Succeeding with Institutional PoliticsAFAT Presentation #9

Presented by Kerry RothStudent Engagement Coordinator

Florida State College at JacksonvilleNorth Campus

Adapted from a presentation created by Dan Rodkin - Santa Fe CollegeFebruary 13, 2010

History of the FAT and AFAT Programs

• The FCCSGA Advisors Training (FAT) Program is a series of eight educational sessions presented at Florida College System Student Government Association (FCSSGA) Presidents Assemblies, FCSSGA State Conference, and the Summer Advisers Workshop.

• Lead by experienced advisers and higher education professionals, these offerings are scattered over the year and offered multiple times, such that Advisers will need to attend multiple meetings to be able to attend all eight FAT sessions.

• The FAT Coordinator keeps a database of advisers who attend each session; advisers who complete all FAT Sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion, and FCCAA will send a letter to their College’s Senior Student Affairs Officer and President.

• The FAT Program was endorsed by the FCSSGA (then FJCCSG)A Advisers Association at their business meeting in August 2007.

• The first presentations were facilitated in November 2007.

History of the FAT and AFAT Programs 

• The eight FAT sessions include:• Adviser as an Information Resource Person• Student/Group Development Theory and Models• Role Modeling• Working with Students• Meetings & Activities• Student Government Finances• Legal Issues• The Legislative Process

Topics for the FAT sessions were determined from the results from 2003’s National Study of Student Government Advisers Responsibilities, with emphasis placed on the results from Florida’s community colleges.

History of the FAT and AFAT Programs

• Based on feedback from a survey of FJCCSGA Advisers Association members conducted in March and April 2009, and further discussion from the Advanced FAT Steering Committee, the Advanced FAT program was established.

• In order to receive the Advanced FAT Certification:– One must attend the 6 required “Core” courses.– One must attend 3 of the 5 “Elective” courses.– One must attend a FCCSGA summer, fall, & spring Presidents Assembly, a

State Conference, and a District Leadership retreat.– One must present a FAT or Advanced FAT session.

• The first AFAT sessions were facilitated in August 2009.

Advanced FAT Core:• Liability, Negligence, & Risk Management in Student Activities• 1st Amendment Issues• Effective Lobbying• Conflict Management• Collaborations with Academic Affairs • Assessment

Advanced FAT Electives:• Student Development Theories • Group Development Theories• Dealing with Institutional Politics• Retreat planning for SGA Executive Boards• Trends & Topics in the Florida College System

– Presented for the first time in August 2011 • What role does Student Activities play in the Complete College America agenda?• Baccalaureate Activities and Service (A&S) fees• Changes to Florida’s third party voter registration laws

History of the FAT and AFAT Programs

• Since it began in November 2007, 28 FCSSGA Advisors have completed FAT.

• In the June 2011, the first AFAT recipient was recognized.

Succeeding with Institutional PoliticsAFAT Election #9

What is Politics?

From the Greek poly meaning “many” and ticks meaning small blood sucking insects

Succeeding with Institutional Politics

Goals for this session:• Assessing political environment at an

institution• Aligning departmental objectives with

institutional mission and goals• Developing allies across the institution• Marketing & self-promotion

Political Environments• Who are your college’s “power players” and

VIPs?• What are your President’s priorities?• What interactions does your department have?• On what committees does your staff serve?• How is your department perceived by others?

– In terms of staff quality?– In terms of mission?– In terms of return of investment? – In terms of collaboration/cooperation

• Environmental assessments

Case Study #4

Florida State College at Jacksonville Mission Statement

The mission of Florida State College at Jacksonville is to provide optimal access to high quality, affordable and relevant degree, career and community education to enhance the lives of our

students and the economic development of Northeast Florida.

Florida State College at Jacksonville Student Life and Leadership Development Mission Statement

The Student Life and Leadership Development office is committed to providing a welcoming environment where

students can engage in campus life and community service through meaningful leadership programs, activities, and

events that enrich their lives and enhance their education.

Developing Allies

• How can your department help others’ achieve their goals?

• Say “Yes”• Serve on committees, task forces• Be visible at others’ events• Take others out to lunch• Sponsor other departments’ activities

Case Study #3

Marketing & Self-Promotion

• Branding• Recognition• Press Releases• Distribute publications• Volunteer information at meetings• Write reports targeting other

departments– See SF’s Academic Affairs report, Fall 2008

Case Study #1

Succeeding with Institutional Politics

Negotiation Tips•  Don’t bargain over positions• Separate the people from the problem• Focus on interests, not positions• Invent options for mutual gains• Insist on using objective criteria

~Fisher & Ury

Case Study #2

Succeeding with Institutional Politics

• Identify common Mission, Values & Goals• Determine what is important to VIPs & find

ways to contribute to those goals• Foster relationships w/ Academic,

Administrative & Student Affairs departments• Collaborate on mutually beneficial projects• Look for win-win solutions as challenges arise• Say “Yes” whenever possible

Succeeding with Institutional PoliticsAdvanced Florida College System Student Government Association Training (AFAT) Presentation #9

Presented by Kerry RothStudent Engagement CoordinatorFlorida State College at Jacksonville - North Campus ~droth@fscj.edu