Student Affairs Divisions at Specialized Schools

Dr. Christopher Kandus-FisherVice President of Student Affairs, Diversity & Inclusion

Berklee College of Music

Rosalie CarpenterVice President for Student Affairs

Spring Hill College

Introduction of Presenters & Attendees

Learning ObjectivesParticipants will be able to:

• Articulate the differences, similarities and challenges facing Student Affairs units at specialized institutions

• Reflect on the alignment between their institutional mission and Student Affairs programs, services and resources

• Explore strategies using organizational culture and student identity development theories to create opportunities that enhance student development

Connecting the Division to Mission

Spring Hill College

• Jesuit, Catholic• Mobile, AL• 1300 students• 60/40 out of state• 50% Catholic• 4-year Residency • Bologna campus• Living the Mission

SHC Student Affairs

• Became a student• Lunch with every Jesuit• Took a campus tour• Attend everything &

listen…• Follow Social Media &

listen…• Invite people for coffee

& listen...

• Went to work- make it tangible• Realigned budget

• Community & Tradition• Purple Up!, New Mascot• New Convocation• Senior Semester

• social and reflective• Enriched conduct reflections • Domestic Immersion Trip• Service & Justice Week• TEDxSpringHillCollege• Diversity & Inclusion Committee • Policy Development• Campus-Wide Community

Conversations

Berklee College of Music

• Over 3,800 Undergraduate Students• Urban campus in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. • 96 countries represented - 33% international students.• Faculty with music industry backgrounds.• Students measure progress in semesters and time in and

out.• “Berklee was founded on the revolutionary principle that the

best way to prepare students for careers in music is through the study and practice of contemporary music.”

• Berklee College of Music - Boston Conservatory at Berklee - Berklee Online - Berklee Valencia

• Alumni have won more than 250 Grammys and Latin Grammys

Berklee - Student Affairs Philosophy

The Division of Student Affairs, Diversity, and Inclusion will foster a living and learning environment that nurtures the growth of the world’s most inspired musicians, dancers and performers to fully realize their artistic, creative, and career potential through student-centered experiences, programs, and services. Student Affairs is committed to supporting, advancing, and celebrating each student’s personal journey “to be rather than to seem to be (esse

quam videri).”

THRIVE in a healthy, safe, caring, and inclusiveenvironment. SADI will foster a healthy, safe, caring,and inclusive living and learning environment withintegrated wellness, diversity, and co-curricular support,programs, and services designed to help students thrive intheir personal, educational, and career pursuits. DEVELOP their authentic selves through a journeyof self-discovery. SADI will create integrated residentialand co-curricular experiences thatignite students’ personal exploration and discovery, reinforce their learning, and advance their development as creative, passionate, and purposeful artists and musicians.

At Berklee, our STUDENTS will:

LEAD through practice-based experiences andopportunities. SADI will design practice-basedexperiences and opportunities that empower students touse their own voice, sense of purpose, and creativetalents as vehicles for leading, mentoring, and inspiringothers. ENGAGE in our community as co-creators. SADI willco-create with students a vibrant community comprisedof meaningful relationships and networks that enhancetheir sense of belonging, deepen their personal interestsand passions, spark creative and entrepreneurialcollaborations, and foster a life long commitment toBerklee.

At Berklee, our STUDENTS will:

SUCCEED by achieving their own personal,educational, and career goals. SADI will empowerstudents to engage intentionally and meaningfully inexperiences, supports, and services that will help themdefine and achieve their own personal, educational, andcareer goals with increasing understanding, commitment,intention, and success

At Berklee, our STUDENTS will:

Implementing Organizational

Realignments to Support the Mission

Health and Wellness• Alcohol and Drug Education• Artists in Residence - Mental Health, Body Image,

Sexual Assault & Harassment, and Healthy Decision Making

• Counseling Services• Physical Therapy Offerings• Nutrition

Student Activities and Leadership• Define leadership at Berklee• Resources, and space for student performances instead

of focusing on outside talent• The Society for Grown-ups

Understanding the perceived and actual differences in student populations

Berklee College of Music • Highly competitive• Education is a fluid

process• Personal counseling has

no stigma• Collaboration is at the

core• Importance of graduating• Social justice mindset

through creative expression

Spring Hill College• Role of faith & religious

expression• Make the same mistakes,

but may have different fears• Help-seeking may be

different• Community is paramount• Incredibly justice oriented• Reflections can be deeper• Hire for mission

Lessons from SHC

1. Develop an Entrance Plan before a Strategic Plana. People & Culture, Alignment of Structure & Budget, Current Metrics

2. Understand Change Leadershipa. Don’t just learn a new culture, but how to change culture to ensure

growth in ever-changing environmentb. Before I can frame for others, I must make sense of it for myself first

3. Systems Theorya. First-order change & Second-order changeb. Understand how elements relate and interact- be deliberate. Go

beyond structures and processes

4. Organizational Framework, Bolman and Deal (1991, 2008)a. Address all: structural, human resource, political and symbolic

Identity Development TheoryStudent vs. Musician - Using a Music Metaphor

● Melody (the individual)● Harmony (the group or collection of experiences)● Individual melodic lines can be enhanced that

complement or harmonize with…● Great Musicians

○ Common Purpose○ Technical Competence○ Self Knowledge○ Knowledge of Others○ Feedback○ Sense of the whole

Discussion

• How do we leverage Student Affairs work to actualize the mission of

specialized institutions?

• How does this apply to your work?

• What are you most interested on improving on your campus?

Discussion (cont’d)• What can you begin to do as soon as

you return to campus that could make a big difference?

• Does the definition regarding student success at your campus need to be

altered?

• Who are partners on your campus that can help you lead strategic initiatives or

a realignment?

Questions, CommentsThank You!

ckandusfisher@berklee.edu rcarpenter@shc.edu