I Stand For Video Series (8)

The “I Stand For” video series is designed to showcase all the causes and values that Golden Key members stand for.

The eighth video in our series is titled “Why Golden Key.”  In this video, members across the globe share why joining Golden Key was a positive decision for their future success.

Why Golden Key:

For more videos, visit our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/GKIHS1977.

Advice From Alumni: Part 4

Over the last few weeks we’ve shared with you advice from various professionals and graduate students about entering the workforce or graduate school.  In the fourth part of this series, we asked those that have or are currently attending graduate school the following question:

Are there any resources you can recommend to students to help them achieve success in graduate school?

Here’s the advice we received…

Part 4:

I strongly advise undergraduate students to talk to family members, parents of their friends, their community and others to develop a support network.  Secondly, I will embolden students to obtain internships (whether paid or unpaid/local, international). Third, have personal and professional mentors/coaches. Lastly, to do a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis for themselves, so they will know what areas they need to develop, hone and be aware of.

– Sherry M. Hunter
Doctoral Candidate, DePaul University

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My three pieces of advice are to know the APA 6th edition, make sure to always give yourself at least 30 to 60 extra minutes for each written assignment, and embrace peer review as a way to improve your writing and research.

–Mark Preston Mullins
Ashford University, MBA 2010

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One of my favorite resources that I used as a supplement to accounting courses is: http://www.accountingcoach.com/

–Debra Hall
Georgia Southern University, MBA 2010

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I have found three resources to be very helpful as a graduate student.  Your academic advisor who can help answer various questions you have, your instructors, and any contacts you have in professional positions in the field you are studying.  I routinely contacted all three (many times they might get 2-3 emails a week from me) and I had all the resources I need, opened some new doors, never fell behind, and was very successful in my academic career.  I did not follow this advice when I was an undergrad, and it shows!

–George Long
American Military University 2011 and 2013

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My advice in regards to resources for success in graduate school is to choose your major wisely!  Visit the college, look for statistics of employment with that major; study the professors and any financial aide you can and understand why you are going to grad school; do some soul searching before you commit your time.  Also: scholarships are your friend!  You need to maintain a high GPA so study study study.  Join associations and attend conferences during your first year and spend your second year hanging out in the career center.  You will most likely meet great people who will have first hand information on job openings; you will most likely attend job search functions sponsored by employers; and if you are lucky you will catch the eye of an employer and have a job once you graduate!   Great resources in my experience are my professors and their connections and the career center and their connections.  They are there to help you; with this economy you will need as much help as you can get.  I was also told something that rings true today, “if you are out and about in public dress as if you are casually meeting a potential employer and if you can make some sort of creative business card to hand them, you are really on top of your game!”  Last note, if you not burnt out on a thesis/comp exams…a PhD is a good option.  Good luck out there!

–Christina S. Tillman
Bowie State University, M.A. 2010

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I found the article database Scifinder a very helpful resource while in graduate school.

–Laura Parke

University of Utah ’09

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Resources in graduate school are not given to a student in full. Students need to seek out resources that are personalized to their situations. Discuss with professors their situations and how they can succeed in their field of studies. Most professors have been in several different positions prior to their appointments in an educational institution. The professors might be aware of other connections who exist in the field, and that could lead to a working relationship in the future.

Get involved! Even if the organization is not related to the students field of studies, this experience might have the potential to expand their horizons in terms of meeting others and growing their mental abilities in ways that might not have occurred if the student didn’t get involved. Student government, community relations, town volunteerism, sporting events, and other experiences could help the student grow in ways other than the studies might offer. A school career center is an option. Visit them and see what they have to offer. The Federal Government has a long list of websites that can help a person succeed in finding what is best for them. USA.GOV is a great resource for anyone who has questions about almost anything. To summarize, make yourself available in all different ways and meet as many people as possible, because one thing could lead to another!

–Andrew J. Vernon, M.Ed.
University of Maine 2010

Stay tuned to the blog for more advice.

