Professional Development

We are committed to providing a positive and developmental professional experience to every staff member. Our program is based on a management training model and CSDs develop excellent administration, supervision, and program implementation skills. The CSD position is also designed to supplement community management experience with Core Areas, professional development, specialty programs, and other professional growth opportunities. The various professional growth opportunities available to the CSDs are listed below. Learning Community Coordinators (LCCs) are afforded with similar opportunities as well as the opportunity to supervise and coach the CSD staff to enhance student success.

CSD Competencies

The Residential Life and Education Competencies Model is largely based on the American College Personnel Association’s (ACPA), and NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education’s, “Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Practitioners” (July 26, 2010), and ACUHO-I’s “Competencies for New Professionals.” The competencies are tailored for entry-level professionals working within this department. By the end of a CSD’s third year at Cal Poly, they will have the competencies necessary for a mid-level position.

Students Having Discussion on Lawn

Cal Poly's CSD position provides extensive opportunities to partner with student organizations, campus offices, academic departments, and community organizations. CSDs lead these proactive programs to connect residents with their Cal Poly community. 

Core Area Opportunities

Each CSD is assigned a Core Area as a professional focus for the year which provides CSDs with opportunities to focus on department-wide involvement in program development. The Core Areas vary by year based upon division and departmental needs. Potential opportunities include:

• Advisor to Peer Community Standards Board
• Community Standards
• Student Staff Recruitment, Development, and Training
• Operations & Front Desk
• Educational Initiatives
• Assessment
• Academics
• Inter-Housing Council

Teaching and Presentation Experience

Staff Members also take an active part in the presentation of Student Staff training, professional staff development, and campus-wide events. Additionally, staff members are encouraged to publish articles in professional journals and present workshops on campus and at regional and national conferences.

Professional Staff Development

CSDs are encouraged to seek professional development opportunities. In addition to three weeks of intensive professional staff training prior to the beginning of each academic year, professional development sessions are offered throughout the year on topics of interest to the CSDs. Release time may be granted for off-campus professional development activities.

Examples of professional staff development sessions:

• Departmental Budget Development
• Grant Writing and Publishing
• Current Issues Facing Student Affairs
• Assessing an Individual's Alcohol Use
• Planning for a Doctoral Degree
• Personal Financial Planning
• The Respectful Empowerment Paradigm
• Professional Articles Reading Group

After a successful transition to Cal Poly, many staff members become involved in University committees and projects. These activities provide a broader understanding of campus issues and serve as an excellent opportunity for professional growth. Some past CSD's involvement:

• Student Affairs Selection Committees
• Alcohol Education Committee
• Academic Excellence Teams
• Advisor for Student Clubs
• Leadership Program

Department Overview

• 183 Resident Advisors
• 9 Graduate Assistants
• 15 Coordinators of Student Development
• 5 Learning Community Coordinators
• 2 Associate Directors of Residential Life and Education
• 1 Director of Residential Life and Education

You can learn more about our staff members by visiting our staff directory.