Being a Supportive Partner in the Developmental Journey

RA/LCA Winter Training 2015Russell Aivazian & Lisa Rogers

What is a Developmental Journey?

As a result of this presentation, student staff will be able to:● Articulate their role as a partner in the developmental journey of their staff

members and peers.● Identify skills to utilize when acting as a partner on the developmental

journey.● Identify the ways in which their role in the developmental journey varies in

the context of different relationships.● Become familiar with foundational developmental theories in Higher

Education and understand how they can apply theory to their own development and the development of others.

Learning Outcomes

● Dualism● Multiplicity● Relativism● Commitment

Perry’s Scheme of Intellectual and Ethical Development

● Developing Competence● Managing Emotions● Moving through Autonomy toward Interdependence● Developing Mature Interpersonal Relationships● Establishing Identity● Developing Purpose● Developing Integrity

Chickering’s Theory of Identity Development

● Identify three areas where you have grown personally or within the position over the past five months.

● Why were these areas of growth for you? In other words, how did you identify those areas?

● Who aided in your growth? How did they help you grow?

YOUR Developmental Journey

● your supervisor● your residents● your peers

Understanding the Developmental Partnership with:

In your role, it is reasonable to expect that you will get professional/personal development from your supervisor. They are here to hold you accountable to your job, give feedback, provide support, and assistance. Through 1:1s and staff meetings, your development is aided.

...Your Supervisor

“RAs and LCAs are a primary resource for residents and must be familiar with the operations, programs, and services provided by the Department of Residence Life, Division of Student Development, and other University departments. RAs and LCAs establish rapport with residents on their floor or community through attentive listening, genuine care and support, awareness of student needs, and appropriate consultation and referral.”

...Your Residents

“As a member of the Department of Residence Life, it is vital that each RA/LCA actively contributes to staff meetings, hall programs, and department-wide programs and processes. It is necessary for RAs and LCAs to work closely with peers, RDs, and ARDs to establish proper communication, consistency, efficiency, and support.”

...Your Peers & Fellow Staff

● What are the qualities of a “good team member?”● What is your staff’s greatest need for this semester?● What do YOU need from your staff in order to

implement the Action Plan from your evaluation?

Supporting Your Team

● Understands your journey and is willing to share theirs.● Knows and communicates strengths and areas for

growth with team members.● Is willing to learn from others.● Is understanding that everyone has varying strengths

and speeds of development.● Finds ways to give and receive constructive feedback

with care.

A good team member...

● This isn’t easy...● Developmental partnerships are context-dependent.● Don’t sell your team members short...● Recognize your role in the development of your

staff/team, regardless of your title or year.● Getting to know your team members is crucial to

building good partnerships.

Key Takeaways

Questions?