The Nexus september 2013

NexuS THE

The Official Newsletter of the Massachusetts College Personnel Association

September 2013

IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURED ARTICLE

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Meet the MCPA Board Tech Tips Thoughts from MCPA

Intentional Use or Shoot from the Hip: What’s the Difference?

Amma Marfo Emmanuel College

MCPA Executive Board President Dawn Eades MCPHS University @DawnEades

Marketing Coordinator Cecilia Hughes Boston University @ ceciliah

Social Media Coordinator Dan Newman Endicott College @Dan_Bubbles

President-Elect Jenn Forry Newbury College

Website Coordinator Rhian Waterberg MassBay Community College @rwaterberg

Newsletter Editor John Mayo @jmayojr

Past President Jen Casavant Wentworth Institute of Technology @jen_casavant Membership Coordinator Hilary Caron Boston University @hilcaron Treasurer Ryan Greelish Bridgewater State University @RyanGreelish Secretary Jessi Robinson UMass - Boston @jrobin19

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Member at Large Shannon Pittman Northeastern University @ShannonJPittman Member at Large Ben Lamb Williams College Member at Large Megan Wyett UMass Amherst @MWyett

Graduate Student Liaison Kris Polk MCPHS University @Kris_Grace89 Graduate Student Liaison Sarah Santiago Roger Williams University @S_A_Santiago New Professional Liaison Vaishakhi Desai Boston University

Member at Large Ricardo Junquera Lesley University @rickyjunquera

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September 2013

Letter from the President Dawn Eades, MCPHS University & MCPA President Time to put away your flip flops, sandals, and mom would add, your white shoes… no white after Labor Day. Not sure why she is still clinging to that one; I say wear what you want but don’t be sad. This means break out your old college hoodies, favorite jeans, and my highlight, the purchase of a new pair of shoes (or two or three).

This change in season is not only accompanied by the changing of the leaves but also a changing of the MCPA team. Our elections last spring brought in some new faces with lots of talent. It is my honor to take the helm and lead this fine group. We will continue to live up to our mission and to provide our membership with opportunities for professional development and networking this upcoming year. We are proud to assist you in providing great services to college students so they can be successful. Be sure to check out our website www.mymcpa.net for a listing of the 2013-2014 Executive Board and for the upcoming opportunities this amazing team has planned for you.

The new academic year is the perfect time for professional goal setting even if you start small.

For example, perhaps you set the goal to attend the MCPA coffee talk on the changing trends in higher education on September 27 at Endicott College. A bigger goal might be, that you volunteer to help at the MCPA drive-in on December 12 at Newbury College. Maybe you go even bigger and run for a position this year like President-Elect! Whatever you decide, I would like to encourage you to DO SOMETHING. Your MCPA attendance makes our organization successful but your MCPA participation helps our organization to thrive. Select a goal and see which fits you… just like those new shoes you’re going to purchase.

Write down your goals and make them happen. My favorite saying is, “Action creates motivation.” You have to actually begin something before motivation kicks in. People who sit there saying, “I’m waiting to be motivated” are going to be waiting forever. You need to actually turn the vacuum on to be motivated to clean. You need to start writing words on the computer to gain the momentum to write that paper. You need to actually show up to the social after your very long day to say, “I’m really happy I decided to come.” You all know what I’m talking about!

What actions will you take this year to fulfill your goals?

I look forward to meeting each of you and seeing you at upcoming events. I hope you are as exhilarated as I am for this year. And if you’re not, let’s figure out what action you can take to get you there!

My best to you for a wonderful new academic year, Dawn A. Eades MCPA President The Nexus

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September 2013

Undergraduate Student Spotlight: Loryn Moynihan, Bridgewater State University Major:

level, I hope to graduate with honors, and either be matriculated in a graduate business program or have a job working for a public accounting firm.

Accounting and Finance with a Concentration in Accounting

Any advice to student/staff/faculty?

Words of wisdom?

Hometown:

Lakeville, MA

What are you involved in at Bridgewater State?

