1. Bridging the Gap... Creating A Professional Development Program for Student Affairs Staff ____________________________________ Brenda Whiteside, Associate V-P Student Affairs Laurie Schnarr, Assistant Director, Student Life & Counselling Services

2. Context In 2004, the University of Guelph entered into an Integrated Planning Process Student Affairs had to submit a five year plan that included –Vision –Priorities –Initiatives funding

3. Student Affairs at Guelph Athletics Child Care and Learning Centre Co-op and Career Services Learning Commons* Student Housing Student Health Student Life and Counselling

4. One Outcome - A Need to Focus on the Division Staff need to be a part of Student Affairs – not just their unit Staff need to know the programs and services offered in Student Affairs and how theirs fit within the division Staff need an understanding of student development theory Staff need ongoing professional development opportunities to gain the skills they need to be successful

5. The Process Committee was struck with representation from all units A survey was developed A report was prepared for the AVPSA

6. The Survey Online survey was made available to all regular full-time and contract staff over a three week period 137 responded –71% full-time Largest percentage (20%) had started working on campus between 1986-1990

7. Trends Staff would like to build connections Staff <5 years in Student Affairs have distinct needs A divisional orientation for new members is needed Senior staff have an important role to play The survey was valued

8. Actions Taken AVPSA receives info on all new appointments. They are sent a welcome letter, an organizational chart, and a link to the integrated plan All new staff are invited to a meet and greet with the AVPSA each semester. Their directors are also invited

9. Actions Continued Committee continues to meet & point persons for departments play key role The Student Affairs Webpage was redesigned (including photos and bios of staff) (www.studentaffairs.uoguelph.ca)www.studentaffairs.uoguelph.ca “Uncle Arthur’s Suitcase,” a divisional e-newsletter, was developed The “Reg” online event registration system established A listserv for all staff was created

10. Actions Continued A year-end celebration established - AVPSA outlines achievements of the year, annual award is presented, new staff introduced & department activities highlighted Social events such as holiday party, skating party, baseball tournament

11. Actions Continued Working with Human Resources, professional development sessions are offered that are open not only to Student Affairs Staff but to colleagues across campus A more unified Student Affairs presence at key campus events (e.g. New Faculty Orientation)

12. Actions Still Pending A beginning of the year kick-off event A half or full-day orientation for new staff Promote the new forum feature of the Student Affairs website A mentor program for new staff A Student Affairs Annual Report that would be distributed campus-wide Bringing guest speakers to campus