SEAHO Report - Fall 2019 - 29

SEAHO Feature Articles
Co-supervision is an experience that is not limited to the coordinator experience. Mid-level and senior leaders
in organizations may co-supervise, work on projects together, or co-lead committees. Learning to co-supervise
effectively allows for student affairs educators to learn the balance of working cordially together while also
building an effective partnership. Seeking out opportunities to gain this experience early on in this field will
prove an invaluable experience as student affairs educators seek advancement; these lessons will stick with us
as we move beyond our work in this hall.
Works Cited
Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T.E. (2013). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership (5th ed.). San
Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass
Brownstein, R. American higher education hits a dangerous milestone. Retrieved from: https://www.theatlantic.
com/politics/archive/2018/05/american-higher-education-hits-a-dangerous-milestone/559457/.
Winston Jr., R. B., & Creamer, D. G. (1998). Staff supervision and professional development: An integrated
approach. New Directions for Student Services, 84, 29-42.

Thank You for the Connection: RELI from the Faculty Perspective
Jeannie Hopper, University of Mississippi
Almost every morning, like clockwork, I wake up to the little "ping!" of a GroupMe notification. I no longer
need an alarm clock on most days, because I know I will be greeting each morning with a positive meme or
uplifting quote from a valued colleague. A colleague I didn't even know a year ago. A colleague who is just
one member of a group of professionals who I admire, look to for guidance, and genuinely enjoy as people.
An elite group of professionals that I have come to rely on for my own work-life inspiration: my RELI Faculty
family.
RELI (SEAHO's Regional Entry Level Institute) is touted as the best of the best in terms of professional
development experiences for entry-level professionals. And it is. It absolutely is. This publication has
provided numerous articles over the years from participants loudly proclaiming how RELI changed their lives
and helped them see their paths in this field more clearly. All the BOLD capital letters, emojis, exclamation
points, and picture collages bear witness to the fact of the matter - RELI participants LOVE the experience.
But the missing voice thus far has been that of the faculty. Those established professionals who signed up to
volunteer their time to help create this transformational experience for the younger generation - what, exactly,
does RELI offer for the seasoned veteran? Why should you dedicate months to preparing presentations, spend
your own money on cluster trinkets, and give up a week of your precious "free" time in the summer?
Well, because RELI is FREAKING FANTASTIC for the faculty as well!! I may be older, more experienced,
and outwardly more poised, but I fully admit that I drank that RELI Kool-Aid - and boy did it taste sweet.
I am an introvert by nature. Until the spotlight is on me and the microphone is in my hand, I am the quiet
one in the room. I play an extrovert at work, but it's the one-on-one moments, the deep conversations, the
relationships, and the overall impact that keep me in love with our profession. I heard about RELI as a new
professional, as a mid-level professional, and then as a leader of my own res learning team at a large SEC
school. I never attended as a participant - it is a short window for acceptance, and I always had family
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SEAHO Report Fall 2019

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/05/american-higher-education-hits-a-dangerous-milestone/559457/ https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/05/american-higher-education-hits-a-dangerous-milestone/559457/

SEAHO Report - Fall 2019

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