SA Voices From the Field
Dr. Jill Creighton, NASPA
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Global Insights on Student Affairs with International Master's Students
Exploring Student Affairs with International Grad Students The field of student affairs is continuously evolving, adapting to diverse educational landscapes worldwide. In this week's Student Affairs Voices from the Field, hosted by Dr. Jill Creighton, we delve into the experiences and perspectives of six master's students from the hybrid master's course offered in collaboration with the European Council on Student Affairs (EECA) and NASPA. These students, hailing from various parts of Europe and beyond, share their insights on the past, present, and future of student affairs. Embracing the Past One recurring theme in the discussion was the value of preserving certain elements of student affairs' history. Simone Cameron Cohen emphasized the indispensable role of student voices in shaping university policies and support structures. She highlighted Ireland's robust student union organizational structure that ensures student representation in university governance, a system embedded in the nation's legislation. Jake McGrew and Giacomo Bacarelli, on the other hand, pointed out the need to dissolve the silos between academic and student affairs. Jake stressed that combining these areas is crucial for holistic student support, a sentiment echoed by Giacomo who reflected on his personal experiences in Italy's developing student affairs landscape. This theme underscores the necessity of integrating student welfare into the broader educational framework, fostering an environment where academics and student services support each other. Current Trends in Student Affairs Currently, student affairs professionals worldwide are paying increased attention to student mental health and well-being. Simone noted that institutions are now better equipped with specialized services, from counseling to academic advising, emphasizing a holistic approach to student support. Jake expanded on this, mentioning the positive shift in student attitudes towards utilizing mental health services, even in regions where stigma was historically prevalent. Federico highlighted the importance of etiquette and institutional engagement in student affairs, advocating for attention to individual growth and freedom of thought, which is crucial in nurturing well-rounded individuals. Envisioning the Future Looking ahead, the consensus among the guests points towards increased collaboration and resource sharing across institutions. Simone and Giacomo both stressed the value of international cooperation, sharing best practices, and codifying these for broader implementation. This approach not only enriches the practices within individual institutions but also fosters a global network of support and innovation. Jake suggested that for regions like Continental Europe, there's a growing recognition of the importance of student affairs, leading to a greater acceptance and integration of these services within the educational framework. This trend is promising for the future development of student affairs in areas where the field is still emerging. Conclusion The insights from these international graduate students paint a picture of a dynamic and evolving field where student voices are paramount, mental health is at the forefront, and collaboration is key to future success. By learning from each other and breaking down traditional silos, student affairs professionals can better support the holistic development of students worldwide. As these emerging leaders in student affairs continue their journey, their experiences and innovative approaches will undoubtedly shape the future of the profession. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:01]: Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, the podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts. Brought to you by NASPA, we curate free and accessible professional development for higher ed professionals wherever you happen to be. This is season 12, continuing our journey through the past, present, and future of student affairs. I'm doctor Jill Creighton, she, her, hers, your essay Voices from the Field host. Welcome to a very special episode of Student Affairs Voices from the Field. I'm thrilled today to be joined by six master's students who are currently enrolled in the hybrid master's course in collaboration with EECA, which is the European Council on Student Affairs and NASPA. This course is taught with the the great collaboration of LUNA University in Rome, and it's been my great privilege to teach the technology module for this course. As we're on the theme of past, present and future of student affairs, I wanted to introduce our listeners to the students who are taking this course and get their perspectives on what's important in student affairs today and why they're learning in this program. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:07]: So I'm gonna introduce our students one by one as I see them. And so I'd love for you to tell us your name, your pronouns, and maybe where you are on planet Earth, including what you're doing for work right now. So, Jake, we'll start with you. Jake McGrew [00:01:18]: Hello, everyone. My name is Jake McGrew, hehim. I am American from Oregon, but I am currently living in Kyiv, Ukraine working at the student life office at American University Kyiv. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:29]: And we'll go to Simone. Simone Cameron Cohen [00:01:30]: Hi, everyone. My name is Simone Cameron Cohen, sheher. I'm based in Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, and I am the student welfare and support officer for the School of Medicine. Giacomo Bacarelli [00:01:39]: Giacomo. Hi. I'm Giacomo Bacarelli. I'm currently in, Terni, close to Rome, Italy. I work for the European University College Association where I am a project officer. Laura Malakowski [00:01:50]: Laura. Hello, everyone. I'm Laura Malakowski. I pronounce it differently. I'm from Lithuania, from Lithuania, Yale Science University, and now I am the Dean of Students. So mostly in my office, the students appear the main task, what we are working on and and looking for. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:08]: Federico. Federico [00:02:08]: I'm Federico. Hello, everyone. I take care of cultural activities in the Cuir College in Rome. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:16]: And Lorenzo. Lorenzo Caffurini [00:02:17]: Hi to everyone. My name is, Lorenzo Caffurini. I am the head of the secretary of the co Leukini College in Brescia, Italy. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:27]: Thank you all so much for agreeing to share your voice on the show today. Since we're on this theme of the past, present, and future of student affairs, I always love featuring current master's students because you're the future of the profession. You're here because you wanted to learn a little bit more to bolster your professional identity and development. I'm hoping you can tell us why you chose to take this one year master's program and how it's changing the way that you look at your work. And anyone can jump in on that. Go ahead, Jake. Jake McGrew [00:02:56]: So my background is actually in teaching in high school and middle school teaching. I did that in The US as well as in Bulgaria. And so I moved to work at this university, American University, Kyiv, and I was put in charge of the student life office without having anyone around me who works for student life and no background in student life besides the normal student life you do as a teacher. So I really wanted some extra education, extra support, and more importantly, a network of other like minded student affairs professionals who I could work with and talk with and kind of bounce ideas off of. So that's mainly why I chose to be in this program for the education since I've never been in this position before as well as the network. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:03:36]: Simone, how about you? Simone Cameron Cohen [00:03:37]: Similarly to Jake, I'm kind of a new post holder. So while I've worked in the university for a lot of years, I have a background from some time ago in student support. This role is the first of its kind based in a school within the college. So, again, I was a little bit peerless. There are a few people obviously, there are several people doing student affairs, but the specificity of what I'm doing, it's not there yet. It's growing now. But to have a network of people at a European level, at international level is fantastic. Like that to be able to learn a little bit more of what's possible in terms of supports and procedures and ways to do things. Simone Cameron Cohen [00:04:15]: It's really great. Dr. Jill Creighton [00:04:16]: Yeah. I Giacomo Bacarelli [00:04:17]: am very young, so I start to work, like, one year and a half ago. So for me, this world is completely new. In Italy, the stress Fuelsa First is not so developed. So most of students don't know what student services mean. So for me, since I start to work in IUCAA, I started to read books about Fuelsa First, be updated to learn, but a master, I think it's very important to have a basic knowledge, know where to build your profession. So this is why, and also I'm involved because I'm one of the organizers as part of YUCA. This is why I'm the tutor. So it is a great opportunity to participate in the master, be involved in, in the organization. Giacomo Bacarelli [00:05:00]: And this is the motivation. Laura Malakowski [00:05:02]: Laura. I would say that in Lithuania, in a lot of our universities, we do have that support and advising of students, but we do not have that, like, evidence based. So this is, like, the chance, for us to get really good background, good knowledge all the practices, all the communication between different countries, universities, so it's a great value of if we want to flourish this help of our students. And the Master, the modules, it's like support, first of all, for those who are next, who will help our students. So it's a good chance for us. Federico [00:05:36]: This
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