• • • •

Senior Resident Assistant, Weygand Hall Program Committee, President Residence Hall Association, member Accounting and Finance Lab, tutor

What are your plans for life after college?

I am hoping to work for a “big four” accounting firm either in auditing or tax. I would love to get my PhD someday and teach at the college level.

What is/was your favorite event on your campus?

My favorite event on campus is Homecoming.

It is one of the few times per year where the entire BSU community comes together and shows their Bear pride. From the pageant to the parade to everything in between, it is such an awesome feeling to experience so much positivity and support for my peers. I also particularly enjoy reconnecting with all of the alumni and witnessing the impact that BSU has made on the lives of so many people.

What are your goals for this year?

This year I hope to continue to challenge the status quo, both in programming and in reslife. I believe it is important to constantly improve or alter what has been done in the past to optimize results and make a lasting impact. On a personal The Nexus

To anyone connected to a college campus, whether it be students, staff, or faculty, I would say do not be afraid to set high expectations, whether it be for yourself, your peers, administrators, etc. It is amazing what can happen when you hold people to a higher standard. Additionally, I think being involved on campus is critical to anyone’s college experience, whether you are a learner or a teacher. Most campuses have a vast number of options available, so take some time to explore a few, find your passion, and commit to it. Finally, recognize that everyone has a story to tell. People have a variety of strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles, so be open to new experiences and let yourself be educated by everything around you.

What can your institution do to help students succeed?

I think truly listening to students and appreciating their feedback is especially important. Students have a lot of valuable insight; but, they don’t always know how to appropriately express their concerns. I believe that it is in part, the role of administrators, to help students learn how to advocate for themselves in a professional and logical manner.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned at Bridgewater State?

I’ve learned that it is essential to continuously challenge myself while I am in this “safe space”.

Here, I can try a different activity, an unheard of event, or a new leadership technique, and I know that if things don’t go exactly according to plan, I have a wonderful support system in place to help me problem solve and learn from my mistakes.

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Facebook “f ” Logo

September 2013

RGB / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

Join us for the Graduate Student and New Professionals’ Social!

WHERE:

Jillian’s - Fenway 145 Ipswich St, Boston, MA 02215

WHEN:

Thursday, September 19, 2013 7:00 p.m.

COST:

Free Appetizers Bowling & Drinks on your own

Please contact Vaishakhi Desai at vdesai@bu.edu with any questions.

Modeling Innovation and Engagement Coming together as professionals to share new and innovative ideas that will change college campuses and how we interact with the surrounding communities.

Save the Date!

MCPA Fall Drive-In Conference Thursday, December 12, 2013 Newbury College Check our website for information on Registration and the Call for Programs.

http://www.mymcpa.net/ RGB / .eps

facebook.com/mymcpa

The Nexus

twitter.com/MCPATweets

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September 2013

Event Recap: New Professionals Conference

by Ryan Greelish, Bridgewater State University & MCPA Treasurer

On August 8th MCPA, Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA), and Boston Area College Housing Association (BACHA) partnered to host the New Professionals Conference at Bentley University in MA. There were over seventy-five participants, including committee members and presenters. The sessions had a wide variety of topics including theory, crisis management, legal issues, supervision, getting involved, and moving up.

There were four sessions offered, providing insight into the student affairs field and all of the aspects of being a new professional. One participant, Jeffrey Saint Dic said “It has been a great experience all day, being able to network with colleagues and learn from higher level professionals in the field. All of the sessions have been very interactive and relatable.”

MCPA, ASCA, and BACHA have collaborated in the past, but this was the first year we all collaborated for the New Professional Conference. One planning committee member, Brett Wellman said “This was a great opportunity for BACHA to partner with MCPA and ASCA. It has been great to create a stronger conference, serving all of our memberships together.”

