SEAHO Report - Summer 2024 - 24

will hopefully graduate in Spring 2025. During my graduate studies, I obtained an assistantship with University
Housing. Since Fall 2022, I have been the Assistant Coordinator of Conduct and Care.
Venus Skowronski:
Hey! My name is Venus, I was born and raised in a small retirement community in Southwest Florida called
Port Charlotte. I spent most of my adolescent life going to school and living here, while summers were spent
with my extended family up in Chicago. I started my collegiate journey at Florida State University as a dual
major in Human Development and Family Sciences & Psychology in 2018. My time at FSU was full of many
different journeys including involvement with the Marching Chiefs, Greek Life, and the start of my work with
FSU University Housing. In January 2020, I had my first shift as an Academic Trainer, a skills study tutor in the
Academic Resource Centers in the residential halls. I served as an Academic Trainer for FSU housing until my
graduation in May 2022. During my tenure I helped plan community wide academic events, one-on-one study
sessions with students, and hosted many time management workshops. My dedication to helping students
earned my honor of receiving Academic Trainer of the Year in 2022. Immediately after graduation, I continued
working with University Housing as an Assistant Coordinator. Due to my experience as an Academic Trainer,
I was selected as the AC of Academic Initiatives. I can happily write here today that I am a M.Ed. in Higher
Education, and soon to be Doctoral Student of Higher Education.
Transitioning To The Supervisory Role
Transitioning from being a colleague to a supervisor among individuals you've previously worked alongside
is like navigating a delicate dance of dynamics and expectations. The shift in roles, while exciting, can also
stir up a range of emotions from anticipation to apprehension. As you embark on this journey, it's vital to
approach it with an open mind.
First and foremost, it's essential to address the change openly and transparently with your team. Acknowledge
the shift in roles and the evolving nature of your relationship. This open acknowledgment sets the stage for
clear communication and helps to alleviate any potential tensions or uncertainties.
Establishing clear boundaries is paramount in this transition. While you may have once been peers, your new
role as a supervisor necessitates a level of authority and responsibility that may not have existed previously.
Clearly defining expectations, roles, and responsibilities helps to mitigate confusion and sets the tone for a
productive working relationship.
However, while it's crucial to assert your authority as a supervisor, it's equally important to maintain a sense
of camaraderie and collaboration. Strive to foster an environment where teamwork and cooperation thrive.
Encourage open dialogue and solicitation of ideas from your team members, valuing their input and
expertise.
Leading by example is perhaps one of the most effective ways to earn the respect and trust of your team.
Your actions speak volumes and serve as a model for the behavior and attitude you expect from your team.
Furthermore, offering support and development opportunities demonstrates your commitment to the growth
and success of your team members. Be proactive in providing mentorship, guidance, and constructive
feedback to help them excel in their roles and reach their full potential.
We think that maintaining open lines of communication is essential throughout this transition process. You
should encourage transparency and honesty, and be receptive to feedback from your team. We have found
that cultivating a culture of trust and respect lays the foundation for a positive and productive working
environment.
Throughout our journey, we have found that finding your pathway to the next step of excellence in your new
role requires setting clear goals and objectives for yourself and your team. Define what success looks like
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SEAHO Report - Summer 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SEAHO Report - Summer 2024