Running Head: ACTION PLAN

Action Plan
Mary Lopez
SDA Portfolio
Seattle University

ACTION PLAN
2

After using the 2010 ACPA/NASPA document on Professional

Competency Areas for Student Affairs Practitioners as a guideline for
assessing my own competencies, I was able to identify opportunities for
growth. I have created a 5-year action plan to continue my professional
development in the areas identified by the assessment.
2016-2017 Academic year (before and after graduation):

Start working on my portfolio after finishing my classes, and review class

materials to be used in my portfolio and in my current work.

Learn about my institutions crisis response procedures and what my role

is.

Continue networking with my cohort and other alumni to pursue

opportunities for informational interviews in different institutions in my
areas of interest.

Attend AWISA professional conference to learn about visa policies and

immigration law.

Look of opportunities to share my personal experience as a member of a

diverse group of students and as an international student.

2017-2018 Academic Year:

ACTION PLAN
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Enroll in training about recruiting talent (students or staff), admissions

and higher education law.

Volunteer and participate in ACPA and NASPA and other professional

associations.

Explore other organizations in study abroad field by looking into the

Forum for Education Abroad and Diversity Abroad.

Look for opportunities to recruit and work with interns to improve my

mentorship and team leadership skills.

Participate in Diversity training, conferences and volunteer in organizing

Diversity activities, for my institution and my community.

2018-2019 Academic Year:

Conduct research about metal health issues, consulting experts in order

to learn how to identify patterns of behavior and help better the students I
will work with.

In my current institution, attend study-abroad agency meetings to learn

more about guidelines for working with local and international agencies in
order to serve better our students and the institution.

Attend professional conferences about international student challenges

and higher education leadership.

ACTION PLAN
4

Apply and achieve a team management position in my current institution.

2019-2020 Academic Year:

Attend training in budgeting and finance, and participate in activities and

projects related to the creation and use of budgets and finance policies
and procedures.

Actively engage with campus departments, organizations, community

agencies and other institutions in higher education to address mental
health concerns.

Become proficient in qualitative and quantitative research projects and

interpreting assessment and data analysis.

Continue educating myself and other student affairs professionals about

how to interact with diverse group of students in order to avoid
misunderstanding, misconceptions and unintentional micro-aggressions.

Mentor other students, especially international students, about cultural

differences to help them to adapt smoothly to the new educational
system and host culture.

2020-2021 Academic Year:

Apply and achieve a Director position in the higher education space at my

institution.

ACTION PLAN
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Write research and be a speaker in professional conferences about

international student challenges.

Attend Assessment, Teaching, and Learning Conference (SBCTC).

Partner Directors and above from other institutions to share best practices in Higher
Education.