The Intelligent Heart
How would you describe your school's culture? Is it made up of "Intelligent Hearts?" What is your perception of an "Intelligent Heart"?
I think this question would be hard for some to answer on this forum. To be honest about the culture of one's school, may make him or her exposed to some type of unwanted response from thier superiors. That being said, I believe my school's culture is one that is focused on the studen but may lack enough Intelligent Hearts. The cultures within the culture may not be on the same page.
The Intelligent Heart is a great way of looking at ourselves, to see who we are when trying to deal with situations. Applying this to our interactions with our students is great way to change lives for the better.
I think overall our school demonstrates the intelligent heart. Our registrar has an open door policy and an attitude toward the students of wanting to help. Students often come to her even with issues she is not able to solve. We also get very few complaints about the financial aid department. It seems as if they go out of their way to understand the student issues and to try and help resolve them.
Our school is all about teamwork and helping each department understand what everyone does to help the school run like clock work. We are a group of people that care about our students and want to see them overcome difficult situations and succeed in there chosen career field and in there lives. I believe that the intelligent heart is a fine balance of mental and emotional intelligence and should always be kept in check.
Our school’s culture is positive. The entire staff is involved in helping students to be successful and prepared for their career – from enrollment to graduation. The Intelligent heart drives the school, supporting students and other staff members. Our students and staff are involved outside the classroom with community outreach, school outreach, and business involvement. Our job placement rate is always at the top for the company. We are often “ringing the bell†for students who are placed in their field.
It's made up of intelligent hearts.
The intelligent heart is a great concept and can be a great description for a school's culture. An organization is like a train - every compartment must be moving in the same direction. One compartment cannot separate from the train then go another direction. Every school department regardless of the job is needed to deliver successful students. ALL aboard!!!!
We work as one cohesive unit as well. Daily communications are sent ou on the disposition of any Students with issues or in need of assistance. It is also important not to forget the ones with no issues as well.
The heart brings out embracing and caring within.
Our school is definitely made up of Intelligent Hearts, although we use different wording. At our school, the culture is Student First - they are why we're here! Each of us knows it's our personal responsibility to be supportive to students and keep the goal in mind - the students' success in attaining their career goals. This means that, even though we may be up against deadlines, if a student needs to talk, or has a problem, we are there for that student.
My perception of "Intelligent Heart" is to use mind and empathy together to understand where the student is, and to play an active role in his journey. It helps to believe fully in the career the student has chosen - the vaule of it to the student as well as its intrinsic value.
I do have a problem with the ending terminology in the Stopping Negativity section. It says of students, "They have baggage; they have problems." I dislike the term "baggage." It's so judgemental! The term strongly implies that the student is carrying something undesirable that is separate from him as a person and he could easily set aside. In reality, the things called "baggage" are experiences and hurts that he has endured - that have shaped his world outlook, and can make his journey more of a struggle. In other words, we should eliminate this word and respect the events the student has gone through and understand how they shape his thinking.
John,
In most successful schools, the campus president sets the attitude and expectations.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Our school is creating a positive environment once more, we recently had a total shift in leadership at the top levels, but our new team leaders are working hard at re-instilling a great attitude, and emphasizing the values of Intelligent Hearts, John
Susan,
Thanks for this post. You describe what a carer college should be.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Our schools culture is one of nurturing and guidance. We try to do all we can to ensure our student's success. From our instructors to the Dean's office, to the Education department, to Career Services, we all work together to help in each student's journey. Our students have many opportunities to get extra help with classes they are struggling with. Our goal to help them get to successfully complete their program and graduate.
Our school culture is very student=centered.
We all have a common goal in providing the best customer service to our students at every level of their education.
We all know that the better we treat our students and let them know that we care about them as individuals, the more we retain our students. Give them positive attention and we see increased retention.
Compassion can go a long way in retaining students. The intelligent heart can have significant impact on building relationships and giving people a chance.
Wendy,
How do you identify indivual student's goals and then share that information with you co-workers?
Jeffrey Schillinger
In our school we are always helping students in every way possible. From starting a new class, to overcoming obstacles that get in their way, to getting them to graduation. Everyone is different in their own unique way which helps us learn how we can better support students reach their goal.
I would say that our school's culture is diverse.
Yes it is definitely made up of intelligent hearts.
My perception of an intelligent heart is one that knows that for a student to succeed in their career not only do they need solid educating but they also need to have a support system in place to help them celebrate the highs :) and get them thru the lows.
The diverse environment at my school lends itself to this because no matter who you are, or what walk of life you come from, once you walk thru our doors you are there to learn and we are a family.
Everyone on my campus works together with every student to help them realize their goals. In this environment students feel cared for which can go a long way in helping them to stay on track.
Nicholas,
The most effective ways I have seem to address this "knowing one's role" challenge are to (1) develop an effective employee orientation program and (2) cross train individuals so that they can see how others fit into the process. These techniques tend to break down bariers between departments.
Jeffrey Schillinger
