Life, Death, and Student Affairs

Legends: Janet Waltman, Jim Potter, Debbie Kimbell, Pete Neville, Margaret Farris, Thurman Adkins, David Tuttle, Coleen Grissom, Gary Neal, Peg Layton, and Richard Reams

It's still too soon to talk about "the accident." But we'll get there.

This April, as the curtain fell on the Division of Student Affairs, it seemed perfect that former colleague Pete Neville was back in town for the first time since he left over ten years ago. After all, Pete, the Director of Student Activities was here when I began my Trinity University Student Affairs career in 1987. He was one of many. We'll get there too.

The dissolution of Student Affairs at Trinity has been more evolution than revolution. It probably started when VP for Student Affairs Felicia Lee left in 2010. Months later, her division would learn that she wouldn't be replaced. Student Affairs would report to Vice President for Academic Affairs, Micheal Fischer, in an effort to more fully integrate academic and student life. It made sense. I would remain as Senior Student Affairs Officer under the Associate VP title.

It's logical too, that the Trinity Tomorrow strategic plan would finally focus the University, among other things, on experiential learning, career success, and student support through a new Student Success Center. So this spring (2015) Student Affairs stalwarts (Counseling Services, Health Services, Career Services, and Community Service) were plucked away to be part of new campus "centers." What remained of Student Affairs then, was simply the Dean of Students Office, Residential Life, and Student Involvement (formerly CCI, formerly Student Activities...).

This is perfect in so many ways. The changes are mission and student centered, as they should be. It is an exciting time for Trinity University. But there is a little melancholy as the changes are implemented.

For Student Affairs folks, when the night is shattered by an early morning phone call, it is usually not good news. It can range from the report of a drunk or belligerent student, a request for a room search related to drugs, or an update about a student hospitalized for mental health issues. And at its worst, the call is about a student death. We fear it. It is hard for it not to feel like a failure - a failure to protect someone's child, sent here to discover, grow, become, not to die. Not on our watch.

When I arrived here in 1987, I could never imagine that I would be here nearly 30 years later. As a new Area Coordinator (now called Residential Life Coordinators) I was struck by my good fortune. I had never worked at a place that was so student driven. Most of that drive came straight from our Vice President and Dean, Coleen Grissom. Among her many axioms: "We don't do things to be administratively convenient - we do what is right for our students." Riding shotgun, Thurman Adkins seemed born old -- and wise. Over the years he would make Dean Grissom's goals his plans as a steady hand, working with student government and student conduct. With those two and Pete, Peg Layton rounded out my group of mentors and heroes.

It seems odd, now, for me to be at the helm as the division as it has unraveled. It feels Gorbachev-ian on a much lighter scale. It feels a bit like a failure to have happened on my watch, though it offers a fresh start. Res Life, and Student Involvement are now part of the re-branded "Student Life." This was my idea. For years, Student Affairs has seemed to some in the academy as a distraction to college, not a part of it. The new structure, and name, may put that to rest. In truth, Student Affairs, or Student Life, hasn't really changed, but it is just more of what it used to be. Sexual assault, alcohol, hazing, health issues, psychological hurdles, deceased parents, accidents, deaths.. these aren't new. In the age of technology, everything is faster, harsher, more public, more criticized. But with it are more rewards too. Working with young students, some more fragile than ever, has never been more gratifying. Students are clever, bright, sensitive, and they care about the world in ways they didn't used to.

Nevertheless, Student Affairs has always felt under-appreciated, and that isn't just a Trinity thing. In addition to handling crises, my colleagues here and elsewhere are expected to engage students outside the classroom. We need to keep them busy, happy, social (yet academically grounded), well-fed, well-exercised, and protected. At little schools we are charged to make the experience seem bigger and at big schools we work to make it smaller - for students to not feel like numbers. And we face harsh criticism - trying to balance a culture of order and at the same time a culture of openness. We face issues of the minority rights against the majority needs. We struggle to be consistent and flexible. And many days it seems no one thinks we get it right.

Sometimes it seems our task is the impossible: to protect students from one another and themselves, and to keep them safe.

There's been an accident and there may be fatalities. First year students were in a fast car, and there was a turn, and there was a crash. You better get to the hospital. 

Everything seemed to align in April of 2015. Pete was coming back, the division was evaporating, and it was the perfect time for a send-off. Student Affairs didn't start at Trinity in 1987. But it did for me. It became my life, and my personal and professional identities have been forever merged. So it seemed important to put this chapter appropriately to bed with Pete's visit. The call went out, and "legends" from 1987 already mentioned, along with Janet Waltman (Health Services), Jim Potter (Intramurals), Margaret Farris and Debbie Kimbell (Coates Center), and current staffers Gary Neal and Richard Reams (Counseling) answered the call.

We had lunch in the Skyline Room on April 9, 2015, to celebrate, reconnect, talk about old times, and to share our experiences. Those were shared when each person said a few words to our current staff and Jamie Thompson's leadership class. The underlying message: impact.

