Student Leader Advising and Support
Hello! My name is Ashley St. Jean and I serve as an advisor and resource person to student leaders in elected or appointed positions at the University of Guelph. I am a student driven educator who wants to help students be successful in their leadership journey. "A leader isn't good because they are right. They are good because they are willing to learn and trust" - Stanley McChrystal. I have my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood education and my master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University. I have worked in higher education for 7 years at 4 different institutions and have held a variety of roles in various student support services including advising, orientation, student leadership, and housing.
Here are ways I can assist you:
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One-to-One Advising: I am available to meet student leaders assist with issues as they arise, to provide resources and guidance around how to manage difficult situations, and to make referrals as required
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Training and Conferences: the Leadership Education Team provides various training opportunities including specialized workshops, one-on-one and group sessions, training days, and the annual Student Leaders Interacting and Collaborating (SLIC) conference. Each is designed to help student leaders gain the specialised skills and knowledge needed to train new executive members, undertake succession planning, engage in conflict resolution, and navigate the governance process and structure on campus.
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Resource Sharing: The LEAD office has a range of resources available including training manuals, textbooks on leadership and management, icebreakers and teambuilding activities. Let us know what you're looking for and we'll see if we can help.
Additionally, I have the privilege of serving as the staff resource to the Student Executive Council (SEC). The SEC is a non-decision making body comprised of representatives from each Primary Student Organization (PSO) and the Student Senate Caucus (SSC). SEC meets regularly throughout the Fall and Winter semesters and occasionally during the Spring/Summer semesters. The goal of SEC is to promote inter-organizational cooperation, identify initiatives and opportunities for collaboration, and discuss issues that affect the membership, their organizations and/or their constituents.
I'm also responsible for the process and policy that recognizes student organizations, called the Student Organization Policy. This means I am pretty familiar with governance, executive roles and responsibilities, and the challenges you might encounter along the way. I am also aware of the array of involvement opportunities available to you. If you are looking to get involved, or start a new club on campus, please get in touch. If you're looking for support or guidance for you individually, your executive or your organization, contact me directly via e-mail at stjean@uoguelph.ca.
What is an Advisor?
Wondering what the difference is between the Leadership Education and Development Advisor and the Counsellors in Counselling Services?
An Advisor is a staff member that provides information about the many supports and resources available to students. An Advisor can guide and assist you in navigating the university system, explaining and clarifying institutional policies, describing the overarching expectations of students, and facilitating connections with other campus or community supports, resources or services.
Students can also access Counselling Services in the Vaccarino Centre for Student Wellness.