Summer catch up

Summer is the time in our office when we are able to recharge, prepare, and plan for upcoming workshops and career related events for the next semester and beyond. The professional developement workshops for fall are now on the calendar and posted to our web site. I have been working steadily on updating and revamping our Career Services web page and have a meeting scheduled this week with our campus webmaster to put that into place.

Our campus is getting set to go through many changes over the next few years. There will be new leadership in several key spots, including the chancellor position. Our current Chancellor, Dr. Ruth Person, will be moving to take over the helm at University of Michigan - Flint campus in mid-August. http://www.umflint.edu/chancellor/ruth_person.htm We wish her well in her next step and thank her for the many forward steps in which she has led our campus.

However, we all know that change can be intimidating and many of us are wondering what is in store for our campus as new leadership begins to be identified. The same holds true for all of our students. Our new students are taking those first scarey steps in learning about becoming a college student and our current students are hopeful, and maybe a bit nervous, about the chosen path they have taken as they continue toward graduation.

My favorite thing as a Student Affairs professional is to see our students meet their own definition of success. For some, it's landing their dream job after graduation. For others, it's the fact that they are the first in their family to attend college. Whatever that definition may be, it is a delight to be able to watch when everything clicks. There are also sad and frustrating moments in the student affairs profession. Not everyone will make a successful transition through IU Kokomo. When those instances occur, I want our students to know there are many great people and resources on our campus - if they reach for them. They range from having someone to help plan to just having someone to talk to about your concerns for the future. Don't hesitate to let us know how we can help you. We are all here because you are all here.
Change can be a bit scarey but can also be good!