Tabitha D.

James
NASPA Evaluations
EDA 7905: NASPA Directed Conference 2015
NASPA Directed Conference 2015 New Orleans, Louisiana

Day I
Opening Session
Being able to hear individuals who have been involved in NASPA for over 25 years speak
on how the organization has impacted their career and overall life was motivating.
Additionally, seeing how much the organization has grown and hearing about such
initiatives such as Dear World to promote social justice awareness helped to assure that
NASPA was an organization that I aspire to grow within as a young professional.

Keynote Speaker: Jennifer Arnold

Key Takeaways:

Student affairs professionals can influence and positively affect the lives of
students regardless of their future plans.

Despite the uncontrollable external forces of life, anything is possible. Dr. Arnold
had more medical issues as a young child than most can imagine, however it did
not force her to stop striving for success.

Try

Believe

Hope

Improve

Initiate

Go For it!

No

Know

Further Investigation:

The multiple ways to provide support to students with various college and career
goals.

Innovative approaches to being an honest advocate for ultimate success in each

and every student I encounter.

Personal Comment(s): I was very intrigued by Dr. Arnolds openness to share her
personal life during her speech. The personal aspect brought life to her delivery and
though people may have differing struggles than that of hers, however her inspiring story
can give hope to any individual. Though her career path was not higher education geared

Tabitha D. James
NASPA Evaluations
EDA 7905: NASPA Directed Conference 2015
NASPA Directed Conference 2015 New Orleans, Louisiana
she showed much respect and appreciation for her experiences with higher education
professionals during her time at Nova Southeastern University.

Receptions, networking and experiences:

Sunday following the opening ceremony, I engaged in several impromptu

networking experiences in the hotel and convention center lobbies.
Additionally, I attended the African American Men and Womens Networking
Reception hosted by the African American Knowledge Community.
The reception was an opportunity to interact with young and veteran professionals
in the field. We conversed about a wide array of topics including but not limited
to: social injustices, micro-aggressive work environments, achievements and ways
to navigate the field.

Day II
3rd Annual FAU Mentoring Red and Blue Luncheon
The 3rd Annual FAU Mentoring Red and Blue Luncheon was absolutely superb to say
the least. Each student affairs veteran brought their expertise to the table and were readily
available to provide suggestions, struggles and advice. Though my personal mentor, Dr.
Kaye Patten Wallace (Senior Vice President for Student Affairs, University of Toledo)
was not able to attend I was able to be in the presence of some amazing people.
At my designated table were:
Dr. Kevin Banks -Vice President for Student Affairs, Morgan State University
Julie Kincaid Director of Campus Life, Florida Atlantic University
Shontae White Director for Student Involvement, Florida Atlantic University
During lunch we were able to talk about some of the current issues institutions are facing
across the board. Budget cuts, student debt, response to national social injustice,
retention, and student affairs relevance in an increasing online education environment
were amongst the most common topics discussed. Being able to hear the perceptions of
individuals who have been in the filed for quite some time was enlightening. I am beyond
grateful that this event was put together for our professional development and
networking.

Tabitha D. James
NASPA Evaluations
EDA 7905: NASPA Directed Conference 2015
NASPA Directed Conference 2015 New Orleans, Louisiana

Session Title: Academic and Student Affairs: An organizational model that is

benefiting students faculty and student affairs professionals

Presenters:
Dr. Deborah Conner Vice President for Student Affairs, Coastal Carolina University
Dr. Ralph Byington Sr. Vice President Academic/Student Affairs & Provost,
Coastal Carolina University

Competencies: Human and Organizational Resources, Leadership

Key Takeaways:

The conscious effort to provide students with the ultimate collegiate experience
drove the two divisions to joined forces.

The Vice President of Student Affairs sits on the Deans council to remain
informed and engaged with the academic side of the enterprise. The information
acquired is trickled down to student affairs administrators in order to coordinate
parallel opportunities and programs for students.

