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 see: http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu/studentLearningOutcomes.asp.

Priority #1: Partnerships with Academic Affairs

In support of Student Success and Retention Initiatives, Student Affairs will strengthen collaborations with the Division of Academic Affairs in the following key areas: Multicultural Student Success/Retention, Service-Learning, Student Leadership, ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs) Education, Freshman Interest Groups, Women’s Center Programs, Career Development Center Initiatives, Partners in Prevention Alcohol Intervention Program , LGBTQA Ally Program, New Student Orientation, and Athletics CHAMPS Life-Skills Program.  Additional collaborations will also focus on identifying the needs and improving services for Veteran, Transfer, and First-Year students.

Priority #2: Social Equity and Campus Climate Issues

All Student Affairs Departments will actively work to implement the Division’s Social Equity Plan and the Campus Climate Survey’s “Phase 1 Action Steps” that were identified as priorities (i.e., Sexual-Violence Awareness/Educational Programming, “Speaking of Race” Student Panels,  and LGBTQA Training for Residence Life Staff).

Priority #3: Financial Issues

Develop new ways to generate additional revenue through fund raising efforts, corporate partnerships, and cost-saving measures.  Maximize the use of resources available in Divisional auxiliary budgets and/or fee-based programs. Implement the Division’s Budget Reduction Plan as approved by the President.

Priority #4: Facilities

Continue to partner with the Department of Facility Design and Construction on the following major projects: Completion of the new Student Recreation Center for August 2012 opening; renovations/preparations to bring College Arms Apartments on-line for August 2011 opening; completion of the Department of Athletics’ special projects (i.e., South Campus Tennis Courts and Vonnie Gros Field Bleachers); and addressing high priority infrastructure issues in the Lawrence Hall dining area.  Work directly with the WCU Foundation to finalize plans and funding mechanisms for Building C to incorporate a new facility for Student Health Services as well as an overall design that will optimize the residential experience.

Priority #5: Strategic Planning and Assessment

Actively participate in the University’s new Strategic Planning initiative as well as the on-going PASSHE Program Review process (including implementation of the formal five-year “Plan of Action” for each Department).  Continue partnership with provider Student Voice on assessment surveys/activities to gather/analyze data that can provide information that will assist with program improvements, strategic planning, and guiding future directions for the Division.

Priority #6: Campus Safety

Student Affairs will continue to focus on student safety issues through our direct partnership with the Office of Public Safety to implement/support campus safety programs and advertise/encourage students to sign up for the campus text-messaging subscription service.  Senior divisional leaders will continue their membership/work with the University’s Threat Assessment Team (TAT), as well as finalize and implement the “Involuntary Medical Withdrawal Policy” developed by the Student Behavior Review Committee.

Priority #7: Leadership Development

To achieve student learning outcomes and student engagement/success goals, all Student Affairs

staff will promote/support student leadership development programs and opportunities for

members of student clubs/organizations, paraprofessional staff, athletic teams, and all other

interested students.

Priority #8: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) and Wellness Education
Student Affairs Departments will be committed to the efforts of the Division’s Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) Workgroup (outlined in the 2011-2012 ATOD Strategic Plan) as well as promote and advance the “Wellness” education programming model.

Priority #9: Student Involvement

Student Affairs Departments will continue to collaborate with each other, and Student Services Inc., to enhance programming efforts (especially on the weekends), cultural arts participation, community service, intercollegiate athletic event involvement, student organization participation, and recreational activities in order to engage students, instill WCU Ram pride, and promote a sense of belonging at West Chester University --- all in support of the Division’s Student Learning Outcomes Statement (http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu/studentLearningOutcomes.asp).

Priority #10: International Student Programs

Student Affairs will take an active role in supporting University efforts to expand international programs by working closely with the newly formed Office of International Programs to develop/improve service delivery for international students and increase awareness of international opportunities and study-abroad programs for WCU domestic students.  Programs and cultural events that help raise students’ understanding of their role in today’s global society will also be offered.

Priority #11: Community Relations

Improve community relations by expanding ATOD efforts, involving additional Student Affairs staff in Community Campus Coalition (CCC) activities, continuing quality Sykes After Dark late-night programming, increasing Community Conferencing options through the Office of Judicial Affairs, and supporting West Chester Borough recommendations emerging from the "Community Conversations” event that was held in May 2011.

Priority #12: Sustainability

Student Affairs will work with the WCU Sustainability Advisory Council to examine how the Division can actively participate and collaborate in University-wide sustainability efforts that are currently underway or being planned in support of a “greener” WCU campus and Borough of West Chester community.

August 2011