Departure and Transitions

There is nothing more telling about the people one works with than how they act when someone they truly respect leaves their job. My supervisor Joel is leaving Pacific after 10 years on campus first as a student, then as a grad student/staff member for Orientation, and then as Ph.D student and Assistant Director of Orientation. He leaves to pursue his career in psychology and an internship in Boise. 

From what I have seen it is difficult to imagine Pacific University without Joel. The student staff really looks up to Joel, he has a way of getting students to open up and talk thorough their problems. And in my short time here at Pacific I have learned a great deal from Joel. He is the kind of professional that I want to be someday. He is an extraordinary helper, a listener, and a relater and I have decided that Pacific will not be the same without him. 

So Joel, thank you for being an excellent supervisor to countless students and for helping me realize the kind of administrator I want to be. Good Luck!

What is NODA Again....?

This is the first question I have gotten since arriving a month ago on campus at Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR. Here at Pacific few people actually have higher education backgrounds so many are confused by the degree and mostly they are confused by why I am here, on campus. 

So for many of you who may have the same questions as my fellow Pacific staff members have here is what I am doing at Pacific:

1) At Pacific I am working with the Orientation Staff to plan their Orientation.

2) I will undertake to train the Orientation Ambassadors when they return to campus on August 22nd.

3) Of course I have decided to organize the two day Parent Orientation. For me, it is all too tempting to work with Pacific parents as they work to plan much of the Parent Orientation. 

4) I will also get to be a team member in a new environment. I will also be the older "more responsible" staff member for any problems that may arise or all out fights that will most certainly occur as Orientation looms 4 1/2 weeks away.