GVSU Division of Student Affairs Assessment

The Division of Student Affairs’ work is guided by GVSU’s institutional mission, the Student Affairs mission, as well as our divisional mission, vision, and values; this work directs the efforts of our individual units as we partner with students.

In order to advance our mission and vision, we set strategic objectives that we report on annually.  Acknowledging our commitment to student learning outside the classroom setting, we have developed a set of student learning outcomes that are foundational to our work, and which we also report on annually (like our strategic objectives).  Each of the units within Student Affairs develop unit missions, visions, and values specific to those areas.  Through an annual reporting process for both strategic planning and student learning, units stay committed to a culture of continuous improvement.  Within our unit strategic plans, units evaluate ongoing efforts to support students and report on objectives (e.g. utilization, satisfaction, student learning).  Within unit student learning outcomes (or student-centered outcomes), units report annually on at least 1-2 student learning outcomes influenced by the divisional student learning outcomes.

Each year, in order to complete assessment expectations, Student Affairs staff must make meaning of what we learned during the assessment process (utilizing data to inform decisions, planning action as a result of decisions, describing significance of findings and implications for future work).

Outcome 1

DSA will work to engage all students in programs, services, and activities that help students build connections and enhance community

Objective

(1a) Revise orientation, summer modules, and first six weeks to enhance retention

(1b) improve learning experiences through co-curricular opportunities that help achieve learner outcomes for all participants.  Specifically, student employment

(1c) Remove barriers to programs and services for low-income students that inhibit participation; fees, hours, and frequency

How We Measure

(1a) Measure first six-week retention, attendance at programs, participation in student modules, and overall student satisfaction

(1bc) Completion

Responsible Unit

(1a) First Year Experience, Parents and Supporter

(1bc) DSA Marketing Committee

Outcome 2

DSA will improve student and family’s ability to navigate campus culture and resources

Objective

(2a) Create a comprehensive communication strategy for students and parents

(2b) Consolidate Division of Student Affairs Communications and Marketing.

How We Measure

(2a) Conduct student and parent surveys to determine awareness of resources (i.e. DSA newsletters)

(2b) Develop a complete annual inventory of methods used for communication

Responsible Unit

(2a) Student Employment Dream Team

(2b) DSA Marketing Committee

Outcome 3

Elevate student health and well-being focus within DSA

Objective

(3a) Hire AVP for student affairs well-being & inclusion

(3b) Increase student participation in the ACHA survey

(3c) Well-Being Collective will develop and advance a strategic plan for student well-being

How We Measure

(3a) Position Filled AVP

(3b) Share NCHA summary with GV partners

(3c) Strategic Plan for Student Health & Wellbeing

Responsible Unit

(3a) VPSA and Search Committee

(3bc) AVP for student well-being & inclusion & Well-being collective

Outcome 4

DSA will integrate the DEI-AB Framework of equity and social justice into its daily efforts

Objective

(4a) Build cultural competency into job descriptions of all DSA employees

(4b) Every employee will have a personal professional development goal around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging

(4c) Increase employees of color within the Division of Student Affairs

How We Measure

(4a) DSA Report on DEI-AB progress by unit

(4b) DSA DEIB Committee will collect division progress  quarterly through surveys and department reports

(4c) HR, OIA, I&E

Responsible Unit

(4a) Hiring Manager of each search process in consultation with Inclusion Advocate DSA DEI committee to help develop the statement and share

(4b) Appointing officer

(4c) VPSA

Mission, Vision, Core Values

The mission of GVSU’s Division of Students Affairs is:   

To elevate, challenge, and empower all learners to develop their passions and purpose in a healthy, inclusive, and equitable environment. The Division of Student Affairs positively impacts the university through engaging experiential learning and exceptional student support.

Vision:

Every learner will belong, persist, and create meaningful lives, careers, and communities.  

As student affairs professionals, we value:  

• Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Justice 
• Creating a Community of Care and Respect  
• Embracing Collaboration and Creativity  
• Empowering Experiential and Engaged Learning 
• Enhancing Health and Well-being  
• Seeking Understanding Across Differences