways, networking is a game of numbers – the more you reach out to, the more likely you are to make a great connection. At the same time, approaching networking this way can be a disadvantage, particularly if you are insincere or your sole motivation is to meet as many people as possible who can help you. Part of networking is learning who can help you and presenting what you have to offer – another part is getting to know other people in your field and building real relationships that deepen and last over time. You will find that the real relationships that you build are the ones that will end up yielding the most benefit to you.

Manners and Maintenance
Be vigilant about following up with and maintaining your network. Keep your network updated with the progress that you’ve made, while keeping up with their accomplishments as well. When you meet with a contact, be prepared and respectful of the time they have allotted to meet with you, and always send a thank you note immediately afterward. Finally, give back and reach out to your network when you have opportunities you can offer others.

For regular higher ed #career and #leadership tips, follow us on Twitter @sjgsearch!

Posted in Career Advancement, Higher Education, Job Search | No Comments »

College President Views on Technology and Higher Education

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

Based on findings culled from an earlier research study focusing on public and college president attitudes toward higher education, Pew Research Center released a recent report on the views of college presidents regarding the digital revolution and higher education. Here, we summarize some of the key insights of the report.

Online Education
According to the report, over 75% of the nation’s colleges and universities offer online classes, and 23% of college graduates have taken an online course. Online learning is offered more in two and four-year public institutions, and leaders of these institutions are more likely to endorse the value of online learning. Alternately, private college presidents remain among the most skeptical, where only 36% believe an online course provides the same value as a class taken in person (compared to 50% of four-year public university presidents).

Overall college presidents are more likely to believe in the value of online education than the public (51% versus 29%), and adults who have taken a course online are more likely to view online learning positively (39%), compared to only 27% of those who have not taken one. Many college presidents are in agreement that online education is set to grow significantly in the future, where 50% predict that in 10 years, most of their students will take classes online. Finally, college leaders’ beliefs about the mission of higher education are linked to their views on online learning, – those who believe the most important role of higher education is to prepare students for the working world are more likely to say online classes provide equal value to in-person classes (59%), than those who believe college should promote personal and intellectual growth (only 43%).

In the Classroom
The advent of tablets and digital readers are estimated to have a large effect on educational hardware and content. Of the college presidents surveyed, 62% believe that more than half of the textbooks used currently by students will be digital in 10 years, and 30% estimate the share of digital textbooks to paper will be between 25% and 50%. As digital textbooks become more common, so will the use of portable computing devices on campus and in the classroom. While using computers during class has become a somewhat controversial issue, the majority (56%) of college presidents report that their institutional policy regarding laptops in the classroom is left up to the instructor.

College Presidents and Technology
College presidents are tech savvy, especially compared with the general public, reporting high rates of access to and early adoption of technology. 91% report using a laptop at least occasionally, 88% use smartphones, 87% use a desktop computer, 49% use a tablet computer at least occasionally, and 42% use an electronic book device such as a Kindle. Only 32% of college presidents report using a mobile phone that is not a smartphone.

Beyond devices, many college presidents are using social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook, with fully half reporting they use Facebook at least occasionally, and nearly 1 in 5 reporting they use Twitter. While they are slightly ahead of the general public in their use of social media, college presidents still lag behind or are on par with young adults, where of those between the ages of 18—29 – 74% use Facebook and 17% use Twitter.

It seems that although institutions will differ in the degree to which they have adopted online learning, the use of technology by their leadership is fairly consistent across all sectors of higher education. However, younger presidents (under age 50) are more likely to use laptops daily than their older counterparts, and interestingly, presidents of colleges located in the east are less likely use Facebook or smartphones, than those in different regions of the country.

Posted in Higher Education, Technology | No Comments »

Managing an Effective Reference Process

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

Seeking and acquiring professional references is an important and critical part of the job search. Candidates should take a deliberate, thoughtful and strategic approach when asking someone to serve as a reference for them during the job search process.

Here we offer some key strategies for effectively managing the reference process.

