Jaunal is friend, mentor to students
Campus Times
March 27, 1998
Melissa Jaunal, coordinator of student programs, has worked with University
of La Verne students since 1992. "The variety of my job is what I enjoy
most," she said of her job. "Everyday brings something new."
Jaunal's responsibilities include not only the Student Center building,
but also many of the student organizations. She servers as adviser the Associate
Students Federation Forum, Inter-Fraternity Sorority Council and the College
Panhellenic Association.
Some describe Melissa Jaunal, coordinator of student programs, as a
friend and mother-figure. But according to Jaunal, being an educator first
and foremost is her duty.
"I wear many hats... basically administrative adviser, resource
person to all clubs and organizations,"said Jaunal.
Her main duties include being administrative adviser to the Associated
Student Federation (ASF) Forum, the University's Greek system, which includes
College Panhellenic Association (CPA), the governing body of ULV sororities
and Inter-Fraternity Sorority Council (IFSC).
"Melissa is hard-working, determined and focused, as well as helpful,"
said junior Cecilia Torres, a Student Center work study student. "She
is a very positive Greek role model."
In addition to her interaction with a number of on-campus organizations
and programs, Jaunal is also director of the Student Center.
Jaunal grew up in the San Fernando Valley, and describes herself as
a "product of the valley."
"I'm not a valley girl," she said. "But I do love my
valley."
Prior to beginning her employment at the University of La Verne in October
of 1992, she worked at her alma mater, California State University, Northridge
(CSUN). It was at CSUN where she received a bachelor's degree in psychology,
and was employed as the residence activities director.
According to Jaunal, she left CSUN when the administration began restructuring
her department. As a result of the several changes within her department,
she realized she was no longer happy there.
It was in reading a job advertisement in the Chronicle of Higher Education
that Jaunal later learned of a position which was available at ULV.
The University was looking for a coordinator of student programs at
the time.
Although the position included a new environment and experience for
Jaunal, she was generally familiar with the University's campus. While still
employed by CSUN, she had visited the campus for a meeting.
"So I had been on campus before and I remembered that it had been
a really nice looking campus...and she [Roselyn Smith, ULV area coordinator
at the time] had been really happy here ...so I applied, interviewed, and
got the job," said Jaunal.
Jaunal also explained that she has shared a number of memorable moments
at the University since the beginning of her employment. Included are those
relationships she has built with faculty, staff and students she has come
in contact with.
"The student interaction is so much more personal and so you can
get to know a student a lot better here than at a larger school,"she
said.
As in any position, Jaunal has also had some challenging moments.
The most challenging, she explains, deals with two of the most recent
events on the University campus. One concerned her affiliation with the
Greek system of governance, while the other challenged her role as an adviser
to the student body government.
"Last semester dealing with having to withdraw recognition of Delta
Sigma Phi Fraternity and then dealing with the whole Jose Barba case [embezzled
funds from ASF]. They happened right on top of each other," she recalled.
"I was barely able to recover from one and I was right into it
with the other," she added.
However, Jaunal explained that the challenge was not a test of her "professional
ability;" rather, it was challenging emotionally, because she had to
balance "the personal [relationships] with the professional."
Outside of the campus life, Jaunal admits that her family and her babies
are her favorite hobbies.
She and Brian, her husband of nearly seven years, have one daughter,
3-year-old Taylor. They are also anticipating the birth of their second
child in August.
In addition, she has developed a liking to gardening.
"I discovered I really enjoy gardening," she said. "It's
a way to get outside and when I get an opportunity to get out in the outside.
I love the warm weather."
As a friend and adviser to the University of La Verne community, Jaunal
has her own impressions of her impact on students.
"I don't consider myself at peer level with students because I'm
much older," she said. "But I don't think that it is my role to
act in a maternal fashion.
"I think it is my role to disseminate information and try to inform
people as much as possible and challenge people's thinking."
Those students who have had the opportunity to work or interact with
Jaunal admit that she has influenced them in a very unique manner.
"She understands the stresses of a student and is willing to accommodate
me when needed," said senior Sergio Velazquez, who has worked in the
Student Center for four years.
Velazquez, speaking for himself, admits that Jaunal is understanding
of a student's lifestyle.
"I look at Melissa as an adviser and friend because if I have a
question about something I can ask her freely," he said. "She
is a supervisor because she upholds responsibility.
"That is the reason why I've been working here four years -- because
of her willingness and openness."
As for students, Jaunal has simple words of advice.
"This is one of the best times in your life, and even though it
is challenging and stressful, make the best of it," she said. "Don't
miss out on the opportunities that a college campus has to offer."
