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Staff Spotlight: Dornette Ashley

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Dornette Ashley

Title: Event Planning Manager

Department: Norris Event Planning

Where are you from? I am from Evanston, IL.

What brought you to Student Affairs? I was employed by a retail paint company in Evanston, doing their accounts payable and receivable’s for 13 stores. I’d been with them for some time and wanted a change. I also wanted to return to school to complete my undergraduate degree. I applied for a position with then, Norris Building Services and Marketing Department as their Department Assistant. I had no idea what Student Affairs was until I came to Northwestern University.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 19

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs? I have the pleasure of supervising seven students. They keep me young, hip and on my toes. I enjoy watching them grow. I get to guide them to navigate this thing called life while helping them with life/transferable skills. I also get to work alongside a diverse group of people. Everyday is different and doesn’t often go as planned but somehow always comes together.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs? Get out and enjoy this beautiful campus! Join a committee, invite folks to lunch and sit with people you do not work with at any of the division wide events. I’d also suggest joining an affinity group.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career? I have been fortunate to have great leadership and colleagues here in Norris. We are a close knit group that works very well together.

What inspires you? My children. We have 3, two daughters and 1 son. Everything I do, it is for them. I sometimes bring them to work-to work. They’ve worked Norris at Night, Exam Relief Breakfast and Dillo Day. They’ve also attended Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day. I like it when they wear their NU gear to their school and say “my mom works there”.

What can’t you live without? Starbucks! How convenient there is one in Norris. The Baristas are the best..they know my drink and often write cute messages on my cup.

How do you like to spend your free time? Free time?.. when I am not traveling with my kids club sports teams, I like to watch football Go Bears!! Go Cats! Spending time with family and friends is a bonus.

What’s your favorite spot on campus? When it isn’t bird season, I like to take walks around campus during lunchtime.

Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.

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The Week Ahead (September 23- 29)

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Regular Registration for Norris Mini Courses Begins 

Monday, September 23 

Online at the Norris Box Office website 

Norris Mini Courses cover a wide variety of fun and interesting topics, including hip hop, knitting, pocket billiards, and more. All classes meet once a week in the evenings and are not credit-bearing, making them the perfect opportunity to try something new.  Registration closes 24 hours before the first class, or October 17, whichever comes first. Find out more on the Norris Mini Courses webpage. 

 

SES & Quest+ Ice Cream Social 

Monday, September 23 from 2- 4 PM 

Deering Library 

Student Enrichment Services (SES) and Quest+ invite first-generation and low-income (FGLI) students from the class of 2023 to come socialize over free ice cream. Meet other students and build friendships that could last for the next four years. Upperclassmen are also highly encouraged to attend. To stay updated, follow the Ice Cream Social Facebook event. 

 

Narrative Botanics Artist Talk Reception 

Thursday, September 26 from 6-8 PM 

Dittmar Gallery, Norris University Center 

Artist Gabriella Boros will discuss Narrative Botanics, her exhibition of graphic black and white images, and the process of blockprinting used to create her images. The reception is free and open to the public, with refreshments provided. To learn more about the exhibit, visit the Dittmar Gallery website. 

 

Student Organizations and Activities Fair 

Tuesday and Wednesday, September 24 and 25 

Norris University Center 

Whether you’re new to Northwestern or a returning student, the Student Organizations and Activities Fair provides a great opportunity to learn about the many student organizations across campus. Stop by anytime to talk with current members and sign up for email listservs. With almost 100 student organizations participating, there’s something for everyone to discover. 

 

Other Events: 

Monday, September 23 

Tuesday, September 24 

Wednesday, September 25 

Thursday, September 26 

Friday, September 27 

Saturday, September 28 

Sunday, September 29 

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Staff Spotlight: Dan Amato

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Dan Amato

Title: Assistant Director for Conduct and Community Standards

Department: Residential Life

Where are you from? I grew up in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago where I live now as well.

