Moraine Valley president and student swap roles for one day

Filling the shoes of a college president, even temporarily, is no easy task, but recent Moraine Valley Community College graduate Karolina Granda had the experience for an entire day during the spring semester.

In its second year, Moraine Valley’s President for a Day allowed one student to swap roles with college President Dr. Pamela J. Haney.

“It was a meaningful and successful experience,” Haney recalled. “I think it was more interactive this second time. I was involved in more student group interactions, and I edited some articles for The Glacier like Karolina would do. Students engaged with me as if I were a student; they weren’t intimidated. I think I just blended in.”

While Haney went to class, rehearsed with the Speech and Debate Team and worked at the college’s fitness center, Granda, of Palos Hills, attended various meetings with different departments, including the Moraine Valley Foundation and Student Life, and met with international students.

“It was lower-level than what she actually does, but I still went to legit meetings, where they talked about different issues,” Granda explained. “They told me what Dr. Haney does and how she works with local politicians, which I didn’t know. They said people are constantly in her office and that she attends events. The mental capacity for that all day is crazy. There were so many meetings, and the ones I thought I could have a say in were interesting. I made some suggestions. It was interesting to give my input that may be taken into consideration.”

Last year was the first time President for a Day was implemented at the college, and Haney is eager to maintain it.

“I hope to continue gaining insight into the student experience so we can make informed decisions that truly support their success. Experiences like this are incredibly valuable, and I do see this as something worth continuing on a regular basis,” she noted. “The day really highlights the importance of flexibility and support services for students and how much students balance.”

Granda, who graduated in May, wants to major in communications and pre-law. She encouraged other students to view a different side of campus.

“It’s such a cool idea to put yourself in the student’s shoes,” Granda said. “Students should apply next year and participate, if they can. I think just the experience – you get to say what you’d want to see change at Moraine Valley and make an impact and reflect – is amazing.”

For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley communications specialist and sports information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.