Professional Development Plan

Year 1: Entry-Level Position

• Personal and Ethical Foundations Competency Area

  • Goal: Continue prioritizing personal and professional wellness.

    • Engage in weekly wellness activities, such as yoga or meditation.

    • Consume one wellness-focused resource bi-weekly.

    • Maintain a structured work-life balance by adhering to work schedule boundaries.

• Values, Philosophy, and History Competency Area

  • Goal: Deepen involvement in professional associations.

    • Continue professional membership in NASPA, NODA, and SCUP.

    • Volunteer for a committee within a professional association.

    • Attend two professional development conferences.

• Leadership Competency Area

  • Goal: Develop leadership skills through practical experiences.

    • Serve on a volunteer committee or project within the student affairs division.

    • Mentor a graduate assistant or intern.

    • Enroll in at least 2 professional development courses around student affairs, public administration, or leadership.

• Social Justice and Inclusion Competency Area

  • Goal: Enhance practices around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

    • Participate in at least two DEI training sessions or workshops.

    • Initiate quarterly discussions with mentors focusing on social justice themes.

    • Implement at least one new inclusive practice.

• Technology Competency Area

  • Goal: Master and implement new technologies in student affairs.

    • Complete a certification in a relevant technology tool (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft, Slate).

    • Evaluate and propose new technologies for departmental adoption.

Year 2-3: Developing Professional Competence

• Personal and Ethical Foundations Competency Area

  • Goal: Integrate advanced wellness techniques into personal and professional life.

    • Undertake a professional course on stress management.

    • Regularly review and adjust work-life boundaries as needed.

• Values, Philosophy, and History Competency Area

  • Goal: Take on leadership roles within professional associations.

    • Run for a board position in a professional association.

    • Attend a professional development institute or focused workshop.

• Leadership Competency Area

  • Goal: Expand leadership influence in the institution.

    • Chair a committee, project, or task force.

    • Develop leadership training content.

• Social Justice and Inclusion Competency Area

  • Goal: Lead initiatives to enhance institutional policies on inclusivity.

    • Conduct a yearly audit of departmental practices for inclusivity.

    • Develop workshop content for staff on inclusive practices.

• Technology Competency Area

  • Goal: Innovate with technology to enhance student engagement.

    • Lead a project to implement a new technology platform.

    • Regularly consume content on emerging technology in higher education.

Year 4-5: Advancing Towards Senior Leadership

• Personal and Ethical Foundations Competency Area

  • Goal: Advocate for wellness programs at an institutional level.

    • Propose a wellness initiative for staff and students that includes mental health resources.

• Values, Philosophy, and History Competency Area

  • Goal: Influence the broader field of student affairs through active engagement in national committees.

    • Participate in national policy-making committees within professional associations.

• Leadership Competency Area

  • Goal: Prepare for senior administrative roles.

    • Pursue an advanced degree in educational leadership or a related field.

    • Undertake strategic leadership roles within the institution.

• Social Justice and Inclusion Competency Area

  • Goal: Establish institution-wide initiatives for social justice.

    • Lead the development of comprehensive diversity and inclusion training programs.

• Technology Competency Area

  • Goal: Serve as a senior advisor on technology strategy in student affairs.

    • Collaborate on institutional technology policy and strategy planning.

    • Mentor junior staff in the integration of technology in higher education.