Mission
The Division of Student Affairs and Campus Services supports the University’s mission to prepare students to be productive, engaged leaders by intentionally providing high quality opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. The Division strives to equip staff with excellence in professional development and opportunities for personal growth for the purpose of meeting the needs of constituents.
Vision
At the core of all we do is a commitment to promote student learning. Our goal is to produce students who are intentional learners who can adapt to new environments, integrate knowledge from different sources, and continue learning throughout their lives. We strive to encourage students to embrace learning, to respect and celebrate diversity, and to learn how to effectively live in a global community. To this end, the Division will purposefully engage students in experiences that educate the whole student, promote transformative learning, provide opportunities for growth, and facilitate the development of leadership skills that enable students to contribute dynamic and responsible service to their communities.
Units within Student Affairs and Campus Services
Assessment / Strategic Planning
Auxiliary Services (Dining Services, I.D. Center, University Bookstore, and Postal, Printing, and Vending Services)
Career Services Center
Construction Management
Counseling and Testing Center
Facilities Management
Health Services and Wellness (includes Intramural & Recreational Sports)
Housing & Residence Life
Human Resources
Office of Diversity Programs / Judicial Affairs
Parking & Transportation
Students Activities & Organizations
University Centers / Leadership Development
WKU Police Department
The Division of Student Affairs and Campus Services is committed to the following values:
Learning: The Division will engage students in purposeful learning experiences.
Diversity: The Division will nurture a diverse campus culture and promote a learning environment that stimulates debate and free inquiry within the bounds of courtesy, sensitivity, confidentiality and respect.
Leadership: The Division will produce leaders who are held in high regard for character as well as achievements as they provide leadership in a diverse and complex world.
Collaboration: The Division will work in cooperation with academic units to provide students with opportunities to integrate classroom learning and application.
Excellence in Service: The Division will provide all services, programs, and facility projects for the university community in a highly efficient and effective manner.
Staff Development: The Division will encourage and support development of staff enabling them to maximize the effectiveness of their service to students and the university community.
Assessment: The Division will commit to the collection and use of assessment data to improve student learning, academic achievement, and overall institutional effectiveness, as well as document outcomes related to the university's mission.
Resources: The Division will maximize the application of financial resources and continually search out new fundraising and development opportunities.
In support of its mission and values, the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Services has established the following priority areas for the New Century of Spirit Campaign.
Living – Learning Communities – These communities are composed of designated residence halls or floors or wings of residence halls that target students in disciplines. In-house programming that is relative to the disciplines are provided to the students. Currently, Living-Learning Communities have been established for Nursing, Business, and Education students.
Student Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships - Graduate assistantship scholarships for Student Affairs and Campus Services will provide support for students who plan to pursue a career within student affairs at a higher education institution. Graduate assistants are in high demand within this area which currently has only one scholarship. It is very important for students pursuing this career field to gain experience during their college years by working in the division and collaborating with full-time staff on projects and real issues concerning student life.
Dynamic Leadership Institute – This program is designed to enhance student development at WKU by engaging students in meaningful and purpose-driven leadership activities. The ultimate mission is to develop capable, productive citizens who will positively impact their communities through their leadership efforts. DLI staff utilizes a variety of concepts and theoretical models—such as servant leadership, situational leadership, and the social change model--that emphasize the need for students to improve their understanding of not only leadership principles and skills but also to develop a stronger self awareness of their strengths and weaknesses. The DLI programs strive to achieve a better understanding of leadership and increase the participants’ willingness to lead.
LeaderShape - This institute is designed to produce a breakthrough in the leadership capacity of participants and facilitators. Through various programs, LeaderShape increases student commitment to acting consistently with core ethical values, personal values, and convictions. In addition, the institute enhances students’ capability to develop and enrich relationships as well as strengthen their commitment to respecting the dignity and contributions of all people. Finally, LeaderShape embraces the belief in a “healthy disregard for the impossible” and develops the capability to produce extraordinary results
Explorer Program – The Explorer Program is an internship and recruitment program provided by the WKU Police Department that is designed to groom students who wish to pursue careers in law enforcement upon graduation. Participants go through a police academy and serve as junior police officers, supplementing services that the police officers are unable to perform due to increased work load. Private support will provide uniforms, training materials, and scholarships for students who participate. Three of the University’s former Explorer Program participants are now serving as WKU Police Officers.
Health and Wellness Endowment - This endowment would support the Counseling & Testing Center, Health & Wellness Center, and the Health Services center as they collaborate through educational opportunities and seminars on various topics throughout the year. Monies from this endowment would be used to pursue a holistic approach to students’ health at WKU by providing programs that will focus on their minds, bodies, and spirits. The cost of educational materials, improvement of the focus of health and wellness, and increased opportunities for collaboration among the three offices will be supported through the endowment.
Greek Programming – More than 1,200 students are active in Greek life at WKU at any given time. Funding for programmatic needs will allow WKU to offer a leadership Greek Symposium and to provide special speakers. In addition, individual endowments for Greek organizations can provide perpetual funds for programmatic needs.