Student Leaders (TAs, Club Presidencies, etc.)
Student leaders influence the CFM program, its students, and its culture. TAs and club presidencies are examples of student leaders. The following concepts and principles are critical for CFM student leaders as each is an example, model, and mentor to all current and future students.
1. MISSION
Know, champion, and contribute to the successful application of the AIMS of a BYU education and the mission and values of BYU CFM. Use the CFM core values as guideposts in working in your roles with students, faculty, and alumni.
2. HONOR
Know and follow the BYU Honor Code and dress and grooming standards, and support others in following these standards. Model the actions and behaviors that support these policies (e.g. business casual attire that covers the Temple garment). All who are affiliated with BYU CFM are expected to be disciples of Jesus Christ, professional and kind in their interactions and relationships with others, and honest in all their dealings inside and outside of the classroom. Stand up for integrity by condemning plagiarism, cheating, etc.
3. BRAND
Enhance the BYU CFM brand by considering the brand you exemplify personally, on behalf of faculty and staff, as a representative of CFM and BYU, as a disciple of Jesus Christ and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and when working in the built environment as a full or part-time professional/intern.
3. COMMUNICATION
Practice excellence in communication. Answer questions while allowing others to develop the skills and attributes they will need in the future. Be proactive in seeking students in need and responding to inquiries promptly. Support faculty by defending curriculum changes, coursework, and other potential complaints heard from students. Note: it is University policy to communicate with students through their BYU affiliated email.
4. BELONGING
Encourage activities, behaviors, and interactions that facilitate a strong sense of belonging. Include all students and avoid any communication or interaction which can undermine that belonging. Be ministers in the role of student leadership. Practice loving and supporting others, not only when acting as a TA or club presidency member, but even when it is assumed that others aren’t watching.
Additional TA Expectations
· Be an example (honor code, dress and grooming, etc.).
· Teach, don’t just give answers or enable poor behavior.
· Grade promptly to facilitate active learning and feedback loops.
· Have a positive attitude about program changes (e.g. do not broadcast negative feelings about calculus).
· Communicate regularly with your faculty lead (do not avoid communication).
· Report suspected cheating immediately to your faculty lead (do not allow silence to be a form of approval).
· Be prompt in responding to student inquiries.
· Set appropriate boundaries (make them clear and be consistent).
· Remember that you are loved and appreciated (you are a valuable contributor to course success, program success, and the health and wellbeing of faculty and students alike).