Sunday, July 14, 2013

Clark - Week 4 - Department of Housing and Residence Life, Mississippi University for Women

Activities:

  • Learned how a budget works and sat in on meeting to discuss next years budget for Housing and Residence Life, International Students, and MUW Counseling
  • Reorganized office with Sirena and the student workers
  • Attended a lunch meeting/going away lunch for one of the counselors who is leaving the W
  • Ordered furniture for the Counseling Office
  • Discussed the hiring process for the candidates applying for the counseling jobs
  • Contacted students who are staying on campus to confirm that they are coming in the fall and pleased with their housing assignments/roommates
  • Got a recap on the meeting with the contractor who is looking into helping the W get cameras in the residence halls
  • Met with the IT Department regarding the new computer system that will allow students to apply for housing online rather than via paper forms
  • Met with the company who is replacing the carpet in three rooms in Kincannon Hall
  • Attended Nursing Orientation
  • Attended Staff meeting


Reflection:

The past two weeks at the W have been full of a variety of different activities that I have been able to be involved in discussing and making decisions. I am really grateful for Sirena because she allows me to provide feedback in whatever  she is doing. She also is certain to explain why she is doing the things that she is doing.

This was especially obvious the week of the Fourth of July. We met with Mrs. Margaret whose office is in the Counseling Center, but she works on the budget and is in control of purchase orders, etc. While we were in the meeting with me, she explained to me what each part of the budget was, and how before she got to the W, the Housing Department did not have a savings account in case of an emergency. That has been one of Sirena’s goals since she has been in this position. She explained that you never know when a natural catastrophe could occur, but as the Director of Housing and Residence Life, it is her responsibility to be able to respond and provide necessary accommodations if necessary.

Another thing that I have learned specifically from Sirena as a boss is how thankful she is for her staff. She is extremely thoughtful to everyone, from her counselors to her Residence Directors and student workers. She always is sure to thank everyone for what they are doing for the department. This is not only evident in her staff meetings, but also on a daily basis. I think that a lot of times, during the hustle and bustle of being a Director and the many responsibilities that one takes on, often times the person forgets to thank their inferiors who most of the time do the legwork for the office. Sirena definitely does not fit the mold as a Director who is not thankful, but rather as one who is extremely thankful.

Sirena also took the time to sit down and discuss with me the importance of hiring the best people for the job. She stated that although she is hiring for two counselors, if she cannot find the two best counselors for the job, that she is not going to hire them. She was determined to find the best fit for the needs of the students at the W. I really admire this about her as a Director.

I also got a campus tour, which was really helpful for me. Having never been on the W’s campus until I began my practicum, I had no idea what the campus was like, but after touring the campus, I feel comfortable in explaining where the different residence halls are located and where the major campus offices are located should a student inquire about this.

I have learned a lot about Housing since I have been at the W, but what I think that I am most thankful for are the lessons that I have learned about being a great boss. I really could not be more thankful to have been given the opportunity to work with Sirena!


Brittany

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