Introduction
The purpose of this “White Paper” is to provide fuel for discussion regarding how we achieve our goal, “Creating dynamic co-curricular programs and services in support of the academic mission”, as noted in “Pathways to the Future”.
What is the purpose of co-curricular programming and how does it relate to the academic mission of the university?
Co-curricular programs are programs that are complementary to, but not part of the academic curriculum. The purpose of such programming is to:
- Promote the development of critical thinking skills
- Further promote and enhance the academic mission of the University
- Use developmental theory as the basis of providing growth
- Provide a laboratory to help integrate classroom learning
- Contribute to the overall development and wellness of our students
- Enrich opportunities for interaction among the campus and the community
- Promote passion for learning
- Foster educational success through personal developmen
- Develop and enhance personal character and integrity
- Further encourage lifelong learning
How does the goal impact and engage members of the campus community?
Co-curricular programs impact and engage the campus community by:
- Developing a sense of community, where participants are valued and supported by others and where their talents and energy enhance the University experience
- Participants learning that service to others, both within and beyond the University walls, can provide deep personal satisfaction
- Identifying that growth occurs in the context of others’ needs and views and that one’s own gifts can enrich the lives of others
- Promoting that other human beings, however different, have inherent dignity and values
- Developing respect, responsibility, integrity, compassion, a thirst for personal excellence, intellectual risk-taking, acknowledgement of both the process and the product, the pursuit of personal aspirations, and a sense of joy and humor
- Enhancing the social and cultural diversity of the campus, and providing opportunities for individual development and enrichment of personal and professional opportunities for students
- Encouraging participants to explore and develop their interests through leadership, participation and service
- Creating a climate that promotes a sense of campus community and ?belonging?
- Promoting intellectual and critical thinking outside the classroom
- Providing opportunities for practical application of academic theory
- Providing opportunities for meaningful exchange between students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members outside of the classroom
- Strengthening opportunities for building partnerships
- Educating students in leadership, social responsibility, and values through participatory decision-making in areas that directly affect students lives on campus.
What are the desired objectives or outcomes necessary to achieve “dynamic co-curricular programs”?
- Opportunities for sincere and committed relationships between students, faculty, staff, and the community must be provided.
- Community members must be encouraged to participate as members of the university community.
- Faculty must be given opportunities to showcase their expertise outside of the classroom.
- Development of programs that engage the community in establishing a commitment and investment in the university.
- Creating a learning environment where participants feel safe, respected and valued
- Building a program that is balanced, acknowledges the student as a whole person, and promotes a healthy lifestyle, including care for self and others
- Responsiveness to and advocacy for changing students , needs
- Building a program that nurtures the decision-making process and promotes student self-direction and critical thinking skills. This process is facilitated through:
- Developing of appropriate career and academic goals
- Resolutions of personal issues affecting students
- Career assessment and planning
- Providing opportunities for students to participate in decision making and leadership roles
- Creating environments that promotes and enhances skills to work in a group setting
- Referral to educational, career and personal growth resources
How will goal achievement be evaluated?
- CAS – Council for the Advancement of Standard in Higher Education – Present
- Self-evaluation of programs and services: weekly staff meeting, annual evaluation retreats-Present
- SNAPS- Student Needs and Priorities Survey
- Student evaluation of services two times per semester - Present
What are selected examples of current opportunities?
- Leadership Development
- Associated Students, Inc.
- Honors Programs
- Faculty Appreciation Event
- University Student Union Board
- Community Service
- Service Learning
- Resident Advisors
- University Committee membership
- Health Education
- Judicial Affairs
- Orientation Programming
- Student Success Center
- Faculty in Residence
- Parent Programs
- Peer Programs
- Extended Education
- Summer Conferencing
- Personal Growth workshops
- Career Workshops
- Health Advisory Commission
- Faculty Mentor Program
- Athletics
- University Union Program Board
Resources
Astin, Alexander W. (1993). What Matters in College? San Francisco: Josey-Bass. |
