Chapter 5: Student Life Programs


Programs that foster students' personal growth and development are key elements of our mission and vision. Our mission pledges to undertake to "open avenues for personal, social, and cultural growth essential to the development of an educated and productive person." The first theme of our vision is "Strong, responsive student programs for academic and personal growth." That vision says, "Students' desire to learn will be enhanced through . . . co-curricular and extra-curricular educational experiences that enable students to develop personal and professional competencies."

This chapter examines Millersville University's student life programs, with a focus on student involvement, residential living, and providing a healthy campus environment for our students.

The Student Affairs division is in the midst of significant transition. Mostly because of retirements and reorganization, the incumbents in several leadership positions have changed over the past four years, including Vice President for Student Affairs, Associate Vice President for Student Development, Director of Resident Life, Director of Men's Athletics, and Director of Campus Recreation.

In 1999, the division adopted new mission and vision statements (Appendix 5-1) that establish direction and more proactively recognize students' need to develop confidence in their abilities in social and academic situations. Student life programs are focusing increasingly on fostering student involvement in co-curricular and extracurricular activities. The objectives of these efforts are for students to gain and exercise lifelong skills such as appreciating and respecting cultural differences, working collaboratively with people of different backgrounds, assuming responsibility for self direction and self restraint, cultivating curiosity, organizing successful programs, and recognizing the importance of lifelong learning.

Student life staff have three key roles in helping students achieve these goals. First, through their interactions with students, staff gather anecdotal information, which they use to discern and analyze student involvement patterns and develop students' life skills. Second, they refine the students' environment so it is conducive to human interaction. Third, they promote opportunities for students to refine healthy life skills and become productive, self-controlled citizens. Intercollegiate sports, intramural and recreational activities, wellness programs and community service all aim to teach and reinforce healthy life skills.

Student Involvement
     MU Journeys: New Student Orientation
     Cultural Environment and Special Campus Events
     Family Weekend, Homecoming, and Superfest
     EXCEL and MU Getaway Weekend: Developing Leaders
     Greek Life
     Facilities

Resident Life
     A Changing Environment
     Facilities
     Programs
     Staffing

Fostering a Healthy Campus Environment
     Wellness Center
     Combating Alcohol Abuse
     Spiritual Life
     Intercollegiate Athletics
     Recreation

Conclusions and Recommendations
     Strengths
     Areas of Concern
     Recommendations
     Suggestions