Treptow – Week 12/13 – Environmental Collaborative Office

I can definitely tell that the end of my practicum experience is just around the corner!  As things are winding down, and projects are coming to a close, I've spent the last two weeks really reflecting on where to go from here.  The great thing about being involved in the student group that I advise, is that I will get to continue with a few of the projects I am working on.

Last week Housing, along with Students for a Sustainable Campus, put on a two-day energy carnival.  At eh carnival we gave out facts about energy conservation, water usage, and tips on how you can be more sustainable.  Students who stopped by were able to enter in a raffle, where we gave away 10 energy packs.  It was a successful event and a great learning experience working so closely with Students for a Sustainable Campus.

I am also embarking on a new adventure of getting the opportunity to present at conferences some of the great things we are doing here at State to be more sustainable.  This Thursday will be the first presentation that Jason B. and I will be doing, at the Mississippi Association of Housing Officers conference (MAHO).  From here, we will go on the present at the regional conference, SouthEastern Association of Housing Officers (SEAHO) in February.

I am greatful for the experience I've had, and as I excitedly move forward, I can see and appreciate the contacts that I've made with Jeremiah and things I've learned.  I definitely see him as a future resource!

Week 11 Alumni Office

Practicum is finally slowing down. I feel like I have met everyone on this campus who touches the Alumni Office in any way (which is a GREAT Thing). Within the last two weeks I met Mike Richie from Athletics and Anthony Lowe from Academic Outreach and Continuing Education.  

Both meetings were very informative and I was able to apply what each of them taught me to the Practicum experience. The meeting with Mike Richie was a real eye opener on Athletics and how football affects the university from an Athletic department standpoint. I don’t think the football players realize how much other people rely on them to win.  Mike Richie stated if the football team loses at the Egg Bowl it will decline enrollment. I don’t know how much of this is true but he also stated that the culture of Mississippi State University depends on football. In addition to speaking about football and how winning games, increases enrollment, he spoke on the connection between the BullDawg Club and MSU Alumni Association. He stated that, most university Athletic department and Alumni Office lack collaboration due to lack of trust, lack of relationships, and not respecting the coach. The Alumni Office at MSU does a wonderful job maintaining relationships with the Athletic department and continues to build on those relationships.  MSU’s Alumni office understands why their partnership with the Athletic department is one of many additions to the success of the department.

My visit with Anthony Lowe was great! I learned so much about his department and he also helped me with my job search. Anthony had an idea of reaching out to the Alumni office to brand their department and as a result of that, their participation rate has increased. Anthony Lowe is a forward thinker and displayed how one idea can spiral and turn into action. He is very compassionate about his job and I hope to one day display that same compassion after years on the job.

Week 10 Alumni Office

This past week has been great. Preparing for the business meeting with Grad Images and then being able to sit down with representative from Grad Images was a wonderful experience.

Even though, the decision has yet to be made if the Alumni Office will change photography companies.  I really think Grad Images products/ images were feasible and they looked great.

I was fortunate that Michael allowed me to play a major role in researching the difference between Zap Images and Grad Images. Throughout the meeting I was able to ask questions and really get a feel for Grad Images products and how they conducted business. It was good to know my opinion during the process was valued by Michael and the representatives from Grad Images.

 After reflecting on the meeting with Grad Images last Wednesday, I realized how much about business meetings I learned. Grad Images did a great job selling their products but with anything there were areas for improvement. Each representative responded differently in regards to how they conducted business. It was very evident who the season professional was.  Dr. H also sat in on the meeting and was able to observe how Grad Images conducted business as well as how the Alumni Office conducted business meetings.

The more I thought about the meeting, the more I was able to relate the business meeting back to Student Affairs. As a new professional I never want to forget the quality of building relationships. Establishing relationships allows for a better partnership and an easier transition. If the Alumni Office decides to accept Grad Images offer they will be building a new relationship with new faces.

I look forward to the decision of Grad Images vs. Zap Images, I will keep you all posted.   

Treptow – Week 11 – Environmental Collaborative Office

Whoa! Am I exhausted!!  I just got back from running the Nick Bell 3.6 mile race, and I have to admit that I did quiet well for not having ran that far in over a year!

Me ready for the race! 

After the race I had two meetings with Students for a Sustainable Campus.  We are working on our Energy Carnival that will be put on next week, and trying to finish up the Energy Wars Competition.   The Carnival is going to be held next Wed and Thurs, outside of Perry, from 10-2.  They are planning to have 3 tents set up talking about water conservation, energy conservation, and how to reduce your carbon footprint.  I’m excited to see how it goes! I have loved working with this group because they are so open and invited, and purely excited about sustainability!!

Tomorrow night the Housing Community Service and Sustainability – Community Outreach group is hosting a interest session for residential students who are wanting to get involved in service opportunities.  This group that I supervise, has been working hard on getting to this point.  Their vision all along has been to create a “student group” of residential students, to give them a network of people that they can get involved in service projects with.  So far we have over 80 students, which is amazing!  I am excited to see how many come out tomorrow.

I am also meeting with Jeremiah tomorrow to go over the assessment that I’ll be sending to all of the custodial staff.  I am very interested in getting their input as to how the recycling is going.

But for now I am off to bed!  Who knew a race could be this tiring!!