University Business - July 2006 - (Page 72)

The President Next Door the new living arrangement, but also to give the gift of pres- ence. We administrators talk about respect, collaboration, spir- ituality, and the focus on student learning, but I need to model these things for students. That means not telling them how to act or behave; I need to walk my talk. Before I can do this right, I must gain a level of trust from Photo By Jessica Novak the students. Communication will be important. I have great hopes of spending time with students, learning what is on their minds, and what is important to them. What do they worry about? What do they value? And, as president of a Catholic in- stitution, I want to know where they are in terms of spirituality Sister Diana Stano's decision to live in a residence hall drew and religious beliefs. unexpected attention from local and national media outlets. When I'm in my suite, my door will be open so students can visit me any time. I guess the worst thing that could hap- Students like that each suite con- In the new building, the pen is that no one will visit me. tains four bedrooms, a shared living space, kitchenette, and bathroom. sense of communit y Early Preparation They are thrilled with the size of the truly revolved around a bathroom and that there are privacy m This is the third and last night I have alone before the students uch smaller group doors for both the shower and toilet move in. I'm in my night clothes and working late when I get rooms. The double sinks are a plus, of students, their a call from a producer from the ABC television network show, as well as the full-size mirror that suitemates. Add Good Morning America. They are interested in coming out to itionally, compliments the huge mirror above the do a live remote on student move-in day. Who would believe sense of independe nce the sinks. it? I realize this is just the beginning of a massive media flurry. I try to be of assistance to stu- and self-reliance emerged I begin to type up information about the the lounge new residence hall to be used for tours that I d e n t s on various issues. I have much more tha Working in nI become an expert assistant in as- t plan to conduct for various audiences. I find afforded me a grea I enjoy working from the computer lab on anticipated. sembling TV stands and installing ract oppor tunity to inte toilet paper rolls. Like all students, I have the third floor instead of hauling my laptop students. back and forth to my office. to deal with building maintenance issues; the heat is not well with the controlled and it gets very cold in the building. We encounter I couldn' t help but Move-In Day a backup in the plumbing system, and on one occasion a mi- re wonder if there we My day is jammed with TV and print inter- crowave burns. times when my views. Our marketing director advises me and e my student helpers to unpack and repack my Getting Comfortable presence might hav belongings a total of three times so photogra- Everyone is enjoying the privacy of their suites. I am feeling influenced the type phers can snap pictures. a little lonely. activity of internet We have the official ribbon-cutting cer- A group of students in one suite invite me to watch the hit emony for the residence hall followed by a television show American Idol. Other students bring me to their in which they reception in my suite. That evening, three stu- suite for a root beer float and to enjoy an episode of Lost. I have were engaged. dents visit. We sit around the table chatting. I to admit to feeling lost just trying to follow the story line. think they get a kick out of my 10-pound box of candy As I stroll through the halls one evening before bed, I no- that I bought for just such an occasion. Later, another student tice that there are visitors from the college's two other resi- and her boyfriend stop to tell me how much they like the new dence halls. It's 10 p.m. and one student is getting ready to hall and how amazed they are with the space. go out for the night. A student from another floor stops in to bring me earplugs and stays for a visit. These students are not Freedom and Flexibility only dear, but extremely thoughtful. Everyone is adjusting to the new learning environment. Be- Connecting When It Counts cause the new residence hall is limited to upperclassmen, the students are responding positively to being treated more like Once school begins, the building is quieter and the students stay adults. They have greater autonomy, freedom, and flexibility. in their suites more. When I occasionally run into students, I 72 | July 2006 universitybusiness.com 27 ddni.lnruoJiDsiS MP 51:11:4 60/12/6 http://universitybusiness.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of University Business - July 2006

Contents
College Index
Advisory Board
Company Index
Editor's Note
People Watch
Sense of Place
Stats Watcch
Viewpoint
Marketing
Human Resources
Future Shock
Money Matters
Community Colleges
Diamond in the Mudd
Higher Ed at the Crossroads
Property Values
The President Next Door
Good Medicine
The Outs (and Ins) of Facility Management
Business Technology
What's New
Calendar of Events
Direct Connect
End Note

University Business - July 2006