The Division of Student Affairs is pleased to recognize the work of three outstanding departments on the Pullman campus, each which embody one of the division’s models of practice: Student-Driven, Seamless Learning, and Academic & Student Affairs Collaboration.
“The goal of many Student Affairs departments is to ensure that students succeed academically while providing high-quality services that contribute toward higher retention rates,” said Michael Heim, director of the College Assistant Migrant Porgram and chair of the recognintion committee. “Chairing this committee has reinforced my understanding of the deep commitment to student success and collaboration with Academic Affairs that Student Affairs departments have.”
Student-Driven: Office for Access and Opportunity
The division recognized the efforts of the Office for Access and Opportunity and its focus on students historically underserved in higher education, particularly through its unique program, 1st Gen Abroad. Driven by student interest and need, the program empowers students by providing them with the additional financial and academic support they may require to study abroad for five weeks in the summer successfully. This opportunity enables students to exercise self-efficacy and gain confidence, leadership skills, and global awareness.
To date, 1st Gen Abroad has provided study abroad experiences to 86 first-generation students and has received national recognition for innovation. The program is gearing up for the next cohort of 25 students to study abroad this summer in Seville, Spain.
Seamless Learning: Center for Community Standards
The Center for Community Standards was acknowledged for its commitment to developing and implementing best practices that contributed to building seamless learning experiences for students involved with the standards of conduct process. Overall changes to the department, implemented this past January, have resulted in stronger collaboration and shared initiatives between faculty, staff, and students which foster a supportive and positive environment for the entire campus community.
Furthermore, the Center for Community standards strengthened its partnerships with other campus units including Cougar Health Services, the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life, Residence Life and the Office for Equal Opportunity.
Academic & Student Affairs Collaboration: Center for Civic Engagement
With partnerships across the university, the Center for Civic Engagement was honored for its efforts in developing a shared educational mission and language concerning student learning and success through its service learning projects. The center collaborates with over 50 faculty annually to incorporate community engagement and connections into coursework to enhance students learning and increasing student success.
Additionally, this partnership has yielded data that shows significant associations between service learning intervention and academic success, illustrating, in part, the value of collaborative learning environments.
Read more about the Division of Student Affairs models of practice.
