By Shelley Aylesworth-Spink, Vice President, Student Success
St. Lawrence College had a strong presence at a recently concluded national conference by the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services (CACUSS) held from June 4-7 in Niagara Falls. A contingent of SLC employees showcased their expertise in student engagement, student conduct, equity, and leadership. Attending the conference were more than 900 student affairs professionals from across Canada.
Katie Sills, Manager of Student Rights & Responsibilities, along with David Wright, Associate Director of Safety & Security, presented a session titled "Engaging the Campus Community: Communication and Decision-Making Strategies of a Behavioural Intervention Team." They discussed how SLC employs a behavioural intervention team process as a safety and engagement strategy within the College. Their insights shed light on effective communication and decision-making in a campus community.
Another presentation was delivered by Melyssa Kerr, Student Rights & Responsibilities Officer, who co-presented with a colleague from Queen's University. Their session titled "Accessibility as Equity in Student Conduct" delved into the importance of considering student population and institutional structures to ensure fair and equitable conduct processes for students with accessibility needs. The presentation offered insights into fostering inclusivity within student conduct practices.
Jeremy Mastin, SLC’s Student Engagement & Experience Coordinator, joined with Ross McMillan, Director of Student Success & Services, to present a session titled "Evolving Your Student Engagement Platform: Lessons Learned from One College's Transition and Transformation." Jeremy and Ross shared their experiences and lessons learned during the development of UR SLC, an innovative student engagement platform. Their session discussed the platform's role in enhancing student engagement and retention.
Ining Chao, Associate Dean of Global Partnerships & Learning Services, Ross McMillan, Director of Student Success & Services, and Shelley Aylesworth-Spink, Vice President of Student Success, provided a session titled "One College/One Student: Lessons in Student Affairs Leadership at an Ontario College." The presentation explored the challenges faced by student affairs leadership amidst rapid growth in international enrollment and the strategic enrollment management process. They shared lessons and strategies for ensuring student success.