from Inquiry, Volume 7, Number 1, Spring 2002, 4-7
© Copyright 2002 Virginia Community College System
Abstract
A member of John Tyler Community College’s support staff recounts her
experience with an educational exchange to Broxtowe College, and she offers
advice for those who would follow her lead.
I want to share a secret with you . . . classified employees can travel outside of the United States in pursuit of professional development. The sharing of workplace practices and efficiency factors does not necessarily have to take place on your home turf. There is an abundance of information to be gained from the operational methods of European institutions. As “front liners” it is our responsibility to pursue improvements in serving our students. It only takes persistence and a keen belief in oneself to foster an exchange with a foreign institution.
Fortunately, I was a member of an educational exchange in November of 2000. It all developed from a VaCIE-CEMP project our College had with Broxtowe College, an associate college of DeMontfort University, located in Nottingham, England. As the faculty and administrators were busily forming their exchanges with Broxtowe, I could not help but contemplate my personal aspirations. In my mind, I wondered if there were better ways to provide services to our students. Knowing that I could not be funded under the VaCIE-CEMP Professional Development Exchange, I proceeded to write a grant proposal requesting funding from our College’s foundation. Had it not been for the support of my College’s administration, this project would have never become a reality. I genuinely thank them for their belief in me and my proposal.
The basis for my project was to observe the average Broxtowe College student from a student services’ perspective. Areas of examination included the marketing of the institution, application process, curriculum selection, registration procedure, financial assistance, placement testing, extracurricular opportunities, grading structure, graduation, and job placement.
The ingredient leading to a successful exchange is research. Through our business office, I learned of the regulations and restrictions attached to foreign travel. Once the per diem was established, I pursued the best air fare. (Side note here—I was able to purchase a roundtrip ticket to London cheaper than I could fly to Atlanta.) Since my exchange was not officially a part of the VaCIE-CEMP group, it was my responsibility to make all of my own arrangements—a pursuit I enjoyed every step of the way. It proved my personal dedication to the project.
Prior to my departure, I thoroughly researched the areas I would be visiting. Not only is Broxtowe aesthetically beautiful, but it is ripe with cultural, historical and industrial sites. Because of my research, I felt right at home upon my arrival.
The two colleges partnered me with Broxtowe’s director of student services, Mrs. Margaret Green. Not only did she spend hours accommodating me in my project’s objectives, but she made me a guest in her home. To this day, we continue to cultivate our friendship.
The exchange was rewarding on so many levels. I was like a sponge soaking up the hospitality of the administration of Broxtowe, the congeniality of the student services personnel, the warmth and openness of the students, and the exchange of cultural differences.
I spent many hours with each individual who had responsibilities in the various areas I was researching. The employees all had the same regard for their tasks—the fulfillment of the academic and personal ambitions of every student who needed and requested their assistance. Not only would these fine individuals take the time to sit and talk with every student who had a problem or question, they had a plethora of materials available to them. I can still remember the enormous wall of information available; the presentation was up-to-date and receptive—almost as if it beckoned students to draw from it. This pleasant sitting area included shelves on colleges (both locally and internationally), positions available in the area, study abroad programs, helpful hints on how to study and develop a resume, and other information and materials helpful to the success of a student. The College employed an individual whose only responsibility was to keep this information center accurate and current.
Within the student services area, every employee was out in the open and accessible to the students. There were no barriers, no closed doors or any other kind of structure that implied they were not available. They were each diligent and dedicated. They knew their jobs and were anxious to share their management style with me. One outstanding ingredient surfaced as I randomly talked with them—they were all cross-trained. For instance, if a student came in to seek assistance with a financial aid question and the financial aid representative was not there, the student did not have to wait until she returned. The student was able to go to any one of the employees in the student services area and receive attention and an answer to the question. This is a wonderful reflection of the true meaning of student services.
The College possessed a magnificent public relations and graphics staff. Each person was unique and original in his or her thinking, and this was reflected in the materials. Each publication was colorful, eye-catching and thorough in its information. All of these publications were visually displayed on a massive wall unit in the foyer of the main building. The key word here is “all.” Every piece of current literature was available. A student would not have to go from one office to another to pick up information. It was pleasingly arranged in one area, and the bins were always full. Whoever was responsible for maintaining this area obviously was proud of the College’s mission in general and his or her task specifically.
The institution developed timeframes where we had the opportunity to sit in on class lectures. I chose two of those openings. One of them was a literature class where they were studying one of Shakespeare’s works. I was early in arriving, and I am so very glad that I was. Watching the students arrive was an adventure. They were all considerably younger in age than our average student. Just as we are, they are creatures of habit. I had to move several times as I found I had occupied a student’s “normal” space. Each student seemed to possess the same kind of preparation ceremony—first came the cell phone, then came the pencil pouch, then came their textbooks. I was silent in my thoughts in digesting this ritual. Everything was very colorful from cell phone covers to the art of their pencil pouches. However, I reminded myself to ask the professor why cell phones were allowed. And I noted to myself that this scene was a paradox. I had been informed that the majority of students required financial aid and were struggling to make ends meet; however, each one possessed a cell phone. During the class period, one of the students received a cell phone call. He took the call. The instructor chastised him in a friendly manner. This substantiated what I had already witnessed in the days prior: that the faculty and students possessed a very special bond—a bond of trust and respect.
Not only did the College provide opportunities to interact with students and staff, but also they arranged for some stellar sightseeing adventures throughout the city of Nottingham. We visited Robin Hood’s country, had an audience with the Mayor of Nottingham, enjoyed a tour of the city including the fortress and lace-making shops and museums, and were entertained at an interactive theatrical presentation of the history of the area.
I hope you perceive through these words my enthusiasm regarding an international exchange. Classified employees who are eager to arrange a foreign exchange partnership should pursue their dreams. There are numerous outlets for this concept; it only requires initiative and persistence in achieving your goal. It will require an enormous amount of diligence and research in finding an agency to partner with you. The best approach is to partner with your college’s VaCIE-CEMP representative. However, there are other possible funding agencies:
A wealth of other agencies are accessible through the Internet.
While on an exchange, you need to remember that you are representing the reputation of your college and the United States. Enjoy your adventure in an educational exchange. It is a professional development opportunity you will never forget.
Kay (Robinson) Robertson retired from John Tyler Community College in 2002 and is presently on staff at the University of Richmond.