|
West Chester University Division of Student Affairs
Strategic
Plan Priorities
The mission of the Division of Student Affairs is to provide
high quality student services and developmental programs that
support the academic mission of the University and promote
student learning outcomes such as civic and community
responsibility, development of identity, and the acquisition of
cognitive, life, leadership, and interpersonal/intrapersonal
skills. The goal of Student Affairs is to engage students in
their learning and help them succeed. Providing developmental
and educational programs, services, and environments that
contribute to a student’s personal growth and support the
academic mission of WCU, ultimately contribute to student
retention and graduation. The Division of Student Affairs has
identified shared core values, assumptions, and essential
functions that drive our decisions and guide programs,
activities, and interactions with students.
To accomplish the goals outlined in the “WCU Plan for
Excellence”, the Division of Student Affairs has identified the
following updated Strategic Plan Priorities. The Strategic
Plan also complements other ongoing commitments articulated in
the Division’s formal “Mission” and “Student Learning Outcomes”
statements.
Priority #1:
Collaboration with Academic Affairs
Student Affairs will continue to strengthen and expand our
collaboration with Academic Affairs in order to develop programs
and initiatives that address “Student Engagement and Success”
goals, while continuing to create a campus and residential
environment that supports the academic mission of the
University. (Student Success)
Priority #2:
Focus on First-Year Students, Transfer Students, Parents
Priority will be given to first-year students as we actively
engage our newest students in learning and assimilation into the
WCU campus community. In collaboration with Academic Affairs,
attention will also be directed in enhancing transition
processes for new transfer students as well. Developing
appropriate relations with parents, in support of student
success initiatives and resourcefulness goals, will also be a
focus. (Student Success)
Priority #3:
Community Relations
Student Affairs will continue to cultivate our interactions with
local community service agencies, area businesses, and Borough
officials in order to enhance community relationships and expand
positive student involvement in the community. Such
collaborative efforts are designed to promote good citizenship,
individual volunteerism, group community service, and address
existing conflicts associated with student behavioral issues. (Responsiveness)
Priority #4:
Student Involvement
Student Affairs and Student Services Incorporated will continue
to collaborate and support each other as we enhance programming
efforts (especially on the weekends), cultural arts
participation, community service, intercollegiate athletic event
involvement, student organization participation, and recreation
activities in order to engage students, instill pride, and
promote a sense of belonging at WCU. (Student Success)
Priority #5:
Multicultural Student Success
Student Affairs will continue Divisional efforts and collaborate
with Academic Affairs, Office of Social Equity, and the
University Retention Committee to implement programs and
strategies that contribute to multicultural student success,
defined by improved retention and graduation rates. (Student
Success & Diversity)
Priority #6:
Social Equity Goals
Student Affairs will implement the Division’s Social Equity
Agenda with an emphasis on promoting civility, enhancing
training related to social equity issues, recruitment/retention
of a diverse student/professional staff, and outreach/service to
students in all social equity groups (e.g. multicultural, sexual
orientation, gender identity and expression, religious, women,
disability, national origin). (Diversity)
Priority
#7: Technology
Student Affairs will continue efforts to involve students with
Divisional programs and services by utilizing current technology
to improve communication, provide assistance in a faster and
more convenient way, and track out-of-class involvement.
Special emphasis will be placed on educating professional staff
on new technology options and providing appropriate training to
implement/use these resources. (Resourcefulness)
Priority #8: Assessment and Program Review
Student Affairs, in support of ongoing assessment plan
activities and PASSHE Program Review requirements, will evaluate
programs, assess student learning outcomes, and monitor
continuous quality improvement. Assessment practices will also
consider trends related to gender, race, and student standing
(i.e. first-year, sophomore, junior, senior). Program
improvements will be based on assessment results, research, and
best practices as defined by CAS professional standards and
other professional organizations. (Resourcefulness)
Priority #9: Facility/Building Projects
Student Affairs will continue to co-coordinate the design and
planning process for the new Student Recreation Center facility.
We will also continue our participation in the planning of the
WCU Foundation’s Student Housing Renewal Initiative and examine
how the move toward privatization of the new residence halls
will impact the work of Student Affairs staff. In relation to
the Housing project, immediate attention will be focused on the
loss of recreation/outdoor space on Hollinger Field and the
Residential QUAD and how best to accommodate and find alternate
sites for programming needs on North and South Campus. (Responsiveness)
Priority #10: Fund-Raising
Student Affairs will continue to develop new funding strategies
and partnering opportunities with private businesses and
individuals to support the Division’s mission and priorities.
Grant applications generated by Student Affairs staff, as well
as other ongoing fund-raising efforts in support of the Student
Affairs Leadership Development Fund, will contribute to this
goal. Special efforts will include connecting with former
student leaders (young alumni), securing sources of scholarship
dollars for current student leaders, and identifying financial
support for student leadership programs and activities. (Resourcefulness)
Priority #11: Student Leadership
Student Affairs will continue to offer leadership development
opportunities for members of student clubs/organizations,
paraprofessional staffs, and other interested students to
achieve our student learning outcomes, general education goals,
and student engagement/success initiatives. The Co-Curricular
Portfolio, New Student Leadership Retreat, Leadership
Experience, and expanded training and recognition programs for
paraprofessional student staff will be priority items. (Student
Success & Human Capital)
Priority #12: Alcohol/Drug Issues
Student Affairs will support and advance the efforts of the
Division’s Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug (ATOD) Work Group as
outlined in the “ATOD Strategic Plan of Action” that was
developed in response to the 2005 PASSHE Alcohol/Drug Project.
Special emphasis will include the identification and expansion
of resources needed to strengthen alcohol and drug counseling,
support services, community involvement, implementation of the
Alcohol Wise program, educational efforts, and information for
judicial hearing officers. (Student Success & Responsiveness)
Priority
#13: Presidential Transition
At the April, 2008 “Legacy of Leadership Dinner”
the Division of Student Affairs will publicly thank and honor
President Madeleine Wing Adler for her exemplary support and
leadership over the last 16 years. In preparation for the
Presidential transition a comprehensive report will be compiled
summarizing the mission, priorities, goals, and values of
Student Affairs in addition to our accomplishments, strengths,
areas for improvement, and challenges in the years ahead.
Student Affairs staff will also actively participate in the
Presidential Search process by attending meetings and forums
related to the search and candidate interviews. During the
2008-09 academic year, activities and opportunities will be
planned to introduce the 14th President to student
life at WCU and acquaint the new person to the array of
co-curricular programs and services coordinated by Student
Affairs. (Responsiveness)
Priority #14: Campus Safety
Student Affairs will continue to focus on student safety issues,
especially in the aftermath of the April, 2007 Virginia Tech
tragedy. Specifically we will participate in the ongoing
discussions of the Emergency Communication/Protocol Review Team
and work with the Office of Public Safety to implement
recommendations. Additional attention will be given to
advertising and encouraging students to sign up for the
“E2Campus” text messaging subscription service that went into
effect fall semester. Plans will move forward to form a
“Student Behavior Review Committee” to evaluate students who
are displaying inappropriate, disruptive, or threatening
behavior that potentially endangers their own or others health
and safety. (Responsiveness & Student Success)
October, 2007
back to the
What We Do homepage
|
