Valdosta State University 2016 OPE Guidebook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Residence Life Philosophy………….…………..…1

Higher Education at VSU …………….……………5

Residence Hall Director…………….……………8

Professional Res -Life Team………..…..………10

Valdosta, GA………………………….…..………14

Residence Life Policy

Mission : Valdosta State University Housing and Residence Life is committed to

providing a safe , dynamic residential experience on campus through inclusive

educational opportunities that promote Personal Growth , Diversity, Leadership

Development and Academic Success for every resident who calls Valdosta State

University , HOME !

Vision : in the spirit of excellence , Valdosta State University Housing & Residence

Life commits to teaching & preparing every resident in the pursuit of knowledge

and growth .

Higher education : student affairs at vsu

Program overview : The Student Affairs Track prepares students for academic

management positions in higher education settings . the curriculum incorporates

historical , cultural , and sociological perspectives that impact today's modern

practitioner . The program also incorporates a research internship component

which sets this program apart from many programs in the U . S . , and encourages

development of research skills in a higher education – setting . Many Student

Affairs students benefit from Graduate Assistantship positions within the Division

of Student Affairs . These positions provide both financial benefits , ( including

tuition reduction and stipends ) and professional experiences that will benefit

them professionally post – graduation .

faculty

Karla hull , ed.d

Professor of Higher Education

Leadership and Program Coordinator

[email protected]

James Gregory Archibald ph.d , lpc

Vice president

for student affairs

[email protected]

As an RHD you will have opportunities to :

Complete your Masters Degree while obtaining valuable work experience

and a midsized diverse university

Participate in departmental recruitment processes for professional ,

paraprofessional staff , and student leaders

Partake in campus - wide and departmental training coordinated by

Residence Life professional staff

Provide assistance and adjudicate conduct hearings for students within

residence halls

Oversee the facilitation and implementation of campus - wide programming

efforts

Create , Implement , and facilitate Community Action plan for residence hall

based off of Residential Curriculum

work with University Police Department , Counseling Center , and other

Stakeholders for on call response of 3,000 residents

Perform on call response rotation for 3,000 on campus residents

Co-teach RA course for RA candidates during the Spring Semester

Graduate Residence Hall Directors

Alyson Stewart

Brown Hall RHD

Education: B.A. Public Relations

University of Alabama

Masters Program: Marriage and Family Therapy

Why do you love being a RHD at VSU?

I like working on a one-on-one basis with students, hearing their

stories, and working on strategies to reframe weaknesses as

strengths. As an RHD my priority is preparing them for the next

chapter in their life while simultaneously helping them enjoy the

process of where they are in the moment. My hope is to create

unfathomable experiences for students, to help them to strive for

more than their best.

Mackenzie Sirmans

Centennial Hall RHD

Education: B.S. Social & Community Development

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

Masters Program: Higher Education


I love being and RHD at Valdosta because I have the

opportunity to challenge, not only myself, but my students.

Watching them growing I amazing people is so incredibly

rewarding. I am constantly learning and growing from my

experiences here. I love the students and the staff that I get to

work with! My job doesn't feel like a job when I am surrounded

by such amazing and fun people! Being an RHD here at

Valdosta was one of the best choices I could have made!

Angel Maxwell

Converse and Hopper Hall RHD

Education: B.A. Business Administration

California State University San Bernardino



As an RHD here at Valdosta, I look forward to changing

the world, one conversation at a time. It's the journey

that you go through and those who you've impacted

along the way that make us the professionals we aspire to

be. Here at Valdosta, you certainly will gain those

opportunities with the challenging courses and perspectives of the residents.

Stephanie Pocsi

Georgia Hall RHD

Education: B.A.A Early Childhood Development

Central Michigan University



Being a Hall Director teaches you so much about Higher Education

and the field of Student Affairs. Being a Hall Director at Valdosta

State University has taught me so much about the person I want to

be in this field. The opportunities that I've had to work with

students, to gain knowledge and insight into issues and events that

are shaping higher education, and the support I have received from

the professional staff have all allowed me to grow, not only as a

professional, but as a human.

Tim Frederick

Langdale Hall RHD

Education: B.S. Psychology

Eastern Michigan University



I love being an RHD at Valdosta because I have the opportunity

to impact a wide array of students that come from many

different backgrounds. Further, I enjoy my role here as a Hall

Director because you have the unique opportunity to actually

run the Hall you work in. Most universities you will find

yourself as an assistant hall director, or doing limited work. At

Valdosta State, you do it all! Conduct, Advising, Supervision,

Assessment, Programming, Administrative work, you name it!

It gives you a great foundation for your job search in the field of

student affairs. It will challenge you, but you cannot develop

without a challenge. You will love your Hall Director Experience

here!

Miguel Olivera

Lowndes Hall RHD

Education: B.S. English (concentration Creative Writing)

Central Michigan University



I love mentoring the RA staff who in turn help and guide our

residents. It is also cool that the department feels small enough

that all of the RAs know each other.

