Assistant Director
Office of Academic Skills, Washington College
March 2015- Present
My current position provides me with a great deal of variety, and wonderful challenges on a day to day basis. In addition to the wonderful opportunity for professional growth, the type of institution and the location of this college has challenged me personally to reach out in my social life and be more outgoing.
My favorite thing about this job? I have two favorites.
1. I love working with tutors. They are gifted students, hard workers, and still have a lot to learn. Not only do I get to train them to help other students, but I get to support them academically when they struggle to balance everything, and help them prepare for the professional world. I cannot say enough wonderful things about my tutors. If I ever have a bad day, and that day ends with a meeting with a tutor, or a group of tutors, it never fails to turn the whole day around. They are so dedicated to their studies, to supporting other students, and giving back as much to the tutoring program and Office of Academic Skills as they can. They are wonderful examples to other students of excellence to strive for.
2. I love reimagining and coordinating the academic recovery program. One of the philosophies I have always held is that anyone can succeed in college if they are at the right institution for them, and if they have access to and use the right support. Thanks to trusting and encouraging administrators I have been able to put a lot into this program to make sure all the support our students need is available to them and incorporated in the recovery program.
Artifacts:
OAS Brochure; redesigned, May 2015
Learning Mindset Presentation, March 2016
Seminar Schedule, Spring 2016 Semester
Seminar Schedule, Fall 2016 Semester
Tutor Training Schedule, Fall 2016 Semester
TEAM Resources
Seminar Journal
SMART Goals worksheet
Suggested Topics for TEAM Mentors
TEAM Objectives
TEAM Program Student Checklist
Academic Coordinator
Division of Biomedical Graduate Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine
May 2014- March 2015
As the Academic Coordinator for the Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Physiology, and Drug Discovery and Development graduate programs, I was able to observe and participate in a different part of higher education than what I had before. Observing the differences between undergraduate and graduate administration, as well as the differences between my familiar areas (Education and Liberal Arts) with those of the hard sciences, I learned a whole new aspect of higher education. I work with students to monitor their progress through our PhD and Master's programs, as well as with faculty to ensure that policies are being followed, or changed and updated when necessary. In addition to graduate students I also work with Postdoctoral Affairs to maintain their records and communicate with those trainees. This is yet another aspect of higher education which I have enjoyed learning about.
As this position progressed I was able to further challenge myself by coordinating all (12 total) programs being offered by the division at that time. This included managing paperwork and assistance for current students, coordinating interview processes for 5 PhD programs, and managing the overall application process for all of the programs.
My favorite part of this position was communicating with prospective students about our programs and their admissions and my direct interactions with my current students, particularly discussing their difficulties and successes in the classroom and in their research.
Artifacts:
Graduate Student Oath for New Student Orientation Pinning Ceremony
Student Progress Report, Redesign of previously incomplete form
Office of Academic Skills, Washington College
March 2015- Present
My current position provides me with a great deal of variety, and wonderful challenges on a day to day basis. In addition to the wonderful opportunity for professional growth, the type of institution and the location of this college has challenged me personally to reach out in my social life and be more outgoing.
My favorite thing about this job? I have two favorites.
1. I love working with tutors. They are gifted students, hard workers, and still have a lot to learn. Not only do I get to train them to help other students, but I get to support them academically when they struggle to balance everything, and help them prepare for the professional world. I cannot say enough wonderful things about my tutors. If I ever have a bad day, and that day ends with a meeting with a tutor, or a group of tutors, it never fails to turn the whole day around. They are so dedicated to their studies, to supporting other students, and giving back as much to the tutoring program and Office of Academic Skills as they can. They are wonderful examples to other students of excellence to strive for.
2. I love reimagining and coordinating the academic recovery program. One of the philosophies I have always held is that anyone can succeed in college if they are at the right institution for them, and if they have access to and use the right support. Thanks to trusting and encouraging administrators I have been able to put a lot into this program to make sure all the support our students need is available to them and incorporated in the recovery program.
Artifacts:
OAS Brochure; redesigned, May 2015
Learning Mindset Presentation, March 2016
Seminar Schedule, Spring 2016 Semester
Seminar Schedule, Fall 2016 Semester
Tutor Training Schedule, Fall 2016 Semester
TEAM Resources
Seminar Journal
SMART Goals worksheet
Suggested Topics for TEAM Mentors
TEAM Objectives
TEAM Program Student Checklist
Academic Coordinator
Division of Biomedical Graduate Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine
May 2014- March 2015
As the Academic Coordinator for the Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Physiology, and Drug Discovery and Development graduate programs, I was able to observe and participate in a different part of higher education than what I had before. Observing the differences between undergraduate and graduate administration, as well as the differences between my familiar areas (Education and Liberal Arts) with those of the hard sciences, I learned a whole new aspect of higher education. I work with students to monitor their progress through our PhD and Master's programs, as well as with faculty to ensure that policies are being followed, or changed and updated when necessary. In addition to graduate students I also work with Postdoctoral Affairs to maintain their records and communicate with those trainees. This is yet another aspect of higher education which I have enjoyed learning about.
