Transitioning to a new role.

Today I started my second year internship with the Admissions office at Baldwin Wallace University (say it again.. University)

I've got one word to describe the experience so far... WOW.  I'm in a completely different office, ballpark, and mindset than I was in previously and even that I was apart of when in Residence Life. The interactions with students are of a totally different type than I'm used to, the heavy parent contact is already testing me, and the terminology in use is something I'll need to adapt to as well.

Just a few highlights that I want to share:

Facebook.  In the land of admissions we do the unthinkable.. encourage the students to add us (albeit on a very well crafted/maintained work page) but still.. add and communicated via Facebook with us.. (as a res lifer.. I die.)  Although this answers the question I've always had of who told someone that Facebook was acceptable for "official" conversations.

The Words.  As a student affairs professional I can't count the number of times I cringed in my first day.  I heard the word Dorm more than I care to count.. and heard from many number of people.. at many different pay grades.  1 of my tasks for the year is to figure out a way to address this issue in a positive manner with the staff.  I can't leave without at least attempting to end the use of that word.

Personal Style.  The admissions office so far more than any other office seems to stress the importance of being yourself.  The connection you make (or don't make) with a student is really based on your personal style of communication and sharing.  I had the chance to sit in on two VERY different styles of interviews today.. and can't wait to see more of them in the future.

What else do I have coming for the week ahead?  Covering phones for the first time tomorrow, followed by more interview watching, and finally ending the week with a Summer Visit day/cookout.  Exciting times ahead.

Any advice for how to approach the topic of "dorms" vs "residence halls"?  Any words of wisdom before I take to the phones for the parents to jump at me?