Generational differences Among Higher Education Faculty & Staff

1. Generational differences Among Higher Education Faculty & Staff Presented by Terry Stewart Mouchayleh Director of Professional Development & Evaluation Programs Austin Community College

2. Who are We? Who are They? • Veterans:Also called the Silent Generation, Traditionalists and Seniors, these individuals were born between 1922 and 1943. • Baby Boomers: Born between 1943 and 1960, the generation is also referred to as the Me Generation, and the Sandwich Generation. • Generation X: This group of individuals was born between1960 and 1980 and is sometimes called the Baby Bust Generation. • Millennials:Also referred to as the Echos, the Nexters, and Generation Y, these individuals were born between 1980 and 2000.

3. Quick Poll: Who are We in this Room?

4. Characteristics of Gen X Latchkey kids Function well alone Raised on electronic media Often children of divorce and non- traditional family units

5. Characteristics of Gen X cont’d. • Sometimes seen as barriers to parents’ success • Grew up during corporate downsizing • Use of newest technology is a given • Tend to be pessimistic and skeptical of authority and institutions • Short attention spans

6. Quick Quiz: What is a Gen X defining movie?

7. Characteristics of Millennial Generation Younger siblings of Gen Xers Benefited from parents’ later life success Gravitate toward group activity Identify with parents’ values Spend more time doing homework and housework and less time watching TV

8. Characteristics of Millennial Generation cont’d. Believe it’s cool to be smart New technology is a given Are racially and ethnically diverse Often have at least one immigrant parent Short attention spans

9. Quick Quiz Which of these is not a common way that Millennial generation individuals communicate? A. Phone B. Email C. My Space/Facebook D. Text messaging

10. Generational Employment Characteristics Veterans characterized by • loyalty to employer • hard work • dependability • personal touch approach • obedience over individualism

11. Quick Quiz: Veterans are already retired. True or False?

12. Generational Employment Characteristics cont’d Baby Boomers characterized by • belief in paying dues • sense of duty • belief in sacrifice for success • loyalty to employer • salary contributes to satisfaction

13. Quick Quiz: Baby Boomers are getting ready to retire. True or false?

14. “As they begin to hit retirement years, baby boomers are expected to flood community colleges for the credentials and training they will need to reposition themselves for second careers.” • “A recent AARP mail survey of 30,000 respondents ages 42 and older found that 26 percent who had begun a new career in the last year said they had taken courses toward a college degree or certification in the same period.” --from “Community Colleges Want You,” Elizabeth Olson, New York Times Online

15. Generational Employment Characteristics, cont’d. Generation X characterized by • technology skills • entrepreneurial spirit • mobility and flexibility at work • interest in professional interests over employer interests • lack of loyalty • want balance of work and home life • need immediate feedback

16. Quick Quiz: Do Gen Xers enjoy group activities?

17. Generational Employment Characteristics cont’d. Millennial characterized by • technology skills • expectation of diversity • expectation of rapid results • desire flexible schedules • want balance of work and home life • need for independence in decision-making, • need for immediate feedback • desire for challenge and growth

18. Quick Quiz: How do Millennials feel about older generations?

19. The Overriding Issues • How do our institutions support the needs of four generations of faculty and staff? • How do our department chairs recruit and retain the new faculty and staff members?