The Student Life December Conference will bring staff together to learn from one another and learn more about each other.
This conference is part of our ongoing commitment to understand our challenges as
a Division and work together to develop solutions and focus on our students.
Graduate Assistants are also welcome to attend. Please coordinate with your supervisor to register.
2024 BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Attendees will choose between different options during the two breakout sessions. Presentations are 45 minutes each, except for the lightning round offered during Breakout Session 2. Read below to learn more about each presentation so you can be prepared to choose which one(s) you'd like to attend during the conference.
| Breakout Session Name | Presenter(s) | Description + Location |
| Unmasking the Myths: Understanding Hazing and the Stop Campus Hazing Act
|
Akeya Simeon
(Center for Fraternal Values and Leadership)
|
This session will explore the pervasive myths surrounding hazing in campus communities. Participants will gain insight into the true nature and impact of hazing, informed by personal stories and statistical evidence. We will also delve into the Stop Campus Hazing Act, examining its provisions, goals, and the role it plays in fostering safer environments. Together, we will discuss strategies for prevention and advocacy, empowering attendees to challenge misconceptions and promote a culture of respect and safety on campuses. Monongahela Room. |
|
Second Time's the Charm - Sharing What We Learned from this Semester's AlcoholEdu
Data
|
Courtney Weaver
& Wes Thomas (WELLWVU)
|
Join WELLWVU to review comprehensive alcohol and other drug data from this semester's implementation of AlcoholEdu. AlcoholEdu is required for all new first-time freshmen and transfer undergraduate students under the age of 24. The presentation will be an in-depth look at the substance use habits of our new students, and we'll brainstorm how to use the data to inform Student Life programming. |
| Building Resilience (Without Minimizing Your Experience |
Olivia Pape
(Collegiate Recovery)
|
This interactive session will help Student Life professionals learn to cultivate resilience while continuing to honor and validate lived experiences. |
| Breakout Session Name | Presenter(s) | Description + Location |
| Finding Safety Within: Combating Compassion Fatigue | Janie Howsare
(Faculty Staff Assistance Program)
|
This interactive training explores the connection between our nervous system and our capacity for empathy and compassion. We'll break down the concepts of Polyvagal Theory and how the autnomic nervous system influences our emotional states and social interactions. We'll examine the Recognition of Compassion Fatigue, a common challenge faced by those in helping professions such as those experienced by Student Life employees in higher education and its impact of CF on personal well-being and professional effectiveness is examined. Introduction of how Polyvagal Theory can offer insight into managing these challenges by application of practical tools that focus on the importance of safety and connection with ourselves and our environments. |
|
LIGHTING ROUND Developing Yourself and Your Students through Strengths Identifying Your Catalysts for Change Fair Housing |
Whitney Godwin & Hannah Stillman (Purpose Center & LOD) CJ Belknap (Adventure WV) Patrick Brooks (Student Legal Services) |
This session is intended to inform Student Life staff of the Strengths-based partnership tools they can use with their employees or student workers and Strengths-based development opportunities available to them through collaboration between WVU Purpose Center and WVU Leadership and Organizational Development Team. We will share resources that spark conversation on powerful partnerships and facilitate a quick activity. Then, we will move into strengths-based learning pods that are available for staff to develop their career and/or leadership competencies. This presentation explores how Adventure WV leverages data-driven insights, including a decade-long collaboration with WVU's Institutional Research, to identify and act on key catalysts for change. This presentation will focus on the insights derived from our 10-year analysis and the actions taken to structure the department. Areas of curriculum, student-staff engagement, and organizational structure will be covered. We aim to share our methods for initiating meaningful improvements and engage colleagues in identifying transformative factors within their departments, ultimately fostering an environment that adapts to and supports student success. A quick introduction to the Fair Housing Act and the protections it provides to our students and ourselves. Rhododendron Room. |
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DESSERT POTLUCK
Bring a dessert to share with your coworkers and friends! Bring a batch of cookies, a pie or a dozen cupcakes-- just enough to share, don't feel like you need to feed everyone. Sign up on your Conference RSVP if you plan on bringing something.
We are asking everyone who makes or brings a dessert to also bring a note card with ingredients listed (for allergy purposes).
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS
We are hosting a photo stream to play again during the conference that will display
photos live as you upload them. You can share photos from the past year or
some that you take throughout the day. Visit https://app.kululu.com/s01hyt to upload yours!
We have also uploaded some photos that our social media specialist, Derek, has
taken over the past year so be sure to check them out!
REGISTRATION
To get an accurate headcount for the day, please fill out the registration form by Monday, December 9, 2024.
Register for the 2024 ConferenceHEADSHOTS
Need a new or updated headshot? Derek will be available at the end of the conference
from 3:30 - 4 p.m. to take headshots. This will be in the Rhododendron Room.
POST CONFERENCE SOCIAL
Following the conference, you are welcome to attend our Student Life Social at Short Story. Families are welcome. RSVPs are not required but are encouraged so we can estimate for space. Please email Anna.Riddle1@mail.wvu.edu to RSVP or with any questions.CONFERENCE EVALUATION
Following the conference, you will also be asked to provide feedback on the event as a whole. You will receive an email containing a link to a survey. Thanks in advance for your feedback.
CAMPUS REC WINTER WELLNESS PROGRAM
The Winter Wellness program is from January 2 through 12. This program provides WVU employees and their immediate families free access to the Student Rec Center.
WVU employees can register in person at the Student Recreation Center, the Downtown
Fitness Center, or by emailing
campusrec@mail.wvu.edu with "Winter Blues" in the subject line. Registration
begins Wednesday, November 20 and will continue through December.
For questions, contact Tyler Senall, Member & Guest Experience Coordinator, at (304) 293-5061 or at tyler.senall@mail.wvu.edu.