Cultivate a professional network
Before you begin to apply for a position or seek professional references, you should have already begun to cultivate a professional network, from which to draw those references. Forge relationships with those whom you respect, admire, or work well with, seek out a professional mentor, and keep in touch with former supervisors as well as professionals that you have supervised.

Choose your references wisely
Consider a wide spectrum of references that can speak to different aspects of your skill set – for example, a colleague that you have worked on a project with, a faculty member that you have worked with closely, or a person that has worked with you in an emergency situation. Think carefully about whether a particular reference will be able to speak articulately about your skills, experiences, and what makes you a strong candidate for the position. All too often, candidates simply submit a list of prefabricated references and consider that part of the process complete. It’s important that your references can speak to your professional qualities which are specific to the job position for which you are applying. Be sure to have a balance in terms of current and prior professionals that can cover a variety of your skills, experiences, and strengths. While they may not be able to cover all of your strengths, can all of your references speak to at least two or three key leadership areas for you? Finally, make sure that everyone who has agreed to serve as a reference has done so earnestly. Reluctant or unenthusiastic references – despite their willingness – may unintentionally hurt your candidacy.

Approaching and Informing references effectively
Approach selected references by explaining why you would like them to serve as your reference, along with the type of position you are seeking, the reasons you are interested in the position, and why you feel you are qualified. If you have already acquired your references beforehand, make sure to inform them of your current involvement in the search process and update them as needed on your current responsibilities and accomplishments, as well as your current career goals. Include materials where applicable, such as your updated resume, reports, or articles you’ve written. If you are asking in relation to a specific application, send your references some background information about the position and institution. It may also be helpful to provide your insight on what you believe the search committee is seeking in a successful candidate. Ideally, you should alert your references well ahead of the time they must speak to an institutional representative, so that they will have plenty of time to update themselves on your current career goals, as well as review any information or materials that will help them to speak well on your behalf.

Providing reference information to the institution
Be certain to verify each of your references’ contact information before providing it to the search committee, and include information about the best way to reach your references such as their preferred methods of contact or availability. If your reference provides the number of his/her administrative assistant make sure that your reference has indicated to that person that they have agreed to serve as a reference on your behalf.

Follow up
Follow up with your references to see how their referral conversation went. Your reference may have a good sense of what the institution is focusing on with regard to your candidacy, including where the institution might perceive weaknesses or areas for growth on your part. You might also seek feedback concerning their impressions regarding the culture of the institution. Make sure to keep your references up to date with your job search progress and status. And when you do land that terrific new position, don’t forget to send a thank you note to thank them for their help in the process!

For regular higher ed #career tips, follow us on Twitter @sjgsearch!

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Resources for those Considering a Career in Student Affairs

Monday, October 24th, 2011

Every year, we recognize October as Careers in Student Affairs month. Student Affairs is an important, wide-encompassing field of higher education administration and is open to all backgrounds of professionals, allowing them the opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact on students’ academic lives. Student affairs professionals fulfill a wide spectrum of roles on campus, including admissions, residence life, academic advising, financial aid, student activities, and career services.

To cap off Careers in Student Affairs month, we’ve compiled a list of excellent resources for those who are considering a career in student affairs. Have additional suggestions for student affairs career resources? Let us know in the comments section, and we’ll add them to the list!

- NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education

http://www.naspa.org/

Twitter: @NASPAtweets

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Their website is a comprehensive resource for student affairs administrators. Dive in by reading about What Student Affairs is and Why Choose a Career in Student Affairs . NASPA is made up of several knowledge communities which focus on specific areas in Student Affairs.

- ACPA – American College Personnel Association

http://www.myacpa.org

Twitter: @ACPA

A leading comprehensive student affairs association that leads the student affairs profession and the higher education community in providing outreach, advocacy, research, and professional development to foster college student learning.

- ACUHO-I – The Association of College and University Housing Officers – International

http://www.acuho-i.org

Twitter: @ACUHOI

ACUHO-I is the preeminent professional association serving housing professionals, and supports and promotes the collegiate residential experience.