During lunchtime, each organization shared information about their role in professional development, upcoming events, and how to get involved. Throughout the day, participants tweeted with the hashtag #NPW13 to connect with colleagues and share knowledge that they learned. At the conclusion of the day, there was a raffle for two $10 Barnes & Noble gift cards. Congratulations to the two winners, Katherine Mcahon and Anthony Mam! THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE PRESENTERS! Barbara M. Fienman, Beth Devonshire, Brett Wellman, Cathy Cooks, Chris Faulkner, Colleen Settle, Dave Stender, Erin Kelley, J. Andrew Shepardson, Jennifer Forry, Jessica Kenerson, Kevin Kraft, Kim Hill, Kristen Wolfe, Lisa MacDonald, Marlin Nabors, Patricia Cardoso, Rachel King, Sara Hicks, Shelly Keniston, Tracy Cree Thank you to the conference planning committee!

• Jennifer Forry, Newbury College – MCPA • Vaishakhi Desai, Boston University – MCPA • Megan Buda, Quinnipiac University – ASCA • Jaclyn Calovine, Babson College – ASCA • Sara Hicks, Merrimack College – BACHA • Brett Wellman, Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology – BACHA • Erin Kelley, Bentley University – On-Site Host The Nexus

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September 2013

Upcoming Events Graduate and New Professional Trivia Night The Log, 78 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA 6:00 p.m.

Graduate and New Professional Bowling Night

Jillian’s Fenway - 145 Ipswitch Street, Boston, MA 02215 7:00 p.m.

MCPA Coffee Talk Workshop Endicott College 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

MCPA Social Night Bar Lola Time TBD

MCPA Coffee Talk Workshop Boston University 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

NASPA/MCPA Drive-In: “Graduate and Professional Student Mental Health and Well Being” Boston College Time TBD

MCPA Drive-in Conference: “Modeling Innovation and Engagement” Newbury College Time TBD

MCPA Coffee Talk Workshop UMASS Amherst 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

ACPA Annual Convention

to

Indianapolis, Indiana For more information visit: http://convention.myacpa.org

All the Above Conference Location TBD Time TBD

*** For complete event information visit us at http://www.facebook.com/mymcpa *** The Nexus

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September 2013

Meet the M Dawn Eades, President Dawn Eades is currently the Associate Dean of Students at MCPHS University –Boston. In this role, Dawn manages the campus student conduct system, oversees the office of Residence Life, and handles student concerns and crises. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science in Developmental Psychology from Plymouth State University and a Masters of Education in Counseling and Guidance Services from Clemson University.

Dawn has served many regional organizations during her career, including all of the Above, NESAPC, ASCA, MCPA, and is currently MCPA’s President.

Dawn’s professional presentations have explored topics such as generational differences in the office, relational aggression in college women and ethical issues for practitioners, to name a few.

Jen Casavant, Past President Jen has spent her career working in housing and residence life as she enjoys the generalist nature of the work because she gets to do a little bit of everything! Jen is a proud UMass Amherst alumna (x2) and avid Boston sports fan. In her free time she enjoys sports, country music, the outdoors and spending time with family and friends- especially her cat, Doozer.

Ryan Greelish, Treasurer Ryan is currently the Treasurer for the 2013-2015 Executive Board.

Prior to this, she served as the Social Media Coordinator (20112013). She loves being on the MCPA Executive Board and having the opportunity to enhance her professional development, network with colleagues, and learning how to better serve students. She is currently a Resident Director at Bridgewater State University and enjoys watching TV, scrapbooking, running, reading, and spending time with family. Feel free to reach out to Ryan to connect as colleagues or see how you get involved in MCPA. The Nexus

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September 2013

MCPA Board Jenn Forry, President-Elect Jenn Forry is the Director of Residence Life at Newbury College.

She is president-elect of MCPA. Jenn is also a past president of the Boston Area College Housing Association (BACHA). She is a graduate of Franklin Pierce College and Suffolk University. She lives in Brookline, MA with her husband and two sons.

