University News

UHDS Award Winners

November 30, 2016

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MACOMB, IL -- University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) department and staff from Western Illinois University recently brought home several awards from the regional GLACUHO (Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers) conference held earlier this month in Ohio.

UHDS received the Outstanding Commitment to Inclusion and Equity Award, which is given to a GLACUHO institution (or individual) that has implemented an innovative approach to enhancing diversity awareness, understanding and education on their campus. Selection is based on unique programming, training, mentoring, projects or other campus initiatives which foster increased awareness, understanding and education about diversity and focus on issues of culture, disability, gender, race, sexual orientation, etc.; student involvement in the development, implementation and evaluation of the initiative and its impact on students; creative utilization of resources; adaptability to other institutions; and demonstration of a sustained commitment to diversity.

Staci Kohen, assistant complex director in Tanner Hall and a College Student Personnel graduate student, received the Outstanding Graduate Practitioner Award, which is presented to a full-time graduate student who has greatly contributed to the institution at which they work. The nominee must be in the final academic year of graduate studies at the time of the GLACUHO conference. Selection is based on significant contributions to the nominee's area of academic study regardless of the program of study; exceeding expectations stated in the nominee's job description by displaying initiative or creativity; significant housing- or residence life-related contributions to the nominee's institution and the profession; experience fostering inclusiveness and an appreciation of differences; and active membership in and significant contributions to the mission, vision and goals of GLACUHO. One Outstanding Graduate Practioner Award is awarded per state.

John Biernbaum, associate vice president for student services and Justin Schuch, assistant director of residence life, received a "Top Ten Program Award" for their session, "Crisis Leadership; How Good Leaders Navigate Difficult Times."

"In moments of crisis, reactions set the leaders apart from the followers. Navigating difficult situations and large scale crises can challenge even the most experienced leaders, yet crisis leadership is a difficult topic to teach," Biernbaum, and Schuch explained. "This session was designed for all professional levels ranging from chief housing officers to graduate professionals and focused on best practices for professionals in regards to crisis leadership and navigating the most difficult times with students and staff."

Jacque Hoeft, assistant complex director in Thompson Hall a College Student Personnel graduate student, and Kohen, won the graduate-level case study competition. The topic for this year's competition was "Navigating Change in Housing and Residential Life."

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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