Finding a Network of Support at the AVP Institute: Do You Speak-a My Language?

Starting a new position at a new institution is difficult no matter what level it may be, so imagine going from managing one department as an assistant dean and director to supervising 8 departments as an assistant vice president and dean of students. That certainly makes for quite a challenging transition, and I am convinced that success can only come from having a strong network of support.  That is exactly what I found by attending the NASPA AVP institute in January, 2015.  I was fortunate to have been hired by a Vice President of Student Affairs who values professional development and suggested that I attend the institute along with our other AVP. I count this experience as a pivotal point during my first year as AVP.  During the institute, an experienced group of senior level administrators served as faculty who generously shared their experiences and advice in presentations, in small groups, and during one-on-one consultations.  I especially appreciated the diversity of the presenters, not only with regard to gender and cultural backgrounds, but the diversity of the institutional types they represented. The institute presentations offered important topics, including: effective leadership, strategic planning, resource management, institutional politics, technology, social media, and equity and diversity. While the content shared in the presentations was informative, the most valuable part of the institute was the reflection group to which I was assigned, led by one of the faculty members.  It was really helpful to share information and discuss immediate strategies we could bring back to our campus. 

Being at the institute made me think about the line in the Men at Work song Down Under, "Do you speak-a my language?"  Only people in these “number two” roles understand the challenges of having to navigate micro and macro thinking and planning on a daily basis.  Talking to fellow AVPs at the institute brought me to the realization that I had just joined a group of leaders who have often gone under the radar because much of what we do is behind the scenes.  I am so glad NASPA decided to create resources and programming with a focus on AVPs.  The most important thing I walked away with, aside from numerous business cards from fellow AVPs who offered themselves as a sounding board whenever I needed a sympathetic ear, was the camaraderie and feeling that I was not alone. Since the institute, I committed to getting more involved by joining the AVP Steering Committee.  I have also used my connections from the institute by contacting the insightful individuals I met during the institute who have been generous with their time and advice as I started my second semester as AVP. I think the NASPA AVP Institute should be required for all AVPs, but definitely for those new in their roles. I highly recommend this valuable learning experience.

The 2016 NASPA AVP Institute – Excellence in the “Number Two Role” will be held January 28-30, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas.  To learn more about the Institute and to register to attend, click here.