Spring priorities for the Division of Student Affairs
Hi colleagues,
Student Affairs staff work to amplify our students’ collegiate experience and help them connect what they are learning in class to life beyond the classroom—both personally and as they explore post-college pathways. As they navigate campus and Student Affairs’ many resources, students will find that they have a variety of transformative opportunities available to enhance their learning and development. Volunteering, on-campus student employment, internships and other professional experiences are high-impact educational practices that allow Buffs to develop in-demand skills, gain professional experience, become well-rounded individuals and prepare for life after graduation.
As we start out a new semester, here are a couple of priorities that we are focusing on in our division.
Focusing on holistic student success and the student experience
Our work in Student Affairs focuses on promoting student learning, personal development and growth, and the well-being of our Buffs. We know that students are more likely to succeed in the classroom and beyond when they are able to build community and have a sense of belonging at our university.
From housing and residence life, to dining and campus recreation, student involvement, Greek life, campus student centers, and onward to career services, student government, first-generation initiatives, volunteerism, social change, and beyond—our collective team is paramount in addressing student needs by providing them with the resources and support that empowers and equips them to receive not only an education but a holistic educational experience.
Academic Affairs partnerships through RAPs and wrap-around services
It is more critical than ever that our division connects with our students through data-informed practices. Through our data collection, students have indicated some factors that are critical to their success including engaged learning, connecting with faculty and staff, high-impact practices, social engagement, and living and learning place in diverse environments. Our division accomplishes this through our partnerships across academic affairs and beyond. For example, recalibrating our Residential Academic Programs (RAPs) and Living Learning Communities (LLCs) and establishing a wrap-around support services model are ways we need to meet the current generation of students where they are and ensure their experiences with faculty and staff are setting them up for success.
Completing a division-wide external review
This spring, the Division of Student Affairs will bring in a team of consultants and experts in the field of higher education and student affairs to complete a comprehensive divisional external review. This will allow us to step back and examine the work that we do and learn more about our strengths and paths for opportunity. This practice will inform strategic thinking and help center the excellence and effectiveness of our services, activities and operations moving forward.
Student Affairs is proud to partner with faculty and staff across campus to support your work in the classroom and our students’ academic journey. I look forward to our continued collaboration, and wish you the best this spring semester.
Warmly,
Dr. D’Andra Mull
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs