Managing the Bumpy Road of Change Lisa Steffens and Dana Zahorik Fox Valley Technical College
Going on a Road Trip
Destination Identify typical changes relevant to advising Understand the stages of the change process Recognize the signs of change and change talk Identify where a person is in the change process and how our behaviors can impact it Apply the techniques to address change with students
Change is Different for Everyone
Packing for the Trip
Changes to Advising Environments Budget cuts Difficult to plan for the future Job uncertainty Unrealistic workload Advisors have to be equipped with a new set of skills Changes in technology Higher education trends, policy changes, cultural needs, Ongoing training
Millennium Students (Born ) Returning Adults International Students Transfer Students Students with Disabilities Students with Mental Health Concerns Parents and Families The Changing Student Population
Changes in Service Demands
Office Road Rage Staff Burnout, overextending oneself Family or co-worker conflict Advising environment not a great place to be Ineffective relationship building with students
Innocent Bystanders Students Poor grades or attendance Detachment Inability to concentrate Increased stress Depression Dropout
How Understanding the Change Process Helps us Support Students
The Rules Stand up 1 person is in the middle representing the student 1 person to talk about the reasons of why student stays in college 1 person to talk about the reasons why student should leave college The stay in college and leave college should try and talk at the same time as much as possible Remaining table members will view the process No name calling or punching, but you can yell! 1 minute to complete activity
The WHOLE Story You May Not Know
From the student’s perspective, were the comments you heard rational and did you feel supported? Which way were you swayed and what made the difference? What difference does it make knowing the whole story?
Prochaska’s & DiClemente’s Stages of Change
Change happens in an instant Transition takes longer
Fisher’s Process of Personal Change
What is Change Talk? Change talk is speech that favors movement: Desire: I want to.. Ability: I can… Reason: It’s important… Need: I should Not the Change but the What IF?
Change that is not chosen can be more difficult Students who can’t make it in their chosen program Students being forced to choose a new program when in the early stages of grieving (Financial Aid) Resisting the temptation to push students through the stages Students who are unwilling or unable to let themselves process through what is happening Challenges
Respect student individuality Identify where a student falls in the change process Help a student move through the stages in their own way and time while keeping the focus on their educational goals Our Role as Advisors
Have a Ball!
Student Scenarios Read the scenario in your group. Determine what stage of the change process your student may be in based on your handout. Share ideas of what you can say and/or do to help the student understand, deal with, and move on through the process.
Are We There Yet
Did You Arrive at Your Destination? Identify typical changes relevant to advising Understand the stages of the change process Recognize the signs of change and change talk Identify where a person is in the change process and how our behaviors can impact it Apply the techniques to address change with students
A Little Bit of Change Goes a Long Way!
Thank You For Attending!