Jessi Robinson, Secretary A self-described Student Affairs Professional, foodie, Girl Scout, student of life, aspiring beer snob. By day Jessi is the Graduation Coordinator at UMASS-Boston, by night & weekends she is a wife and mom to 2 cats and a hedgehog, Volunteer with Girl Scouts of Eastern MA, and DIY renovator to her new house. Her passion for MCPA started in 2009 while pursuing her MS in College Student Development & Counseling at NU, and she considers it her professional home. Jessi looks forward to a great 2 years as Secretary and being even more involved with MCPA and the members!

Hilary Caron, Membership Coordinator Hilary Caron currently works as an Area Director in the office of Residence Life at Boston University. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Arts in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University. When she is not working, Hilary enjoys baking, performing improv, and CrossFit.

Vaishakhi Desai, New Professionals Liaison Vaishakhi Desai is one of the newest members of MCPA, serving as a New Professionals Liaison. Vaishakhi works at Boston University as a Residence Hall Director for a large, traditional, primarily freshmen residence hall. She just completed her first full year at BU, which also happened to be her first professional career in Student Affairs. She is from the peach state (Georgia), where she completed both a bachelors in Chemistry, and a masters in College Student Affairs. Being in the awesome city of Boston, she spends her free time exploring new places, taking long walks, and dining out! She looks forward to serving you, and hopefully meeting you at many of our upcoming events!

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September 2013

John Mayo, Newsletter Editor

Meet the M

John Mayo is the recently appointed Newsletter Editor for MCPA. John has spent the last five years working in Residence Life, most recently at Western New England University where he was Area Coordinator for Non-Traditional Housing. A 2006 graduate of Bridgewater State, John went to Indiana University of PA for a Master’s in Student Affairs in Higher Education. John has always enjoyed being involved and meeting new people. He first got involved in grad school with PCPA (PA) holding several positions.

Rhian Waterberg, Website Coordinator Rhian Waterberg currently serves as an Academic Coach and GLBTA Advocate at MassBay Community College. Rhian has earned degrees from the University of Vermont and the University of Michigan. His passion and professional experience have been dedicated to social justice education, ally development, LGBTIQ initiatives, and intergroup dialogue. In his spare time, Rhian enjoys frolicking through nature, endurance sports, and digging through new music releases.

Dan Newman, Social Media Coordinator Dan Newman is a Residence Director at Endicott College currently serving as the Social Media Coordinator. He has worked with Simmons College and the MATCH Charter School before accepting a position at the school with three private beaches. Dan is an avid gaming fan and manages the tweets, posts, likes, and +1s for MCPA. He can also juggle.

Ben Lamb, Member at Large Ben is the Assistant Director for Student Involvement at Williams College. He and his partner Emily are long-time residents of Western MA. Ben’s background includes a breadth of experience such as ecotourism management, career advisement, college admissions, guidance counseling, salmon population research, and environmental restoration. He’s passionate about student engagement, leadership development, and increasing accessibility to the core developmental programming that help create wellrounded, holistic students.

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September 2013

MCPA Board

Cecilia Hughes, Marketing Coordinator

Cecilia Hughes holds over six years of experience in integrated marketing communications, working in both the corporate and nonprofit arena.

Currently, she is the marketing and communications specialist at the Boston University School of Social Work, where she oversees the marketing department. Cecilia started her career with a number of communications roles within the public and private sectors in both New York City and Washington, D.C., including charity: water, TOMS Shoes, Porter Novelli, and the Department of State. Cecilia completed her master’s degree at New York University in media, culture and communication in 2009, and will complete her M.Ed in Policy, Planning and Administration at Boston University in 2014. She’s so excited to work with MCPA and looks forward to meeting members throughout the year.

Shannon Pittman, Member at Large Shannon is currently the Assistant Director for the Opportunity Scholarships and Outreach Programs at Northeastern University. He enjoys working with the first generation college student population and values the reward when he sees students achieve their dreams for themselves and their families. Shannon is entering his third year on the MCPA E-Board. He served as a graduate liaison and will be continuing his role as a member at large co-chairing the Drive In Conference. Shannon loves dancing, lives by his music and exploring local Boston restaurants.