2013 Denver Regional Summit Recap

–This post was written by Lauren Snow, member at the Metropolitan State University of Denver chapter–

The Region 8 Summit was held at the Metropolitan State University of Denver in Denver, Colorado April 5-7th 2013.  The Metropolitan State University is located on Auraria Campus, which is the home to two other institutions: The Community College of Denver and the University of Colorado at Denver. Delegates from Region 8 chapters stayed at the Springhill Suites by Marriott, which is located right on Auraria campus.  This hotel opened in the fall of 2012 and is unique in that it offers a modern and upscale lodging choice to visitors of Denver, while serving as an extensive learning laboratory for the hospitality students on Auraria campus. This Summit welcomed attendees from Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, North and South Carolina, and of course, Colorado.

Day 1: Upon arrival, delegates registered at the hotel and spent some time settling in and getting to know each other.  Everyone was asked to wear something representing their school. We all then reconvened in the beautiful Tivoli building to enjoy a welcome dinner.  We were honored to have Harriett Watkins and Dr. Antonio Ledesma as our keynote speakers at the welcome dinner.  After dinner, delegates were escorted to the Art Walk on Santa Fe.  This is a free event that happens on the first Friday of every month where art galleries and shops along the historic Santa Fe drive open late to showcase art and music.

Day 2: We began Day 2 with breakfast in the lobby of the hotel.  After breakfast and late registration we headed over to one of the classrooms on campus.  We received the headquarters update from our Regional Director, John Dingfelder, and then split up into our breakout sessions.  There were three sets of sessions.  The sessions that were offered ranged from finding out what your leadership style is to building a fool-proof resume.  In between our break out sessions we took a break for lunch in the historic Tivoli Center which is the student union on the Auraria campus that each university shares.  During our meal Dr. Hal Miller, the region 8 Council of Advisors representative, gave an energetic and motivating speech on how the pillar of leadership affects us as Golden Key officers and members.  He explained that how we develop in our roles will affect our transition to life after college. The remainder of breakout session resumed after lunch.

We had special guest speakers during the Summit service project.  The delegates gathered and brought their donations for a local non-profit we decided to support: Urban Peak. Two representatives from Urban Peak came and spoke to the delegates about what they do and how they can help once they get home.  The present members then tied together fleece to create blankets to donate to the agency.  After the blankets were made, the delegates had free time until dinner.

We all got dressed up and headed back to the Tivoli for our closing dinner.  This dinner included great food, acknowledgements and a special keynote address from W. Scott Lewis, JD and partner for NCHREM, systems-level solutions for safer schools and campuses.  After dinner, the delegates were free to explore Denver and get to know each other before they left in the morning.

Day 3: Day 3 only left enough time for breakfast; one-on-ones with Headquarters representatives John Dingfelder and Melissa Decell who sat with a representative from each school to discuss future plans, any questions and information pertaining to chapter standards. And finally it was time for our goodbyes.

The Summit was an incredible experience and I know that everyone involved has been strengthened.  I am grateful to have been a part of this event and I look forward to reading about more successful Golden Key events in the future.

Where Does Your Chapter Stand?

Golden Key uses Chapter Standards to gauge each chapter’s involvement and adherence to our Society’s pillars of: Academics, Leadership and Service. Based on specific criteria set surrounding involvement and accomplishments, chapters are awarded a Bronze, Silver, or Gold status.  A Gold level standing means the chapter has achieved the highest possible reporting standard in the Society through active implementation and participation in events, service projects and more.  We hope all of our chapters will make every effort to reach a Gold status!


In the US and Canada, Chapter Standards are reported through the Golden Key website. We know you are doing wonderful things on campus, and want to learn about them!  Check out the Screenr webcast to learn how to report your events and earn your chapter status for 2013: http://www.screenr.com/vC27.

Don’t settle for just Gold, strive to be a KEY Chapter! The Key Chapter Award recognizes Gold chapters who exemplify outstanding achievement and/or contributions in the areas of Golden Key’s three pillars.  Applications for the Key Chapter Award can be found here.

The deadline for Chapter Standards and Key Chapter Award submissions is June 1, 2013*! 

*This is only applicable to chapters in the US and Canada.

