Running head: Professional Development Plan

Audrey Batista Case Studies: Professional Development Plan Kent State University

Running head: Professional Development Plan

Continued learning, self-awareness, and skill development post graduation will be essential factors that lead to future success and professional development. After graduating in May and finding employment, new opportunities will be revealed that will assist in successfully developing professional skills and competencies that I can use towards growing as a professional and as an individual. My specific goals for continued professional development experiences are designed around the ACPA & NASPA Professional Competencies. The following text will describe three competency areas I will pursue in an effort to achieve professional growth, and will outline the steps I will take to achieve competency in the specific areas. Competency One: Law, Policy and Governance The first competency area I wish to pursue is Law, Policy and Governance. I have previously described my current skill set in this area as intermediate. My experiences within the Law in Higher Education course and my graduate assistantship have provided me with a plethora of knowledge regarding law, policy and governance within student affairs, and have aided in my understanding of many legal terms and procedures. However, I believe that continued growth in this area would benefit my career aspirations to achieve high level administrator opportunities. As a high level administrator, I believe it will be important to understand the policies and laws surrounding the institution or department where I am employed in order to both enforce and create policies that align with legal expectations in an effort to protect the employees and students of the institution. Additionally, it will be important to exercise appropriate and ethical influence with the governing bodies to which the institution or department where I am employed report. Achieving both of these efforts would place me in the advanced competency area of Law, Policy and Procedure. Listed below are the professional development steps I plan to take in an effort to achieve these goals. Professional Development Steps Take time to review the policies and procedures of the institution/department where I am employed. Participate in Student Conduct as a hearing officer. Volunteer for institutional and departmental committees that are reviewing, revising or creating policy developments. Role model ethical and professional behavior and act in accordance with policies and procedures. Seek opportunities for professional development offered through the institution or department (i.e. conferences, seminars, workshops).

Running head: Professional Development Plan

Competency Two: Leadership The second competency area I wish to pursue is Leadership. I have not previously described my competency level in Leadership but would categorize myself as currently achieving a basic competency in this area. My courses and graduate assistantship have provided me opportunities to reflect on, and describe personal values and beliefs as well as apply the basic fundamentals of community building, explain the logic behind my decisions, and identify and develop conversations around controversial issues. I would like to continue to develop in this competency area as I believe effective leadership is necessary in holding supervisory and administrative positions. Additionally, I believe that advancing in leadership will provide me with opportunities to make positive impacts on students and colleagues by advocating for changes within divisions that serve as barriers for student and staff success, motivating and influencing others to work towards the success of an organization, and by establishing and creating mentoring programs to ensure support for students and staff. Achieving the efforts mentioned above would place me at both an intermediate and advanced level of leadership. Listed below are the professional development steps I plan to take in an effort to achieve these goals. Professional Development Steps Volunteer to advise student organizations. Engage with on campus governance by attending open meetings. Volunteer on committees reviewing leadership models and division changes. Pursue employment with opportunities to supervise professional/paraprofessional staff. Facilitate leadership seminars/workshops. Pursue adjunct faculty positions in leadership studies. Seek opportunities for professional development offered through the institution or department (i.e. conferences, seminars, workshops). Competency Area Three: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion The third competency area I wish to pursue is Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. I have not previously described my competency level in this area but would place myself at a basic level. My coursework, graduate assistantship and practicum in co-facilitation of the Administration of Multiculturalism in Higher Education course, have allowed me to identify the contributions of diverse populations, effectively facilitate dialogue with disparate audiences, and demonstrate fair treatment to all individuals. I would like to advance in this competency area because I truly support the development of an equitable, diverse and inclusive college environment. I believe in the positive impact a diverse community can make on a students academic success, and I believe in the importance of placing value on an equitable and diverse work environment. By continuing to develop in this area, I would strive to meet competency goals which include engaging in nondiscriminatory hiring practices, developing multicultural training for staff, and fostering diverse interactions. These goals are classified in the intermediate competency level for

Running head: Professional Development Plan Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. While I would also like to strive for an advanced level, I understand that this competency is multifaceted and will take more time and experience to achieve all three levels. Listed below are the professional development steps I plan to take in an effort to achieve the aforementioned goals.

Professional Development Steps: Engage with the institutions multicultural center (assuming one exists) by volunteering at events and becoming involved in the planning and development of programs and activities when able. Seek adjunct faculty positions in multicultural studies. Become involved with the institution/departments training committees and champion for multicultural initiatives. Role model inclusive, respectful and equitable behavior when interacting with diverse populations. Seek opportunities for professional development offered through the institution or department (i.e. conferences, seminars, workshops). It is hard to tell what the future has in store, but this professional development plan will provide me with the basic essential tools for success in achieving professional competency in Law, Policy and Procedure, Leadership, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. When established in a new position at a new institution, more specific details may be incorporated into the plan to ensure success and continued professional development.