Division of Student Affairs Launches Student Employment as a High Impact Practice - University of Houston
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Division of Student Affairs Launches Student Employment as a High Impact Practice

DSA News
June 25, 2024

To enhance the professional development of its student workforce, the University of Houston (UH) Division of Student Affairs (DSA) is launching a new initiative Student Employment as High-Impact Practice. This pilot program, starting in Summer 2024, is designed to equip student employees with crucial professional competencies that align with the skills sought by employers in college graduates.

Two students talking

Identifying Key Competencies

The DSA has identified nine key competencies that are essential for professional success. These competencies are based on extensive research into what employers are looking for in college graduates. The competencies include:

  1. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  2. Communication (Verbal and Written)
  3. Teamwork and Collaboration
  4. Professionalism
  5. Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Resolution
  6. Cultural Competency
  7. Digital Technology
  8. Leadership

Measuring and Documenting Growth

To effectively measure the development of these competencies, DSA departments will employ a detailed rubric. This rubric will assess student employees' performance in relevant areas, allowing DSA to:

  1. Measure growth over time for student employees.
  2. Document the impact of on-campus employment on students' professional competency development.

Pilot Program Implementation

The Summer 2024 pilot program will involve five key departments:

  • Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) Office
  • Children’s Learning Centers (CLC)
  • Student Centers
  • Student Housing and Residential Life (SHRL)
  • Campus Recreation

Each department will have groups of student employees participating, providing a diverse range of job experiences and opportunities for competency development.

Expansion Plan

Following the summer pilot, the program will expand in the Fall to include seven additional departments. By Spring 2025, all remaining DSA departments will be integrated into the program, ensuring that all student employees across the division benefit from this high-impact practice.

Long-Term Vision

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to prepare UH students for the competitive job market. By focusing on the development of these nine competencies, the DSA aims to provide student employees with the tools they need to succeed professionally and to make meaningful contributions to their future workplaces. The Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Paul Kittle stated, “Integrating high-impact practices into student leadership and employment roles enhances the learning experience and equips students with essential skills for their future careers. These practices foster critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving abilities, ensuring our students are academically proficient and prepared to lead and excel in a dynamic and complex workforce.”

Commitment to Student Success

The University of Houston Division of Student Affairs is committed to fostering an environment where student employment is not only a means of financial support but also a significant avenue for professional growth. This new initiative underscores the university's dedication to student success, both during their time at UH and beyond graduation. The Director of Planning and Assessment, Dr. Scott Radimer said, “The creation of the student employee competencies is a vital step for the Division of Student Affairs to better assess the impact working on campus has for and will allow the division to better measure the impact it has on preparing students for their future careers."

The DSA's Student Employment as a High-Impact  Practice represents a forward-thinking approach to higher education, where academic learning and practical work experience are seamlessly integrated. By investing in the professional development of its student employees, UH is ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of today's dynamic and evolving job market. Executive Director, Dr. Monica Thompson remarked, “As students explore various work sectors and industries, I remind them that education is a significant sector where they can develop essential career skills through their on-campus jobs within our division. The launch of our new initiative, Student Employment as High-Impact Practice, will better prepare our students for their future careers and significantly enhance experiential learning opportunities—one of UH's strategic goals. I am excited about our collective efforts to equip the next generation with the skills that employers desire in our graduates."

Written by Germaine Washington, Director of Marketing and Communications – Student Affairs