What brought you to Student Affairs? I had the chance to be an RA when I was in undergrad and a couple years after I graduated I was trying to think about what I wanted to do with my life. I realized that being an RA was one of the best jobs I ever had, and when I consulted with a mentor in the field, they told me I could do this as a career. Now a few years down the line, I have honed my passion but still enjoy the work for the same reasons, getting to build relationships with students, faculty and staff who are doing really amazing things for the world.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 5.5

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs? We are very fortunate at NU to have some outstanding professionals working here. My favorite part of working in SA comes back to those wonderful people I get to work with on a daily basis who are so dedicated to doing amazing work here and beyond.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career? The students of Douglas Hall at Eastern Illinois University. I worked as a GA during my grad program with this community and it was interacting with these students that helped me find my passion for working in student conduct and supporting students in that realm.

What inspires you? People that are truly and authentically themselves inspire me, especially when we are allowed to build deep personal relationships. I also am generally inspired by people who are willing to speak what needs to be said without fear or reservation about how others will react to that.

What can’t you live without? I do not generally go anywhere without my water bottle but if we are being honest, I could not live without sweets. Send me all of your brownies, cookies, cupcakes and the likes at any time!

How do you like to spend your free time? I enjoy spending my freetime with my wife and daughter, getting outside whether on walks or runs or just enjoying a nice patio. Watching Chicago sports or sports generally tends to fill up a lot of my time as well, very excited that college football is back in season!

What’s your favorite spot on campus? I know the Lakefill is probably cliche but the view you can get of the Chicago skyline when you walk south on the lakefill path on the eastern side is hard to beat.

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The Week Ahead (September 16-22)

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

New Student Move-in 

Sunday, September 15 from 1:00- 5:00 PM and Monday, September 16 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM 

All Campus 

When arriving on campus during their allotted move-in slot, new students should present their unloading permit. This permit will allow students to drop off their items in an unloading zone close to their residence hall. From there, new students should bring a photo ID to the lobby of their residence hall in order to receive their Wildcards. Student volunteers will assist new students in unloading vehicles and bringing items to students’ rooms. For more information, visit the Residential Services website. 

  

March Through the Arch & Kiss n’ Bye 

Tuesday, September 17 from 10:00- 11:00 AM 

Deering Meadow 

Following Northwestern tradition, families and staff will line up along campus pathways to cheer on new students as they March through the Arch and towards Deering Meadow for a University Welcome from President Morton Schapiro. After the president’s address, students will say goodbye to their families before parting ways for more Wildcat Welcome programming. 

 

Native American and Indigenous Student Gathering 

Tuesday, September 17 from 6:30- 7:30 PM 

Multicultural Center, 1936 Sheridan Road 

Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) invites all Native and Indigenous Students to visit the Multicultural Center and meet current Native and Indigenous students. During this time, students will have the opportunity to learn how to get involved with the community on campus. Learn more at planitpurple. 

 

Student of Color Mixer 

Tuesday, September 17 from 9:30- 11:00 PM 

Northwestern Room, Norris University Center 

All first-year students of color are invited to stop by the Student of Color Mixer hosted by Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA). This event is a great opportunity both to meet other new students and to hear returning students share their own experiences on campus, all while enjoying free late-night snacks. Prizes and giveaways will also be offered to those in attendance. Learn more at planitpurple. 

 

Move-in for Returning Students 

Beginning at 8:00 AM on Friday, September 20 

All Campus 

Returning students will be able to move in any time after 8:00 AM on Friday. In order to activate Wildcard access to residence halls, students must first check in at the appropriate area desk. To find your area desk, visit the Residential Services website. Unloading permits are not required for returning students. 

 

Norris at Night 

Friday, September 20 from 9:30 PM- Midnight 

Norris University Center 

Enjoy a fun night and learn just how much Norris Center has to offer! With food, entertainment, prizes, and giveaways including an apple watch, there are lots of reasons to drop in and check it out.  

 

Other Events: 

Monday, September 16 

Tuesday, September 17 

Wednesday, September 18 

Thursday, September 19 

Friday, September 20 

Saturday, September 21 

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Staff Spotlight: Ronnie Toca

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Ronnie Toca

Title: Administrative Assistant

Department: Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

Where are you from? Havana, Cuba

What brought you to Student Affairs? I wanted to gain a broader perspective on university life.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 1

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs? The people. One of my goals when I first moved to Chicago was to find community. Along with the chorus I sing in, I found community with the people I work with.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs? Connect with other departments. Map out how your role fits in the large network that supports our students.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career? Music and language continue to challenge and inspire me.

