October is Careers in Student Affairs Month! To celebrate, the Office of Student Life is highlighting staff members from different teams and departments. Learn more about each staff member and their Student Life journey by reading the spotlights below.
Jana Cox
Student Advocates Office
Jana is the Associate Director of the Student Advocates Office. Jana has worked at IU for 27 years and in the Student Life field for 6 years.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Life?
“It is so rewarding when a student comes to you with a concern and you can help support them through it. I can think of one instance where a student sought out services from our office because their father passed away suddenly during the semester. We were able to assist the student in withdrawing, getting a refund, and returning the next semester to complete their degree.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Life?
“Strive to learn something new every day. Make sure you make self-care a priority.”
Is there anything else about working in this field that you would like to share with others?
“It is a very rewarding field to work in. I have always enjoyed problem-solving and I get the opportunity to do that frequently.”
Amy Sterneman
Student Care and Resource Center
Amy is a Care Coordinator for the Student Care and Resource Center. Amy has worked at IU and in the Student Life field for over a year.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Life?
“The best moments in my job are when I’m able to connect a student with a resource or piece of information that will improve their experience when they had no idea something like that even existed! I’ve spoken with many students who felt like they had to handle everything on their own and were feeling pretty discouraged. Our campus has so many opportunities and supports for success and I love getting to be the bridge that gets students to where they need to go.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Life?
“I think it’s important for Student Life professionals to keep the individual agency of students front and center. We have so many resources that we think may be helpful, but ultimately this is their journey and our job is to support them in the choices they make for themselves. This has been so helpful for me in not taking on unnecessary emotional labor and preventing burnout.”
Is there anything else about working in this field that you would like to share with others?
“Our campus partners are our greatest asset. Having a network of people across campus with different areas of expertise that I can both support and be supported by is great.”
Desiree van der Kleij
Center for Veteran and Military Students
Desiree is the Assistant Director of the Center for Veterans and Military Students. Desiree has worked at IU for over a year and in the Student Life field for approximately two years.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Life?
“Our annual Welcome Back cookout is really great to meet and greet students, IU colleagues, and community partners. Engaging with everyone and connecting is one of my favorites things. If we’re able to answer questions and/or solve problems in real time, even better!”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Life?
“Best advice I have is to meet a student where they are with a good dose of emotional intelligence. Everyone is different in preparedness, expectations, and circumstances.“
Is there anything else about working in this field that you would like to share with others?
“Working with students is very rewarding and I enjoy seeing them learn and grow! Stop by CVMS, we love to connect with campus partners, departments and students!”
Laura Kucik
Recreational Sports
Laura is the Assistant Director of Club Sports at Recreational Sports. Laura has worked at IU for five years and in the Student Life field for 12 years.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Life?
“I am not sure I have a specific story, but more of a feeling. I have worked with many students throughout my time in student affairs, whether in a student worker role, volunteer, or mentor. Seeing them develop as people throughout their time in higher education are some of my most rewarding moments I have experienced. The best is having students come back to campus or keep in touch after graduation. Being invited to their weddings, seeing them get their first job and using you as a reference, starting a family, it really is great! Seeing student develop into young professionals is why I enjoy this profession.”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Life?
“Make the connections, get to know your students, be a person they can lean on during their time in college. College is a stressful, tough time full of change and uncertainty. You only have 4 years to connect, but hopefully the impact you leave lasts and you can continue to foster relationships.“
Is there anything else about working in this field that you would like to share with others?
“I fell into this field a bit on a whim, I was originally going to go into social work, but took a graduate assistant role within a college campus to get my masters. I know this was the right career choice for me because of the continued support I can give to students. I am very passionate about mental health and that piece has never left me. The fact that I get to continue to assist people is what it is all about to me. Mental health on college campuses is such an important piece and my role within club sports fits perfectly with my current career.”
Caitlin McKinley
IMU Meeting and Event Services
Caitlin is the Event Manager for IMU Meeting & Event Services. Caitlin has worked at IU and in the Student Life field for seven years.
What’s one specific moment or story that sticks out to you and shows why you enjoy working in Student Life?
“When I started at the IMU, I was primarily working with student organizations to help plan and execute their events. I still work with a few large-scale student events each semester and I love being able to be there to support them and share the knowledge I have learned over the years. The annual event that stands out the most is the Retail Studies Organization Fashion Show. The students, myself, and the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design department leads work together to put on an amazing production to showcase the students’ final projects. They are always passionate to showcase their hard work and I am always so thankful to be a part of it every year!”
What advice do you have for those looking to work in the field of Student Life?
“It is important to have empathy and understanding when working with students. They are always growing and learning and sometimes they need guidance to become successful. The little things such as our time, attention, and compassion are the most impactful on their journey.“
Is there anything else about working in this field that you would like to share with others?
“I have had the pleasure to work with many different types of events including student organizations, IU departments, conferences, weddings, and more. These events are so important to each group and I love helping bring their plans to life and creating memories that will last a lifetime!”
Stay tuned all throughout October for more staff spotlights!
Leave a Reply