Tempris Daniels- ePortfolio Analysis and Action Plan

Higher education has provided me with a wide range of opportunities to engage as both a
student and professional. One reason I was able to achieve as a student was due to my mentor
and other student affair staff at Augustana College who stayed up to date on their action plans
and showed their competencies within the field. As a whole, the community of professionals
worked together to ensure students received a holistic experience. As a graduate student, I have
been fortunate to receive the continued guidance from mentors at Augustana College as well as
from Loyola University Chicago and The University of Chicago. Working in housing,
undergraduate student involvement, graduate student involvement, and orientation programs as
solidified my passion for working with students. Each experience has provided me with a
different perspective and challenge, helping me realize that many appreciate the work we do as
professionals. In order to continue the work I want to achieve with students, it is important that I
identify the skills, competencies, and knowledge gained while recognizing that the learning does
not stop here.
My experience has shown me that collaboration, positive relationships with others,
communication skills, cultural competence, and knowledge about your functional area is
essential when working with a student and other professionals within and outside of the student
involvement office. As a professional looking to advise student programming boards and student
organizations, developing competence in multiple cultures and activities is important as I
communicate with students. One way I have started to achieve this is by working with a variety
of student organizations where each has different goals they want to achieve as a group. The
second way is by asking questions and learning from students while they are learning from you.
Through both methods I have been able to develop authentic relationships with students.

Tempris Daniels- ePortfolio Analysis and Action Plan

Being able to establish relationships with students beyond the classroom creates an
inviting community where students feel a sense of campus belonging and social life with peers
and staff. In return through strong communication relationships, we foster an inclusive
environment where students discover and embrace the world around them. I have seen these
skills practiced in the field and believe in order to ensure continued professional growth; we have
to seek out and make sure students feel a sense of community. In any future job title, I want to
ensure that I am still interacting with students and understand the organizational and student
culture of the university. I believe the best practitioners are aware of organizational and social
cultures within the institution and set high expectations for the students and themselves.
Alongside the awareness of cultures, higher education professionals must take ownership
of their skills. For example, as someone working closely with students, I realize that I have to be
aware of how students are reacting in a given situation and provide empathy and support for
them. With showing empathy, it is important to rely on my own lived experiences and practice
self-care as I work with a diverse amount of students. As a new student affair professional, I
recognize that my office may not have some of the resources and professional development
opportunities I am looking to take part in. This becomes my responsibility to seek out the
needed sources. After securing a job, it will be essential that I gain institutional knowledge, learn
more about the student campus culture and demonstrate my competencies needed to complete
the job. In addition there are three mains areas I hope to continue as a professional. First, I will
look to stay aware of the new trends on campus. Second, I will not only continue to read the new
literature in student affairs but want to stay up to date on what is happening in the world because
it effects our students and myself. Lastly, I will look to get more involved in NACA and continue
to involvement in NASPA or ACPA from a regional and national perspective.