Talking Stick - March/April 2016 - 8

VISION

Human Resources
For many of us, this time of year means the beginning of the traditional hiring season.
Of course, the increasing reality is that searching for the right people to fill vacant or
new positions has become a year-round proposition. Regardless of when it happens
or what side of the table we are sitting on, though, we can all agree that the job search
process is nothing to be taken lightly.
We know the sheer number of hours that we commit to our jobs,
not to mention the mental and emotional dedication that goes along with
it. This is reason enough that we owe it to ourselves to find the position
that both supports us and challenges us in all the right ways. In that same
vein, we owe it to our graduate students and other colleagues to provide
support and mentoring as they search for the right fit. This support can
mean reviewing a résumé, offering an encouraging word, or even playing
devil's advocate to help someone through the process.

WE KNOW THAT
OUR HUMAN
RESOURCES
ARE OUR MOST
VALUABLE
RESOURCES, SO
THIS ACTION
IS NOT MERELY
ABOUT FILLING
A SLOT BUT
STRENGTHENING
A TEAM.

In addition, many of us will also be responsible for recruiting
and identifying the best and brightest new individuals to join our
campus teams. We know that our human resources are our most
valuable resources, so this action is not merely about filling a slot but
strengthening a team. If you are part of your campus's hiring team, I
encourage you to consider this process as an invaluable opportunity
to welcome an influx of new ideas. I have learned that you can never
underestimate these occasions to infuse a department with those
individuals who bring with them innovation, renewed energy, and
fresh eyes looking at old challenges.
The hiring season is also a time for all of us to recommit to creating
and nurturing a diverse and inclusive workspace. Doing so will not
only strengthen our campus teams but will also better position all of
us to serve an ever-changing student population.

Recognizing the value of the job search and hiring process is why,
back in 2006, ACUHO-I committed the resources to be a founding
partner of The Placement Exchange. Since then we are incredibly
proud of what both the event and online presence have become as well as the
information and resources that they provide. If you are traveling to TPE Onsite in
Indianapolis, Indiana, please take a moment to search out the association leaders,
staff, and members who will be there as well. It's a great chance to learn more about
the different ways that your association will be there for you at every step along your
career.
Allan Blattner
ACUHO-I President
allan_blattner@unc.edu
@apblattner
ablattner
allan blattner

TALKING STICK
Symbol of International
Friendship
Talking Stick magazine
takes its name from the
symbol of international
friendship presented
to ACUHO-I in 1973 by
the Ohiat Band of the
British Columbia Indian
Nation. The talking stick,
or speaker's staff, is
hand carved, and the
inscription explains, "It is
a sign of authority carried
when proclamations
are to be made or a
meeting of chiefs is in
session. It is a token
of common heritage
both to Canadians and
Americans."

ON THE
COVER
Strength
in Management
Getting better at
being in charge

March + April 2016 | Volume 33, Number 4

published by the Association of College and University
Housing Officers - International

The clock tower
at Winston-Salem
State University
in North Carolina
is a landmark
on campus that
provides direction to
passersby. Read how
members find their
sense of direction
with different
management styles
in the feature on
page 36.
Photo Credit: Garrett
Garms

TALKING STICK

Talking Stick - March/April 2016

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Talking Stick - March/April 2016