Staff Spotlight - Heather Tunnell

How do you work with students? --- "In my role I meet with complainants, respondents, and witnesses, providing them a safe space to discuss their concerns. Further, with respondents in particular, I work to educate and develop accountability, helping them to critically reflect on their choices. Our office has a mission 'to promote integrity, responsibility, and growth' while protecting 'the learning environment of the University, the health and safety of the community, and the rights of individual students.' Our process seeks to be educational in nature, giving students a chance to learn from their mistakes and make better choices in the future."

How does your department work with students? --- "Our office is within the Dean of Students Office. We work closely with intervention services to ensure students are receiving the supportive resources they need, especially in times of stress. We recognize that the Conduct process can be stressful and seek to provide care beyond our scope by connecting students to resources, whether that is referring them to our Seeking Options and Solutions team, Diamond Eagle Student Resource Center, Student Legal Services, RISE Center, Counseling and Testing or another resource they may need."

What is your favorite part about working at UNT? --- "I attended UNT for my undergraduate degree and later returned to work in the Biology Department for nearly five years. While working in the Biology Department, I received my Masters in Higher Education. I have loved all of my experiences at UNT and the connection to a diverse group of individuals. I would have to say that the friendly community is my favorite part about UNT. Our community is very friendly and often goes out of their way to help their fellow UNT student, staff, or faculty without reservation."

What does Student Affairs mean to you? --- "Having worked in academic affairs for five years prior to joining the Dean of Students Office, I was excited to have the opportunity to work more directly with students and have a more substantial impact on their lives. While I know many do not like to talk about Student Conduct and Community Standards, I think our office is essential to the development of students. Yes, most of the students we interact with have been alleged to have violated our Code of Student Conduct, but that does not mean the experience has to be a negative experience. I believe, in most cases, it is my responsibility to help them reflect and find a path forward at UNT. I hope students do not leave my office feeling negatively about our process. I want them to leave with the mindset that they are going to move forward and use the experience to learn and become a better version of themselves. Further, I love that student affairs does not have the thought 'that is not my job' but rather, 'how can I help this student?' There have been many occasions when a student comes into our office, completely confused with no idea where or what they need to do next. I find this to be a very rewarding experience to help them navigate the complicated educational system and provide them with resources to be successful in their educational career."

How have UNT students impacted your life? ---"UNT students are wonderfully distinct. I find that every conversation with a student is different, keeping me on my toes. I learn something from them every day and enjoy interacting with them on a daily basis. They have allowed me to continually learn and grow as an individual."

Fun fact about you? --- "I have and groom my own standard poodle, Bailey. She is extremely smart, sometimes I think she is smarter than me. She has many friends as my whole family loves the breed."