DAY THREE
KNOWLEDGE Builder SESSION
The Next Generation :
Creating Strategic Internships and Partnerships with Educational Institutions
PRESENTED BY COLLABORATIVE ON HIGHER EDUCATION ( COHE ) MEMBERS TAMARA JARRETT ( MODERATOR ), MELISSA LONGINO AND DR . MARY WISNOM , AND JOINED BY JENNIFER L . HAACK OF THE AVEDA INSTITUTE
THIS SESSION WILL PROVIDE insights on shared mission and trends with education institutions as well as ways to create strategic alignment and partnerships . services at higher education institutions . The CoHE will explore each of these areas closely to bring additional perspective to ISPA and higher education fields alike .
Pulse : How will the ISPA Collaborative on Higher Education ( CoHE ) drive innovation in the spa and wellness industry ? Dr . Mary Wisnom : The focus on wellness on campuses is growing at a rapid pace . Not only are campus recreation centers offering spa and wellness services , but health centers , residential dorms and academic programs are also getting into the game . The CoHE team was formed in part to help create a connection between ISPA and those working in campus wellness . Aaron Hobson : As we all know , wellness can mean many different things to many different people , particularly in higher education settings . I feel the CoHE will help drive new ideas for the spa and wellness industry and find ways to connect with students on university campuses .
Pulse : What are some barriers to education that CoHE will tackle ? Jennifer Aarons : As educators , we need to know what skills the industry desires so that we can tailor our programs to meet those expectations . Through conversations with industry leaders , we hope to gain insight on skillset needs so we can generate future leaders who are properly equipped for success in spa and wellness . AH : There are many misconceptions regarding access , affordability and the intersection of spa-like services and wellbeing
Pulse : How can CoHE reach students at different points in their academic careers ? Melissa Longino : As students evolve through their academic careers , their focus moves from absorbing and observing to actively seeking and leading . The CoHE can expose students to critical thought about wellbeing and selfcare as a starting point , while exposing students to the spa industry to open eyes to career options . Further , provision of experiential learning opportunities coupled with certificate programs or academic courses will provide for a more immersive interdisciplinary understanding of wellbeing . MW : As professionals , we have come to know the value of our ISPA membership . I personally couldn ’ t have taught spa management courses and run a spa without my ISPA connections and resources . As a student , the value of an ISPA membership might not be as clear . One of the goals of CoHE is to identify ways to increase student / ISPA communication and engagement . Whether a student is seeking knowledge or a future position in the spa industry , a connection to ISPA is essential . JA : I believe in the strong connection between education and industry . The hospitality industry as a whole embraces opportunities for students in the form of internships , mentoring and other experiential learning . The CoHE can help foster these initiatives in the spa and wellness industry by connecting educators with industry partners .
“... WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT SKILLS THE industry DESIRES SO THAT WE CAN TAILOR OUR PROGRAMS TO MEET THOSE EXPECTATIONS .”
22 PULSE n MAY / JUNE 2023