Though a state institution Coastal Carolina University is only minimally funded

by state funds (approximately .05%). For the institutions benefit, a penny tax from
all Horry County sales is collected and applied directly to the institutional
building fund.

Further Investigation:

How does models similar to the one adopted by Coastal Carolina University look
at other institutions across the nation?

What are ways to implement ideas for collaboration at institutions who are closeminded to the interaction of academic and student affairs?

Personal Comment(s):
Attending this session was rewarding professionally and personally. As an alumni of
Coastal Carolina University it felt amazing to hear all of the innovative practices being
developed at the institution. Growing up not far from Coastal, I have been able to see the

Tabitha D. James
NASPA Evaluations
EDA 7905: NASPA Directed Conference 2015
NASPA Directed Conference 2015 New Orleans, Louisiana
institution expand in multiple capacities over the years. I am eager to see what the overall
growth will be in the years to come.

Session Title: African American Women: Career Experiences & Persistence Strategies
Presenters: Jasmine Clay, Assistant Director Chadbourne Residential College
Competencies: Leadership and Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
Key Takeaways:

African American Women do not even make up 5% of Higher Education Senior

Level Professionals

More than 50% of African American Women leave the profession withn the first
2-4 years for various reasons including but not limited to: overpowering microaggressions, low sense of belonging and unstable career trajectory.

Being that the population is so small, there is not much relevant research and most
theoretical data applies predominately to men and Caucasians.

Based on Clays research finding from a sample of 5 chief student affairs

professionals, they have all faced external and internal challenges however family
mentors, verbal persuasion and self-motivation have aided there persistence in the
field.

Further Investigation:

What research is currently in work not only for African American Women in
higher education, but also other scarce populations?

How is it possible to integrate more cultural competencies and diversity in

professional development?

Personal Comment(s):
Racial and gender identity development or lack thereof places a cloud over many.
Ones comfort level with how they identify at various levels varies by individual. Those
with higher levels of comfortably with their race and gender often still find struggles

Tabitha D. James
NASPA Evaluations
EDA 7905: NASPA Directed Conference 2015
NASPA Directed Conference 2015 New Orleans, Louisiana
when facing certain issues with those of have privilege and/or power. Though I
believe some situations you just cant simply ever be prepared enough for, this session
was developing empowering and eye-opening. Even as an African American student at
predominately Caucasian institutions it is difficult to maintain respect without being
considered angry and black. Hearing how veteran professionals have navigated the
process of rising pass adversity and micro-aggression proves that though it may not be
easy, it is possible.

Session Title: From their Voices: How Black Administrators Manage Racism in
Higher Education

Presenters: Domonic Rollins, Education & Training Specialist

Competencies: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and Human & Organization
Key Takeaways:

Embrace diversity even as an entry-level professional. Though as an entry level

professional you may not be able to handle situations in the same way as a senior
level professional, do not belittle yourself in situations of racism.

Address situations that do not only apply to racism towards your particular race
but to all races, therefore you are exemplifying that you embrace diversity and
inclusion across the board.

Be readily available to serve on diversity committees, provide cultural

competency awareness and remain unbiased. There are individuals who may
make racial comments without even realizing they are being offensive. Not all,
but some, you never know what an individuals background is, therefore before
getting excessively angry, be cognitive of the fact that the individual may not
know.

Further Investigation:

What are ways to address racism in awkward situations?

How does one honestly embody diversity without seeming biased and/or angry?

Tabitha D. James
NASPA Evaluations
EDA 7905: NASPA Directed Conference 2015
NASPA Directed Conference 2015 New Orleans, Louisiana

Personal Comment(s):
It is very hard even thinking about how to deal with racism in general but especially
difficult in the work place. When racial oppression is coming from those in higher
positions, how does one address it without being negatively reprimanded? As a young
professional I wonder will I have mentors and/or other people to understand certain
things. Even if they are not African American, but understanding and helpful as it pertains
to difficult cultural situations.

