Unpacking Sa

Ask any Student Affairs Professional who is of color and working at a PWI, and you'll undoubtedly hear about how they are the go-to resource for an overwhelming number of students who share their identity. James Sparkman and Tom discussed how his identity of being male and African-American shows up in his work now as well as in his graduation program.

Family orientations are on the rise but few schools are doing them, or doing them well. In a wide-ranging conversation with Sylvester Gaskin of Towson University, Tom digs into the details of how they are running their successful family orientation. The two also talk about Sylvester's experience being multiracial in student affairs. 

It's no surprise that colleges service people from all types of backgrounds. One population that is often overlooked, but increasing in demand, is students who were formerly incarcerated and in a correctional facility. Michael Brick is working to bridge the gap between correctional facilities and college as a way to help these people between assimilate back into society and productive citizens. This podcast is perfect for anyone currently working with former or currently incarcerated people, or is interested in the topic. 

Balancing work and life is difficult when both you and your partner are career orientated, especially when a child comes into the picture. Megan Dailey chatted with Tom about the various challenges and blessings she and her partner face while growing their Student Affairs careers and their family. This podcast is perfect for anyone who is currently in a dual career household or can see themselves ending up in a dual career household. 

A popular phrase in Student Affairs is, "Data doesn't drive." Another way to think about this is that if we aren't good at converting our data into great stories...and then telling those stories, then the data doesn't matter. Tom got to interview Lesley D'Souza who's entire job is to bridge the gap between collecting great assessment and then converting that assessment into great stories for both internal and external use. 

Games are engaging and sometimes addicting. Many classrooms have successfully integrated the most engaging elements of games into student learning. Derrick Picard is interested in how the same elements of Game Theory can be applied to student engagement.

It's no secret that Student Affairs Professionals work hard. Long nights. Early mornings. Weekends. And sometimes, even holidays. In between all the work, some SA Pros are figuring out ways to manage their own physical and mental health because they know the stronger they are internally, the more effective they are externally. Today Tom sat down with Wayne Glass of Macalester College to talk about his journey as an SA Pro around the topic of mental and physical health.

With almost 1 million international students attending US colleges and universities, when’s the last time you sat down with one and heard their perspective on student life and college? Tom had a conversation with Ariel Tan who was an international undergrad student who now works as a residential life professional.

Imagine sitting down and having an interview with 50 senior student affairs professionals. What lessons would you learn? Alan Mueller undertook this project and in his interview with Tom, Alan draws out some of the critical lessons he's learned so far that every Student Affairs professional should be aware of.

Some students go above and beyond the normal role of car-to-class by getting involved on campus. Some students even go beyond that by getting involved on a national level. Whatever the case, hearing perspectives from the undergraduate students we serve can only help us do our jobs better. Tom interviewed super student leader Zach Gentry who opted to use the tiny bit of extra free time to get involved in NASPA's NASPA Gender and Sexuality Knowledge Community.

If one topic of conversation has dominated student affairs over the past 24 months more than any other topic, it's the topic of social justice. Business and life partners, Kyle and Aeriel Ashlee have dedicated much of their professional and personal life to tackling the most difficult conversations around social justice on campuses. In this episode Tom interviews Kyle and Aeriel around their work in social justice and what it's like to be in a relationship in the same industry and the same doctoral program.

The last 24 months have changed the culture of campuses across the country due to a divisive election, racial tension, immigration debates, and gender equality...to name a few. With the change, Student Affairs Professionals are consistently finding themselves on the front lines of this change. Tom sat down with Vance Pierce of UIC to talk about how his role has changed and how he's effectively navigating tough conversations on his campus to make sure everyone's voice is heard.   Relive all the best moments of the podcast with the entire library right here.   Find the full show notes for this episode here.  

Jennifer “sat” down with Tom for her first SAC Spectacular Podcast to talk about what it’s like to be pursuing a doctoral degree while also holding a full time job as the Assistant Dean of Students.   Relive all the best moments of the podcast with the entire library right here.   Find the full show notes for this episode here.  

Tom bids farewell to Dustin as well as wraps up season 3 of the podcast with this episode of reflections and memories.   Relive all the best moments of the podcast with the entire library right here.   Find the full show notes for this episode here.

Dustin records his last formal interview with Brian LeDuc for this extra episode of the podcast. They talk about the recent phenomenon of coding academies and how they fit into the traditional higher education space.   We appreciate Brian making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

We're thrilled to welcome Paige Robnett to her first ever podcast to talk with Dustin about her work supporting college women become empowered student leaders on campus. She shares her story and how others can help support everyone to feel welcome to be more involved.   We appreciate Paige making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

An important announcement from Dustin about the future of the podcast.

This week we're very pleased to welcome Richard Okello to the podcast! He speaks with Dustin about how to be an ally to social justice causes and how to work with students who are struggling to handle encounters with diversity on campus.   We appreciate Richard making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.

We're very happy to welcome Alicia Rea to the show this week! She speaks with Dustin about her work in alumni relations, current events, and some great tips for both those in and out of alumni relations offices.   We appreciate Alicia making time for the show!   Find the full show notes here.