Taylor University Student Leadership Case Study

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Each University holds unique student life ideals. Taylor University, as a Christian liberal arts school, believes in the significance of student leadership. Taylor offers opportunities all across campus as well as within each of the dormitories. Determining the type of leaders needed requires analyzing each hall’s unique personality. Olson Hall is known as the largest all women’s hall on campus (Olson Hall). With approximately 300 women divided among three floors positive communication must exist. The three floors divide into wings where about 30 women live in mostly two man rooms. Within the dormitory two residence life directors serve as resources for the women. In order to minimize any one person having too much responsibility each wing …show more content…

According to the Taylor University Student Handbook, personnel assistants’ responsibilities include maintaining an overall positive environment for the wing. Any basic issues that come up fall under PA jurisdiction. Discipleship assistants have a bit of a different role. DA’s responsibilities include walking alongside the women on the wing in order to increase spiritual development and encouraging discipleship. Any faith based issues or celebrations fall under DA territory. This role proves both rewarding and demanding. At times it may seem like an infinite amount of people look up to you for spiritual wisdom. Having tough conversations and leading the leaders of small groups is all part of the job (Feagens). Busyness surrounds this title, but the rewards never cease. DA’s have a unique opportunity to grow closer to women on the wing both individually and in group settings. When asked about why she spent time with the DA’s Lauren Bournique, Olson’s assistant hall director stated, “I am a graduate assistant so I get the privilege of working with these ladies weekly for my job!!” Her enthusiasm proves that the joys outweigh the tough pieces of this …show more content…

To support up to 30 women as they struggle with life can easily feel overwhelming. DA’s celebrate positive steps forward, but they also must mourn with the struggling. All the DA’s in Olson Hall gather together once a week for a meeting. Bournique explained it this way, “Our meetings consist of testimonies, prayer, stories, fun times like ivanhoes or going to the bridge, we talk about our floors-struggles and the fun stuff! WE [sic] talk about events we are putting on and share life together.” The DA’s support each other in their personal struggles as well as their wings struggles. This community is extremely beneficial in order to prevent one person from feeling like they must carry the burden on their own. Even with this support some people feel the responsibilities weighing on their shoulders. Bournique defines a good DA as, “Being real, engaged, active, willing to make mistakes, teachable, passion for people and passion for god

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