MO-KAN-NEStudent Leadership Conference

Professional RoundtableJune, 2008

Valdis Zalite, Academic Development CoordinatorAcademic Support Centers

Southeast Missouri State University(573) 651-2273

vzalite@semo.edu

Trent Ball, Associate Dean of StudentsAcademic Support Centers

Southeast Missouri State University(573) 986-6135tball@semo.edu

Educational Access Programs (EAP), Learning Assistance Programs and Disability Support Services (LAP/DSS), McNair Scholars Program, and Student Support Services (SSS)

Adapted in part from PSA Counseling, Hurst, TX.

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Caregiving in Higher Education refers to the provision of assistance to another individual or student. 

It often requires attention to the physical, emotional, mental, and psychological needs and well-being.

Caregiving is “reality” based and places the “responsibility” on the student.

2

Caretaking in Higher Education is a rescuing approach that relies on a distorted sense of power.

It is centralized and preoccupied with the need to feel appreciated and helpful.

This is a mentality focused on saving and helping versus having others help themselves.

3

1.) Limited involvement

2.) Objective vs. Subjective

3.) Non-supportive

4.) Demanding

5.) Lack of empathy

4

1.) Excessive involvement

2.) Subjective vs. Objective

3.) Insecure

4.) Matriarchal/Patriarchal

5.) Disempower

5

After the summer program orientation, a student consistently approaches you concerning scheduled activities and her class schedule.

She states that she has misplaced her informational packet and cannot find it.

In this situation, how would you assess this student?

6

An alum from your program has not done well academically in his first semester at the university level. He visits your office to discuss his options.

During the conversation, he asks whether or not it would be wise to attend a community college next semester and plan to return to the university level in the fall.

In this situation, how would you assess this student?

7

Students who receive Caregiving benefit from both support and guidance.

Support and guidance are reinforced by the acquisition of new skills and the understanding of appropriate consequences for their behavior.

Students grow physically, emotionally, mentally, and psychologically.

8

Students who receive Caretaking are enabled to continue unproductive behavior.

They often do not experience appropriate consequences for behaviors or decisions made, which reinforces enabling.

They are rescued. Students often continue to

exhibit unproductive behavior and eventual burnout.

9

What are the benefits of Caregiving? Caretaking?

Are there any questions or issues raised during the session that need to be addressed?

This session was a brief overview of an extensive topic. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to contact us with the e-mails and phone numbers provided.

Thank You for attending this session!

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