It was less than three months in as an Area Coordinator in 1987, when the night was broken. The impact of the crash hurdled two students out of the t-top and over the highway ramp. We lost two first year students, Michelle and Matt, and nearly lost two others, in a brief moment when the car swerved and hit a guard rail. Matt's sister was an upper-class student here at the time. That was over 25 years ago. And it still seems too soon to talk about. Too much raw pain. As I follow the lives of the survivors on Facebook, today, I never forget the two we lost, though I never knew them. It simply became "the accident." The speed, the unfairness, the randomness, and mostly, the tragedy.

What has been amazing about Student Affairs here became evident at the April lunch. The names and faces have changed and dozens have come and gone, leaving there indelible marks on the institution and mostly its students. The ethic of care that was so important to Coleen Grissom, as well as her successor, Gage Paine, and then finally, Felica Lee, has only become stronger. A culture is set at the beginning and there is a reason it is hard to change. The culture of Student Affairs in 2015 is the same as it was in 1987. The legacy of OUR legends (and yes, there are Grissom, Neville, Adkins, and Paine awards) lives on. The division and the structure may change, but the ethos doesn't. Indeed, while so much about our work has transformed since 1987, so much is exactly the same.

This time it was the TUPD Police Chief, Paul Chapa. His late night calls are never good. There's been an accident, and there may be fatalities. It was March 30, 2015. And it was happening again. Speed, a curve, and impact... We lost Corey. His sister, Natalie was a senior here who graduated this past May. We nearly lost two others, Andrew and Claire. And it feels too soon to talk about. Too much raw pain. It simply became "the accident." The speed, the unfairness, the randomness, and mostly, the tragedy.

In Student Affairs, we routinely and quietly deal with gravity, levity, and absurdity. It is how we live. Each year brings more of the same. Every issue seems familiar, yet each is different. If it is a circle of life, it can be one that is as gratifying as it is cruel. This spring, on this campus, we had a rare chance to reflect on that, to celebrate, and to get closure before we start a new chapter. What we heard about was fulfillment, making a difference, and being part of something bigger. I think most of us feel fortunate to have been called: through life, and death, and student affairs.

Week Spots

Last week, an alumna published a Facebook post questioning Trinity University's sexual misconduct policy, which elicited a significant amount of social media attention. As a result, the Student Government Association (SGA) coordinated a campus-wide forum for discussion. The SGA President, Evan Lewis, properly felt that the topic of sexual assault  had been simmering after a high-profile case decision in the fall became public, and following the return to campus of a previously suspended student led a survivor to transfer. The large student turnout at the forum was gratifying and the discussion was beneficial.

Because issues like this have a lasting digital footprint, I hope to clarify some of the issues here, for the record.

- The criticism of the policy is almost exclusively over the sanction guidelines, which range from suspension to expulsion. Some believe the sanction should be mandatory expulsion. Most campuses and policies avoid mandated sanctions because they're problematic. It can be challenging for boards generally pre-disposed to avoid separating students from the university, to determine a finding of "responsible" when suspension, let alone permanent removal, is the only option. And so, for that reason, mandated expulsion can sometimes work against itself. For example, I've seen boards find someone - who is responsible (say, for a drug violation) - not responsible in order to not suspend that student as required. Further, in sexual assault cases, some survivors may be ambivalent and uneasy about mandated sanctions. Having a mandatory expulsion sanction may lead a survivor to not report.

- Our sexual misconduct policy was revised as recently as last year. A national consultant provides Trinity with a policy guideline that is built on case law, experience, and best practices. It is a model policy. There seems to be a perception that the full policy is flawed because of the sanction language. The policy was approved by the University Standards Committee last summer.

- It is essential to all of us that the students of Trinity University are safe, and students believe that the University is responsive to their needs and concerns. While some are expressing broad concerns about "the University" in this discussion, it can be helpful to clarify who makes up the "University" in addressing the campus climate, policies, and procedures related to sexual assault.

The Standards Committee and the Boards that make conduct decisions are comprised of students (selected by SGA), faculty (selected by Faculty Senate), and staff members (selected by Student Affairs). While the Dean of Students Office is responsible for overseeing the student conduct process, the procedures, policies, and decisions are all in the hands of representatives of the campus community. Attacks on the integrity of the "University," are essentially attacks on the campus community.

- Sexual misconduct is addressed through policy, procedures, and education. In addition to a Bystander Intervention program, the campus community has hosted the Can I Kiss You Program and Katie Koestner on several occasions. Ironically, the above referenced "high-profile" case mentioned in the opening paragraph actually occurred the same night as the new students went through the Bystander Intervention program. Education and prevention programs simply are not enough on their own; this effort must work hand-in-hand with stakeholders changing the campus culture.