2013 San Marcos Regional Summit Recap

–This post was written by Narayan Das Khatri, Council of Student Members representative for Region 7.–

Region 7 headed to central Texas for the 2013 Regional Summit, March 1-3. The annual meeting was hosted by the Texas State University – San Marcos chapter. Texas State University – San Marcos is the alma-mater of a true Texan president, Lyndon B Johnson and the campus is a beautiful site as it sits on hilly Texas grounds where you can overlook most of the city.

The Summit was full of fun with 83 delegates joining from Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. We had the opportunity to meet and greet each other as most of us were meeting for the first time. We were happy to have Sareena Helton (Associate Director of US Region 7) and Holly McCaleb (Director of US University Relations) join us for the weekend.

The Summit started on Friday at 3:00 p.m. with registration in the evening and the Advisor Reception. Then the Opening Ceremony started with a welcome address and wonderful introduction of the host committee by the chair of planning committee, Rebecca Saathoff. We than had a fabulous key note address from Whitney Francis, who is Global Community Management Lead for Google Local. She discussed the importance of branding yourself and how to do it. All the members then participated in an ice-breaker which involved string, marshmallows and team building. All the members then headed to Sunset Bowling Lanes for to have some fun and socialize with each other. Chapters also had the opportunity to exchange t-shirts with each other. Such fun!

    

Day 2 started with morning breakfast at the Embassy Suites hotel. Then we carpooled from the hotel to the university campus. There we had three sessions of amazing workshops on wide range of topics such as, GK 101, Poking the Bear, How to Listen so People Will Talk etc. These workshops provided great insight into the realms of leadership, collaboration, team spirit, participation and most importantly, service. We then enjoyed lunch at the university cafeteria. The last workshop of the day was a roundtable conference for chapter members, presidents, advisors & officers. Conversations were constructive and it was a great opportunity for chapter’s to share ideas and brainstorm together. We all learned a lot of valuable information at the workshops that we can bring back to our chapter members.

     

     

 At the end of our busy day, it was time for the Closing Banquet, which was held at the Embassy Suites with everyone in their classy attire. We were honored to have former mayor of San Marcos, Susan Narvaiz, as our keynote speaker. She gave a moving address regarding community service and how it personally shaped her career. After dinner, we had door prizes and a group photo, not to mention countless photos taken in small groups with some funny and not-so-funny poses. It was indeed a fun evening.

Prior to Summit, the delegates collected items from their chapters to donate to the Southside Community Center of San Marcos. Collectively, the region donated 5 boxes full of hygiene products, blankets, clothing and other essentials the shelter requested. In addition to the efforts for the Southside Community Center the region also collaborated with the San Marcos Green Belt Alliance to clean and preserve trails in the San Marcos area.

To wrap up the weekend, everyone had the option of a Sunday activity. Many members took a river boat cruise, some headed home, while others joined for the additional service project with San Marcos Green Belt Alliance. 

Overall, the Summit was a great opportunity to get together and learn; it was a great success. For this, I would like to thank all the delegates for being there and make it what it came out to be. A special thanks goes to Region 7 Associate Director, Sareena Helton, who put so much effort into this and was kind enough to have one-on-one meeting with all the chapters on all three days of Summit.

Last, but not least, many thanks to the host chapter of Texas State University – San Marcos for such a wonderful hospitality and without their dedicated efforts it would have never happened.

Golden Key NASPA Annual Conference Scholarship

NASPA, or the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Association, is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. The NASPA Annual Conference is the premiere gathering place for student affairs administrators in higher education and is a great professional development value.

In an effort to support the first-time conference attendance of the future generation of student affairs professionals, NASPA and Golden Key International Honour Society teamed up to create the Golden Key NASPA Annual Conference Scholarship. The scholarships, up to $825, are used towards conference registration fees, travel, housing and meals.

Thirteen scholarships were awarded, seven to graduate students and six to undergraduate students.

Golden Key Executive Director Brad Rainey and four GK employees had the pleasure of attending the conference and meeting the scholarship winners.  Lenora Oeters, US Chapter Development Manager, attended the conference for the first time.  Oeters said, “being able to connect with other student affairs professionals, learn through workshops and grow in relationships was truly amazing.  The best part of the conference for me was being able to meet the Golden Key scholarship winners and talk with them about their futures in the student affairs world and what an impact this scholarship made on their lives.” She continues, “I have never been more proud to be a student affairs professional…or a Golden Key employee!  I am already counting down to NASPA 2014 in Baltimore!”

