‘Don't be afraid to try something because it may not work’
Jennifer Cassidy
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, OFFICE OF STUDENT LIFE
As director of finance for the Office of Student Life, Jennifer combines her passions for employee development and creating a culture of collaboration in support of campus partners who help shape the student experience. “In the finance role, I don't always get to see the result of my work, which is ultimately supporting students. The times I can get out there and interact with students are always great,” said Jennifer, who volunteers as a guide on the first day of school, on Red Carpet Day, and during Welcome Week. Her favorite lunch spot on campus? The Mix at the IMU. “Great salad bar and always a good selection on soups or other hot foods. I feel healthier eating a big salad from there, even if I do dump a pound of Goldfish crackers on it.”
IMU holiday sweater contest (I lost).
Q: What initially led you to Indiana University—and what has inspired you to stay?
A: Five years ago, I was working for a small, private company, covering many areas of business operations. After 10 years, I felt that I had reached my ceiling. I wanted to be intentional with my career choice, going someplace that would allow me to grow and provide an intrinsic value to the work. I felt that IU had that potential. When I saw the business manager at the IMU position, I knew that was the position to get me started in my career at IU.
Q: What do you want people to know about your work that they may not know?
A: I am a firm believer in going to where the work is. I can't be a resource to staff if I don't understand the work that they do. I have tried to instill this approach in my team, because we want to be viewed as partners to our customers. That can only happen if we know how they operate and understand their opportunities and challenges. Being such a diverse unit, I've had a lot to learn in the past five years. There's still plenty more to learn, but we are creating a more collaborative culture.
Coach Jennifer
Q: What's the best part of your job and why?
A: Developing staff and seeing them reach their potential. I love to coach, mentor, and advocate. There is nothing better than giving someone the tools they need to succeed and the autonomy to make decisions and then watching them grow.
Q: Any current plans or projects to share? How does this work intersect with other parts of campus?
A: Not really related to my official role, but I'm working on attaining my mid-level Intercultural Competence Certificate with IU, which requires applying what we've learned to a project. For my project with Crimson Cupboard and health and wellness departments, we’re discussing how to make the food insecurity resources even more accessible, and how to remove some of the stigma of this need. I love that IU offers these types of trainings and courses to staff so we can grow not only in our roles but as a community.
Q: What is your favorite dish or place to eat on campus?
A: The Mix at the IMU is awesome. Great salad bar and always a good selection on soups or other hot foods. I feel healthier eating a big salad from there, even if I do dump a pound of Goldfish crackers on it.
Cheering on the IU Women's b-ball team
Q: Favorite IU event(s)?
A: In the finance role, I don't always get to see the result of my work, which is ultimately supporting students. The times I can get out there and interact with students are always great. Being a guide on the first day of school, helping with the first Late Nite at the IMU—which is always spectacular—volunteering for Red Carpet Day, and assisting with the Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll event during Welcome Week are great ways for me to connect what I do with the student experience.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: Paddle boarding during warmer weather, going to IU sporting events, traveling, and generally spoiling my niblings. I would love to have a better work-life balance so that I have more time to volunteer. I was a Big Sister for nine years, an ally with the Circles Initiative for two years, and a girls’ basketball coach for a few years. I haven't had enough spare time to do things like this recently, and it's important to me to create an organizational structure that encourages this not only for me but also for my staff.
Cleaning up Cascades Park for Service Day
Q: What advice do you give people who want to do what you do professionally?
A: We have a motto on my team, something our former payroll coordinator started: "Everything is fixable." Don’t be afraid to try something because it may not work, and don’t fear change—embrace it and create positive outcomes. (But do your research first 😊)."