That culture is shared by everyone here, including the students. Sexual assaults could be reduced if students, mostly males, pledged to protect the sexual safety of other students. How? For one, they could host parties that don't include common-source containers of unknown types and amounts of alcohol. Also, students could staff events with sober monitors and ensure that guests return home safely, and with friends. Peer education and awareness don't work on their own if students don't adhere to the call to action. Some say this notion is designed to deflect responsibility away from the campus judicial process. Shouldn't students insist on being empowered to make change, rather than be offended by it? Drunk drivers should go to jail after the fact, but drunk driving education - coupled with a change in culture in which calling a cab or assigning a designated driver is common practice - has reduced fatalities over the years.

- Unfortunately, the culture and process often are judged based on the latest, highest profile case - not on an overall history of equitably decided case outcomes. Each case must be handled with fairness and sensitivity to all. Sometimes the evidence doesn't meet the standard for a violation, despite its apparent level of egregiousness.

- Those of us involved in the conduct process know it isn't perfect. And so it is a process we are always reviewing, seeking counsel and improving communications. The web page and policy was developed after similar concerns from faculty and students several years ago, and revised and updated again this summer. The fall case was reviewed by a consultant, and measures are already in motion to streamline the hearing process.

It would be irresponsible to not give significant attention to this issue. Annually staff receives professional development through conferences, seminars, training, information collection, and research.  We meet with the best of the best in this field; and no one finds the solutions simple.  It is impossible to appropriately manage this issue without constant nurturing.

In summary, the policies, the process, decisions, and sanctions all come from the student, faculty, and staff communities. Surely we all want a safe campus environment, responsible dialog, and changes that improve the system and process. We hope to continue to work together toward that end. 

Sending the Right Messages

Members of the Student Affairs staff presented two extremely well-done programs as part of New Student Orientation this past week. The first program was on day two. It is a program on Bystander Intervention and is intentionally heavy for so early on. But the idea is to be proactive right from the start.

With a focus on sexual assault, Kristin Eisenhauer, Senior Staff Psychologist, led a team in preparing and presenting this important program. The emphasis of the program is on looking out for one another. It takes the onus from victims of assault and charges everyone with community-based responsibility for watching out for students who may be in trouble, students who may get themselves in trouble, and students who are, well, just standing by. It is a powerful program that extends to other areas (homophobic slurs, for example) and teaches students ways to stand up for what is right.

At a time when many institutions are under fire for under-responding to sexual assault, institutions are searching for ways to address complex issues involved in sexual assaults on campus. Trinity has updated its Web page and policy recently in an effort to be in even more transparent compliance with Title IX. That legislation requires schools to offer education. The Bystander Intervention program hits all the right notes in doing so. Trinity has long been ahead of the curve in having transparent policies and public information via the Web to address these serious issues in order to do the right thing - not just be in compliance.

Alison and Jasmeen

Doing the right thing includes addressing the important social issues that can arise on diverse campuses such as Trinity's. The national award winning program "The Story of Our Community Begins With You," was updated and presented on Sunday night of New Student Orientation. The program is not the same old thing regarding diversity. It is intended to be inclusive of everyone and broaden the definition beyond race. Many of us, here, tired of programs that started with "we all bring diversity" and then focused only on race. Still a major element of diversity, this program also offers information on non-traditional students, students with disabilities, body image, age, and more. The program was masterfully coordinated by Soisouda Inthavong Smith with many faculty, staff, and student presenters. Unfortunately a technical glitch interrupted this short, homegrown, and excellent video on religion, but it has been sent to the new students in their class newsletter.

The program ends with a clip from a John Quinones/Oprah show that involves bystander intervention - of all things. Following the clip, the students got to meet the two real-life heroes in the clip, Trinity grads Alison Talbert and Jasmeen Waliany. They stepped up against discrimination of a Muslim woman.

While I know I am boasting on my deserving staff, I do so unapologetically. They delivered some knock-out programs. It isn't just my perception that these programs hit their marks. While the assessment of orientation, overall, will be conducted in a few days, our assessment-oriented team did some on-site surveys after these two programs. Initial findings on the intervention program show that 67% feel very prepared and 33% feel somewhat prepared to help someone in our community as bystanders. In the diversity program a sample of the assessment data shows that 87% of the students strongly agree or agree that they want to explore more about their identity as a result of the program. And, 83% were able to reflect on one new aspect of their identity.

Day Break

Administrative Assistants from Student Affairs start their day with a homemade breakfast!

To celebrate Administrative Assistants Day, the Student Affairs Directors hosted the annual divisional breakfast at the home of first lady Penelope Harley on April 24. The breakfast break has become an annual tradition in which the directors cook breakfast and the other staff members serve and clear in order to turn the tables on our wonderful Administrative Assistants.

Members of  each department said a few words about their beloved and thanked them for their hard work, their efforts to make our jobs easier, and their excellence in how they serve our students. We are lucky to have (pictured above) Ruby, Lisa, Cecily, Sam (first row), and Maureen, Judy, Minerva-lous, Amy, and Carolyn (back row standing) on the Student Affairs team. Thanks for all you do!