- ACUI – Association of College Unions International

http://www.acui.org/content.aspx?menu_id=206&id=138

Twitter: @ACUItweets

ACUI is a nonprofit educational organization that brings together college union and student activities professionals from hundreds of schools in seven countries whose mission is to build campus community.

- BreakDrink

http://breakdrink.com/

Twitter: @breakdrink

BreakDrink is a community of Student Affairs Professionals who are dedicated to providing alternative forms of professional development. They feature regular podcasts on student affairs professional development topics.

- The Student Affairs Collaborative

http://thesabloggers.org

Twitter: @The_SA_Blog

The Student Affairs Collaborative is a “peer-to-peer informal learning community,” giving student affairs professionals a platform to connect, share, and learn from each other. The SA Collaborative blogs regularly on student affairs issues, and hosts a weekly chat on Twitter – #sachat – a very active and supportive student affairs community.

- Student Affairs Women Lead

http://sawomenlead.com/

Twitter: @sawomenlead

A valuable resource for women in student affairs and higher education (though not just women!), SA Women Lead seeks to support the leaders who are developing campus communities around the country, affirm the work that is being done to promote women leaders, lift up the voices that may be quieted in other venues, and transform how we create institutions of higher learning.

- NASPA Women in Student Affairs Knowledge Community

http://wisakc.wordpress.com/

Twitter: @wisa_kc

Another valuable resource for women in student affairs – the purpose of the WISA Knowledge Community is to give voice to the needs of women in student affairs and to provide professional development opportunities through both regional and national activities designed to address gender equity and prompt personal growth. WISA provides a home for student affairs professionals who work in women’s and gender centers or with gender-related concerns on college campuses, creating networking opportunities for those professionals.

- SA Snapshots

http://mallorybower.com/category/sa-snapshots

Twitter: @MalloryBower

SA Snapshots on Mallory Bower’s blog profiles different Student Affairs professionals from all walks of life, and their experiences working in student affairs.

-The SA Search

http://www.thesasearch.org/

Twitter: @TheSASearch

The #SASearch is a forum for professionals in student affairs to share their experiences, tips, advice, frustrations, and lessons learned on both sides of the interview table.  A great student affairs resource for professional development and the job search.

-Preparation Programs for a Career in Student Affairs

Twitter: @BrianFLeDuc

Excellent post about student affairs opportunities and programs throughout the country and ways for students to build their portfolio for a career in student affairs.

For regular higher ed #career tips, follow us on Twitter @sjgsearch!

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Posted in Career Development, Community College, Financial Administration, Higher Education, Housing and Residence Life, Job Search, Student Affairs | No Comments »

The Search Committee In-Person Interview: Part 4: The Runaway Interview and What Not To Do

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

A great resume and cover letter will get you through the door, but the final step in the process – the in-person interview – is what ultimately secures you the job position. Whether it should or not, the interview is what leaves the biggest (and final) impression on the search committee, and is your best opportunity to cement your candidacy.

In SJG’s Four Part Blog Series on the Search Committee In-Person Interview we talk about how to effectively prepare for your interview, how to handle interview curveballs, what to ask and what to avoid, along with other tips and tricks to keep in your interview arsenal. Have comments, additions, or suggestions? Please leave them in our comments section

The Runaway Interview and What Not To Do

Along with all the things one must do to prepare for and ace an interview, there are plenty of “don’ts” to add to the list. A Careerbuilder.com survey of the worst job interview mistakes found that 51 percent of hiring managers listed “dressing inappropriately” as the most common and damaging interview mistake that applicants make. So despite the most obvious or conventional wisdom that circulates regarding proper interviewing etiquette, job applicants are still routinely making mistakes.

Here we offer some conventional higher education interviewing mistakes to avoid.

1. Mistake: Inappropriate grooming or attire.
An obvious point, but one that isn’t worse for wear, is to arrive looking clean, pressed, and professional. Professional attire and a well-groomed appearance should always be the assumed preference for a job interview.

