Summer 2008 - course #9 Instructor: Cindy Kane Price: $120 Dates: July 21 - August 8
Deadline: July 18
Course Overview:
The role of student organization advisor is one that requires a delicate balance of many skills not always inherent to all aspects of higher education. Yet, advisors to student organizations typically serve in a variety of roles across the campus including entry level administrators, resident directors, faculty, and seasoned student affairs practitioners. This course will explore the intricacies of the advisor role and assist participants in developing skills to challenge and support student leaders. After three weeks, participants will be more prepared to play a key role in supporting student organizations on their campuses.
Course Outline:
Week 1: Understanding the Student Organization Advisor role
Challenges and Rewards
Student Organizations: An Overview
Establishing expectations with student leaders
Maximizing student learning through advising student organizations
Week 2: Key Resources for Student Organization Advisors
Group Dynamics
Leadership Styles and Theories
Are counseling skills required?
Leadership Transition: When Students Graduate
Rewards and Recognition Programs
Week 3: Case Studies in Student Organization Advising
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, active participants will be able to:
Develop a framework for establishing expectations between advisor and student leader
Articulate ways a student organization advisor supports student learning
Anticipate potential problems in student organizations and be prepared to address them.
Participants will also receive an Advisor's Resource Guide that will contain the materials used in the course and additional relevant articles and worksheets.
Participant Expectations:
Participants should plan to spend approximately 3 to 4 hours per week in this course. This will include time to read materials, complete on-line exercises and surveys and participate in asynchronous on-line discussions. Participants will need to log on for course content that will be posted weekly. In addition participants will need to respond to questions posted on the discussion board each week. As the discussion board is asynchronous, students may check in and post at their convenience. This learning tool will be an important part of participant's learning experience.
Participants will contribute to an "Advisor's Resource Guide" that will be sent to all participants at the conclusion of the course. The Guide will contain resources used in the course, worksheets for future use with student groups, and instructor comments on completed assignments.
Instructor Bio: Cindy Kane has worked in the field of Campus Activities for 14 years and is currently the Director of Student Involvement and Leadership at Bridgewater State College (BSC). Prior to working at Bridgewater State, she held various positions at Seton Hall University and Saint Peter's College. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Lafayette College (PA) and a Master's Degree in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education from New York University (NY). Cindy has been an active volunteer with the National Association for Campus Activities for her entire professional career and has served in significant leadership roles at both the regional and national level. She is currently serving as the 2007 National Convention Program Chairperson.
