November 1, 2008

Student Affairs Leader - November 1, 2008 - Full Issue PDF
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A Customer Service Approach to Roommate Matching
By Therese Kattner
Mansfield University in Pennsylvania does its best to ensure that freshman roommates are compatible on important issues such as study routines, academic interests, personality traits, and sleep habits. But if that doesn’t work, students can switch roommates just a week into their first semester. The process has significant admissions, retention, and residence life benefits, the university says.

Providing References for Students: 10 Tips
By Dennis Black
College and university employees are advised to be very careful about how they provide references for current or former students. Consider the following tips from the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

How to Deal with Workplace Negativity: A Case Study
By Jeffrey Buller
As student affairs administrators, we are asked to lead people who have a variety of personalities. Jeffrey Buller, an expert in administration in the academic workplace, has created the following case study to strengthen skills in interacting with colleagues who are knowingly or unknowingly contributing to a negative work environment.

Q&A: Balancing Openness with Security at Community Colleges
Community colleges traditionally have more fluid student populations and fewer mental health resources than residential colleges. In addition, they often have open access as one of their core missions. As a result, they face a tough challenge in balancing increased security concerns with keeping the campus as open as possible.

New Thinking about Admissions Criteria Reflects the Value of Student Affairs Work
By Kathleen Manning
What do student affairs divisions and college admissions offices have in common? An interest in student leadership, integrity, and ethical development.

Call for Proposals
Magna Publications is accepting proposals for its online seminar series. These seminars share practical advice on student success, student services, and student development.