Megan Wyett, Member at Large Megan Wyett is currently a Residence Director at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst. Prior to UMass, Megan worked in Residential Life at Colgate University in Hamilton, NY where she also served on the CSPA-NYS board as the Member-At-Large.

Megan is thrilled about being a part of MCPA and especially representing Western Mass! She is known to be a hardcore 49ers fan so fall is her favorite time of year. You can connect with her on Twitter at @MWyett.

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September 2013

Meet the MCPA Board Ricardo Junquera, Member at Large Ricky Junquera is originally from Miami, FL but came to Boston, Massachusetts in 2004 to receive his Bachelors of Arts in Political Science at Boston University. He currently works at Lesley University as a Graduate Resident Assistant and Graduate Assistant in the Office of Student Activities. He has worked in student activities at three different higher education institutions as well as worked in residence life. He hopes to finish his Masters in Intercultural Relations at Lesley University this Fall 2013 and continue on his path to helping improve cultural diversity and understanding on college campuses.

Sarah Santiago, Graduate Liaison Sarah is excited to start her full-time professional career off as a Coordinator for Residence Education at Roger Williams University in beautiful Bristol, RI and as one of MCPA’s Graduate Liaisons. Sarah just finished her Masters of Education in Psychology at Springfield College, where she worked as a Residence Director. It was during her grad program that she discovered MCPA and began to volunteer to help with the Drive-Ins. She loves working with MCPA because she has met some amazing people while gaining valuable experiences.

She looks forward to being on the executive board this year to help spread awareness of the organization and events to graduate students around the state!

Kris Polk, Graduate Liaison Kris Polk is serving as one of MCPA’s Graduate Liaisons this year.

She is beginning her second year at Northeastern University in the College Student Development & Counseling M.S. program.

Kris is a graduate assistant in Residence Life at MCPHS University and will be doing a practicum experience at Berklee College of Music in International Advising. Within Massachusetts, she has held positions previously at Tufts LGBT Center and with Westfield State’s Residential Life department. Kris originally hails from the Detroit, Michigan, area and attended Albion College for her undergraduate degree.

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September 2013

WANTED Newsletter Articles • Are you interested in writing for the newsletter?

• Read a good book lately and want to write a review?

• Are you working on a project in your office that you want the association to know about?

• Is there a hot topic in higher education that you want to write about?

We are seeking submissions of all types to be featured in The Nexus. Here are just some of the types of articles you can submit: • • • • •

Book Reviews Reflections - about articles, events, or experiences General Interest Articles Personal and Professional Updates Nominations for “Spotlight” - member and undergrad

We also want your pictures! Each edition of the newsletter will dedicate space to your pictures. Enjoying a staff bonding exercise? Send us a snapshot!

Each edition of the newsletter will also focus on a specific topic. In celebration of Careers in Student Affairs Month (October) the November edition of The Nexus will focus on life working in the profession.

“Thoughts from MCPA”

“Why did you decided on a job in Student Affairs?”

Send us a brief (3 sentences max) submission to be included in our new section Everything can be submitted to newsletter@mymcpa.net Deadline for the November edition is 10/25/13 The Nexus

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September 2013

What do you like most about the start of a new sc hool year?

I really enjoy working with Olin students and therefore I love getting to know the new students. It’s really fun to discover their talents, interests, and personalities. I am always impressed.

Alison Black, Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering

ity to start n u t r o p p o e Th prove on im d n a h s e fr ne before. what was do go Sarah Santia ms Roger Willia University The Nexus

on The energy campus!

Jenn Forry llege o C y r u b w e N

A new year represents a journey never previously undertaken. It is full of hope, opportunity, and potential perils; it is an adventure. I like the quote by Rainer Maria Rilke: “And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been”.

