Hi everyone!
I just returned from being on the faculty for the 2011 Regional Entry Level Institute (RELI) at Westfield State University. I had a wonderful experience connecting with the faculty and meeting 28 new professionals in residence life who are aspiring to be mid-level managers. During the institute I had an opportunity to mentor three new professionals and present a diversity workshop. My workshop focused on understanding and recognizing the needs of students from diverse backgrounds. The participants responded very well to my session. They found it empowering, eye-opening and very engaging. In addition to the diversity competency, the institute covered six other competency areas that each faculty member presented. They included: managing multiple priorities, working with change, crisis management, supervision, campus politics and accountability.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the institute. I want to thank the co-directors, Joanne Goldwater and Jon Conlogue, for the invitation to be on the 2011 RELI faculty. I am an alum of the institute (RELI 2007), so it was a great experience to be able to come back to the institute in the faculty role. Pictured in this blog is a group shot of the faculty and a group shot of the faculty and participants. I'm excited to see the great work and impact these participants will make in our profession and with our students. Thanks all for a wonderful experience!
