Certificate in Student Affairs Leadership
Designed by student affairs leaders to foster student & employee success at your college
Self-paced, online, asynchronous three-hour student affairs certification program. Eight modules and 40+ expert lessons. Start and finish the course on your schedule with no time limits and get unlimited and indefinite access to the course upon completion. It's simple to enroll and your course access begins immediately. Modules include...
Who should take
this student affairs leadership course
Individuals
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Aspiring college leaders who want to learn more about student affairs leadership and are preparing for interviews and a leadership role.
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Current leaders in their first couple of years who are ready to elevate their leadership, increase their skills, learn more management strategies, and earn a student affairs leadership certificate.
Teams
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Student affairs divisions: Enroll your entire leadership group together for a powerful professional development opportunity. Just like a book club, leaders can take the course on the same schedule and then gather for regular discussions along the way. This professional development is great for team building and collaboration, sparking leadership discussions, and will benefit all supervisors regardless of experience level.
New manager orientation programs
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Enroll your new leaders in this course as part of their new manager orientation experience, setting them up for success from day one.
Most supervisors do not receive their first supervisor training until their tenth year of supervising people.
Harvard Business Review
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Course Modules & Learning Objectives
Module 1: Leading, Managing, & Culture
Module 2: Introduction to Student Affairs
Module 3: Vision, Goal Setting, & Motivation
Module 4: Skills for the Student Affairs Leader
Module 5: People Management
Module 6: Communication Essentials
Module 7: Change Management &
Continuous Improvement
Module 8: Leadership Development
Learning outcomes:
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Understand the characteristics of effective leadership and their applications within student affairs contexts.
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Evaluate strategies for fostering a positive and inclusive organizational culture within student affairs departments.
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Define the scope and purpose of student affairs within higher education institutions while examining historical and contemporary trends shaping the field of student affairs, including student retention.
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Understand the value of charting a compelling vision, strategic goals, and clear expectations to motivate a team and focus efforts.
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Demonstrate effective decision-making, time management, risk management, and problem-solving skills in a variety of leadership scenarios.
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Apply best practices in recruiting, hiring, coaching, evaluating, and retaining talent within student affairs teams.
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Implement strategies for fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, transparency, and professional development among staff members.
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Develop communication skills, including active listening, growth mindset, leading meetings, and conflict resolution techniques.
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Identify common barriers to change within student affairs and develop strategies for overcoming resistance.
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Foster a culture of continuous improvement by understanding assessment tactics, soliciting feedback, analyzing data, and adapting strategies accordingly.
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Create a training plan that incorporates goal-setting and leadership skill-enhancement activities.
Great training for your student affairs team is crucial to employee retention for several reasons. Providing effective training programs can significantly impact the satisfaction, engagement, and overall success of employees within a student affairs team. Here are key reasons why high-quality training is important for employee retention:
Job Satisfaction: Student affairs employees who receive proper training are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. Knowing that they have the skills and resources to excel in their roles enhances job satisfaction and contributes to a positive work environment.
Employee Confidence: Training builds confidence among employees by providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge. Working with students in a student affairs division is challenging work, and confident employees are more likely to take initiative, contribute ideas, and remain engaged in their work.
Retention of High Performers: College employees who are high performers are often motivated by opportunities for learning and growth. Providing them with challenging and meaningful training can help retain top talent by satisfying their desire for continuous improvement.
Cultural Alignment: Training programs can convey and reinforce the institutional culture. When employees understand and align with the student-centered values and goals of the college, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and commitment.
Skill Development: Training programs help employees develop the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their jobs effectively. When employees feel competent and confident in their roles, they are more likely to stay with the organization.
Increased Productivity: Well-trained employees are typically more productive. They can perform their tasks efficiently and contribute to the overall success of the college. Increased productivity is a positive outcome that can contribute to job satisfaction and employee retention.
Career Development: Training opportunities signal to college employees that the institution is invested in their professional growth. When employees see a clear path for career development and advancement within the college, they are more inclined to stay and build a long-term commitment.
Talent Attraction: If you have a reputation for offering excellent training and development, you will be attractive to potential employees. This can be a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent, as more and more new student affairs are asking in interviews “what kind of training and support will I receive?”.
In summary, excellent training is a strategic investment that not only equips college employees with the skills they need but also contributes to their job satisfaction, engagement, and overall commitment to the institution. By fostering continuous learning and development, colleges can create an environment that supports employee retention and long-term success.
Why your college should invest in more professional development for your team
Why a certificate can be an investment in your career track
Obtaining a student affairs certificate can significantly enhance a person's chances of getting a new job or promotion for several reasons. Certifications are specialized credentials that demonstrate a person's expertise, skills, and commitment to professional growth. Here are key reasons why earning a DC Education Group certificate can be beneficial for career advancement:
Career Advancement Opportunities: Are you hoping to be an Assistant Director, Director, or higher? Many colleges value advisors and coaches who show initiative in advancing their skills. Having a certificate can open up new career advancement opportunities, as colleges may view the individual as prepared for higher-level responsibilities.
Competitive Advantage: In a competitive job market, having a relevant certificate sets an individual apart from other candidates. It demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and a proactive approach to professional development, making the candidate more attractive to employers.
Increased Responsibilities: Certificates can qualify individuals for roles with increased responsibilities. Colleges may be more willing to entrust complex tasks or projects to employees who have demonstrated expertise through relevant certifications.
Skill Enhancement: Enhancing one's skill set makes the individual more valuable to the college and better equipped to handle advanced responsibilities.
Professional Credibility: Certifications provide external validation of an individual's knowledge and expertise, adding credibility to their professional profile. Colleges and universities are more likely to trust and promote individuals with recognized certifications.
Demonstration of Commitment: Earning a certificate showcases an advisor’s commitment to their profession, NACADA, NASPA, and ongoing learning. Colleges appreciate employees who invest time and effort in staying updated on industry best practices and trends.
Employee Retention: By investing in a certificate, your confidence in advising and coaching will increase, your job performance will be higher, and you will enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes with completing a certificate, which can all positively impact your employee retention.
In summary, obtaining a certificate can significantly boost a person's chances of getting a promotion by enhancing their skills, building credibility, providing a competitive advantage, and opening up new career opportunities. It is a strategic investment in one's professional development and can lead to increased recognition and success in the workplace.
Before enrolling for yourself, talk to your supervisor. This could be a great training opportunity for your entire team.
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