RIT Global Time

I was asked a few weeks ago by our Provost if I was interested in going to Dubai. I think I managed to say "sure." (I almost broke out in hives -was pretty excited to say the least!) Since then, its been a pretty crazy ride. It's tough to step out of your life on short notice: we've been working on bringing in a couple of speakers for a major training event that will happen while I am gone and the club that I've advised for the last 10 years will be hosting their annual fashion show. It's a little heart breaking...I wish I could be in two places at once. However, I know I am leaving everything in great hands. That's one thing about the work that we do: everything is on a LARGE scale and we have small armies that make amazing things happen.

And now, I have the opportunity to go to RIT's frontier: our newest campus in the Persian Gulf. Dubai. Unlike the scale I'm accustomed to working in, RIT's approach to its campuses abroad? Strategic and lean. I'll be working with a new program and working with it's first reslife staffer.

I've always been fascinated how all of us in higher education suffer a bit from the Rodney Dangerfield "I get no respect" syndrome. I think that's where my interest in the origins of student services and organizations comes from: Why do we do what we do? Why is what we do important? How doe we articulate our role and impact to others? My dissertation research examines the impact of community college residence halls. Residence halls on community college campuses usually have more infrastructure with an existing campus and student services. RIT Dubai began in 2008 with graduate programs. In fall of 2010, we opened our campus to undergraduates. About 25 students live "on campus" - at a housing facility 20 minutes from campus. In a few weeks, they will be joined by 11 students from the RIT USA campus.

If I weren't so busy (and a little tired right now!) preparing - I might be nervous. But, no time for that. I'm excited. I'm grateful for my connections and experiences with the Association of College and University Housing Officers, International. It's been interesting coordinating meetings with colleagues that are 8-9 hours ahead. Had a meeting with our VP for Academic and Student Affairs on Sunday morning - I thought we were at 8:30. Phone rang at 7:30 AM. Fortunately, the coffee was ready. I've been warned that it will be tempting to keep a foot in both time zones - which is possible thanks (or no thanks) to our technology. Doing my best to put things in order here so I can focus my limited time in Dubai ON Dubai.

Got a call today inquiring about helping to set up a tutoring program in Dubai. Might be a way to structure interaction between the US students and Dubai students - but also want to make sure that its appropriate in what we're asking of students too - there's an opportunity in there for us to figure out.

Off to read a few of the "travel guides" before bed. One more day on campus to scramble preparations, take Bo (my old man and Corgi) to the "vacation resort for pets" and also prepare for Thanksgiving on Thursday.