From Post-Its to Papers: How to Conduct a Strategic Grad School Search

FROM POST-ITS TO PAPERS: HOW TO CONDUCT A STRATEGIC GRAD SCHOOL SEARCH Ashleigh Williams & Kevin Friedman Miami University

Agenda

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Learning Objectives Introduction How to Find Programs Types of Programs How to Decide on a Program Questions/Comments

Learning Objectives 

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Identify variables to consider when selecting a graduate program in Student Affairs.

Develop own system of conducting a successful graduate school search within Student Affairs.

Incorporate personal needs and wants to construct an individualized process for conducting graduate school search.

Who We Are Ashleigh 

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2nd yr. Master’s student 1st generation student Community College 2nd Masters program

Kevin 

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1st yr. Master’s student Direct from undergrad NEACURH/NACURH Board of Directors

How To Find Programs: 

How did you find your undergraduate program?

How To Find Programs 

ACPA  Directory

of Graduate Programs Preparing Student Affairs Professionals



NASPA  Graduate

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Program Directory

Resources, functional areas, articles  Self-Authorship  Learning



Partnership

Mentors/Word of Mouth  Conference

Booklet

Types of Programs 

Looking at Course Requirements Course Titles  Posted Syllabi  School/College Housed 

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Looking at Mission Statements What is prioritized?  What is left out?

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Looking at Faculty 

Areas of Interest

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Leadership 

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University of Wisconsin-Mikwaukee

Practical 

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University of West Georgia

Administration 

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Western Illinois University

Counseling 





Theory

University of San Diego

Various 

Miami University 

Diversity, Equity, and Culture



Inquiry in Education



Student Affairs Leadership



Student Development

How to Decide on a Program  

Type of Program Needs vs. Wants 

Needs   



Wants  

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Non-negotiables “I cannot live without…” “…goes against what I believe” Break the tie “I’d really like it if…”

Organization 

 

Excel Post-It Notes What works for you

Deciding Where to Apply 

How many programs?

Time  Costs 

Application  Travel 



Reach, Match, Safety 1 “Reach”  1-3 “Match”  1 “Safety” 

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“Safety School” Willing to go and be happy  Admissions statistics  Level of challenge 

Questions, Comments, Contact Info: Ashleigh Williams 

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williaaf@muohio.edu 315-408-1523 513-529-4625

Kevin Friedman 

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friedmk@muohio.edu 631-879-3031 513-529-7089