The Organization and Human Resources (OHR) competency refers to the ability of student affairs educators to manage institutional resources, such as “human capital, financial, and physical resources” (ACPA & NASPA, 2015, p. 24). This competency includes the selection, management, and evaluation of staff, the ability to peacefully resolve conflict, the ability to navigate the political environment of an institution, and developing techniques for fundraising, strategic use of financial resources, risk management, and incorporating sustainable practices (ACPA & NASPA, 2015). The responsible oversight and management of resources is essential for successful operations at the departmental, divisional, and institutional level. Through my experiences as a team manager, onboarding consultant, graduate student, and vice chair for professional development,I have an intermediate level of knowledge in this competency.

 

As a manager I regularly facilitated skill development, goal attainment, provided constructive feedback, and advocated for the needs of a team.I participated in interviewing and hiring, creating and revising job descriptions, and am knowledgeable about company hiring policies and procedures. Supervision of others, effective communication, conflict management, and knowledge of technology and continued learning were essential components of my management responsibilities. While I have not had an opportunity to practice these skills in a college or university employment setting, my skills are developing in a similar environment and can be easily transferred and applied to an on-campus position.

​

In my consulting role, I completed the StrengthsQuest assessment and learned my top theme is "Harmony," which aligns well with OHR competency. Someone who prefers to unite individuals toward a common goal and seeks collaboration and compromise likely possesses the appropriate skills and temperament to achieve success in this competency. The ability to bring individuals together over decisions that need to be made, help to avoid or resolve conflict, and understand differing goals and priorities are essential skills for functioning within the political environment of any organization. The description of this theme accurately illustrates my thought process in most one-on-one or group interactions and how I perceive individuals can and should work together as part of a larger initiative.

 

In my graduate studies I learned about crisis and risk management as it relates to study abroad programs through participating in the Design & Delivery of Study Abroad workshop in Florence, Italy. We examined health and safety protocol, institutional policy, and legal guidelines for international travel, traveling abroad with minors, and living and working abroad. Completing HEA 620: Planning and Finance in Higher Education provided insight into various budgeting techniques and responsible use of resources. In particular, having the opportunity to interview a budget director in an office of global education at a local community college was a valuable and practical application of course knowledge. Conducting the interview, writing a paper, and presenting on the budget of the department allowed me to build a comprehensive understanding of how financial and human resource management, the goals and objectives of the office, and annual planning are interconnected. In the 2018-2019 academic year, I wrote and submitted a grant application to host a guest speaker in my role as vice chair for professional development. I researched costs associated with hosting a guest speaker for multiple engagements on campus over a two-day span. I  successfully created a budget for travel and accommodations, honorarium, room reservations, and catering. I also completed the purchase and reimbursement process for all items within the approved budget, which was a valuable experience in planning and managing financial resources.

​

​

Artifacts

​

Community College Profile Presentation

I have developed and presented an institutional profile addressing elements of the strategic plan, role and structure of administrative units, relationships between major constituencies and stakeholders, and governance.

​

CliftonStrengths Theme Report

Upon completing the StrengthsQuest assessment, I gained insight into my top skills and talents: Harmony, Context, Intellection, Input, and Responsibility. I can articulate how my strengths in these areas enabled me to develop competency in OHR.

​

​