Director-level staff serve up some good eats for the staff on April 24, 2013.

Dog Tales

The Acabellas
"The Dog Days Are Over" by Florence and the Machine. Yes, I actually have this song on my iPod Shuffle. I love this iteration of the Acabellas, but what's new. The Acabellas and Trinitones are bright spots in the Trinity landscape. Everyone loves them. Woof.

Rabid Runner
This week I sent out an email rant to faculty and staff about illegal violations of the posting policy. I was trying to make it funny and mentioned that perhaps a root of the rant was that I had been bitten by a dog. Come to find out that the joke circulating among staff is to ask, "so did the dog die?" Grrrowl. I'll take it  though, because I have no choice and it is kinda funny.

So I was off on Monday and running on the Riverwalk when a nice young couple stopped me and asked for my help because a stray dog was drowning in the river and "about to go under." The man was younger and stronger looking than me, so I was was flattered that they chose me as their co-hero. Of course it was a Monday morning and no one else was around. Well, as a vegetarian, the idea of a dog drowning just hit the right nerve. I believe in animal rights, except, of course, for cats. Anyways, the guy and I leaned over to try to get the dog before he went under and the best I could do was grab his tail. The dog's I mean. What happened next was anticipated and unexpected at the same time. I remember thinking "I think this will hurt," and when it's teeth sank into my arm I thought, "eh, not as bad as I thought." This did allow me to grab the nape of the dog's neck and between the two of us we were able to pull the dog out to safe ground. It was really my fault, so I bear no ill will toward the dog.

My arm bled a lot. But a San Antonio River Authority worker helped patch me up so I could finish my run. I went to the Texas Med Clinic for a tetanus shot and was told I needed rabies shots. "What happens if you get rabies anyways" I asked the doctor. "You die." Oh. I did not know that. So eight shots and $3,500 later I have started to second guess the rescue. Especially because the River Authority guy told me they usually let the animals get REALLY tired and then use a net to help them out. Good to know as well. They have apparently pulled out a pig and a coyote and numerous dogs. No word on cats. An interesting debate between two of the workers actually escalated. Apparently one thought the dog was male and the other insisted it was female because it had lactating "teets." Hmmmm. Okay... I thought they were both right. Blood loss I guess.

A Police Officer asked if I wanted Animal Control called at the time and I said "no." I mean, imagine rescuing a dog only to have it thrown in the pound and euthanized. I could have just kept running. Anyways, two shot regimens down and two to go. And maybe some lucky puppies have their stray momma around, thanks in part to me.

Student Affairs Dog
After a couple of years of having service dogs and TSA dogs on campus for students to pet for final exam study breaks the staff is making a pitch to be a foster campus for a puppy. Katharine Martin and the Trinitonian staff will do the lion's share of the work. But the dog would stay with us for a year and be available for students to play with and borrow. It will be trained to be a drug-sniffing dog and I guess a college campus is a good place to prep for that. Former Dean Coleen Grissom used to say, "residence halls are no places for living things." During the week the dog will be either in CCI, Campus Publications, the Dean of Students Office, or maybe the Witt Center.

Preliminarily we plan on getting the dog a Twitter account and will also have walk-in(g) hours. TSA still needs to approve us to be a foster family. But we're normal. Right?

Special Delivery

Who knew? Certainly not me. That's embarrassing. The man who had been working behind the counter at the Mail Center for the last two years had a bigger plan. Since the Mail Center is an important part of the division of Student Affairs, I should know more about the people working in my area. So when Joe Ruiz told me last week that he was leaving for Philadelphia to join the Augustinian order I was surprised. Wouldn't he be at Trinity forever? No. He will spend a year at Villanova and then move to Racine to begin his novitiate the following year.

I knew Joe to be a religious man. I even knew him to be a Catholic and to have an advanced degree. Shame on me for not learning more sooner. He took a couple years off from his religious life to be sure he had found the right calling. While serving students and employees here with a kind and understated demeanor he was also confirming his own path. That path is to become an Augustinian brother. Joe has a deep faith. He is introspective and he has dedicated much of his life to serving others.

Joe's last day here is August 12. Joe attended St. Edward's in Austin and was a first generation college student and part of the McNair program there. He graduated cum laude in 2006. He completed his Master of Arts at the Oblate School of Theology in 2010.

I have learned two things from Joe's experience. The first is really just a reinforcement of something I already knew. The Trinity community, as with almost any other, is filled with people who have interesting and surprising stories. Sometimes you just need to pay attention. Thanks for the reminder, Joe.

The second lesson is that no work is unworthy. I knew that too. Joe is an exemplary employee. Like his colleagues, Carl, Mary, and Edward, he has great pride in the quality of work done in the Mail Center. Carl and Edward have found ways to save the University tens of thousands of dollars through increased efficiency standards. Mary will tear up talking about her interactions with student workers and other students. She has been a mother to some and is as proud as anyone of Trinity University. One thing I love about my Student Affairs colleagues is that each one thinks his or her job is the most important one and the best one on campus. It is an amazing group. (Although my job really IS the best one!)

