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There are numerous program themes that are introduced throughout the Higher Education program. Through the presented themes different experiences and information is presented to assist in producing effective professionals in the field. One of the first major themes presented is the idea of experience, and the various types and styles of experience. Experience in the industry is imperative for success. The required practicum allows for this type of experience. Working in a practicum gives a student a true perspective of what transpires within that office, and the variety of jobs that exist to ensure smooth operation of the office. However, in order to fully understand the practicum, and the students who are served within the division, it is important to look, evaluate, reflect and consider the previous teaching’s and how leadership plays into the picture. Leadership in higher education is an important component. Through leadership, we identify individual leadership styles, and through effective training, as leaders we are able to assist others to refine and define their leadership style. This ability will encourage effective leadership, and higher-level thinking and problem solving. I see this transpire through the classroom setting, as professors encourage dialogue on sensitive and timely issues, to help develop our skills in order to become effective leaders. These skills include looking at and discussing theory of higher education. The various theory’s that are important for the higher education profession to understand is helped through questions and examples that allow for a concrete understanding and appreciation of how and why students act and act in certain ways, and in various circumstances. This is further communicated by the syllabus, that alerts the student in class selection and preperation, “seeks to help students develop and understand” (syllabus), which stands as a reoccurring theme throughout the program. However, aside from the theory’s presented and how students fall into category’s, higher education professionals must learn to be sensitive to diversity, and it’s relationship in the program, another major theme of higher education. Diversity is an important area in higher education, and one that requires input and thought on how to ensure a diverse population within the setting. Part of this process includes education in diversity. Looking at diversity, areas to consider include, the composition of the university. Which includes, but is not limited to, comparatives of similarities, differences, accreditation standards, student populous, private, public, four year, two year, etc. This evaluation and information relevant to diversity, and its relationship to diversity, segments itself for student’s to reflect on future career aspirations. Through the effective teachings we are constantly made aware of, the need to keep a pulse on where society is, and be able to adapt and make changes to continue meeting the needs of the diverse population served. I feel this pulse on society, and need for accommodation, is emerging now as we continue to see more distance learning experiences open up for students. I believe, as we look at the economy of today, and the changes the world is experiencing, combined with the economics of family need, more distance learning opportunity’s will emerge. This need to adapt, change and challenge the traditional setting, shows that university’s are meeting the needs of their students. Students are the most important component and certainly one of the major themes of the program. Without students and student satisfaction and retention the university would not exist. As higher education professionals we must listen to the students and provide the expertise, resources and knowledge to assist them with their future. This assistance must be done without compromising the integrity of the program, but to ensure the mission, vision and belief set up and directed by the board of directors and facilitated to excellence by the strategic plan. The various law course’s, substantiated how important the integrity of the setting is, and understanding of the values, mission and beliefs for students. Reflecting back on the first day of the semester, I can easily remember, the first day of class every professor would say the field of Student Affairs is unique, in the sense that our population changes every year. Student Affairs is not an eight to five job you will work weekends, nights and long days, depending on student needs. For some perhaps this was a deterrent, but for me, I look forward to making a difference in a student’s life, and am pleased that the program has given a realistic view of what is entailed. Recognizing the work, and the numerous meetings outside of the setting gives credence of the importance of partnerships. The last major theme, introduced in the program, surrounds the importance of collaboration. Collaboration takes place not only with our peers, but also in the community. In the classroom experience, numerous projects are devised that encourage groups of individuals of different personalities to work together. This allows us to incorporate diversity and sensitivity training in an effort to achieve the desired outcome. I believe this further illustrates that to be effective in higher education you must have the ability to work well with others. In addition, as higher education professionals we must recognize the importance of building partnerships in the community if we want funding and support from the outside sources. Higher education requires networking, and the individuals that I have encountered to date have allowed me the opportunity to see the importance of partnerships. From the first day in this program, the major message relayed has, and continues to be, that upon graduation we will hold a degree from a highly respected program. The knowledge I will take with me far exceeds my original expectations. Learning how programs are run, decision-making procedures and the impact of budgets has been a truly wonderful experience to hold. The program allows for a wide range of experiences that will benefit us as professionals in the work place. I highly recommend this program and believe that it has wonderful components that will ensures the graduates are ready to embrace their role as higher education administrators.