Dear NASPA Strategic, Administrative, Operations, and Executive Advisory Roles constituent group members,
I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to each of you as we proudly unveil the inaugural issue of our quarterly newsletter. It is an incredible honor to serve as the chair for the NASPA Strategic Principal Advisor constituent group, and I am so pleased to be part of a community that plays a crucial role in the landscape of higher education leadership.
This newsletter represents a significant milestone in our journey together, providing a platform for us to connect, share insights, and celebrate the remarkable achievements within our diverse and dynamic group. As we navigate the ever-evolving challenges of our roles, this publication aims to foster a sense of camaraderie, facilitate collaboration, and offer valuable resources to support your professional growth.
In each issue, you can expect thought-provoking articles, member spotlights, and updates on the latest trends, best practices, and resources in the field. We will also showcase success stories, highlight upcoming events, and feature contributions from experts in higher education, including those in strategic principal advisor and chief of staff roles.
Our goal is to make this newsletter a reflection of the vibrant and innovative community we are building together. The content below highlights a few upcoming ways to get involved with this constituent group, and I encourage you to participate by sharing your experiences, insights, and suggestions for future engagements.
Thank you for being part of this exciting journey with the NASPA Strategic Principal Advisor constituent group. I am confident that this newsletter will become a valuable resource for all of us as we navigate the complexities of our roles and continue to contribute to the success of our institutions.
Wishing you a happy new year and a successful start of the spring semester!
Warmly,
Pete Smith
Chair
NASPA Strategic, Administrative, Operations, and Executive Advisory Roles Steering Committee
Chief of Staff, Student Affairs and Campus Life
University of Massachusetts Amherst
2024 NASPA Annual Conference Opportunities for Strategic Principal Advisors
The NASPA Strategic, Administrative, Operations, and Executive Advisory Roles Steering Committee is hosting a few opportunities for skill building and community time during the 2024 NAPSA Annual Conference in Seattle!
First, join us at the Pre-Conference Workshop on the Journey of a Strategic Principle Advisor in Student Affairs on Sunday, March 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT. Add it to your NASPA Conference registration here by Feb. 2.
We will also be hosting a Luncheon and Town Hall on Tuesday, March 12 from 12-1pm. in Summit 426.
Upcoming Virtual Conversation
Many Strategic Principal Advisors and Chiefs of Staff in student affairs oversee their division’s communications functions. Amidst the ongoing tensions of divided campuses and high-profile events, actions, and disruptions, the role of higher education communications professionals is more important than ever. Join the Strategic, Administrative, Operations, and Executive Advisory Roles Steering Committee for a panel discussion on communicating in the student affairs space. We’ll touch on student support, institutional statements, parents and families, and internal communications while attending to complexities of identity and power that these communications elicit.
Join us for this virtual session on Wednesday, February 7 at 3:00 p.m. ET.
Panel discussion followed by open Q&A and resource and information sharing.
Dr. Jennifer Rau, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, University of Miami
Dr. Jennifer Rau is currently the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Miami. Her main roles are providing leadership and strategic vision for the Student Affairs
Communications and Marketing team, the Camner Center for Academic Resources, International Student and Scholar Services, and the Assistant to the Senior
Vice President for Student Affairs while also serving as the University Ombudsperson. Dr. Rau earned her Ph.D at James Madison University from the College of Business in Strategic Leadership, her dissertation focused on the impact of student engagement and involvement as it relates to long-term volunteerism. She is also an adjunct professor of higher education at the University of Miami teaching in the masters and doctoral programs. Dr. Rau has worked in numerous areas of student affairs over two decades; orientation, campus recreation, student government, student activities, and has a passion for creating environments on-campus to support student success.
My advice for new Chief of Staff persons, learn everything you can about the university, the campus culture, and the people. Building relationships with faculty, staff and students across the university provides you a much needed support system which is essential to achieving the larger strategic goals. The role requires a balancing act of seeing the big picture and making strategic decisions that supports the overall vision. It can be stressful at times but know that you are not alone in this and your role contributes significantly to the excellence of your division, institution, and, most importantly, the student experience.
One thing I wish I knew before starting in this role is to ask more questions. I had succeeded up until that point by hard work but in this role, that is not enough. I struggled with wanting to do it all and on my own to prove myself, however, this is a recipe for failure. Quickly realizing how valuable other’s perspectives and counter arguments to the work was, I started to ask more questions and make sure to involve others.
Kill a Bug or Take it Outside Your House: Call one of my family members to assist – but preferably take it outside.
Sunrise or Sunset: Sunset, there is something magical about the sun setting, changing the sky into vibrant oranges and deep purples. Dusk on a college campus provides a sense of calm and community as students are winding down from their classes and connect with one another.
Books or Movies: I really enjoy reading and during this time of year. The winter break is a wonderful time to get lost in a novel and be rejuvenated by new thoughts and ideas from a non-fiction book.
Resources for Strategic Principal Advisors
Often a team of one, the strategic principal advisor or chief of staff role can feel like an enigma. What am I accountable for?, am I performing the role as intended?, and how can I be more effective and impactful?, are common questions. The NASPA Strategic, Administrative, Operations, and Executive Advisory Roles Steering Committee is pleased to share a library of resources you may find beneficial as you navigate the often uncharted career as a strategic principal advisor.
If you are interested in more formal development, we have also highlighted organizations like Nova Chief of Staff that offer COS coaching and a COS certificate program.
We hope you enjoy the NASPA professional resources library. Please email Patricia (Pato) Lin-Steadman at plinsteadman@naspa.org if you would like to add a resource to the list.