Once again, I am reminded of the specialness of the Trinity community. The stories are everywhere. This one was closer to home than I recognized. So with that, best wishes to Joe as he pursues his ministry. After all, it seems it never really stopped.

It's a Wrap: Happy Holidays!

Dr. William Burke (above) serves at the Residential Life midnight breakfast on December 9, 2010. The tradition happens each semester during the second reading day. This year, Student Affairs staffers invited professors to assist in the program. See the slide show, which features photos of the professors with those who invited them, pre-gaming of caffeine at Starbucks, and fun between the students and those working the event. A second slide show features students, many whom arrived in costume directly from the library Rave. The following day, Residential Life, under the coordination of Cally Chenault, brought puppies to campus for a stress-relief break. It seemed to have worked (see slide show).

These events were preceded by the Trinity Christmas Concert, Vespers, and Christmas on Oakmont. Because there is not a VP for Student Affairs living on Oakmont this year, the staff pulled together to feature a Charlie Brown themed open house at 146 Oakmont. Thanks to Cecily Cassidy and the rest of the staff for really putting together a fun display and reception!

Here is to wishing all students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and friends a very happy and joyous holiday season. The blog will hibernate until the University reopens in January.

Minerva, Meredith, M*A*S*H, and Mary

Student Affairs staff member Minerva Lopez, shown with President Dennis Ahlburg, was the recipient of the Helen Heare McKinley Employee Excellence Award for September, 2010. Minerva is on the left.

An announcement by committee member Meredith Elsik noted: Minerva has been a member of the Trinity community for over 10 years, currently serving as the Senior Secretary in the Counseling Services offices. She also worked as a secretary in the Health Care Administration department for several years. One of her co-workers described Minerva’s dedication to her job, saying “Minerva Lopez is the Radar O’Reilley of Counseling Services. Like the M*A*S*H character, Minerva knows how to get things done and makes them happen."

Minerva was also honored at the annual University Awards ceremony for ten years of service. At that same ceremony, Mary Butler, from the campus Mail Center, was recognized for 20 years of service to Trinity University. Mary is a tremendous employee and colleague and serves with pride and enthusiasm. She is pictured with several family members who attended the October 5 ceremony. She is the one clutching the award like she earned it every day of those 20 years. Congratulations to these great two staff members!

Interim Steps

In the role of interim VP for Student Affairs I identified several major goals for the year ahead, dating back to February. Serving in this role offers an opportunity to address some things that are stuck in my craw and that will hopefully reduce some ongoing friction points with students. The big three, in no particular order, are as follows:

Dining Services
ARAMARK will be presenting some preliminary findings to student government next Monday from the Market View study they have been conducting over the past several months. The preliminary recommendations should be well-received by students, faculty, staff, and the administration. The next step will be to study the costs of the recommendations and then roll them out to the students and University community this fall. Some changes could be made as soon as early spring. I am very excited about the opportunities for an extreme makeover to our dining program.

Greek Life
Next week a consultant will meet with fraternities and sororities as a community and then individually to look at our overall program and individual club orientation programs and values. This is on the heels of the roll-out of the new Greek Alumni Advisory Board and the new alumni advising system that is being put into place. In addition, and related to the consulting, we will convene a group that can help us develop ways for groups to socialize off campus in as safe a manner as possible. This is also exciting as it appears that administrators (particularly me), students, and alumni are all ready for a less adversarial relationship. We need the alumni involvement in this and they are thrilled to be involved.

Residency Requirement
At the Board of Trustee meeting late next week we will take a little time to discuss the three-year residency requirement. Why do we have it? Is it still relevant? Does it hurt more than it helps? Does it make students feel controlled? Do our facilities support the requirement? I have ideas, but the trustees certainly do too. Ideas from this discussion will be helpful as the full university-wide strategic planning process unfolds this year.

Student Affairs is still engaged in year three of its own five-year strategic plan, is looking at weekend campus programming options, hoping to revive the Tigers' Den (related to ARAMARK plan), developing leadership programs and a men's conference, building a sexual assault survivor ally program, and is focusing on social media as a way to connect with students and other constituents. Expanding or redefining Career Services will certainly be discussed in the broad strategic planning efforts of the University. Look for updates on these issues and others in Student Affairs as the semester moves forward.

Crystal Blue Persuasion

I was the first in line on Wednesday to have my image etched in crystal for free. I was the last in line too. Kind of ironic, since this promotion was a student organized TIGER Council event. Here is how it worked: Kramer Entertainment does a Clearly You Laser Crystal Imaging program that burns a 3D image into a two inch tall crystal piece. I had to have one. Or two.