What inspires you? Dramatic works of art, minimalist aesthetics, and poignant works of literature, poetry, & music have been persistent drivers in my life.

What can’t you live without? I want to rephrase this question and answer what I live for. I live for music, for language, for my friends, and for my mother and father.

How do you like to spend your free time? Reading, writing, listening to music, and bingeing on a good show.

What’s your favorite spot on campus? The floor to ceiling window in the Ryan Center for Musical Arts.

Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.

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Staff Spotlight: Jenny Douglas

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Jenny Douglas

Title: Assistant Director, Operations & Services

Department: Residential Services

Where are you from? Palos Park, IL

What brought you to Student Affairs?
I started in Student Affairs as a Resident Director in Fall 2013 and was lured in by the opportunity to work with a team whose goals included creating a meaningful residential experience for some of the brightest students in the world.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 6

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?
In my first year as an RD at Northwestern I got the opportunity to engage in several challenging conversations with RAs that prompted the team to think about what we wanted to be known for and what we wanted our legacy to be. Sometimes it’s hard to know if the choice to dive in to the dirt is worth it, but at the end of the year the staff said “She has taught us to hold ourselves and each other accountable for our responsibilities while simultaneously developing strong, lasting friendships.” I keep this sentence visible to remind me that respectful, open discussions are worth it in the long run even when it seems like there might be an easier way out.

What inspires you?
The potential of others inspires me. I love being able to improve processes and procedures in a way that makes things easier for students and staff so that they can engage in more developmental work – I want to build you the most solid base to Maslow’s hierarchy you’ve ever seen!!

How do you like to spend your free time?
Watching sports and playing board games are my idea of a fun time. This year, I want to attend one event for every Northwestern athletic team, so let me know if you care to join!

Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.

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Staff Spotlight: Joyce Doerhoefer

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Joyce Doerhoefer

Title: Laboratory Supervisor

Department: Student Health Service

Where are you from? I grew up in Mendota Illinois, a small farming community about 2 hours from here. I came to Chicago in 1985 to finish my degree at Rush University, and have been a suburbanite since 1987.

What brought you to Student Affairs? I had been working at Evanston Hospital in a small lab department that was in the process of being absorbed into the main hospital lab. I needed to find something new. Our lab had NU students that worked for us and I had heard them speak of the Student Health Service. When I saw an Ad in the Chicago Tribune looking for a Lab Supervisor here (thats how you job hunted back then!) it caught my attention.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 28

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs? The Students! They keep me young. I love hearing their stories of where they’ve been, where they are going, and their future goals. Its also a good feeling to help them navigate through healthcare, often for the first time without their parents.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs? Get out and walk around this beautiful campus. Talk to the students about more than just what you need to for your job. They are SO interesting, and sometimes they just need a “mom” or a “big sister” to chat with.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career? My co-workers. I have been extremely blessed during my career with amazing “Lab Ladies” that really care about helping students (and me) be the best they can be.

What can’t you live without? My family, coffee, and Trader Joe’s cookie butter.

How do you like to spend your free time? My family enjoys playing and watching sports of all kinds, and we have been NU football season ticket holders for 25 years. We are really good at tailgating!! I bike about 40 miles a week during the nice weather, and when I can’t bike anymore I bake! I am currently teaching myself cake decorating techniques.

What’s your favorite spot on campus? It depends on my mood. The lakefront path on a clear day, the reading room in the Deering library, the chapels, the Shakespeare garden, or Ryan Field on a sold out game day.

Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.

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Jones Residential Hall

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Located on the far south end of campus next to Hinman Dining Hall, Jones Residential Hall has been closed since the fall of 2017, but this fall it will reopen after having undergone some minor renovations. Around 112 freshmen will be living in Jones, along with three residential assistants (RAs). 

Jones has a mix of singles and doubles. Singles are usually 8’x12’ while doubles are generally 12’x14’. Although Jones is air conditioned, residents do not control over the temperature of their room, but every room does have a large window that can be partially opened. The flooring is luxury vinyl tile, which looks like wood, but has a softer feel. Each student will also have their own desk and chair, dressers, and a closet. 

