A House Divided: Bringing Together
Academics and Student Services

All too often, community college faculty and staff revert to the jargon of divisiveness, referring to the “academic side of the house” and the “student services side of the house.” Compounding the problem is the suspicion and, in some cases, outright hostility with which faculty members and student services staff sometimes regard each other. Faculty members, student services staff seem to believe, can be unreasonably rigid and demanding of students. Student services staff, in the eyes of the faculty, may appear too wishy-washy and coddling. Obviously, neither of these attitudes helps to move the college forward or assists in its primary mission of serving students’ educational needs.

The key to resolving these differences and bringing the two sides of the house together is to make sure everyone feels equally invested in the success of the institution and its students. Open communication between academic professionals and student services professionals is a must, as are shared decision-making and even, in many cases, shared work spaces. It also helps when faculty members assist in carrying out responsibilities traditionally assigned to student services staff, such as advising and counseling students, and when staff members take on teaching roles, perhaps by leading orientation sessions.

Designed as a presentation for faculty, staff, and administrators, this offering can serve as a small group workshop as well. The presenter is a 20-year veteran of community colleges who has served as both an academic and a student services administrator. In fact, for several years he held appointments in both areas simultaneously. He is also a regularly featured columnist for the popular Two-Year Track segment in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Thus he brings to the topic not only a wealth of experience, but also a great deal of wit, insight, and good humor.

To find out more, email Ed Leach or call (480) 705-8200, x233.