Working with administration can be a major frustration for student leaders. They may feel stifled by administrators who are not as quick to act on new ideas or become frustrated with rules and regulations that they must follow. However, campus administrators can also be a major resource for student leaders and organizations. As leaders, we must understand that administrators are people, too. We all share a common passion for campus advancement and exist to help one another succeed. If you are frustrated with trying to work with administration or if you simply have not used it as a resource yet, put in the effort to form relationships with administrators. Be sympathetic to the political pressures they may be subject to, and keep in mind that they may view the campus with a much longer time frame than students’ four-year experience. Don’t wait until you have a problem to run to the administration; get to know them early and use their knowledge of successes and pitfalls of past leaders to help you better both yourself and your organization.

-Paperclip Communications