Glenn Cochran, Framingham State

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September 2013

faces of Seeing new st years, and r fi g in m o c in the faces of in y g r e n e new g dents lookin u t s g in n r u t re ir engaging e h t e u in t n to co n campus. o e c n ie r e p x e

ce to set I like the chan the year new goals for ack from and hear feedb ents & everyone (stud they hope staff ) on what . to accomplish

Ben Lamb llege Williams Co

Kris Polk ity MCPHS Univers

I love Opening Day when the First-Years move on campus- it's like Christmas: freshly wrapped packages of neuroses waiting to be unpacked! Everyone's happy!

e energy I thrive on th Plus, it ! s t n e d u t s r of ou n leaves m u t u a s n a me nd the u o r a t h ig r e ar corner!

Dan Newman Endicott College

es Cecilia Hugh ersity Boston Univ

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September 2013

What is your position at Emmanuel?

I am, in title, “Assistant Director of Student Activities, Involvement and Assessment/Coordinator of Commuter Services.� In practice, I oversee the training and administration for our forty campus organizations, work with our organization advisors, coordinate the social media and web presence for our office, and coordinate services and events for our commuter students.

What do you do to relax outside of the office?

I became an avid runner during my graduate school years, and have kept it going since I finished my program. I do a few races a year, and will be doing my third Wine and Dine Half Marathon at Disney this November! Beyond that, I really like to cook, read, watch movies, and play at trivia night!

Why did you get involved in student affairs?

I originally resisted joining the field, opting to instead go into professional meeting and event planning. Two years after I finished college, I started working with student events at a community college, a role that also included advising the student government. I realized I enjoyed the student conversations and development more than the event logistics, and I was hooked. Now, I find I get the best of both worlds.

Member S Amma Marfo, Em What do you love about working at Emmanuel?

I have worked at large schools for most of my formative career. After working on campuses or in systems with over 30,000 students, it’s refreshing to walk across a campus in a short period of time, and to see people I know all along the way. 1900 students is a wonderful size, and the community that these students and our staff have built makes it a very comfortable place to be.

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September 2013

What advice would you give to undergraduate students looking to pursue a position in Student Affairs?

Truthfully, I’d advise undergraduate students to spend some time in the working world for a while before committing to spending the rest of their lives in a college setting. Whether its in a career that fits their undergraduate major, in a paid internship, or even completing a year of service, the perspective of the world around you will make you a stronger professional.

What advice would you give to graduate students looking for a position in Student Affairs?

There is a tremendous temptation to look through the theory lens after you’ve spent two years cultivating it. And while I would never say “Don’t use theory,” I would say, and loudly, that you should treat your students as people, not as case studies. There’s a long and deep story within every person who crosses that threshold into your office. Make sure you take the time to listen to it, and learn from it. Students can teach us a great deal- about themselves, about our work, and about ourselves.

Is there anything else that you would like the MCPA membership to know about you?

I really like meeting new people! If you’re ever in the Boston area, please don’t hesitate to reach out- I’m happy to get together over lunch, coffee, or frozen yogurt to chat :)

Spotlight: mmanuel College

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I hear you’re writing a book about introverts in student affairs, tell me about it.

I’ve been fascinated with the concept of introversion since my second year of graduate school, and have loved researching it.

Susan Cain created an entry point into our society to talk about introversion with Quiet, and I am so appreciative of her for that.

I had several friends and colleagues, knowing my interest in the topic, ask me for help navigating situations with introverted coworkers or students. So I decided to combine my loves of writing, research, and helping others, to put a book together. I’m in the final stages of writing now, and I hopefully will have an e-book to show for it by the end of 2013!

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September 2013

Intentional Use or Shoot From the Hip: What’s the difference?

by Dan Newman, Endicott College, Social Media Coordinator

Institutions have been revamping missions an institution. Asking these ‘why’ questions statements, policies, and protocols to make will help you broaden your perception of instudent learning more “intentional” and “fostitutional culture, a perception that will be imcused”. Often data collected from one program mensely valuable as you move up the ladder of or initiative has helped key decision makers responsibility. Sometimes supervisors do not refine the meta-structure explain the history of policy “Perception over of their department. As the movements, at which point it is school year begins for many up to you to ask. institutional professionals, the inevitable changes are question arises: Did it work?