The primary organizer, student Philip Jensen, says that in the six-hour time period of the event, 120 crystals were etched. Or maybe 122. I love this idea. Through the years I have seen student fees spent on concerts, inflatable moon bounces, movies, and scads of t-shirts. One of the most popular programs is the wax hands event during the Welcome Week Coates Caper. But this is the coolest thing, because you walk away with a little somethin' for yourself. Now I'm not materialistic, but... Oh, I forgot, I am. Philip tells me they normally sell for $60 retail.

I needed two crystals though. The first as a gag-wedding gift for former VP Felicia Lee and her soon to be husband. He-hee. It is in the mail. The other one, though, is a get-out-of-trouble-free token for my wife. The next time we have a fight, and at the point at which I lose - again, I will pull out the crystal in its nice little gift box (more like a crystal casket, to be candid) and give it to her: as in, "Well, the timing of the fight was really bad, because I actually got this for you..." Oh man. I may start a fight just to give it to her. The crystal.

So, at day's end I asked the Kramer people if I could get a second crystal, since my image was already on file. (I actually worked during the six hours in-between, I swear.) The man said "no, one per customer." Well, really, I don't know if that was his rule to make. We (the students) were paying, and there wasn't anyone waiting. He just wanted to go home. So I played the VP card for the first of what I hope to be many times. I asked Josh Beebe, the TIGER advisor, to see what he could do for me. Josh went up to the guy and said, "Hey, my VP would really like another crystal, and you would be doing me a favor..." Oh man. He is good. I have a new-found respect for him. The result: crystals are mine... all mine.

The truth is, I suspect Dr. Lee and my wife will return these to me because the crystals are, honestly, a little creepy. That's okay though. Someone already suggested that I now have my white elephant gift for next year's Student Affairs Christmas party. Maybe two.

Anyways, congratulations to Philip, and TIGER, and Josh. This was cool. I hope they do it again. I suspect that will make Phil, and Josh, a little nervous. But not me.

Good Grief

Dr. Felicia Lee, above addresses the Student Affairs staff one last time after being recognized for her leadership, vision, enthusiasm, wisdom, and friendship. The outpouring of genuine sadness over her departure has been comforting: Her connections at Trinity were not just personal, but communal. Students, colleagues, parents, trustees all love her, and more than one has told me they want to be her - or would even settle for being like her. She has drawn out the University's social conscience and preached a message about loving others, excellence, and integrity. She leaves to be with her husband-in-waiting, James, and with her family in California.

From the Student Affairs perspective she has built a caring team that has a strong and renewed sense of itself and its mission for serving, supporting, and challenging students - and for serving others in the world around us. The division also presented Dr. Lee with a slide show to express our feelings and appreciation, and share it here.

Our grief will subside and in its place will be nothing but fond memories, admiration, and tremendous respect. It is a loss. But it has sure been good. Best wishes Dr. Felicia Lee!

Serving up the Holidays

Above, some members of the Student Affairs staff served up breakfast on Thursday, December 10 at midnight to hundreds of TU students. This is the seventh annual winter breakfast served to students as a study break during this tense (finals and packing) and fun (break is here!) time of year. Wanda Olson, Associate Director of Residential Life actually took over this program from me several years ago. My version of the program had students paying for their own breakfast and the midnight feast was actually at 10 pm. It was a flop. Mrs. Olson injected life and holiday spirit into the program, making it an important campus tradition. It has become so popular that it is held in the spring now as well. Also serving with the SA staff was director of the library, Diane Graves, Admissions dude Jeremy Johnson, and Tiger Card director and Santa, Jerry Ferguson.

This is the last scheduled post of the semester. The Dean's List blog will resume its regular irregular publication schedule in early to mid-January. Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays!

I'm NOT Gay (not that there's anything wrong with that*)

You don't want to receive an e-mail from your wife that reads "I always knew you were gay!" It seems my appearance in a recent student video project though, featuring Trinity grad Michael Elder, has spurred some questions. I prefer to think of myself as a good sport. This video was part of Bri McGlammory's Tiger TV project for the "Not So Late Show." I was happy to participate. Sometimes my internal filter doesn't work so well, but I did decline Mike's invitation to spoof the Lady and the Tramp spaghetti scene, and I did pass up on an on-screen back-rub. When Mike asked if I could sit "sexily" on the piano I told him that was the only way I knew how. Having seen the video I now realize that's not entirely true. I fear I have single-handedly taken the sex out of sexily.

I have gotten questions about my orientation lately because I also have a touring bag for when I am on my bike. It is NOT a purse. My dad used to have keys and a billfold. That's it. I have a camera, for my blog, an iPhone, reading glasses, earphones, business cards... I think you understand.

The picture above? Now I can explain that. Again, I was just being a good sport. I passed by this photo op on the esplanade and was in a playful mood so I jumped in. I thought it was funny. I am NOT gay. I didn't actually kiss the guy, and I'm glad, because it turns out he is not even a student. The young woman, Alison Kimura is, and this was a photo project for a Beginning Photography course by Kara Lee Shervanick.

