Job Shadowing
Significant learning points:
On March 30, 2015, I had
the opportunity to shadow Dr. Bobbi Barends, Dean of Instruction at the Owens
campus. Our day started with a meeting
to discuss the progress on zoning, permits, and roads for land that will
eventually be the site of a new production agriculture building. We then met with George Cognet, the chair of
the CIS department, to discuss whether or not to go under the CISCO academy
license at the George campus or to become our own academy and whether or not
the CISCO certification would be integrated into our credit program or
maintained as a separate academy. This
meeting was followed by one with Christine Gillan, Director of Planning and
Communication, regarding updates to the Middle States Institutional Profile.
Over a very brief lunch we met with Christy Moriarty, Assistant Dean of
Instruction at Owens, to run down the status of current “situations” that
needed dean-level attention. After lunch
we joined Dr. Ileana Smith to meet with Dr. Bob Fulton, Superintendent of the
Cape Henlopen School District, and Dr. Mike Kelley, the Director of Curriculum
and Instruction, to discuss Delaware Tech programs and how we could partner
with the school district to provide credit and non-credit opportunities to its
students. After Bob and Mike left, Bobbi
and Ileana met to discuss the status of several projects and issues related to
instructional programs and personnel.
This was one of the most eye-opening and worthwhile experiences for me because I was able to get a birds-eye view of a position I hope to have someday. It came as no surprise that the dean of instruction has to wear multiple hats throughout the day; however, I was shocked that there is rarely an opportunity to stop, reflect, and regroup, let alone use the restroom, before the next meeting. Perhaps this helps explain the preponderance of late-night emails from numerous senior administrators.
This was one of the most eye-opening and worthwhile experiences for me because I was able to get a birds-eye view of a position I hope to have someday. It came as no surprise that the dean of instruction has to wear multiple hats throughout the day; however, I was shocked that there is rarely an opportunity to stop, reflect, and regroup, let alone use the restroom, before the next meeting. Perhaps this helps explain the preponderance of late-night emails from numerous senior administrators.
Leadership characteristics enhanced:
#1 - Is open, honest, and exhibits
the highest standards of integrity – By allowing me to sit in on all of her
meetings for the day, even ones with sensitive issues, I was able to provide my
opinions while also demonstrating that I could be trusted to keep confidential
information.
#3 - Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills & #15 - Treats people with respect, dignity, and fairness - I was able to observe Bobbi in a variety of meetings with different groups of stakeholders. Although her communication style was tailored to the audience, she always demonstrated confidence and the highest levels of professionalism.
#5 - Has excellent management skills & #17 - Follows through – Bobbi showed me how she manages multiple moving parts in several simultaneous projects. Her organizational skills are excellent, but she also has an amazing memory with quick recall!
#6 - Exhibits a strong sense of team spirit – Bobbi cheerfully acknowledged every person we passed in the hall, even if we were in the middle of a conversation, showing that she genuinely values every employee of Delaware Tech. She also took the lead on the production agriculture project for keeping a running record of “to-do’s” for the group and sends them out via email after every meeting.
#8 - Is able to see the "Big Picture" – This experience helped further my understanding of the key role the dean of instruction plays in campus operations.
#3 - Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills & #15 - Treats people with respect, dignity, and fairness - I was able to observe Bobbi in a variety of meetings with different groups of stakeholders. Although her communication style was tailored to the audience, she always demonstrated confidence and the highest levels of professionalism.
#5 - Has excellent management skills & #17 - Follows through – Bobbi showed me how she manages multiple moving parts in several simultaneous projects. Her organizational skills are excellent, but she also has an amazing memory with quick recall!
#6 - Exhibits a strong sense of team spirit – Bobbi cheerfully acknowledged every person we passed in the hall, even if we were in the middle of a conversation, showing that she genuinely values every employee of Delaware Tech. She also took the lead on the production agriculture project for keeping a running record of “to-do’s” for the group and sends them out via email after every meeting.
#8 - Is able to see the "Big Picture" – This experience helped further my understanding of the key role the dean of instruction plays in campus operations.