Artifact G — Distinctive Contribution

This entry contains my final case study paper for SDAD 5850: Higher Education Finance. The assignment asked me to review a scenario involving media scrutiny of the expenditures of a fictional mid-sized comprehensive university.While financial analysis was an important element of the assignment, the hidden core matter was the strong emotions and reactions that finances can evoke. The issue also crucially involved public relations, crisis communication, diplomatic relations with students, and the ability to make well-reasoned decisions in the midst of noise. I considered the possibility that the scrutiny was an example of flak with non-financial motivations; as part of this consideration, I drew parallels to the recent explosion of media awareness of Critical Race Theory, criticism of which involved similar rhetoric to what was deployed by critics in the case study. I submitted this paper to MAGIS for its 2022 issue.

This entry demonstrates Learning Outcomes…

• 1: Understanding the foundations and emerging nature of the Student Affairs profession and higher education

• 3: Exhibiting professional integrity and ethical leadership in professional practice

• 6: Developing and demonstrating skills in leadership and collaboration

• 9: Understanding issues surrounding law, policy, finance and governance