Working with Campus Administration
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This document provides guidance for student government leaders on developing relationships with campus administrators and handling difficult situations. It recommends getting to know administrators early on through informal meetings to build trust and communication. When issues arise, leaders should remain calm and controlled, focus on facts, understand all sides of the issue, and work towards a win-win solution that benefits students. Proper preparation, follow through, respectful conduct, and keeping the overall goals in mind can help leaders successfully navigate tensions with administration.
Working with Campus Administration
- 2. Developing the relationship ◦ Getting off on the right foot ◦ Being and maintaining professionalism Handling difficult situations ◦ Focus on the facts and do your homework ◦ Control your emotions Seek win-win solutions when possible ◦ Understand the other side ◦ Create your plan ◦ Eye on the prize
- 3. Getting off on the right foot: ◦ Meet with administrators early in your term Informal meetings/Meet and Greets Begin to build trust and communication Figure out who is who on campus ◦ Professional but casual Administrators often have varying views of students and how to work with them. Being professional allows you to break down potential walls.
- 5. Dress appropriately for the situation ◦ A presidential cabinet meeting won’t be held in your bedroom so don’t dress like it. Be prepared ◦ Competency earns respect. Do what you say you are going to do ◦ Consistent follow through builds trust consistently. Respect the position even if you don’t respect the person ◦ Whether you like them or not, they have power and can help you. Remember who you represent, but seek solutions ◦ Solving problems serves students better than making a point.
- 6. There inevitably will be tension with your campus administrators. How you handle these situations will be key in your success. There are a few key steps to handling any difficult issue.
- 7. In order to diffuse potential fireworks, make sure you have all the information you need. If you find holes in what you know, ask questions. Bring the players together to discuss the issue, but don’t meet just to meet. Make sure you have the right people at the right meetings. Keep the big picture in mind inside the jungle of details.
- 8. It’s easy to get caught up and react emotionally when you care about the issues on which you work. Maintaining and controlling a professional outlook is a must for several reasons: ◦ When you get emotional, you’re more likely to make mistakes. ◦ Emotions close lines of communication. ◦ Emotional reactions can alienate potential allies.
- 9. In the end, your job is to win victories for your constituents (students). Crafting a strategy is easier when you can map out a road to victory. You have to give something to get something. There are a few key steps to working toward a win-win.
- 10. In order to be successful, you need to understand your administration’s position. Ask clarifying questions. Small misunderstandings can have huge consequences. Get positions in writing so you can reference them later.
- 11. It’s always advisable to have a plan or an idea of what you want to accomplish. Map out some potential solutions and break them down from both your perspective and that of your administration. Use your resources to determine the best course of action. Finalize your plan and prepare.
- 12. Be ready to change your plan as you discuss issues with your administration. Stay focused on your ultimate goal and don’t miss out on easy solutions. Winning for your constituents is MUCH more important than winning for yourself.
- 13. Develop and maintain key relationships Let your personality carry you, don’t let personalities ruin you. Seek win-win solutions and remember that you will likely have to give something to get something. Understand what consultation means and what it doesn’t. Stay focused on finding solutions Be professional and carry yourself that way at ALL times.