Today@Sam Article

Student Services Gets New Name

Nov. 10, 2016
SHSU Media Contact: Julia May

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Student Affairs Formula For Success

The name of Sam Houston State University’s Division of Student Services has been changed to the Division of Student Affairs, effective immediately. 

The name was changed to more clearly align with the national trend of identifying such programs that engage students and help with their learning, leadership and development and to fully incorporate all the services that the division offers through its departments, according to Frank Parker, vice president for student affairs.

“This change has been one we have anticipated due to the review of our objectives, as well as the development of the student success formula, which incorporates a distinct student affairs content theory and ideology,” Parker said. 

“The student success formula is defined as student affairs professionals utilizing our established vision, mission, goals and values, which results in student success,” he said. “I am excited about this change because it better defines the experiential learning opportunities created by outstanding professional staff. 

“They truly make Sam Houston State University a better place to be,” he said. 

Along with a name change, the division has established a set of goals and values that will help guide its staff. 

Among the goals are:

  • Creating programs and services that encourage the personal growth and well-being of students;
  • Fostering a sense of community that is engaging, respectful and inclusive;
  • Evaluating, updating and constructing facilities that support campus growth and divisional needs;
  • Preparing students for success with learning opportunities that improve life skills, retention and graduation; and
  • Advancing the professional staff’s training to better serve the SHSU community and to enhance the division’s influence in the profession.

Values include:

  • Providing opportunities that equip students with valuable life skills and preparing them for success after college;
  • Supporting holistic well-being through the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, financial, and spiritual realms;
  • Celebrating and promoting the Bearkat spirit and culture to instill a sense of belonging and pride in SHSU;
  • Embracing individual differences and providing opportunities for all; and
  • Developing ethical, responsible and collaborative leaders who promote others above self. 

Staffing titles that will change include: vice president for student affairs; associate vice president for student affairs; assistant vice president for student affairs; and director of student affairs finance & budget. No department names within the division will be affected. 

The departments include: Recreational Sports; Equity & Inclusion; Student Activities; Residence Life; Bearkat OneCard; Counseling Center; Leadership Initiatives; Lowman Student Center; Student Money Management Center; Student Legal & Mediation Services; Dean of Students Office; Student Health Center; and Services for Students with Disabilities.

 

 

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