The mission of Student Activities and Student Organizations, by way of exemplary service, is to operate as a resource and catalyst for student development by fostering a learning environment that empowers students to engage and participate in a diverse array of enriching opportunities. In collaboration with the University community, the office strives to further students’ personal and professional development through involvement while celebrating their uniqueness.
(Created June 2011 – Adapted from NACA’s Competency Guide for Student Leaders)
Student leaders engaged in student activities have a unique opportunity to learn and practice effective event management. Student leaders should strive towards understanding the appropriate steps and issues involved in event planning and management. Some of the most transferable skills - contract negotiation, program planning and event promotion - are developed and honed in this area.
With regards to Event Management, students will:
Leadership involves a broad spectrum of skills and character qualities. Student leaders involved in student activities must understand that their role is to be a positive change agent, to influence others and create a vision. Leadership is a process rather than a position. Leadership is relationship oriented and situational in nature.
With regards to Leadership Development, students will:
Establishing meaningful interpersonal relationships is critical for successful leadership in student activities. Student leaders often rely on committee volunteers to carry out the essential tasks related to providing programs and services. The work of student activities is often supported by several on and off-campus constituencies. Professionalism, diplomacy and recognizing the support of others will enhance organizational effectiveness.
With regards to Interpersonal Relationships, students will:
Multicultural competency is developed through celebration of diverse cultures, advocacy for the needs and identities of all members within the community, recognition of the diverse communities within the campus community and beyond, support of ongoing inclusion, and understanding and dignity of all members within and beyond the campus community. Being able to understand one’s own identity, as well as recognizing the similarities and differences of others, will equip students to serve and lead as citizens in a global society.
With regards to Multicultural Competency, students will:
Effective communication is a critical skill that helps student leaders ensure that their organizations achieve their goals. When communication is a focal point of student learning, individuals will personally benefit and organizations will be run more efficiently.
With regards to Communication, students will:
Collaboration involves seeking the involvement of others and working well with people. Student leaders should actively contribute to the achievement of a group goal. They would seek feedback from others and exhibit growth in their skills as a result of working collaboratively.
With regards to Collaboration, students will:
Intellectual Growth is central to the mission of higher education and must be a focus in all endeavors inside and outside the classroom. Student activities offers a fertile practice field for intellectual development when student leaders and programmers engage in critical thinking, problem solving and decision making. Student leaders should be cognizant of this learning opportunity and apply knowledge learned to enhance organizational goals and personal development.
With regards to Intellectual Growth, students will:
Assessment & Evaluation
Student leaders involved in student activities should make knowledge-based decisions in regard to resources allocated for the campus programs planned and implemented by their organization. Leaders should possess the ability to effectively evaluate programs as well as assess their campus and community culture. Program evaluations will assure the continued improvement of student activities and comprehensive assessment will allow student activities offerings to meet the community development needs of the entire campus.
With regards to Assessment & Evaluation, students will: