Student Development Theory: The Voice Project Department of Leadership Studies in Education and Organizations Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) Program Dr. Carol Logan Patitu Melissa DeButz Michael La Torre Todd Thobe

Outline Student Development Theory Course The Voice Project Students’ Voice Projects & Their Experiences Questions

“Theories of Student Development”

The “Voice Project” To broaden and deepen students understanding of college student development by having them step outside of their own experience and examine the full context of others’ experiences Each student in the class “adopts” the voice of a chosen identity that is different than the one(s) with which s/he identifies.

Examples of Voices Students with Disabilities Muslim Students Native American Students Lesbian Students Students with Autism Transgender Students Veteran Students African American Students Student Athletes Non-traditional Age Students Single Mother Students Transfer Students Latino Students White Students Foster Youth Students Hispanic Students

Voice Journal/Portfolio Possible Activities for Semester Long Voice Project

Voice Project: (Privileged) White Male Overview: Overview: Chose population quite different from myself Chose population quite different from myself Utilized several activities for perspective: Utilized several activities for perspective: o Television o Articles o Observations o Interviews

What I learned White male privilege does exist White male privilege does exist Take the time to understand individuality Take the time to understand individuality To advocate for students no matter what To advocate for students no matter what Take different perspectives into consideration Take different perspectives into consideration Understand differences will help you become a better student affairs practitioner Understand differences will help you become a better student affairs practitioner

Transgender Students in Higher Education Voice: Transgender Students in Higher Education Voice: Transgender Students in Higher Education Highlights Highlights What I Tried to Accomplish What I Tried to Accomplish What I Gained from this Experience What I Gained from this Experience

Single Mother Students Why I chose this “Voice” Why I chose this “Voice” Shed light on a growing Shed light on a growing population population Close friend recently enrolled Close friend recently enrolled Statistics Statistics Gender differences Gender differences Ethnicity Ethnicity Success Rate Success Rate

Single Mother Students Resources available Resources available Regional Organizations Regional Organizations Scholarships Scholarships Student Learning Environments Student Learning Environments Barriers Barriers Scheduling Scheduling Campus life Campus life My experiences My experiences

"Exploring the voice of non-traditional age students through The Voice Project made me aware of the barriers these students face, as well as the interventions current student affairs practitioners have implemented. I feel better prepared to address the needs of non-traditional age students as a future student affairs practitioner.” -Brittany Dotson "My Voice Project focused on students with non-physical disabilities and their experience in higher education. The project was eye-opening. These are students who often have the intellectual capabilities to excel in higher education. Lack of education or awareness of the campus community, however, is a barrier to their success. The Voice Project granted me insight into the real experiences of these students and has increased my personal awareness, enabling me to apply that knowledge and perspective as a future Student Affairs professional.” -Samantha Spitak “Conducting research on the Latina student population for Dr. Patitu’s Voice Project was extremely rewarding. Diversity is such a powerful subject at all universities, however there are many issues these students still go through. I realize that I can function as a student affairs professional more efficiently now that I have a better understanding of the wants/needs of this growing population. There will always be a more creative way to educate faculty, staff, and students about the importance of diversity.” -Jeff Klemm

Questions