Each room in Jones is part of a suite, which includes five or six rooms as well as an open lounge with chairs and couches. These lounges provide a great space for everything from studying to hanging out with friends. All suites are co-ed, but the multi-stall bathrooms are divided by gender. In addition, each floor has a kitchen, which includes a fridge, a microwave, a stove, an oven, and a sink. 

The first floor of Jones includes practice rooms and a main lounge. Some additional rooms on the first floor may be used for conferences and Residential Services programming. Laundry is located in the basement and the machines are free to use.  

Before it closed in the fall of 2017, Jones was the Fine and Performing Arts Residential College, but this year, Jones will be a Residential Hall. This change means that there will not be any thematic programming for Jones residents nor will Jones have faculty fellows. However, Jones residents will still be able to participate in general programing for the South Residential Area, and a Graduate Assistant (GA) has been assigned to the hall. 

With a great location close to downtown Evanston, new furniture, and an updated wifi network, Jones has a lot to offer incoming students as their on-campus home! 

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Staff Spotlight: Amy Metelsky

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Amy Metelsky

Title: Business Analyst

Department: Student Affairs IT

Where are you from? Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What brought you to Student Affairs? When planning a move to Chicago in 2015, I was interested in pivoting away from the mobile commerce company where I had spent the past 3 years into something that could have a more positive impact. My position with Student Affairs afforded me the opportunity to leverage my technology background to work on projects that hopefully improve the student and staff experience here at Northwestern.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 4

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs? Working with a team that I love and admire to solve challenging problems through technology.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs? Spend time building relationships. My role gives me the opportunity to meet and work closely with people outside of my department in the division. The experience I’ve had cultivating these relationships has been the most rewarding part of my time here and allows me to propose better technology solutions. It has also allowed me to feel a greater sense of community within Student Affairs and across the university.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career? Early in my career, I was lucky enough to have an amazing supervisor and mentor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Colleen Grimm taught me how to approach my work with enthusiasm and gave me a love for databases.

What inspires you? Challenging problems and music

What can’t you live without? Black coffee

How do you like to spend your free time? I like to spend my free time exploring Chicago with my girlfriend and our dog, watching reality TV, reading, and experiencing the arts through theater and live music in the city.

What’s your favorite spot on campus? Deering Library gardens

Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.

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Staff Spotlight: Meghan Finn

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Meghan Finn

Title: Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Department: Counseling & Psychological Services

Where are you from? Cleveland, OH

What brought you to Student Affairs? I had been working in medicine, and was interested in a change. I came across the position in CAPS in what felt like a coincidental way. I did not have a background in higher education, and was unsure what to expect when I arrived for my interview. Pretty immediately, I realized that I wanted to be in the company of my now colleagues. It is a gift to work alongside people who challenge, and inspire you with their skill and talent. I can honestly say that in CAPS, we all show up to do the best work possible. I’ve learned so much from them. So I would say that I arrived by chance, and stay because of a shared commitment to mental health work and real friendship.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 5

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs? The people. I really enjoy the collaborative relationships I’ve formed in my time here. This is especially true in working with the Dean of Students Office staff (SASS!) , the Student Enrichment Services staff, The NU Insurance Office staff, and Elizabeth Hsu in NUHS. Together we have been able to offer assistance to students in a really meaningful way. There is a lot of humor, support, empathy, and hard work within this group.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs? Take your time, but get to know the people (not just the offices) around you.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career? The social workers and outspoken women who came before me that defined what it means to self advocate and advocate for others. Being a social worker holds a lot of meaning for me. Core tenets of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, among many others guide my practice and life. Social workers are the best people you will ever meet. They are usually funny and charming too.

What inspires you? The intellect, insight, strength and resilience of the students I work with. It is such a privilege to listen to them, learn from them, and advocate on their behalf. Also, my daughters. They are brighter, more inquisitive, and braver than me. I love every second of it, and hope to keep up with them.

What can’t you live without? Books.

How do you like to spend your free time? Reading, running, reading, laughing with my daughters, reading, being in the company of my family and friends, reading, cooking & eating, reading, exploring the Art Institute, reading and most importantly – watching Cleveland sports. GO BROWNS.

What’s your favorite spot on campus? Andy’s Frozen Custard

Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.

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