Suzette Walden, ISU’s Community Rights and Responsibilities Coordinator, wears many hats. She engages with students and staff members regularly to direct all facets of student organizations and resolve campus issues, while overseeing most disciplinary actions. Despite the tough love she sometimes has to give students, she finds her career at ISU rewarding and uses many of her own college experiences and her passion for conflict resolution to guide her with her decisions in her current position.
HC: Where did you attend college?
Walden: Mercer University in Macon, GA.
HC: Were you in a sorority?
Walden: Absolutely! I am a sorority woman through and through. I was affiliated with Alpha Delta Pi when I was a junior.
HC: What made you decide to rush?
Walden: Most of my friends at that point were involved in fraternity/sorority life and were highly involved on campus. At Mercer, most of the high level leadership positions were held by Greeks and they really were a force to be reckoned with on campus. I also wanted to meet more women and thought recruitment would be a fun way to do so.
HC: What is your best/favorite college memory?
Walden: I would say it was Springfest my junior year of college. Springfest was an all-day outdoor festival with bands, vendors, artists, and other activities. It was the first time that my big sister and I weren’t involved in the planning of a program because we both just rotated off of the Campus Activities Board. So, we actually got to go, hang out and enjoy it with no worries or responsibilities. It was a fun night with my sorority sisters and that night was capped off with my boyfriend giving me the lavaliere for his fraternity by arranging their new members to serenade me. It was an unforgettable evening!
HC: What made you want to work at Illinois State?
Walden: I liked the position at Illinois State because it provided a different opportunity. I started my career here working in Student Life with Major Events (Homecoming and Entertainment) and advising the Student Government Association. I was ready for a change and was excited about the atmosphere here. I really was impressed with the sense of community and the students I met when I came for my interview.
HC: How did you become our Community Rights and Responsibilities Coordinator?
Walden: I transitioned to Community Rights and Responsibilities in 2007 to oversee and revise the process of student organization conduct. I had overseen Greek Life at a different university, worked with advising a fraternity and sorority at ISU, and strategic planning. I enjoyed making the transition to CR&R because it provided an opportunity for me to educate students in a different way. In 2010, when our Coordinator left, I was tapped to serve as the interim coordinator because of my background and experience. I brought a different vision to the role and the Unit. I wanted to increase our proactive efforts and outreach to students. My belief is that the first time students learn about the Code of Student Conduct should not be when they are coming in for a potential violation.
HC: What is your favorite part of working with ISU students?
Walden: I love it when a student who has been struggling with issues, which leads to decisions that involve violations of the Code of Student Conduct has the “ah-ha” moment. I appreciate so much of the time, energy and effort our student leaders exert to help their organizations understand policy and why it exists. The growth of the group and the leader are inspiring!
HC: How do you deal with student organizations that may not agree with a rule or regulation that has been set by the university?
Walden: Honestly and simply put, we talk it through. One of the most meaningful moments of my career was going to the Pike House and sitting down with the men when they were facing suspension. We had a long conversation and I answered all of the questions they had about how they landed in this place. I asked some questions, too, along the way. We met for about an hour and laid everything out on the table. Ultimately, they decided that it was in their best interest to accept the suspension for a year, almost giving them a “time out” to reorganize. Now, they are back and stronger than they’ve been in years. It’s great to see that happen! I was just glad to be able to help.
HC: I heard that you live on campus, is this true? If so, how do you like living on a college campus with all of the students?
Walden: Wow, I guess nothing can be kept from the grapevine! I don’t exactly live on campus, but I do live really close to campus off Willow St. It’s great for me to be so close because I am on campus so much. I am actually a doctoral student myself so I keep some pretty late hours. For me, that was a huge factor in deciding where to live this year. I serve on the Board of Directors for my professional association, speak across the country on issues of conflict resolution, student organization conduct, student government, parliamentary procedure, work full-time for the university and then take classes. As you can see, being close to campus is pretty helpful given everything on my plate.
HC: What biggest piece of advice would you give college students?
Walden: Hmm… that’s a hard one honestly. I keep my sorority Creed by my desk because I use it to help me refocus and remember what is important. Each of us should have something to help guide us. It’s like the quote, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything” or “Life is what you make of it. So, make it great!” It’s so odd to me that people think that I want to eliminate the Greek community, because I am such a proponent of fraternity/sorority life!
The passion that Suzette has for her position and for this university should be commended. She is an asset to the team of faculty and staff that we have at our disposal!