This document outlines a presentation on the importance of professional image and perception as a student leader. It discusses defining and demonstrating professionalism through appropriate attire, social media presence, communication skills, and balancing student and leadership roles. The purpose is to educate student leaders about enhancing their professionalism on and off campus. Tips are provided on professional conduct in various settings like interviews, meetings and the classroom to make a competent and credible impression.

1. Importance of
professional image and
perception as a student
leader

2. Introductions and Icebreakers
Defining professionalism
Attire
Professionalism on Campus
Break
Social Media Presence
Goal Setting
Conclusion w/ Q&A
Evaluations

3. PRESENTERS:
 Gissel Lopez
 Kelly DeSisto
 Jennifer Smolinski
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
 To educate student leaders on how to
enhance their understanding and
identification with the notion of
professionalism and its importance both on
and off campus.

4. Take what you need
M&Ms Game

5.  Encompasses an individual’s behavior,
appearance, and workplace ethics
 Focus on the workplace before their personal
problems and agendas
 Able to focus on their work and avoid unnecessary
distractions
 Often perceived to be more competent and
valuable
 Usually referred to as leaders

6. Interviews
Work environment
Conferences
Classroom
Organization meetings/events
On campus

7.  Formal Business: Just one step down from tuxedos, such as dark
tailored suits for men and women.
• Men: white shirts (French cuff styles), cuff links, silk ties, and pocket squares (silk
or linen).
• Women: Skirted suits, hosiery, and closed-toe/closed heel pumps.
• Often requested for Award dinners, political events, and a variety of dressy
evening business occasions.
 Traditional Business: Always includes a jacket
• Men: Slacks, long sleeve dress shirt with sport jacket or blazer; tie can be
optional. Sport jacket/blazer.
• Women: Pantsuits are acceptable, skirts or slacks with blouse and jacket
 Business Casual- Usually has a collar for both men and women. A
twin set is acceptable for women at this level. An appropriate fit is
essential.
• Men: Slacks and long sleeve shirts, slacks with company issued polo shirt. No tee
shirts allowed.
• Women: Skirts or slacks with sweaters sets or blouses that have sleeves.
Sleeveless tops can lower your credibility.

8. T-shirts
Sneakers
Flip Flops
Wrinkled and/or unkempt shirt
Active Attire
Leggings

9. Short Skirts
Tight fitting clothes
Showing cleavage
Too much makeup
Heavy perfumes
Untraditional hair styles

10. Scuffed shoes
Un-tidy facial hair
Baggy clothing
Heavy Colognes
Untraditional Hair Styles

11. Confidence
Responsibility
Dependability
Knowledgeable
Attentiveness
Honesty
Cooperation
Respect
Ambition

12. Tips on how to translate professionalism into your leadership role
on-campus

13. Which roles you are affiliated with on-
campus?
What skills and qualities are necessary in
your position?
• What qualities are similar between these
leadership roles?

14. Students wear many hats:
 Mediator
 Tutor
 Event planner
 Enforcer
 Role model
 Community builder
 Student
 Friend
 Employee

15.  Representing the college is a large
responsibility
 Face of the college
• Students may know you even when you do not know
them
• Could be the presence that makes or breaks an
individual’s perception of the college experience
 What qualities and traits do you desire in an
institution?
• How do you emulate those traits in your work?
 Examples: appropriateness, inclusivity, being supportive of
students and co-workers

16. Who is your student body?
A student leader represents:
• LGBTQA
• Race
• Gender
• Ethnicity
• Religion
• Socioeconomic status
• Ability/Barriers

17. Should still maintain a sense of
professionalism on campus
 Be prepared for any new encounters that may lead to
beneficial opportunities
 Important for those who are interested in being involved
on campus and/or creating strong connections in or
outside of campus

18.  EMAIL ETIQUETTE
• Create a meaningful and relevant message for the subject
line
• Always start your email with a greeting such as Dear Mr.
Smith or Mr. Smith. Addressing an individual by first name
is only encouraged if you have already know the individual
well or he/she has addressed his/her emails with their first
name.
• Use appropriate and standard spelling and punctuation
 Ex. Unwarranted use of CAPS Lock
• Be clear, concise, direct, and straight to the point with your
e-mail message
• Be friendly and amiable, but refrain from informal and joking
language unless your relationship with the recipient deems
it appropriate

19.  PHONE ETIQUETTE
• Try to answer the phone on the second ring
 Too soon – can catch the caller off-guard
 Too late – inconveniences the caller and shows that they are not your
priority to help
• Don’t answer the phone by only saying ―hello‖
 Answer in a friendly manner that introduces your designated office and
your name
 Example: ―Thank you for calling the Office of Residence Life, this is <insert
your name>, how may I help you?‖
• Smile — it shows over the phone
• Make sure to ask for the caller’s name and write down any
information that is imperative
• Speak clearly, slowly, and at a medium volume
 Never talk with anything in your mouth (such as gum)
• Ask the caller if there is anything else you can help him/her with
• Thank them for their phone call

20. How does your tone differ with:
• Faculty
• Staff
• Outside contacts
• Students
• Prospective students
 Should there be a difference in tone between
these groups of people?

21. What expectations of accessibility must
student leaders uphold?
• Do these expectations change depending on the
position?
Activity: Get into groups of three and
discuss one time that you or someone you
knew ran into trouble with accessibility to
on-campus resources
• How did these experiences impact your goals?

22. Expectations should be indicated at the
beginning of a position
• If not already established, connect with your
supervisor and see if this can be done during a
staff meeting
Means of access
• Email
• Phone
• Office Hours
Where else are you required to be accessible in
your positions?

23. How your presence on social mediums can enhance or hinder your
professional image

24. What is Social Media?
What social mediums do you use?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQj
Yhv8
• What did you think of the video?
• What surprised you?
• How could social media’s influence on the world
be relevant to your image as a student leader?

25. Do you know how to use privacy settings
on your favorite social mediums?
Facebook Privacy Settings Tutorial
• Facebook Privacy Setting updates
 Can interfere with original settings

26. Identity crisis
• How does the pressure of the student leader
image impact your college experience?
How can you best balance being a student
and a representative of the institution?
• Do you have examples in which this has been
difficult to balance?
• How have YOU balanced these roles effectively?

27. #1 Rule of Professionalism – DO YOUR JOB.

28.  ―Believing passionately in what you do, Never
compromising your standards and values, Caring
about your clients, your people and your own
career‖
 ―Not being satisfied with simply completing the task–
professionals desire to deliver the highest quality
possible.‖
 ―Understanding the importance of communication,
appearance, and mannerisms: Professionals realize
that the way they look, act, speak, and write impacts
the way others perceive them.‖
Professionalism is…

29. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3L-
_Nbki0Q

30. What stood out to you?
What did you agree with?
What did you disagree with?
Do you think that this institution’s idea of
professionalism is different from ours?

31. Recap of major points
Professionalism – a dynamic definition
What areas of professionalism could be
debated?
How can enhancing professionalism help
you in your leadership roles?
Are there any QUESTIONS?