Overview

     Millersville University has created programs and services designed to support students' academic achievement, contribute to their personal growth, encourage healthy lifestyles, and develop a sense of community on the campus. As indicated in the Self Study, the Student Affairs Division is in the midst of significant transition. The Division has benefited from capable leadership and thoughtful planning during this time.

Back to Top

Strengths

     There is evidence of effective, purposeful collaboration between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. The Freshman Year Experience Committee and the Student Alcohol Abuse Task Force are examples of such collaborations. In addition, as a result of new leadership in the residence life area, several initiatives are now planned that will more fully realize the educational potential of residence halls.

     The University has conducted a comprehensive examination of the issues surrounding student alcohol abuse. Teams have been appointed to implement the strategies recommended by the Student Alcohol Abuse Task Force.

     The significant increase in both the numbers of students seeking counseling and the severity of their problems is a challenge confronting colleges and universities throughout the country. The team is encouraged to know that Millersville is being responsive to this concern by planning to increase the staffing in the Counseling Center.

     The community service provided by Millersville students has contributed to a very positive relationship between the University and the surrounding community.

     Students benefit from a comprehensive wellness program and are actively involved in the recreation and intramural programs offered by the University.

     The University has provided evidence of its full commitment to the concept of scholar-athletes.

     Millersville provides clear, accurate and useful written information to students, making the campus user-friendly and also meeting federal requirements for the disclosure of public information.

Back to Top

Concerns/Suggestions

     The Self Study reports that "Millersville students are not very involved in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities." Although this phenomenon is noted as a national trend in higher education, Millersville will benefit from fully exploring ways to change this culture.

     The Enrollment Management Steering Committee should review carefully the impact of present allocations to ensure that scholarship funds and institutional financial aid are sufficient and are being awarded in a manner consistent with the University's recruitment and retention goals.

     The judicial system should be a means of educating students, as well as disciplining them. The team suggests that the University increase the use of educational programming as sanctions within the judicial system and that it consider expanding student involvement in the judicial system.

     The University is considering the conversion of one of its residence halls to academic use. Although replacing the lost spaces with suite-style accommodations is responsive to student preference, the University will need to explore the most effective ways to promote a student development philosophy in these facilities. It would be inconsistent with the recommendations of the Student Alcohol Abuse Task Force, for example, not to insist on appropriate programming and consistent enforcement of policies in these housing units.

     The programs and services in Student Life can be strengthened by developing goals and outcome measures for co-curricular learning. The development of a comprehensive, systematic plan to assess these outcomes will enhance the University's ability to measure the effectiveness and the impact of these programs on student learning.

     The University is currently engaged in dialogue about the best way to structure and administer a Freshman Year Experience. The team observes that the adoption of best practices in developing a freshman year experience program has significant potential for the University. The potential outcomes of a carefully planned freshman year experience program include the following: (1) increased student involvement in campus life; (2) increased opportunities to teach students the skills necessary to be successful learners at Millersville; (3) improvements in the academic advising program; and (4) increased opportunities to promote the understanding and appreciation of other cultures. The team underlines the importance of designing this program so that it will achieve a number of these potential outcomes.

Back to Top