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The Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel program at Kent State University succesfully prepares its graduates for the varied tasks and challenges in higher education. The program exhibits numerous benefits to its graduates and the institutions employing them. It displays strengths in its curriculum, in the expectations of the faculty and in the departmental mission. Each graduate will reflect somewhat differently upon their experience in this program. However, I know I am not alone in my appreciation for, and satisfaction with, the program. An important thread in the Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel program lies in the expectations conveyed by the faculty and the curriculum. Many students enjoy the transition from undergraduate to graduate because instructors consider us future colleagues, not mere students. Our thoughts and experiences were utilized, not only for class discussions, but as a way of challenging our current standards. Once employed, graduates should reflect positively on the program which prepared them. These high expectations are assumed in coursework, class discussions and during internships. Although more subtle than curricular requirements, it is a characteristic that is clearly evident and shapes the performance and future of the program’s graduates. A theme which is evident in every course, no matter the subject, is the view that higher education is a system. It is not a series of independent departments or autonomous employees. It is not simply another business. It is an entwined, evolving organism which is influenced by a number of stakeholders. Because of this, there is an emphasis on understanding various roles and influences. Effective collaboration is a factor considered in every theory and strategy. This collaboration is practiced in class, almost unintentially, due to the wide range of graduate student assistantships and employment experience. Many of us look at situtions differently due to the unique demands in our particular field. A healthy repsect for the various units and their goals is implemented in all lessons. In order to manage a system, it must first be understood, and the Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel program achieves this completely. The curriculum is also a defining characteristic of the program, because of its comprehensiveness and adaptability to certain fields. Every graduate completes coursework in the fields of research, law, leadership, business, diversity and student development, followed by a capstone course in case studies. There are a wide variety of electives which encompass the remaining credits. Students may focus on courses addressing specific institutions or student populations. They may also focus more specifically on future roles, such as administrators, instructors, or international representatives. The core is essential to the integrity and consistency of the program, but the electives are vital to its adaptability. An additional, and unique, asset in the Higher Education Administration and Student Personel Program is the assistance provided to graduating students during their job search. This support extends beyond job postings and referrals. It begins with the opportunity to participate in quality graduate assistantships and internships, providing crucial experience. Conferences and organizational membership opportunities are also encouraged, further exposing students to the profession. Finally, in the last semesters, assignments and class discussions include topics such as resume writing, job searching, interviewing and marketing of skills. It is evident that the faculty wishes to assist us with job placement in every way possible. Understandably, the program is able to boast high job placement after graduation. A final factor, which may be the most critical, is the healthy balance between theory and practice. It is a challenge to engage idealistic inspiration when facing realistic challenges. Although, students are encouraged to draw upon their knowledge, it is made clear that each situation is unique and not every theory or lesson can be applied. Faculty are willing to discuss potential limitations or failings, which is vital in preparing students for reality, rather than orderly textbook scenarios. When I originally applied to the program, I was hoping to learn how to be a better administrator. As an academic advisor and instructor, I thought that I may learn more details about the Kent system and how to deal with students more effectively. It is almost overhwelming to discuss how my expectations of the program are different from what I experienced, simply because I experienced much more than I ever imagined. I expected to learn more information necessary to understanding the college environment. What I learned was why and how decisions are made and how to learn from, not just my own, but others’ experiences. Rather than learning how to do my job better, I learned how to be a better overall employee for the benefit of higher education and society. Soon, job titles became far less important in comparison to educational and institutional missions. I also expected pragmatism, but instead received thoughtful encouragment. Most importantly, I learned that I had a great deal to learn. As a university employee it is easy, and almost unavoidable, to become comfortable with the limited duties of a particular role. Unintentionally, many of us fail to consider how our actions affect other units or the community. A metaphor often used in the program is that of the silo, standing tall but isolated from others. Many departments operate autonomously, focusing their goals and energy on their own concerns. Without even realizing it, I may have practiced this before joining the program, but I will simply be unable to think so narrowly in the future. Instead, I will consider the numerous class discussions, readings and assignments whose overarching goal was to provide the best possible educational experience utilizing every resource available. I will think this way, because I have been taught this way during every course in the Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel program.