Guiding Futures: Cylan Shaffer, Recruitment Coordinator
Eight Questions with Cylan Shaffer, Recruitment Coordinator
"When I talk to prospective students, I often share my own experience studying a fine art or smaller degree at such a large-scale institution like the UArizona"
When a student is contemplating joining CAPLA, their initial point of contact is likely to be with Cylan Shaffer. As the recruitment coordinator, Cylan plays a pivotal role in introducing prospective students to the distinctive opportunities and vibrant community within the College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture. Through personalized interactions and informative outreach efforts, Cylan serves as a welcoming guide, offering valuable insights to help students make informed decisions about their academic journey. His passion for student engagement and comprehensive knowledge of CAPLA's offerings contribute to creating a positive and informative experience for those considering the enriching educational path offered by the college.
If you are a prospective student and want to learn more about CAPLA, reach out to Cylan at cshaffer@arizona.edu.
What brought you to CAPLA, and where did you work before joining the college?
I have worked in higher education for about six years now. I was a student at the University of Arizona and worked as a student resident assistant in the Fine Arts Living Learning Community in Manzanita Mohave. This led me to start working for housing and residential life as a professional staff member in 2017 at UArizona, serving as a coordinator for students working at the front desk and managing summer operations. Then, I transitioned to recruitment as an admissions counselor in the Phoenix area to bring future Wildcats down to Tucson and away from our ASU rival. After a few years of academic advising, I returned to recruitment here at CAPLA as I wanted to travel more and work with students in their pursuit of higher education.
Tell us about your current work.
Currently I work with prospective students who are interested in architecture, landscape architecture, sustainability or the built environment in general to see if CAPLA and the University of Arizona might be a good fit for them to pursue their undergraduate or graduate degrees. To do so, I travel to various conferences and college fairs across the country to interact with students, allowing them to learn more about what CAPLA has to offer. I also hold information sessions and tours for those who come to campus to visit as well as oversee our student CAPLA Ambassadors who assist with recruitment efforts.
What do you most enjoy about your current job?
The travel! I grew up in financial hardship and did not have opportunities to see many places, even within the U.S. It has been a privilege to now explore new cities and interact with diverse populations. experiencing all the unique encounters that come along with that.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
Also, the travel! It can be physically and mentally taxing at times. Each city is different and you constantly have to adapt, whether that’s navigating public transit systems, adjusting to time changes or modifying the way you interact with each unique student population.
Can you share a favorite story working with students?
I was overseeing the new student orientation housing operation on campus and a student came in and checked in with the last name "Probst." I casually joked, "Oh, like Jeff Probst, the host from Survivor..." To my surprise, she replied that he was her uncle! At first, I had trouble believing it, but her mom confirmed and shared more information about the family. For those of you reading, yes, Survivor is still on television. I am a huge fan of the show and have been watching it since I was a little kid, so it was one of the coolest moments ever. I got to chat with them more and they eventually mailed me some swag signed by Jeff Probst as a thank-you for making her feel so welcomed as a new Wildcat!
Beyond your job, what are your passions?
I got my undergraduate degree in film production, so I am a huge cinephile! I love film and dedicate a lot of my time to that craft, whether it's working on projects I create, curating my personal collection of DVDs, or watching an average of eight movies a month in the theater. Apart from my passion for film, I also enjoy strategy games, playing tennis, and keeping up with UArizona basketball.
What is your advice for students to find success at CAPLA and UArizona?
Get involved! As someone who also majored in a field that demanded a lot of time and passion from students, I still made an effort to find things outside of my craft to pursue. I worked as a resident assistant in the dorms for two years, played intramural sports and joined honorary clubs ever year. While I loved every minute of being a film student, it was the experiences I had outside of my major that made my college years ones to remember.
What does the CAPLA experience mean for you?
When I talk to prospective students, I often share my own experience studying a fine art or smaller degree at such a large-scale institution like UArizona. It is a fantastic opportunity because you get that high-quality liberal arts college feel and education in your studies, but also enjoy the social advantages of being on a very populous and thriving campus. It truly is the best of both worlds where you have a tight-knit home and community to elevate your education in our studio spaces, and at the same time, you can experience other college musts like top-ranked sports programs, high-level research and a plethora of clubs and organizations covering anything you can think of!