But more to the point... Trinity University has an obligation to accept all of our students for who they are -- and that includes those students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender. The challenge is to move from being just tolerant to actually welcoming and embracing this population (probably about 5% of the student body, not counting those questioning their sexual orientation and gender identity). Fortunately, recent generations have become much more open to lifestyles that are different than their own and the University has some strong allies for them throughout the faculty and staff, most notably Dr. Richard Reams in Counseling Services. According to Dr. Reams about two-thirds (64%) of the 34 LGB students who responded to an anonymous LGB Campus Climate Survey last semester reported the climate to be somewhat or very welcoming, an increase from 47% in 2004.

Some people worry about this welcoming approach to our gay population. I have had e-mail exchanges with older alumni who feel that THEIR Trinity would never have allowed homosexual students to form a student group. In an exchange that I was accidentally copied on, one person openly speculated that I was probably a "faggot." In my own journey away from homophobia, I discovered I wasn't offended by this.

There are other signs I have evolved. My reaction to the photo above was not "oh my, did I really pretend to kiss a guy," but rather "dang, I need a haircut." I no longer ask Dr. Reams to put an asterisk (*not gay) by my name in the annual Trinitonian ad welcoming gay, lesbian, and transgender students to campus. And, I didn't find the request to do the video that big of a deal. (Out of respect for my wife, I would have actually declined if a female student had asked to do this.) But now my wife and I have other issues to resolve.

In many offices on campus, including mine, there are rainbow signs that state "LGBT Ally." These offices are safe places for students to discuss their lives authentically. I like that. This should be a safe place. I suspect in years to come, when this generation is in charge, those proclamations won't even be necessary. I plan to meet them there.

*Seinfeld reference

Mission Accomplshed

This is a story about coffee mugs. Not ordinary coffee mugs. These are brand new Student Affairs coffee mugs. The mugs feature the Student Affairs mission and the values that the Division members hold dear. This is good stuff and the development of the mission/vision/values was the first step in assembling the Student Affairs strategic plan. That five-year plan contains important elements, including goals and learning outcomes. The goals and outcomes are all systematically being assessed to determine what students learn as the results of our efforts to develop the co-curricular educational experience for our students.

Thanks for getting this far: There will be a payoff. Before the current VP arrived there was a different new mission that was about learning, helping students discover their identities, and helping them discover their places in the world. We brainstormed then about how to brand and communicate our mission, which was before we had our own Web page. One of the ideas was coffee mugs. Sometimes something gets into your head and it won't go away, like the new Miley Cyrus song or the Princess Leia costume in Star Wars. That's the same with me and the coffee mugs.

So, the odyssey began. Students should know that in any work environment employees must justify programs, proposals, purchases, and expenditures That is usually a good thing, to ensure that people are good stewards of their resources. The questions that the mugs and I faced were: How much will the mugs cost? Who will pay for the mugs? What is the point of the mugs? Are they for the staff to learn the values more closely? Are they for others who need to learn our mission? Will they promote the Student Affairs mission and values? Should we have t-shirts instead? Are the costs justified? Where will you get the mugs?

The mugs were approved under the condition they be paid for out of the Dean of Students' humble budget. In order to properly dispense the mugs to the Student Affairs staff I decided to host a Student Affairs "coffee" morning for staff members to come to Northrup 118 for some hot joe and their new mugs. So began odyssey two. I communicated this idea to the Residential Life staff, to which they were supposed to say: "Great idea for the give-away of the great mugs!" In reality their responses were: "I don't drink coffee, do I still have to come?" and, "if you have hot chocolate people might come," and "I only drink tea. Will you have tea?" Josh Brack announced that he would use his mug as a pen holder and not for a drink. The other thing students should know about work environments is that sometimes you just feel like giving up.

So the morning of the unveiling and the Student Affairs "Coffee/Hot Chocolate/Tea Reception" Vice President Felicia Lee responded to my query about her excitement-level by responding "You and those mugs. You are like a pit bull with those mugs." I think this was code for "you, my friend, might just get a bonus this year. The morning was going well. There was great vindication. Staffers were stopping by, enjoying their choices of beverages in the new mugs (which everyone pointed out should be rinsed first...) and then Reverend Nickle gleefully announced that the word "department," in the mission, was supposed to be "development." Though the values on the mugs include things like caring, respect, and integrity, the value of "ha-ha-ha, the stupid mugs aren't even right!" seemed to trump the others. My attempts to blame my senior secretary, the mug company, and Dr. Lee's current and former assistants never gained traction.

All subsequent visitors were asked to read the mission and none of THEM picked up on the mistake. Much like you may have missed the misspelling in the title of this post. If not for the Rev, these mugs would be on the hot ticket list today, rather than being pushed in the face of the Dean of Students by his wonderful colleagues. Amen Reverend.

This all evoked memories of the inaugural Sophomore College t-shirt I designed that read "Sophmore College," and the "Trinty Parent" newsletter. And I consider myself a detail guy. And so goes the story of the Student Affairs mugs... The story of serving, of supporting, and becoming global citizens. And maybe on the next go-around, of double and triple checking.

Lee-ding Off

Dr. Felicia Lee, VP for Student Affairs delivered a rousing welcome speech to new students on Saturday, August 22 in Laurie Auditorium. The talk, using references to Harry Potter, Twilight, and Mountains Beyond Mountains challenged students to choose love over lust in how they approached their relationships with one another and the University over the next four years.

This was the first time all of the students were gathered together sans family members. Check out the slide shows at right showing pictures of students and family members at the closing breakfast on Saturday morning.

A second slide show gives a sense of the flavor of the Team Trinity move-in crew. Below, the group is iin full attack mode, descending on a vehicle, piranha-style: Picking it clean to welcome a new student by carrying items up to the room in one energized swoop.

Holy Trinity

I don't know that it is sacrilegious to observe that in the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that the Holy Spirit gets the least ink. The deity is a bit like Ringo of the Beatles, or Kevin of the Jonas Brothers.

On Saturday night, however, I had the experience of seeing the Holy Spirit descend upon University Chaplain Reverend Stephen Nickle. It was during the closing remarks of the "Surviving and Thriving" panel for new students. This is our sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll talk that accompanies hilarious and moving skits by the student residential life staff. As we were invited to speak, I could sense a change happening with Rev. Nickle. While each of us on the panel made our remarks he clearly was in a different place. He was seated to my right, and he sat back, deferring to the panel as an unmistakeable focus came over him and his eyes welled up. This is when the Spirit moved him.

I have often been amazed at how in impromptu settings the Rev. can summon the Lord with an articulation most couldn't invoke at the computer screen, under little pressure. This time I saw it happen, and it was inspiring. As he leaned into the microphone and began to preach the final message of the night, the audience sensed it too, I think. What he said mattered less than how he said it, as he lifted the new students. I think they understood, as did I, that it was more than just words. For that moment, he led us to believe.

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah

Directors and Assistant Directors from Student Affairs take a day to celebrate the joys of work by just plain playing. (The "fun" day followed the VP-Directors retreat the previous day in which the mind-numbing topics of budgets, strategic planning, annual reports, and student-development theory took center stage.) So fun was in order as the group, along with their second-in-commands, went zip-lining at the Cypress Valley Canopy Tours just southeast of Austin. Above, staff members from the VP office, Chapel, Career Services, and Counseling Services celebrate being tied together by their pelvic harnesses.

Off the Market: Steiger to Wed

Coordinator for Disability Services, Gavin Steiger recently announced his engagement to his girlfriend Lora Yanta. Steiger made the announcement by stating, quite formally and casually at once: "I have an announcement. I am engaged." I'm not clairvoyant, but had recently predicted the pending nuptials, though may not have actually verbalized it. The pair has targeted May for the wedding. Ms. Yanta is a kindergarten teacher with NISD. Mr. Steiger is set to begin his third year at Trinity, where he assists students seeking accommodations for disabilities. At left, they are pictured at the 2008 Student Affairs Winter Jubilee.

Hot Stuff in Residential Life

Trinity President John Brazil awards Residential Life Senior Secretary Lisa Chapa the Helen Heare McKinley Classified Employee Award for June, 2009. Tucked in the President's left hand is an accompanying check! Lisa Chapa started working in Res Life as a temporary gig in 2001.("Classified" staff members are hourly employees.) This award was set-up by its namesake to be awarded quarterly to those who work tirelessly though often without recognitions. Lisa was lured to campus by Wanda Olson on her day off to do work on the departmental budget for the VP. Lisa came to campus, because of her loyalty, only to be surprised by colleagues, family, and camera flashes.

Below, Assistant Director for Residential Education, Katie Storey, is bear-hugged by a proud Felicia Lee, VP for Student Affairs, after receiving the Pete Neville Award, given annually by the Student Affairs director/VP staff to an exemplary staff member. The award was presented at the annual Student Affairs after-glow luncheon following the academic year in late May (see slide show at the bottom of the blog). The event was held at LaFonda on Main. Historical note: There used to be a LaFonda near the airport, but it is now the Adult Megaplex.

Grand Kenyon

Happy Secretary Day to Lynette Kenyon (second from left) , Senior Secretary in the Dean of Students Office. Lynette joined us last summer and does a spectacular job. Aside from proofing my blog, Lynette does a lot of work on the TrinitE Parent newsletter, publishes the TigerBytes newsletter, fills out paperwork for students who need Dean Certification forms, and manages all student conduct administrative work. She is fun, puts up with me, calls me when I am not where I should be, and thinks I am amusing. All important job requirements!

She is pictured above with Lisa Chapa (far left) from Residential Life, Alanna Saldivar (second from right) from Dr. Lee's office, and Cally Chenault (far right) also from Residential Life. The photo is from the annual Student Affairs breakfast where the directors cook for the administrative staff. Other staff members serve and clean. it is a small way to thank our outstanding colleagues.