Jasmine Jennings- Week 4- Office of the Registrar

Activities:

• Worked on draft website for the office. You can check it out at (still unfinished):  http://practicemsu.weebly.com

Reflections on Practice:

This past week has been very slow because my direct and my indirect supervisors had been out of the office for the entire week. I've just been working on the draft website trying to create a result that is up to date, but functional for the type of audience that the Registrar serves. A couple of weeks ago, I created a survey through Qualtrics that had the entire office evaluate their website's appearance, quality, functionality, usability, and overall feel of the website. You can check out the survey at: https://qtrial2015az1.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_25nRyNmKeSkkbfD. 

When reflecting on the feedback that I've received from the survey, I learned that stakeholders are important to the process. The majority of the Registrar's employees are middle aged to older women who needs a website that is simple and easy to navigate (their survey responses reflected that). My practicum supervisor on the other hand wants a website that's "neat" and up-to-date like the MSState Admission's website where it catches your attention. I also look at other SEC or other suggested Registrar websites to integrate the user-friendly capabilities, the modern and youthful attractive look, and to learn how other schools are doing it better. But I can't create what Jasmine exactly likes, I have to create something that is best for the office and MS State students.

Textbook Application:

Chapter 1 addresses the topic about upcoming student affairs practitioners and how their experiences and knowledge are important to share when taking on new roles. Having these experiences should establish confidence as a new professional because employers are looking for valuable and meaning experiences from people who can use the past as a vehicle to promote good work. Professionals value accomplishments, hard work, and experience. As up and coming professionals, we have to make sure we share these experiences to show our competencies in the field. I think that's why my practicum site trusts me with the re-creation of the office website (I also think they love having a grad student around). My supervisor is aware of my experiences and wants to use my knowledge as a student affairs practicum student (i.e. creating an internal assessment, going above and beyond with the draft website, which is something that surprises my supervisor all the time). My office has never had a SA student in the office before and just by my evaluation that my supervision completed of me really showed that he likes my work ethic and how autonomous my program has led me to be.

Theory Application:

Although I talk about the role as an upcoming practitioner, I thought I would try and find a theory that focuses on technology (since I am working on the website). What's interesting about technology as a theory and as a component within my practicum duties is that when you think of theory, you don't think about technology. I think the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) (2011) does a good job of explaining the purpose of technology and how technology should support the mission of the institution and students. While working on the website, I have to make sure that Registrar's website have adequate support to detail their mission, vision, and services (Council for the Advancement of Standards, 2011). The website that I am working on must use current technology to provide updated information regarding mission, location, staffing, programs, services, and official contacts to students and designated clients  (Council for the Advancement of Standards, 2011). Although my practicum supervisor and the rest of the office is looking for an aesthetic update of the website, it is important for me as their professional to evaluate the website and to assess whether or not if the current and future website is upholding the CAS Standards.

References:

Amey, M. J., & Reesor, L. M. (2009). Beginning your journey: A guide for new professional in 

            student affairs. Washington, D.C.: NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher 

            Education

Council for the Advancement of Standards (2011). CAS general standards. Retrieved from 

             http://standards.cas.edu/getpdf.cfm?PDF=E868395C-F784-2293-129ED7842334B22A

0.