Runaway Interview Cue: The reaction when you first arrive. An unprofessional appearance will probably register as confusion or surprise on the faces of those who are interviewing you.

Tip: Men should be clean-shaven and women should pull their hair back, if it will hide their face. Make sure not to wear cologne/perfume, flashy jewelry, or anything else that will be distracting to the interviewers.

2. Interview Mistake: Talking too much
Rambling is a common interview mistake, often stemming from nervousness. Unfortunately, it can hinder the flow of an interview and reveal a lack of focus or preparation. Keep your answers succinct and to the point, while making sure to answer the question completely. Expand only where necessary, or upon request.

Runaway Interview Cue: Your interviewer has a furrowed brow, hasn’t spoken in awhile, or you find you can’t remember the original question that was asked of you.

Tip: To help prevent rambling, stay in the present moment. Don’t review the last response you made for mistakes, or start preparing for a question that hasn’t been asked yet. Staying focused on the conversation at hand will prevent segues into uncharted territory.

3. Interviewing Mistake: Talking too little
If you’re talking too little in an interview, you may be providing insufficient answers. This reflects poorly on your ability to answer questions, and is also frustrating for interviewers.

Runaway Interview Cue: The interviewer consistently asks you to expand on your answers, or you complete the interview in 20 minutes, when at the outset you were told that the interview would last 30-40 minutes.

Tip: Avoid one-word answers. Have examples and anecdotes from your past professional experiences at hand, to provide context to any answers you may be asked to expand on.

4. Interviewing Mistake: Not asking good questions, or any questions at all.
A failure to ask questions at a job interview can convey a lack of serious interest in the position. It’s also a terrible waste of an opportunity for you to figure out whether this position is a good fit. Your questions should be of substance and specific to the position and institution that you are interviewing for.

Runaway Interview Cue: The search committee asks you if you have any questions for them, and you say no.

Tip: Follow our tips on what to ask at an interview.

5. Interviewing Mistake: Discussing personal issues.
Keep it professional at all times and avoid discussing personal issues, even if they somehow come up. Most job-related personal discussions can and should be reserved for after you have been offered the job position.

Runaway Interview Cue: If you find yourself talking about anything personal or unrelated to your professional experience.

Tip: If a personal topic is somehow broached during the interview, it is okay to explain that the topic may be inappropriate during that present conversation, and that you would prefer to defer your answer to another time.

6. Interview Mistake: Interruptions
This means interruptions of any kind, from technology beeps and buzzes, to bathroom breaks. Communication device interruptions are especially disturbing and inconsiderate, and should be avoided at all costs.

Runaway Interview Cue: Your cell phone rings or vibrates.

Tip: Right before the interview, go to the bathroom and double check that all communication devices are set to their silent setting. If you’re especially forgetful, have a friend send you a reminder text or set your own vibration reminder to right before your interview.

7. Interview Mistake: Speaking poorly of past employers or co-workers.
This doesn’t mean you can’t talk about past negative experiences, but mind the line between constructive criticism and bad-mouthing (or just plain criticism).

Runaway Interview Cue: You find yourself using names, discussing personalities, or talking about specific people in a negative context.

Tip: Be prepared to couch every negative professional experience with a positive side, such as what you learned from the experience. Avoid talking about any kind of office drama or pointing at specific people.

8. Interview Mistake: Lying, Covering Up and/or Not Owning Up
It is absolutely never a good idea to lie during an interview. Attempts to cover up or excuse past mistakes are also a bad idea. Candidates should understand that a failure to recognize one’s own weaknesses or accept accountability for past mistakes is a sign of poor character and leadership abilities.

Runaway Interview Cue: You defer responsibility or assign blame to someone else for a past mistake, or you find yourself glossing over the mistake by rushing through your answer or failing to address it fully.

Tip: Make sure to explain any gaps or deficiencies in your resume, and confront all career mistakes directly with a prepared statement about the lessons learned from those mistakes.

For regular higher ed #career tips, follow us on Twitter @sjgsearch!

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