Receptions, networking and experiences:

Monday night consisted of networking and receptions with colleagues. Many

conversations were impromptu as they were Sunday night.
Overall the day was filled with wonderful opportunities to learn and develop
while sharing experiences with others.

Day III
Session Title: Helping Parents Navigate the College Experience
Presenters: David Baldwin Associate Dean of Students/ Director of Multicultural
Affairs Framingham State College
Melinda Stoops Dean of Students Framingham State College

Competencies: Advising and Helping

Key Takeaways:

Getting parents enthused and captivated during parent orientation is crucial to

their overall feeling about their child attending a particular institution.
Furthermore, trusting the institution and possibly backing away.

An important thing for professionals who work directly with parents is to access
the types of parents. The facilitators broke parents down into three main
categories: Mean/Scary, Nice but Clueless and High Pressure. They stressed the
importance of knowing how to handle each type and be prepared for every
question imaginable and beyond.

Framingham State has recently developed a parent advisory board which allows
parents to feel important and have ties with their students institution. This is

Tabitha D. James
NASPA Evaluations
EDA 7905: NASPA Directed Conference 2015
NASPA Directed Conference 2015 New Orleans, Louisiana
advisory board assist the new student programs office with planning events for
recruitment, parent engagement and homecoming.

Further Investigation:

How to engage and include parents in their students collegiate experience

without it becoming extremely overbearing?

Tactics for dealing with hovering or helicopter parents who actual call the
department(s) in regards to their students collegiate life?

Personal Comment(s):
The facilitators shared what has worked to their benefit over the years as parental
involvement seems to be steadily increasing. The parental advisory board has been a key
component for gauging parents who feel the need to be immersed in the experience with
their student. It was interesting to hear how the advisory board assist the department,
parents have really took the initiative to assist other parents who have students potentially
attending Framingham.

Session Title: Minority Mental Wellness Creating an Umbrella of Support for Students
of Color with Mental Health Concerns

Presenters: Nadia Richardson

Thomas Alexander - Associate Dean of Students for Diversity, Bucknell University

Competencies: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and Advising & Helping

Key Takeaways:

There are indicators that serve as red flags for students dealing with mental
illness. As a student affairs professional it is important to be attentive and aware
when you have suspicions about students.

As it pertains to students of color, mental illness or addressing mental illness

comes with a negative stigma. Many times religion, nationality, family influence
and the thought of being an outcast are factors that deter individuals from
wanting to seek help when needed.

Tabitha D. James
NASPA Evaluations
EDA 7905: NASPA Directed Conference 2015
NASPA Directed Conference 2015 New Orleans, Louisiana

Two of the common mental issues Dr. Richardson focused on for the purpose of
time included: intergenerational syndromes mental issues that have been passed
down and neglected from generations and dealing with multiple identities
(common in the LGBTQA community). Among the several mental issues students
are facing on college campuses, these seem highly prominent according to her
research.

Further Investigation:

Tactics for assisting students with potential mental issues. How do you step in?
When do you step in? What do you say?

Ways to break down the stereotypes and stigmas associated with mental illness.
Providing a realm of comfort for students of color and the topic.

Personal Comment(s):
With mental illness, the education and information being very important to me personally,
I was eager to expand my knowledge on a professional level. Todays students are
entering college with many external issues much different than those in previous times.
Knowing how to deal with these students, assist these students and guide them to
counseling and mental health professionals if needed is vital. Often, student affairs
professionals have to be first responders in times of crisis or critical issue. Having a
running knowledge of how to manage and/or sense certain behaviors is very beneficial.

Session Title: Exploring How to Create a Perpetual Peer Mentoring Program

Presenters: Mary Medina Assistant Professor in Higher Education, Florida State
University

Competencies: Advising & Helping and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Key Takeaways:

Minority and underrepresented populations excel more when involved with

mentoring programs.

Peer-mentoring programs become perpetual due to student experiences.

