OUR VALUES:
Accountability
We value an outcomes-based, socially and fiscally responsible environment in which integrity, open communication, and assessment demonstrate the impact of our work.
Collaboration
We value mutually beneficial partnerships, both within and outside of the University, to accomplish shared goals.
Holistic Student Development
We value acknowledging and developing the whole individual, supporting their intellectual, emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual needs.
Learning
We value acquiring knowledge and skills, fostering healthy behaviors, and clarifying values –both in and out of the classroom.
Social Justice
We value the respect, worth, and dignity of each member of the West Chester University community, fostering equitable access for all, and challenging systems of oppression.
COMPLETING THE EDUCATIONAL MISSION
Dr. Zebulun Davenport, former Vice President for Student Affairs, highlights the foundations of our division.
Learning Domains
The Division of Student Affairs provides co-curricular programs and services that build students' competencies in seven specific areas:
Civic Engagement - Encompasses actions wherein individuals participate in activities of personal, political and public concern that are both individually life enriching and socially beneficial to the community.
Communication - The exchange of oral, non-verbal and written information, with individuals, groups and external audiences using multiple modes, including technology and related applications.
Critical Thinking - A habit of mind characterized by the comprehensive exploration of issues, ideas, artifacts, and events before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion.
Integrative Learning - An understanding and disposition that a student builds across their personal, curricular and co-curricular lives, from making simple connections among ideas and experiences to synthesizing and transferring learning to new and complex situations.
Intercultural Fluency - Valuing, respecting, and learning from people with diverse backgrounds (e.g., ability, age, culture, economic status, education level, ethnicity, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation). The individual demonstrates openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand individuals’ differences.
Personal Development - Personal development includes both intra- and inter-personal elements. Intrapersonal development refers to an individual’s self-understanding and the extent to which they engage in living by their values and beliefs. Interpersonal development refers to an individual’s ability to build and maintain meaningful and healthy relationships, work collaboratively, and lead others.
Problem Solving - The process of designing, evaluating and implementing a strategy to answer a question or achieve a desired goal.
Adapted from: CAS Learning and Development Outcomes; Connecting Credentials; NACE Competencies; VALUE rubrics from AACU.