Maverick Moments

Student Affairs has a unique opportunity because it promotes the idea of life-long learning. The age of traditional students attending higher education has been trending higher, including in graduate school. Important implications of that change in the field include preparing for Generation Alpha, becoming more age friendly as the Age-Friendly University movement gains momentum and recognizing the diverse population of students being served.

Lewis talked about the importance of rethinking how to leverage what we know so the needs of the students are being served. When considering programing, it’s important to ask the questions of what, when, and how the services are provided. She highlighted that “we have to do things from a data-driven approach… we need to design programs with intentionality and be able to measure the effectiveness of the programs as well.”

Taking a data-driven approach and understanding how to develop effective programming is a significant characteristic of the Student Affairs graduate program and certificate offered at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The Student Affairs graduate program offers two distinct pathways for those interested in advancing their career in higher education. First, there is a graduate certificate option that is intended for professionals working in the field of student affairs. Applicants can have a master’s degree from an accredited university or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 along

with two years (full-time equivalent) of direct student affairs experience following the completion of the bachelor’s degree. This 12-credit graduate certificate is delivered synchronously online and focuses on student affairs administration and college student development. Students working toward the certification will engage in the history, theories, philosophy, administration, finance and program assessment; they will also get to know professional organizations.

The second pathway is a 36-credit master’s program tailored for individuals seeking a comprehensive education in student affairs with a strong emphasis on both administration and counseling, as mental health is a top concern among students on college campuses across higher education. This master’s degree is delivered in a hybrid format and attracts professionals who are already working within the field in a full-time or part-time basis. The program is intentional about offering evening classes to accommodate those who work.

Two years ago, the master’s program curriculum changed from a 50-credit master’s program to the current 36-credit model. These changes were made to address the trends in the field while integrating feedback received from alumni and applicants to the program. “Given what we know and where the field was going, we wouldn’t be serving the students coming into the field,” Lewis explained. To best serve the social identities of the students on campus, the program was redesigned with great intentionality using a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) framework with an emphasis on providing culturally responsive and sustainable services. Key areas and classes that reflect the trends in the field, such as a student development and belonging, administration, multicultural organizational development, program assessment, counseling skills, multicultural counseling, and career counseling, are included. The graduating class this spring will be the first cohort to graduate with the new 36-credit program design.

In the post-pandemic world, the program has adopted a rolling admissions approach to allow applicants to submit their materials throughout the year. While the first review of applications begins after January 15, early submission is encouraged to secure a spot in the intentionally small, community-oriented cohorts.

Given limited funding, particularly at public institutions, Lewis emphasized the need to be creative in the resources being used and the need to engage in more collaboration across departments on campus. “We are being asked to do more with less, which affects the graduate assistantships, which give students such valuable experience,” she said. Even with funding being an issue, Lewis highlighted the success the University has by saying, “we’re very lucky here at MSU that we have easy access to each other. It’s something we really shouldn’t take for granted and a unique quality that we can really use to the benefit of our students.”

We are also grateful to our CSP alumni and donors for their continued support for the College Student Affairs program and the CSP department.

Big ideas, real-world thinking and inspired action on campus and in the community.

Within a week of arriving on campus, Senadheera saw a big banner in the Centennial Student Union (CSU) from the Student Events Team that said, “Come Meet Friends.” He chose to attend the first weekly meeting, wanting to expand his social circle after coming to campus knowing only one other friend from his school in Sri Lanka. While searching for the meeting room, he ran into Mark Constantine, the director of the CSU and Student Activities, who offered him his first on campus job as a building assistant in the CSU. Senadheera’s role in the CSU progressed from building assistant to building lead, and then ultimately to building manager. His dedication was recognized with the Scott Hagebak Award, which honors individuals who embody the core values of the CSU. Additionally, he was included in the Boasting Exceptional Student Talent (BEST) Board for his exceptional contributions as an evolving leader. 

In addition to his work through the CSU, Senadheera was also involved in Health Peers Reaching Out (Health PROs), volunteering to educate and assist other students to make informed decisions in matters affecting health and wellness through the Health Education Office. He also joined Student Ambassadors as a tour guide and has been a member of Sigma Chi fraternity since 2023.

Senadheera admitted that he may have said ‘yes’ to too many things this past school year, stating “I didn’t expect to be this involved.” But he does not regret his involvement on campus, highlighting the importance of making connections everywhere you go. 

For those considering taking the leap, particularly to study abroad, he has a clear message: Say yes to things and get involved. “Doing things outside of your comfort zone can bring you so much more…. entertainment, friends, memories, opportunities,” he said. He was motivated to make friends and get outside his comfort zone because, “I wanted to expand my circle and make friends locally.”

Post graduation, Senadheera plans to take a year off from school and work in the Mankato area before going pursuing his MBA, preferably at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He credits the International Maverick Scholarship for opening the door for him to come to Minnesota State Mankato and accomplish all that he did as an undergraduate student.

Big ideas, real-world thinking and inspired action on campus and in the community.

Beyond extracurricular initiatives, Watts emphasizes the importance of aligning service with academics to make sure that students are utilizing their skills within a community context. “It doesn’t matter if you’re an aviation major, a math major or a biology major, there’s always room for community service and service learning,” she says.

This spring marks the second year her team will work with service-learning interns, allowing students the opportunity to help plan events and understand and reflect upon the impact of volunteering. She highlights putting a greater focus on the proactive solution rather than reactive.