Lauren Mingo

Patterson Hall RHD

Education: B.S. Integrative Studies

Oakland University



I enjoy being an RHD at VSU because I am constantly

challenged to be better and grow in my role as a

professional, as well as a person. This position offers so

many great opportunities to work with students and share

with them so many of the aspects that, we as student

affairs professionals, stand for. Being in my role has given

me a unique perspective and knowledge that I would never

have been able to experience anywhere other than Valdosta

State.

Ethan Gray

Reade Hall RHD

Education: B.A. Criminal Justice

Valdosta State University

Masters Program: Public Administration

Why do you love being an RHD at VSU? I enjoy being an RHD here at Valdosta State because we are

treated like professional staff and have a voice in making

decisions here on this beautiful campus. You are truly apart

of the team here at VSU housing and residence life. I did my

undergrad here and then applied for grad school my last

semester of undergrad and chose to stay here based on the

past experience I have had here with this amazing school

and truly devoted HRL team we have her at VSU. I get the

opportunity to gain professional experience while taking

classes as a graduate student, and even though you’re a

graduate student they still allow you to make choices and

decisions that best fit the needs of your hall and residences.

It also helps that we have an amazing AC staff as well.

Holli Dawkins

Marketing and Public Relations GA


Mississippi State University

Masters Program: Industrial/Organizational

Psychology

Why do you love being a GA at VSU?

The Grads here get tons of professional development

opportunities/experience and the support from supervisors is

great!

Erica Velazquez

Residential Education GA





It is so nice to work with such a diverse, understanding, flexible

and caring group of people who are carefully selected for their

roles and they always strive to make the campus living

experience and my work experience the best that it can be! I

enjoy the emphasis that is placed on building community across

campus, within and outside of the residence halls. I definitely

enjoy being able to learn so much and be challenged in my

transition from a student role to a more professional, higher

level leadership role. Last but definitely not least, I could never

get tired of VSU's beautiful campus and all of the opportunities

to get involved and make your mark on campus!

Lynsei Love

Residential Education GA





I

Dr . Thomas W . Hardy

Director of Housing

Education: Ed.D Higher Education

University of Alabama

Dr. Hardy has been employed in several different

higher education institutions including Florida State

Univ., Maryville College, and the Univ. of Alabama. He

joined VSU as the Director of Housing & Residence Life

in the Fall of 2005. Dr. Hardy received his Bachelor of

Arts degree in History from St. Mary’s College of

Maryland, his Master of Science degree in Student

Affairs from Florida State University, and his Doctor of

Education degree from The University of Alabama.

Mark McNalley

Associate Director of Housing

Education: M.A. Higher Education

Ball State University

Mark oversees the development of our residential

curriculum and is the main contact for our LLC’s in the

residence halls. Additionally, Mark works with the Area

Coordinator for Brown, Lowndes, and Patterson on

community development plans for those halls. Finally,

Mark advises the National Residence Hall Honorary

(NRHH) student organization. Mark received his graduate

degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher

Education from Ball State University and he has a Mass

Communications degree from UVA-Wise.

Haley Lyman

Area Coordinator: Brown, Lowndes, and Patterson

Education: M.A Higher Education

University of Central Florida

What do you love most about VSU?

The beautiful buildings that make up campus as well as the

southern hospitality that everyone has.

Seth Sterlin

Area Coordinator: Georgia, Langdale, Reade

Education: M.Ed Higher Education



What I like most about VSU is the people that I get to

work with: the RAs, the grads, and the other

administrators that I work with on a daily basis, both in

and out of the housing department.

Lenora Willis

Area Coordinator: Centennial, Converse, Hopper

Education: M.Ed Higher Education

Salem State University


Coming from NJ, I’ve been around snow most of my life but

the weather here is so calming and relaxing; it feels like I’m

on vacation. Except when it rains, it’s hot and humid when

it rains. That’s not fun.

Welcome to Valdosta

Valdosta is located in South Georgia and is 22 miles away from the Florida State

line . Valdosta is a quant southern town that has tons of southern charm while

being close to many large cities . Valdosta is known for being called Titletown USA

for having the most winning football program in the U . S . and the Azalea City due to

the many Azalea flowers that grow in the town and the festival that is held in

March .

Although valdosta has a small – town atmosphere ,

there are many conveniences the city provides :

Large number of restaurants

Golf

Hunting

Fishing

Hiking Trails

Peachtree Theatre

Wild Adventures Theme Park

Large number of Boutiques and Shops

2 hours away from Jacksonville , Tallahassee , and Savannah

Climate

Valdosta has a humid subtropical climate with mild , wet winter , and humid

summers . Snowfall is rare but not unknown . During the winter months

temperatures rarely go below 25 degrees Fahrenheit .

Valdosta , georgia

Documents

Valdosta State University 2016 OPE Guidebook