The Higher Learning Commission

SUBCOMMITTEE ON STUDENT LIFE

Members of the Subcommittee on Student Life:

Patrick H. Rombalski, Vice President for Student Affairs, Chair
Joseph B. Miller, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Co-Chair
Matthew P. Berg, Associate Professor, Department of History
Lauren L. Bowen, Chairperson, Department of Political Science
Gina Dowell, Student
David Gilbert, Student
John J. Gladstone, Associate Academic Vice President for Enrollment Services
Rev. Thomas L. Schubeck, Professor, Department of Religious Studies
Barbara Schubert, Member of the JCU Board of Directors
Steven P. Vitatoe, Associate Director, Admission
Gretchen Weitbrecht, Interim Director of Athletics

STUDENT AFFAIRS DRAFT REPORT

Executive Summary

Mission

The division of student affairs and all of its sub-divisions have prepared mission statements and measurable goals and objectives. The divisional mission statement ties to the John Carroll University mission statement and goals. The sub-divisional mission statements, some of which are being revised and reconsidered, tie to the divisional mission statement.

Campus Environment

The environment on campus continues to be a source of attention. The division of student affairs is looking closely at the following areas:

The allocation of student life space, both organizationally and programmatically, to more adequately meet needs and wants.
The strategic assessment and preliminary planning of renovations to the residence halls to apartment style arrangements.
The creation of residential learning communities, especially for upperclass students that connect their academic learning to their out-of-class experience.
The improvement of an active campus ministry program for spiritual growth, including focused attention on the limitations of current off campus retreat facilities.
The continued support of intercollegiate athletics as a strong program at the Division III (NCAA) level and intramural programs, supported by recent improvements in facilities.
The continued support of a student support services program, directed by competent professionals, that serves the needs of students.

Collaboration Between Academic and Student Affairs

Collaboration between academic affairs and student affairs remains a focus for the division of student affairs. Some programs have been put in place and are working; other programs are being formed.

Student affairs collaborates with the academic division in these programs.

“Women at Noon,” a committee developed to respond to the needs of female students, faculty, staff, and administrators on campus. This program was formulated by the division of student affairs as part of an initiative to focus on women in leadership.
Experiential programs involving the integration of an academic class with volunteer and immersion programs.
“Learning to Learn,” a program for students on probation or who enter college with less well defined study skills. This program is developed by the assistant dean of arts and sciences.
Non-residentially-based learning communities.
Resident Assistant training where RAs receive academic credit for their training program.

Some examples of programs that currently are being reviewed are:

New Student Orientation, a mandatory two-day program for all incoming students.
The university judicial system.
Freshman First Days, an extension of the orientation program happening in the fall semester immediately upon arrival on campus of all first year students.
Residentially-based learning communities.

Recommendations

Create more student dedicated space for student activities, student programming, student recreation, student interaction, student services, and upperclass (juniors and seniors) student living.
Continue to bridge the gap in programs and services between academic and student affairs.
Create shared learning goals between academic and student affairs such as in the area of civic engagement.
Improve the quality of campus ministry programs on campus to assist in the spiritual and vocational development of students.
Intentionally integrate coaching responsibilities with the Admission office in order to optimize both recruitment efforts and admission’s targets.
Create an action plan to improve the quality of services for students with disabilities, residential international students, women students, minority students and commuter students.
Integrate the mission of the university into the professional life of the student affairs administrators through professional development so that students are better mentored.
Create an action plan for the Athletic department that allows it to continue to improve its status as a division III athletic program through facility, program, and coaching development

For comments or questions, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Swenson.



		SUBCOMMITTEE ON STUDENT LIFE Members of the Subcommittee on Student Life: Patrick H. Rombalski, Vice President for Student Affairs, Chair Joseph B. Miller, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Co-Chair Matthew P. Berg, Associate Professor, Department of History Lauren L. Bowen, Chairperson, Department of Political Science Gina Dowell, Student David Gilbert, Student John J. Gladstone, Associate Academic Vice President for Enrollment Services Rev. Thomas L. Schubeck, Professor, Department of Religious Studies Barbara Schubert, Member of the JCU Board of Directors Steven P. Vitatoe, Associate Director, Admission Gretchen Weitbrecht, Interim Director of Athletics STUDENT AFFAIRS DRAFT REPORT Executive Summary Mission The division of student affairs and all of its sub-divisions have prepared mission statements and measurable goals and objectives. The divisional mission statement ties to the John Carroll University mission statement and goals. The sub-divisional mission statements, some of which are being revised and reconsidered, tie to the divisional mission statement. Campus Environment The environment on campus continues to be a source of attention. The division of student affairs is looking closely at the following areas: The allocation of student life space, both organizationally and programmatically, to more adequately meet needs and wants. The strategic assessment and preliminary planning of renovations to the residence halls to apartment style arrangements. The creation of residential learning communities, especially for upperclass students that connect their academic learning to their out-of-class experience. The improvement of an active campus ministry program for spiritual growth, including focused attention on the limitations of current off campus retreat facilities. The continued support of intercollegiate athletics as a strong program at the Division III (NCAA) level and intramural programs, supported by recent improvements in facilities. The continued support of a student support services program, directed by competent professionals, that serves the needs of students. Collaboration Between Academic and Student Affairs Collaboration between academic affairs and student affairs remains a focus for the division of student affairs. Some programs have been put in place and are working; other programs are being formed. Student affairs collaborates with the academic division in these programs. “Women at Noon,” a committee developed to respond to the needs of female students, faculty, staff, and administrators on campus. This program was formulated by the division of student affairs as part of an initiative to focus on women in leadership. Experiential programs involving the integration of an academic class with volunteer and immersion programs. “Learning to Learn,” a program for students on probation or who enter college with less well defined study skills. This program is developed by the assistant dean of arts and sciences. Non-residentially-based learning communities. Resident Assistant training where RAs receive academic credit for their training program. Some examples of programs that currently are being reviewed are: New Student Orientation, a mandatory two-day program for all incoming students. The university judicial system. Freshman First Days, an extension of the orientation program happening in the fall semester immediately upon arrival on campus of all first year students. Residentially-based learning communities. Recommendations Create more student dedicated space for student activities, student programming, student recreation, student interaction, student services, and upperclass (juniors and seniors) student living. Continue to bridge the gap in programs and services between academic and student affairs. Create shared learning goals between academic and student affairs such as in the area of civic engagement. Improve the quality of campus ministry programs on campus to assist in the spiritual and vocational development of students. Intentionally integrate coaching responsibilities with the Admission office in order to optimize both recruitment efforts and admission’s targets. Create an action plan to improve the quality of services for students with disabilities, residential international students, women students, minority students and commuter students. Integrate the mission of the university into the professional life of the student affairs administrators through professional development so that students are better mentored. Create an action plan for the Athletic department that allows it to continue to improve its status as a division III athletic program through facility, program, and coaching development For comments or questions, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Swenson.