Student Affairs and Services

Creating an environment for learning and service

Student Affairs and Services

• University publishes a clear and appropriate statement of student rights and responsibilities and disseminates the statement to the campus community.– Statement should be crafted collaboratively

with students, faculty, and administration– Statement should be explained fully in the

student handbook

Student Affairs and Services• Institution protects the

security, confidentiality, and integrity of its student records– Student access to

records– Student control of

records– Use of student

information to external constituents

Student Affairs and Services

• University provides services supporting its mission with qualified personnel to ensure the quality and effectiveness of its student affairs programs– Related degrees– Related professional experience– Professional development– Staff evaluation

Student Affairs and Services

• Student Affairs– Residence life– Food service– Civic engagement– Student activities– Greek Life– Financial Assistance– Career Services

Sample Mission Statement

• The Division of Student Life at Vanderbilt– contributes to the

University's mission of teaching and learning by building a community in which students have ample opportunity to develop not only as scholars, but also as well-rounded individuals.

Purpose Statements• Fostering the traditions and purpose that constitute

our community of scholars, • Promoting and nurturing a sense of belonging and

school spirit across the diverse student population, • Fostering intellectual curiosity, creative expression,

and open-mindedness that includes a willingness to entertain ideas with which one initially disagrees,

• Encouraging a sense of fun and a safe, secure, celebratory environment,

• Providing opportunities for personal growth and for pursuit of physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being,

Purpose Statements• Fostering high aspirations for personal, academic, and

professional fulfillment and success, • Providing opportunities for leadership development, service

learning, and civic involvement -- locally, and globally, • Fostering personal responsibility and accountability, and

encouraging choices consistent with the University community's moral and ethical standards,

• Providing opportunities for interaction with the greater Nashville community through service, topical forums, the arts, and recreation,

• Advocating for the human, financial, and physical resources that support excellence in the Student Life program, and

• Serving as an agent of change as the needs and interests of students evolve.

Sample Mission

• The mission of the Rhodes College Moore Student Health Center is – to assist students in

acquiring knowledge that promotes wellness, helps prevent illness, and encourages responsibility for personal health so they may achieve their educational goals as well as build a foundation upon which they can continue a healthy lifestyle.

Sample Mission Statement

• The Office of Student Financial Aid at Vanderbilt – is responsible for providing financial assistance to

students whose economic circumstances are such that they could not otherwise afford to attend. Vanderbilt welcomes students who can benefit from and contribute to the community, regardless of their financial situation. The University is committed to reviewing applicants for admission without regard to their financial need, then assistance is awarded to any student who establishes eligibility. With few exceptions, therefore, financial aid eligibility is determined on the basis of family financial criteria.

Student Affairs and Services

• Do we employ qualified staff in place to accomplish the purpose and goals of our student development programs?

• Have we thought intentionally about the professionalization of the para-academic support systems of our campus?

• Is each division driven by a mission statement that supports the university mission?

Student Affairs and Services• Student Handbook

– Do we have one?• Student rights and responsibilities• Formal appeals process

– Do we regularly review the policies?– Are the policies developed through a

collaborative process?

• Do we have a policy that ensures the protection and privacy of student records?

Materials

• Student handbook • List of student

organizations • Ethic/honor codes • Policies related to

student conduct • Appeals processes

Student Affairs and Services