Alexandra: JSU Office of Student Life

Activities

·         -  Weekly supervision

Reflection

                It is crazy to think that my time with the Jackson State University Office of Student Life is already over. I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. It also helped me realize a lot about myself and my role in my current position. I am very lucky to be in a graduate position that requires so much responsibility. Although it may require a lot of time and work, it is preparing me for work as a professional in practically any department. The skills I have learned in Housing were transferable to the many different departments I worked with at JSU.

                When reading the ethics chapter it was interesting to reflect on just how much ethics can vary based on the culture at an institution. There were certain things I noticed at both schools that were seen in different lights. There is such a fine line with what is ethical sometimes that it completely depends on who works in your department and how they view the situation. JSU is a historically black college or university (HBCU), so its culture is very much different from Mississippi State University which is a predominantly white institution (PWI). Therefore, their ethics can be expected to vary slightly.

                Regarding social media and ethics I think it is very important in my current position as a graduate residence director (GRD). Last year I had residents try and follow me on instagram and I denied their request because I did not think it was appropriate. But Facebook was not necessarily the same story. I actually had residents in my building that I had known before I was a GRD and was my friends already. Because Facebook is not very “personal” for me with lots of personal information I felt it was ok to have those links via that outlet. Instagram is much more personal for me therefore I would not allow residents to follow me. Even though I am the GRD I am still continuously trying to build relationships with my residents so the social media aspect is very important. It plays such a prominent role in our society today that it can be a way to reach students more effectively while also can cause troubles.