Conversations with Student Affairs - A Penn State World Campus Podcast

Andrea Buffone, Assistant Director for World Campus Academic Advising joins us for a conversation about Starting and finishing the semester strong.  Andrea and Jen will discuss important reasons for students to connect with their academic advisor, instructor, student disability services, reviewing the course syllabus, and class scheduling.

Have you ever thought what it would be like to be living your words, and live out generosity?  Join Chris Reeves, graduate assistant for student affairs and I as we discuss leadership, service and making the student experience impactful.  What would it be like if you shared your gifts, talents, and skills through service and kindness?  Looking for an opportunity to serve?  MLK Day of Service will be taking place in January 2022.  Contact studentaffairs@worldcampus.psu.edu to learn more.

Join Denita Wright Watson, Associate Director for WC Student Affairs Equity, Inclusion, and Advocacy and I in a conversation about Tough Talks.  Denita shares some important tools listeners can use for the conversation, including how a person can prepare themselves emotionally and physically.  Can difficult or challenging conversations have a positive outcome? Also, how can you bring your authentic self to the conversation.

As a Student, severe weather or natural disasters may not be one of the first things you think you might be impacted by.  You might be impacted by evacuations or infrastructure disruption.  In this episode our guests identify steps you can take to help identify a plan, action item, or resource to help you feel supported. Additionally, there are strategies shared for communicating with the University when you are impacted by a natural disaster or infrastructure disruption. Even while recording this episode one of our guests was impacted by severe weather.  Do you have future episode topics you would like to recommend?  Email host Jen Toof at jlt46@psu.edu

Our guests, Bailey and Carrie share with us their Penn State student journey and what adapting to change and creating new strategies looked like for them the past couple of years.  Hear the advice they'd give their younger self, strategies they used to respond to new changes, and how they turned those new skills into positive experiences they look forward to continuing with.

This episode is focused on wellbeing and self-care being the foundation of productivity.  Today, our guest is Katie Marshall.  Katie is the mental health case manager with the World Campus.  In the episode we discuss how using the wellness wheel and focusing on the big 5 (eat, sleep, routine, connection, and exercise) can play a major role in wellbeing, self-care, and productivity.  The wellness wheel will be referenced in the On the Corner segment and can be opened online for review https://www.ginger.com/activities/wellness-wheel.  World Campus students can schedule case management appointments with Katie if they would like assistance getting connected to services in their local community. To learn more about on-demand resources and upcoming programming you can visit https://student.worldcampus.psu.edu/student-services/mental-health-services. In the final thought of this episode, Katie references Six Daily Questions to Ask Yourself in Quarantine from Berkeley Greater Good Magazine https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_daily_questions_to_ask_yourself_in_quarantine. 

As we near the conclusion of the semester, we reflect on student engagement, success, and their dedication.  Gains some tips and resources for taking steps to build a more inclusive environment, or healthier you.  Hear messages from staff throughout the episode for what they are thankful for.

November 11th is an opportunity to recognize and pay tribute to veteran's who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.  We honor our veterans with a moment of silence; and an acknowledgement for veteran and alum Lt. Michael P. Murphy.  Guests of this episode include the president of the World Campus Military Service Organization and the organization's advisor.  Getting connected through community and Involvement are key points of interest weaved through the conversation.  Military Services & Resources at World Campus can be found by visiting student.worldcampus.psu.edu clicking on Student Services and Military Services will appear on the left side of the page.

Making a disclosure to a graduate school or employer is not an easy conversation or step to take.  Join us for a conversation on navigating referrals made to the office conduct, academic integrity, felony records, and how this may impact your application to graduate school or with an employer.  Meg Brower, Assistant Director for the Office of Student and Career Counselors Lynn Atanasoff & Matt Soroka are featured guests.