PHILOSOPHY OF THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

Learning is a "comprehensive, holistic, transformative activity that integrates academic learning and student development . . . throughout and across the college experience" (American College Personnel Association and National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, 2004, p. 5). We believe learning is an institutional responsibility and that all members of the campus community should work together to accomplish this goal. Student development and the adaptation of learning to students' lives and needs are fundamental parts of engaged learning and liberal education.

We believe that the role of student affairs is to encourage intellectual openness and the consideration of varied perspectives, while engaging students in active learning; to help students to discern their own and others' beliefs, actions, and values, while helping them to develop coherent values and ethical standards. We accomplish this role through the use of systematic inquiry to improve student and institutional performance, by forging educational partnerships that advance student learning, and by building supportive and inclusive communities (Principles of Good Practice for Student Affairs, ACPA, http://www.acpa.nche.edu/pgp/principle.htm, 1998). We provide a developmental and contextual perspective that strives to integrate all aspects of students' lives, to relate students to others as social beings, to construct an effective educational climate, to facilitate informal and incidental learning, and to transform learning grounded in particular contexts and individual experiences into broader understandings (Powerful Partnerships: A Shared Responsibility for Learning, AAHE/ACPA/NASPA, 1998).

We are committed to the Catholic and Jesuit traditions that especially inform student development and learning at John Carroll. We believe that faith influences attitudes and conduct, that education should be excellence with a soul. Therefore, we believe that we must contribute to students' ability to become men and women for others, to develop the skills and character to lead and serve, and to work towards social justice. We challenge students to choose lives rich with integrity, responsibility, and self awareness; to lead with compassion; and to celebrate difference. We strive to create a campus culture that values and encourages respect for all human differences, that is conducive to study and scholarship, and that supports the development of individual talents. We assist in the development of personal values and standards and strive to develop responsible citizens who contribute to the betterment of society. We believe that John Carroll University graduates should be engaged citizens with the ability and desire to effectively address major societal challenges.