    

Pictured above are all of the scholarship recipients and the following Golden Key staff: Brad Rainey- Executive Director, Lenora Oeters- US Chapter Development Manager, John Dingfelder- Associate Director for US Region 8, Sareena Helton- Associate Director for US Region 7, and Holly McCaleb- Director of US University Relations.

The graduate scholarship recipients are:

• Al Forbes, Syracuse University
• John Gipson Jr., Grand Valley State University
• Leah Howell, University of Cincinnati
• Dirk Rodricks, University of Vermont
• Henry Shin, Loyola University Chicago
• Isabella Villacampa, Indiana University
• Jennifer Guerra, Florida International University

Graduate Scholarship Recipients

The undergraduate scholarship recipients are:

• Karyn Dyer, SUNY College at Old Westbury
• Jessica Shapiro, Boston College
• Nicole Garcia, University of Miami
• Annie Le, University of California, Santa Cruz
• Matthew McCabe, University of Miami
• Brandon Dunkley, Buffalo State College

Undergraduate Scholarship Recipients

Here’s what a few of the winners told us about their experiences:

“I was a recipient of the Golden Key Scholarship for the undergraduate NUFP Program for the Annual NASPA Conference in Orlando. I just wanted to take the time to thank Golden Key for everything and your support during the conference. I had an absolutely incredible time and was very impressed by the whole experience. It made me very excited to pursue a career in Student Affairs. In the short year of being a part of the NUFP program, I have been able to make so many connections with Student Affairs professionals on my campus, learn about graduate school and the profession from my mentor, attend the national conference on scholarship from Golden Key, and secure an internship at UC Berkeley for the summer. I am so grateful! I have such a great team of support and I really appreciate Golden Key International Honour Society’s role in all of my success. I definitely hope to continue the program and attend the conference again next year in Baltimore. I just want to let you know, that without the scholarship I was awarded, I would not have been able to attend the conference. Thank you so much.”

– Nicole Garcia, sophomore at the University of Miami

“I am one of the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows that received the Golden Key Scholarship to attend the conference last week.  I just wanted to write and thank you for helping me to attend the conference. It was a unique experience and I honestly learned a lot. I am more excited than ever to enter this profession of student affairs and I owe a lot of my excitement to the conference experience. I met so many kind and interesting people that I found super influential as well. The conference really wouldn’t have happened for me if it weren’t for the Golden Key Scholarship, so I just want to recognize you and thank you deeply for that.”

– Matt McCabe, University of Miami Class of 2014

Golden Key is thrilled to award these scholarships to these students who have very bright futures in a student affairs profession.

National Volunteer Week: Stony Brook University

This week is National Volunteer Week in the United States. Golden Key member Nelson Oliveira, webmaster at the Stony Brook University chapter, tells us about the chapters service efforts in this volunteer highlight.

My motivation to volunteer is to make a difference in somebody’s life, day or even a moment. I like to help fellow Golden Key members achieve their academic goals while having fun and getting involved in community service and on campus activities.

English Pal is by far our chapter’s favorite, most fun and rewarding volunteer project! The English Pal Program gives international students an opportunity to practice conversational English in a casual setting with an English speaker. At the same time, domestic students can meet and learn from people of different cultures and languages. The program  has won awards and it’s simply fun to be involved with!

Aligning with Golden Key’s three pillars of Academics, Leadership and Service, our chapter strives to include volunteer projects on our priority list every year. Another awesome volunteer project was our recent visit to the Long Island Head Start, a day care institution for low income families, where we did several activities with the children and it was extremely rewarding. Additional volunteer projects we have participated in include visiting a pediatric hospital during our university’s Day of Service, raising funds for Hurricane Sandy victims and cancer survivors, and we often engage in club partnerships in on-campus volunteer events.

Social media is the main way we communicate with our chapter to get all the members involved. We also advertise major volunteer events by posting flyers on campus and sending out emails. To get family and friends involved, we just have to describe to them how rewarding and fun volunteering can be, especially if you’re with a group of people.

The Stony Brook chapter is excited to continue to make a difference in their community!