As this position progressed I was able to further challenge myself by coordinating all (12 total) programs being offered by the division at that time. This included managing paperwork and assistance for current students, coordinating interview processes for 5 PhD programs, and managing the overall application process for all of the programs.
My favorite part of this position was communicating with prospective students about our programs and their admissions and my direct interactions with my current students, particularly discussing their difficulties and successes in the classroom and in their research.
Artifacts:
Graduate Student Oath for New Student Orientation Pinning Ceremony
Student Progress Report, Redesign of previously incomplete form
Graduate AssistantshipGraduate Assistant, August 2012- May 2014
Education and Public Policy, an undergraduate degree program, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA Serving as the Graduate Assistant for the Education and Public Policy (EPP) major has given me the opportunity to grow in almost any area I wish. I have been able to develop specific initiatives such as alumni outreach and workshops for EPP students. I have been able to apply the theories and techniques I learn in class every day in my interactions with these outstanding students. I have also served as the advisor to the student group which has developed and enhanced many supervision skills. Artifacts: Student Handbook for EPP Majors Internship Book- Self Initiated Project Recruitment Plan for the EPP Program "So You're on Winter Break"- Flier "Top Ten Ways to Set Yourself Up for a Successful Spring Semester" - Flier "Top Ten Tips to Prepare for Finals" -Flier EDTHP394 Syllabus- Designed Professional Development Curriculum Interview Debrief- Developmental Activity |
Internships
Intern, March 2013- April 2014
Office Of Disability Services, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA This internship has provided me with hands on experience working with students with disabilities and providing accommodations. I have been able to review documentation and meet with students independently. This has been a stellar opportunity for growth in my profession. I have learned a lot about the politics and ethical issues that influence how these offices operate as well. Artifacts: ODS Internship; Blog Program Evaluation and Assessment Intern, January 2013- August 2013
Learning Edge Academic Program (L.E.A.P.), The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA Assessment is an important experience for every student affairs professional to have. I was lucky enough to find an internship where I could get that experience, and also be working with a program in which I truly believe. LEAP was a very hands on experience which allowed me to design my own growth. I learned about IRB approval, qualitative and quantitative assessment, and was able to administer program evaluations. Artifacts: LEAP Internship; Blog Academic Success Coordinator, July 2013
Office of Multicultural Programs; College of Education, The Pennsylvania State University The Office of Multicultural Programs organizes a program called the Summer College Opportunity Program in Education (SCOPE) each summer for high school students entering their junior year who are from diverse and/or underprivileged backgrounds. Being able to work with them to teach them successful study skills and support them academically reminded me of why I love working with students. Many students have good intentions (and some don't), but inspiring them, and teaching them the necessary skills can produce an amazing turn around from struggle to success. |
Undergraduate ExperienceTutor Manager, September 2011- May 2012
Academic Learning Center, Albright College, Reading, PA This promotion gave me the opportunity to serve as a role model for all students, but tutors in particularly. I was able to refine my communication skills through planning and presenting training sessions for tutors. I also learned many new teaching techniques from working more closely with other tutors. Additionally, this is when I truly learned and embraced the importance of feedback, because my belief is that feedback is the best way for me to grow as a person and a professional. Office Assistant, August 2010- August 2012 Academic Learning Center, Albright College, Reading, PA Serving as the office assistant in the Academic Learning Center gave me a view of the other services provided to students by that office. During my experience I had the opportunity to work with students who had disabilities, were on academic probation, had general academic concerns, were being tutored, and were tutors. This was an amazing experience, to be able to work with about 75% of the student population at Albright College, incorporating so many different types of students. CRLA Certified Peer Tutor, September 2009- May 2012 Academic Learning Center, Albright College, Reading, PA This position was my fist glimpse into student affairs, and at the time I was not even aware of that opportunity I was being given. I learned a great deal about communication skills, learning styles, patience, and reflection. All of this occurred through 15 hours of training, and tutoring for over 400 hours with more than 35 different students. Artifacts: History Tutoring Evaluation Fall 2009 Math Tutoring Evaluation Fall 2010 Math Tutoring Evaluation Fall 2010 (2) History Tutoring Evaluation Spring 2011 Math Tutoring Evaluation Spring 2012 Sociology Tutoring Evaluation Spring 2012 |