Communities of Practice – A proven tool to help you build strong, well supported Student Affairs Teams

Presented by: Wanda McDonald, Nova Scotia Community College

The term Community of Practice (CoP) is sometimes used without a true understanding of the origin and what is required to implement a successful CoP. To be effective, this model must be understood, implemented, and supported in a very intentional way.  I have had much success with the model in my current and prior work environments.  I’ve put my own twist on the model – bringing heart, vulnerability, humility, and a lot of Brené Brown. I believe that our structures and leadership philosophies impact our sense of competency and success.  While uncertainty remains about long term impacts of the pandemic, we do have control over the decisions we make on how we prioritize the wellbeing of our student affairs professionals and teams. Our student affairs professionals are critical to student well-being and retention, they enable many of our students to cross the finish line. They are experiencing our students struggle in more profound ways and they too require support to remain optimistic, healthy, and engaged. During this session, I will demonstrate in a very practical way, how I have utilized the CoP model at NSCC to establish the Cousnellor CoP – It is never too late to consider this tool as a way to re-energize, rejuvenate, re-engage your teams.

UPEI's Student of Concern Portal - An Evolution in Student Support

Presented by: Karen Morse & Keith Lawlor, University of Prince Edward Island

Launched in 2018, University of Prince Edward Island’s (UPEI) Student of Concern (SOC) program was created as an alternative to the university’s Code of Conduct. Housed in Student Affairs, this early-detection process was established to identify and track concerning student behaviors, and provide care and support as early as possible. This presentation outlines the implementation and operation of UPEI’s SOC program, including unexpected opportunities to support the student experience and the university's retention efforts.

Bridging the Gap: Addressing International Students’ Employment Challenges

Presented by: Rebecca Leaman & Kaelan Ruddick, Mount Allison University

International students are being recruited in ever-increasing numbers to university campuses across Canada, however, they face unique challenges and barriers to accessing the Canadian workplace. There are difficulties in accessing funding, challenges with workplace culture, and a lack of preparation for the recruitment process. One way to increase support for international students is through tailored experiential learning and career development programs. The Office of Experiential Learning & Career Development is partnering with the International Centre at Mount Allison University to offer Future NB International (FNB-I) to close the gap between international student expectations and experiences. FNB-I offers workshops and skill training sessions, individual career advising support, and part-time paid internships, designed with an employer/mentor who will help international students create a community of learning and professional development in Canada. This presentation will showcase the program and its impact on international students as they prepare for post-graduation success.

Reflecting and Rebooting: Student Affairs and Services with Strategic Enrolment Management

Presented by: Tom Brophy, Steven Smith & Adam Daniels, Saint Mary’s University

Within the last decade or so, Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) has increasingly become a part of the Student Affairs and Services (SAAS) world. This evolution has resulted in an increased reliance on data, demonstration of measurable outcomes, and showing the direct linkage between SAAS and student success. For years now, SAAS professionals have known, and research has shown, that what we do has a direct and positive impact on the student experience. SEM gives us a clear opportunity to illustrate that what we do also connects to student success, increases student satisfaction, and as a result, contributes to higher rates of retention and graduation.

This presentation will outline the SEM process that has been undertaken at Saint Mary’s University and the ways that we work closely with academic colleagues toward SEM goals. We will outline the SEM structure and clearly illustrate the role that SAAS professionals play in the development and implementation of the plan. The presentation will also highlight how the SEM plan has influenced the SAAS structure, funding, staffing, and ways that we connect what we do to measurable outcomes. The presenters will outline the successes, shortcomings, impact of the pandemic, and lessons learned in the ongoing process of SEM plan development.