With the start of the new semester, Bakersfield College has a new face on campus; that of new Interim Director of Student Life Elizabeth Peisner.
Peisner can be found in Campus Center 4, where she oversees the Student Government Association.
Although she is there to support the student government in any of its endeavors, she said that she is also here for the entire population of students, explaining that if a student comes to her with a question or concern, she will do her best to assist that student and if she does not have a solution, she will find one.
“This position is bigger than just SGA,” she said, explaining that her job concerns student conduct and the whole “overarching picture,” as she put it, of the relationship between academic affairs and student affairs.
As an example, she explained that if a student comes to her asking for an extension cord, she might not have one, but she will make an effort to assist that student in getting one. She explained that the extension cord might be for a laptop to help the student complete an assignment, and if the student couldn’t get a cord then that would be affecting the student’s academics. Therefore, she would not feel as if she were doing her job.
That being just one example, Peisner wanted to reiterate that her main concern is the students. “I love my job, I love students in general,” she said.
“First thought in the morning, and last thought before bed,” Peisner said, explaining how she begins and ends thinking about how she can help the students each day.
Her extensive educational and professional background includes a doctorate in Education from University of Southern California, master’s in Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations from California State University, Northridge, and experience in leadership roles, among other positions, at a few other schools; The Art Institute of California, Southwestern Law School, University of Southern California, and more.
Having a background in student affairs at a university level, Peisner was pleased to explain that she feels the administration here is more concerned with student affairs. “In a community college, at least here at BC, I am seeing a greater commitment and a far more detailed discussion in student engagement,” she said.
According to Peisner, the vice president of student affairs brought her on as a professional expert, specifically in student life and student government. She said, “It was because of my passion for student success in and out of the classroom.”
She said her main goals this semester are to create greater student engagement on campus, an overall better student experience, and a great environment within SGA.
“My role is just to support what legislation and initiatives the students put forth, and I do my best to do that,” Peisner said. “I think having walked a mile in these student’s shoes allows me to be a better servant leader to them.”
She said that some goals of SGA this semester include work on a newly amended constitution, a change in the structure of elections, a code of guidelines and expectations for officers, and a code of ethics for student leaders.
In light of SGA’s transgressions last semester, Peisner said that SGA is moving forward and will not continue to apologize. “We have to re-establish our reputation of responsibility to the entire BC community,” she said.
She said that with her support for her team of student leaders comes a high level of accountability to the codes of conduct.