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Deans' Digest | A Newsletter for Student Life Professionals

Welcome to the Deans’ Digest, a newsletter for student life professionals, and your essential resource for navigating the complex world of student life leadership. Each issue brings you expert insights, innovative strategies, and a supportive community of peers. From our popular webinar series to exclusive professional development opportunities, we’re here to empower you in your crucial role. Stay informed, connected, and inspired – join us in shaping the future of student experiences.

Deans' Digest | September 3, 2024

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Dean's Digest

October 8, 2024

Fall Reflection and Action

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the rhythm of the school year takes hold, we find ourselves at a unique juncture in the independent school calendar. The initial flurry of activity has subsided, but now we face a series of significant "firsts" that define this season for our students, faculty, and community.

The DRT has a couple of firsts to announce as well. We're excited to introduce our monthly Office Hours, offering real-time problem-solving and collaborative discussions with experienced peers. Additionally, we've launched our DRT Podcast Series, replacing our webinars, to provide engaging discussions on topics that matter most to student life professionals.

Celebrating Milestones

Celebrating Milestones
  • First School Dance: A rite of passage that brings excitement and new social dynamics.
  • First Grading Period: An important checkpoint for academic progress and student support.
  • Parents' Weekend/Conferences: A crucial opportunity for family engagement and communication.

While these events demand our attention and energy, it's vital that we, as educational leaders, take a moment to reflect on our own professional needs and goals.

Personal and Professional Check-In

Personal and Professional Check-In

In the whirlwind of serving others, have you paused to consider your own professional growth and office management? Here are some key areas to reflect upon:

  1. Office Organization
  2. Strategic Planning
  3. Professional Development
  4. Networking and Support
  5. Personal Goal-Setting

Time to Plug In!

Time to Plug In

As we navigate this busy season, remember that your own well-being and professional development enhance your effectiveness as a leader. Take time to:

  • Review and refine your goals for the year
  • Schedule regular check-ins with your leadership team
  • Explore upcoming conferences or workshops in your field
  • Reach out to colleagues at other schools for idea-sharing and support

By investing in yourself, you're ultimately investing in the success of your students, faculty, and institution.

Check out this article on the importance of goal setting.

We'd love to hear how you're managing this season. Share your strategies, challenges, or questions with the Deans' Roundtable community. Together, we can support each other in our shared mission of educational excellence.

Wishing you a productive and fulfilling autumn season,
Bridget Johnson
Founder, Deans' Roundtable

Announcing the Launch of the
Deans' Roundtable Community!

Connect, grow, and inspire alongside fellow education leaders. Our community is more than just a network—it's a family of passionate professionals dedicated to transforming student lives.

Experience the power of collective wisdom and support that can elevate your career and your institution.

  • 📚 A Directory of student life professionals where you can easily connect with colleagues and other deans, just like you.
  • 🛠️ A dynamic resource hub to access valuable materials and tools.
  • 💬 Topic-driven message boards with a focus on the subjects you are passionate about.
  • 🌐 Virtual connections that will expand your network with peers across the nation.
  • 🎟️ Exclusive discounts to the Deans' Roundtable Annual Conference.

The Deans' Roundtable Has a Podcast!

Deans' Roundtable Podcast

Check out the Deans' Roundtable podcast and jump into the issues that affect student life professionals. Airing every month on YouTube and Spotify (Apple Podcast Coming Soon). Stay up to date with each of our episodes by subscribing

Now Offering "Office Hours"

Office Hours

We're excited to introduce our monthly Office Hours – a dynamic platform designed to support and elevate education leaders like you.

  • Real-time problem-solving with experienced peers
  • Collaborative discussions on pressing educational issues
  • Fresh perspectives on student life and K-12 leadership challenges
  • Open to all – no membership required!

Join us each month for interactive Zoom sessions where you can share challenges, gain insights, and build valuable connections. Whether you're a seasoned dean or new to student life, our Office Hours provide the perfect blend of professional development and community support.

Upcoming Events

October 10th
Webinar in conjunction with Folio Collaborative
"Relationship Building & Restorative Practices"

October Podcast
AI Policy

November Podcast
Mental Health

LinkedIn Website

Copyright © 2024 Deans' Roundtable, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is: PO Box 180, NY 10026

Deans’ Testimonials

I think it’s a great way to remind us why we love our jobs, and I also like the practical components.
Super helpful and informative, a great way to connect with colleagues in person I never would have met face to face! And it brings to the forefront topics I might not have thought about yet - you don’t know what you don’t know!
I will absolutely recommend to colleagues - it seems like an essential part of Professional Development for Deans.
I would recommend it to colleagues wholeheartedly because of the discussion of focused issues specific to independent schools and deans and bringing issues or topics to my attention that I didn't know I should be thinking about.
It is helpful to hear from Deans' because, as someone mentioned, it is nice to get off the Dean island. Yes, I did recommend it. It is informative and helpful.
Deans' Roundtable is an incredible way to connect with peers and hear from dynamic voices about a school's and dean's opportunity to help young people belong and develop.
One of the best opportunities for deans to get together and talk about the issues we are facing now. You will learn from your peers, be inspired by new ideas and creative problem-solving, and build a list of contacts and resources to return to. This type of experience is what makes the work we do sustainable and rejuvenating.
The Deans’ Roundtable is a fantastic opportunity to connect with your fellow administrators. The information is invaluable and inspirational.
As a first-year associate dean of students, the networking, the presentations, and the inspirations at the Dean's Roundtable promises to help me tackle all the multifaceted issues that I know will arise in year two.
It is a great introduction to the wider community that all share the same concern of making our schools as great as possible for our students.
The Dean's Roundtable was a great opportunity to listen, learn, and get motivated to go back to my school and jump back into the work.
DRT is an amazing conference - perhaps one of the most helpful ones I have attended as a Dean of Students. The programming presented and the relationships formed are invaluable.
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