A strategy to better align the functional area with University goals, the primary focus of the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership will be on seeking student involvement particular for those students who are at most risk to stay uninvolved. Student involvement is a primary factor in determining a student’s persistence, success and satisfaction.

Why focus on Involvement?

Involvement refers to the physical and psychological time and energy invested in the educational process (Astin, 1991). So, getting involved is finding ways to connect students to the University community inside and outside of the classroom. This can be socializing with friends and faculty on campus, attending campus activities, taking advantage of recreational activities, seeking out leadership and service opportunities as well as engaging in academic activities with peers and faculty inside and outside the classroom.

Research (Student Success in College, Kuh et al) emphasizes that involvement is the best way to help students be successful both inside and outside the classroom and indicates that students who are involved at their college or university:

• receive better grades
• are more satisfied with their overall college experience
• are successful in their academic program
• are more likely to stay in school
• are more marketable when job searching and/or applying to graduate school.

Furthermore, involvement positively affects the following student learning outcomes:

• Leadership development
• Interpersonal skills
• Personal growth
• Problem solving skills
• Cultural awareness
• Critical thinking skills
• Moral development
• Self-esteem
• Civic engagement
• Vocational aspirations

The Goals of the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership

1. Ensure that all students, especially those identified as at risk, know of and are engaged in co-curricular opportunities.
2. Help students build connections between their university curriculum, co-curriculum, and career goals.
3. Enhance students’ experiences, personal growth and development of new skills.
4. Promote meaningful relationships for students with a wide diversity of faculty, staff, and students.

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