Tabitha D. James
NASPA Evaluations
EDA 7905: NASPA Directed Conference 2015
NASPA Directed Conference 2015 New Orleans, Louisiana

Students who have strong connections and lasting relationships are more likely to
not only refer students, but also become a mentor.

Further Investigation:

The development and assessment process of minority peer mentorship

Ways to get minority students involved and engaged in mentoring programs prior
to the beginning of classes

Personal Comment(s):
With more and more minority, first generational and non-traditional students entering
institutions, perpetual mentoring programs can aid retention and graduation rates. I
attended this session to acquire knowledge as a professional on how to ensure the
program is holistically purposeful for students. I was able to exchange information with
some of the attendees who currently oversee peer-mentoring for minorities.

Session Title: Black Women College Student Leaders Experiences with Oppression
on PWIs

Presenters: Andrea Domingue - Visiting Assistant Professor, Westfield State

University

Competencies: Student Learning & Development and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Key Takeaways:

Of the sample population of student leaders, the one female who did not selfidentify as male or female faced the most adversity.

As a collective body, the sample all reported feeling lack of respect as a student
leader however the ability to be a leader allowed them to assist others facing
serious oppression.

Racial identity and the development thereof is lacking in homes (and grade
school), therefore when students arrive to college, there is often a vast culture
shock.

Tabitha D. James
NASPA Evaluations
EDA 7905: NASPA Directed Conference 2015
NASPA Directed Conference 2015 New Orleans, Louisiana

Further Investigation:

How do we work towards integrating cultural competency into practice for

students, primary those involved in organizations?

In what ways as student affairs professionals can one support students who feel
out of place in their desired involvement paths?

Personal Comment(s):
As an African American student leader, I faced many challenges at a predominately white
institution in the South .Additionally, I was well aware of the white campus vs. black
campus, the white orgs vs. black orgs and the us vs. them dynamics of college life. I
attended this session to gain more information about others experiences and most
importantly how to assist students in working towards diminishing the color lines.

Session Title: Student Financial Stress and Debt Are Rising: Is Your Institution Ready?
Presenters: Bryan Ashton Assistant Director for Financial Wellness, Ohio State
University-Main Campus
Mandi Schweitzer Financial Wellness Outreach Coordinator, Ohio State UniversityMain Campus
Morgan McMillian Coordinator of Financial Literacy, Indiana University
Phillip Schuman Director of Financial Literacy, Indiana University

Competencies: Student Learning & Development and Advising & Helping

Key Takeaways:

Promoting financial wellness should be as important as health/fitness, wellness

and other supplemental programs. Financial strain is within the top three stress
factors for many college students.

Over 45% of students report skipping meals in or eating insufficiently to stretch

funds.

Financial wellness can be integrated into a university from different realms. For
example at one institution there may be an office of financial literacy, at another
there may be a director or coordinator of financial literacy housed with student
success, student wellness and/or financial aid.

Tabitha D. James
NASPA Evaluations
EDA 7905: NASPA Directed Conference 2015
NASPA Directed Conference 2015 New Orleans, Louisiana

Further Investigation:

Multiple ways to make students aware of the financial burden excessive loans can
cause

Research on how to integrate financial wellness into students plan during

freshman year

Personal Comment(s):
With student loan debt surpassing credit loan debt, student finances are a hot topic.
Students, especially minority and first generation students are acquiring excessive
amounts of debt that they may never be able to repay. As an advocate for the practice of
healthy personal finance, I aspire to assist misrepresented students/families not only with
loans and college funding but also with the management of money at large. This session
was amongst the best I attended at NASPA and I am excited to expand my learning on the
topic, connect with the presenters and assist students.

Receptions, networking and experiences:

Tuesday night consisted of more networking and connecting with professionals in

the field. I had the chance to converse with some young professionals from the
West and Midwest at one of the socials I attended. It was interesting to compare
stories with someone from a drastically different part of the United States.
As this was my last night in New Orleans, I took some time before preparing for
departure to explore the city and grab some gifts to take back.