Watts’s work extends into building partnerships with local organizations such as Lutheran Social Services, A Fresh Start Mankato and Crossroads Church. The partnership with Lutheran Social Services provides programming to foster youth and families. In addition to four foster youth mentor days, there will be a private closed party hosted for foster youth and their families to select donated books after the March Literacy Book Drive. The collaboration with Crossroads Church involves the Campus Cupboard, which is open on the days opposite the Maverick Food Pantry to reduce food insecurity in the student population. These collaborations ensure that resources are available to those who need them most.

Another key component of Watts’s job is organizing the Alternative Spring Break Program, which offers students the opportunity to serve outside Mankato while reflecting on how to bring sustainable solutions to their communities. For the past three years, the students have traveled to Kansas City, where they have engaged with housing, food insecurity and animal welfare projects. Watts explains that the trip integrates service with fun and reflection, fostering a holistic learning experience. She shares, “it doesn’t matter what degree path you’re on, you can get the most out of that experience with alternative spring break.”

As a non-traditional student and a graduate of Minnesota State Mankato’s Counseling and Student Personnel program with a focus on College Student Affairs, Watts’s journey has shaped her commitment to collaborative thinking and problem-solving. Her work is fueled by a passion for empowering others and creating a supportive community. “[Doing this work] gives you more of a passion for the people who struggle because we can all be there in a heartbeat,” she reflects.

Watts finds daily inspiration in her team and the students she serves. She says, “their ideas, their energy, their goofiness... I feel like I keep up more on what’s happening in the world right now because I’m surrounded by students who are experiencing those things right now.”

For students, Watts urges them to take their education beyond the classroom. “You can serve in very specific, meaningful ways and get involved,” she emphasizes. For alumni and community members, she highlights the importance of supporting service-based initiatives. “It takes a lot to ask for help, so consider ways you can contribute to community betterment,” she says.  

As the Office of Community Engagement continues to grow under Watts’s leadership, it remains a testament to the power of service, collaboration and passion.

Big ideas, real-world thinking and inspired action on campus and in the community.

Outside of Residential Life, Bayerl was involved in Impact (now called Student Events) and worked in Admissions her junior year. Being a tour guide had been on Bayerl’s bucket list, and it was also her first exposure to more of an office job.

Bayerl says time at Minnesota State Mankato and her willingness to be open to new opportunities influenced her professional career. She was a double major in accounting and marketing, and she landed her first job with Hormel Foods after graduation. She started in accounting and now works in data analytics. She shared that Hormel is a great company to work for, but it wasn’t on her radar at all prior to a career fair on campus. Bayerl encourages students to take the extra effort to go to networking events on campus, not knowing what those opportunities may lead to. She shared that “half the battle is just showing up… just get yourself out there!”

Rachel’s husband, John ’16 MA, ’19, studied communications during undergrad and stayed at Minnesota State Mankato for his master’s in educational technology. As a graduate student, he had a graduate assistantship position within IT Solutions, which turned into a staff position when the D2L administrator opened up. D2L is the official learning management system used at Minnesota State Mankato, as well as at many other colleges and universities. Upon completion of his master’s degree, John began his career doing similar work for various Minnesota State colleges, ultimately landing his current role working directly for D2L.

Rachel shared that “both of us are successful at our roles because we can talk to people,”— skills that she feels were strengthened through their time at Minnesota State Mankato. The couple now lives in Rochester and credits a lot of their current professional success to Minnesota State Mankato and the experiences gained as students, and especially by taking opportunities to get involved and try new opportunities.

Big ideas, real-world thinking and inspired action on campus and in the community.

The main responsibilities of these students are to table around campus, consult with Student Government and work with the Student Events Team. They have applied for democracy challenges including the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, which allows the university to compete with other colleges to see who can get the most students to register to vote. Riesenberg shared that although it would be nice to win any of these challenges, a perk to joining them is that they receive feedback about the initiatives they are already doing, along with other ideas to improve.

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, these students partnered with the Women’s Center for the Mavericks Lead the Vote voter registration drive to encourage people to register to vote both on campus and in the community. The Vote Coordinators also partnered with the Student Events Team to host a viewing of the vice presidential debate on Oct. 1.  

This year the University has received clearance to provide data to the county about elections for all students living on campus and within 10 miles of Mankato, which allows for an easier voting process for students this year. Riesenberg shared that students living on campus will “have their names already on the county election list and they can show up to the polling station with their MavCARD or another form of identification with a photo… things should be a lot easier this year, which I am excited about.”  

Leading up to the presidential election, they are planning to table weekly in various locations around campus to push the information and encourage students to register to vote. Various informational websites will be shared with students closer to the election date, which will make it easy for students to find out where their voting location will be, especially if they live off-campus. Additionally, signage has been placed on campus to remind students of the Voter Registration Deadline on Oct. 15; after that date,  the focus will shift to how to vote in-person. 

“The state has been very invested in voter education,” Riesenberg says. “There have been more mandates that came out in 2023 within the state… Minnesota has been more active as a state, and we want to make sure students are seeing these things in front of them and they are being educated on them so they can make decisions.” Riesenberg adds that getting Student Voter Coordinators into classrooms, learning communities and Recognized Student Organization meetings are among a few things he wants to push for if future donations come in.