By Eric Merkle, Financial Aid Advisor, Delta College, University Center, MI
Little fish in the ocean. Despite being in higher education for the last six years, that is what I felt like going into my first SEM conference, which I attended in Seattle with my wife and colleague, Rachel, from Delta College in University Center, MI.
I had attended smaller, regional conferences, but this was my first time attending a conference of this size. There was the anticipation of partaking in something new and the desire to make sure that the information with which I returned to my college was beneficial and able to contribute to our mission and values.
Coming from a small town in Michigan, Seattle seemed enormous and slightly intimidating, but we were welcomed with open arms. From the moment we picked up our registration information, we were made to feel like we were part of the team. There was no shortage of event coordinators who were ready and willing to answer questions and offer guidance and support.
Sessions and Vendors
The sessions were timely and offered a diverse selection of topics from other professionals in the field. Topics ranged from the new FAFSA to strategies used in higher education during the pandemic and beyond. This was a great opportunity to hear from colleagues at other colleges and universities. In some ways, it was reassuring to learn that we share similar struggles and concerns such as getting the funding we need, making sure we provide the utmost service to our students and ensure their success, implementing current technology to make sure that we are working efficiently and effectively, and the like. It was also refreshing to hear a variety of perspectives on topics that get discussed frequently at our home institutions and look at new approaches and interesting scenarios for ourselves. Hearing about other schools’ success, or their stories of innovation, was inspiring. The enthusiasm from those in attendance was infectious. It was evident to anyone in attendance that student success is at the forefront of everyone’s goals.
A number of vendors were available to demonstrate innovative software and other technology. Their passion for what they do was palpable, and it was a great opportunity to learn about new and cutting-edge options and how these solutions can benefit our students and staff. Those running the vendor stations were eager to share their insights and offer their time and resources to those in attendance.
Is SEM for you?
After attending this year’s SEM conference, I cannot say enough good things about it and the information provided. This was an extremely well-organized and well-formatted conference. Whether you are a seasoned administrator of a major 4-year university, or a young professional in higher education at a smaller community college; there is something to be gained by anyone attending this conference. The SEM veterans were eager to make a new person feel welcome and at home. It was a great opportunity to network and develop your knowledge and your career.
There was the added opportunity to share ideas and discuss what was learned with my wife and the others from our school who also attended the conference. It was fantastic to have co-workers who attended an array of sessions and could compare notes and share ideas for things we could try at our own institution.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have attended this conference and want to offer a word of thanks to those who worked tirelessly to put on this event. I can only begin to imagine the coordination and planning that went into preparation for a conference of this size, especially to allow it to flow so seamlessly. This is a fantastic opportunity for those working in higher education, and I would encourage you to give serious thought to attending future SEM conferences.