Law, Policy and Governance (LPG)
Level: Proficient
I developed in the following areas related to this competency:
“Describe evolving laws, policies, and judicial rulings that influence the student-institutional relationship and how they affect professional practice” (p. 22).
“Describe the governance systems at one’s institution including the governance structures for faculty, student affairs professionals, staff, and students” (p. 22).
"Appropriately consult with students and/or represent the student voice in departmental, divisional, and institutional policy development efforts" (p. 23).
“Ensure departmental programs, services, and facilities are compliant with any applicable legal, compliance, environmental policies and/ or mandates from governing bodies” (p. 23).
Academic Experience
EAF 466: College Students and the Law:
In my EAF 466 course, we focused on the legal concepts, issues, and court decisions affecting college students and implications for student affairs administrators. This course has prepared me to deal with the increasing complexities of higher education as it intersects with the law. While the course may have not prepared me to respond with the precedent for every possible situation, I did gain knowledge in knowing what questions to ask, where to get more information, and how to protect myself concerning the law and policies of the profession. Additionally, the course required several major research projects including a Socio-Historical Paper on a Legal Issue in Higher Education, and a group presentation on where the law is going in Higher Education.
EAF 466: Socio-Historical Paper:
The intention behind the Socio-Historical paper was to charge us to dig into how power and privilege play into the legal cases that determine how higher education changes over time. My paper looks at LGBTQ+ Rights v. Religious Liberties within Higher education. The purpose of the paper is to theorize the potential impact of same-sex marriage laws on religious affiliated colleges and universities. Specifically, it focuses on the ramifications of Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) on religious affiliated institutions' policy and acceptance of LGBTQ+. Within my paper, I compare different religious affiliated institutions and organizations' policy towards LGBTQ+ students, and analyze the outcomes of cases that relate to LGBTQ+ rights and religious liberties in higher education.
Socio-Historical Paper: LGBTQ Rights v. Religious Liberties Paper
EAF 466: Where the Law is Going Presentation:
The goal of the Where the Law is Going presentation was to explore the flip side of the socio-historical paper and examine where potential student personnel related policies or laws were going. For the project my partner and I worked together to develop a presentation discussing the future of community college tuition. We theorized that based on the 24+ states that have already instituted free community college tuition programs, we believed that federal and/or state funds could be allocated to provide free community college tuition for all students.
Work Experience
Heartland Community College Student Government Association (SGA) Advisor:
In my graduate assistantship at HCC, I serve as the primary advisor to the Student Government Association and Student Senate. Some of my responsibilities as SGA advisor include developing training programs for members of SGA and Student Senate, conducting one-on-one advising appointments with the SGA Officers, and acting as a liaison between the student clubs and organizations and the Student Engagement office. This position has helped me develop my skills in consulting with students and representing their student voice in staff meetings, board meetings, and in institutional policy development efforts.
Student Government Association Financial Allocation Document:
In hopes to have the Student Senate more involved in the allocation of their clubs and organizations' budgets, my supervisor and I collaborated in developing the SGA Financial Allocation procedure which also included establishing the student run committee to oversee the processes. This document first defines the Student Government Association Financial Committee (SGAFC) who is responsible for oversight of the student activity fees. In addition, the SGAFC provides guidelines for the allocation, disbursement, and administration of the student activity fund. This document also outlines the Operation Budget which is designed to meet the needs of organizations by providing funds that they can use throughout the year. Having the experience in creating a policy within the organization I advise has given me a better understanding and disposition relating to policy development processes of higher education student organizations.
Reference:
ACPA: College Student Educators International & NASPA − Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (2015). Professional competency areas for student affairs practitioners. Washington, DC: Authors.
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