While you grow at an institution and hopefully find yourself almost as Perception over institutional at the helm of a new project or important as changes are almost as importimplementing new procedures, the changes ant as the changes themselves. take a moment and consider An intentional change should your marketing plan for your themselves.” have an intentional reason coworkers. What did people do behind the alterations. If there before and how will this make is data or concrete evidence that led to a partheir lives easier or harder? Who will tell them ticular change, there should be an expected this, and more importantly, will they see the outcome/hypothesis on how the change will be fruits of their labor? How can I assess the value measured and judged to be “good” or a waste of this project to share with upper administraof time. If the change was based on something tors or constituents? Having a plan of attack less tangible like staff perceptions or new goals, for your Public Relations will inevitably change the change should still have some visualizasome elements within the project to make tion of how things will turn for the better. As a them friendlier to outside audiences. supervisor, it is your responsibility to manage perceptions over new initiatives or protocol Sometimes you may never get a good anchanges in order to maintain loyalty and to swer and you have no good logic to explain smooth the transition through change. why workloads are increasing. It is not recommended to throw up your hands and say, “Well, As an employee, you may not have access that’s the Business Office for you!” Breeding to the resources used in making changes but inter-office contempt only ends in tears, espea supervisor should have some rationale to cially because it can erode staff morale. As a share. “The paperwork changed because it professional, you just have to shoot from the was redundant elsewhere” or “We added more hip sometimes and try something new. You’ll staff to lessen the impact on maintenance” are hit something, good or bad, and learn from the reasonings you should seek out, especially if change. you are entering your second or third year at

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September 2013

a i l c ?

Y o o u S e r A

Connect with Us! http://www.facebook.com/mymcpa

@MCPATweets

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September 2013

by John Mayo, Newsletter Editor

Tech Tips: How safe is your password?

I bet you I can guess your password, just answer a few simple questions for me. What is your place of birth? What are your children’s names? What is the name of your dog/cat/ bird/ferret/iguana? If any of these answers are your password or a part of your password or even remotely close to your password, then you should think about changing your password to something a bit more secure. Not to worry, I’ll live you a few tips and tricks to help make sure password more secure, after all you don’t want your Facebook page hacked now do you?

•

• • • •

Let’s face it, we have way to many passwords to remember. At last count I had over 40 different username and passwords. This includes my website logins for my online banking, online shopping, credit cards, email accounts, frequent flyer/loyalty programs, and social media accounts. This is a lot of usernames and passwords to remember. It would be easy if I just made each account with the same password, but it would not be safe or recommended.

So how do you create a safe and secure password? By following these easy steps you can create a safe secure password: • DO NOT use the names of pets and family members • DO NOT use other personal infor-

• • •

mation about yourself - i.e. birthday, anniversary, or street address DO NOT use “strong example passwords,” such as titles of books, movies, poems, songs or places and events, common acronyms (i.e. NASA) and words in foreign languages (i.e. bienvenido1) in your password (thanks to Verizon for this one!)

DO NOT use repeating numbers or letters like “111111” or “AAAaaA” DO NOT ever use “Password” or any variation for your password DO NOT write your passwords down DO use a password keeper, like 1Password or Norton Identity Safe - it cost money, but worth it if you have a lot of passwords to remember DO make your passwords more than 8 characters DO use a numbers, letters, and special characters - !@#$%^&* - in your password DO change your password frequently

Remember, nothing is 100% secure, but you should do what you can to keep the data that you have access to safe. A survey by information security company CSID found that 1 in 5 people had an online account compromised.

They also found that only 6% of respondents reported using an alphanumeric password with special characters.

Some food for thought: According to CSID this is the time it would take for a hacker to guess these passwords: • dietcoke - instantly • di3tcoke - 11 minutes • di3tcoke! - 6 days • ilikedi3tcoke! - 125,000 years • ilikedi3tcokealot!! - 2 quadrillion years Now, go and change your P@ssw0rd$!

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